☕️ Mutt Madness Returns

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Want to sponsor your business in JOMO Jive? Send your inquiry to [email protected]

Good Morning, Joplin. It’s going to be a great weekend for sports. On Friday afternoon we have the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. Then on Sunday we have the Super Bowl. What a time to be alive!

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Mutt Madness Returns for Season 2

• 6 More Weeks of Winter

• MSSU Sports are in Full Swing

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with a patriot who’s rooting for the US in the Olympics but definitely not rooting for the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

SPONSORED BY V’S BARBERSHOP

V’s Barbershop – Where Classic Meets Confidence

Step into V’s Barbershop in Joplin and experience the timeless tradition of a true gentleman’s cut. From precision fades and straight-razor shaves to hot-lather neck trims and relaxing shoulder massages, every detail is crafted for comfort and style. Whether you’re prepping for a big meeting, date night, or just want to look your best, our barbers deliver sharp results and old-school charm.

💈 Book your appointment today and rediscover what a great haircut feels like.

📍 1315 E 7th St, Joplin | 📞 (417) 553-4060 | vsbarbershop.com

🎨🕹️ Get Ready for ArtCon 2026

Saturday, February 7 | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Neosho Jr. High

ArtCon returns to Neosho with a full day celebrating comics, sci-fi, anime, esports, cosplay, and all things pop culture—without the big-city price tag. For just $5 admission (kids 5 & under free), attendees can meet special guests like Chase Masterson (Star Trek’s Leeta) and Clay Adams (Yu-Gi-Oh! and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), connect with comic creators Ande Parks, Megan Levens, and Kevin Mellon, and enjoy free Q&A panels, autographs, photo ops, a cosplay contest, Smash Bros tournament with cash prizes, tabletop games, an artist alley, and specialty vendors. Every ticket supports the work of the Neosho Arts Council, making ArtCon a fun, affordable win for the whole community.

🐶 Mutt Madness Season 2

March Madness is going to the dogs — literally. Mutt Madness is back for year two, and once again we’re turning bragging rights into a bracket-style showdown to crown Joplin’s Cutest Dog.

Here’s how it works: we’ll build a 64-dog bracket, and starting in March, readers will vote round by round until only one very good dog is left standing. Each edition of JOMO Jive will feature a new round, leading all the way to a championship matchup.

📌 Important details to know now:

• Only 64 dogs will make the bracket

• First come, first in once entries open

• One entry per person

• Entry is free

🚨 Entries open this Friday, so if you’ve got a photogenic pup (or know someone who does), be ready. Once the bracket fills up, that’s it.

We’ll share the entry form and full details in Friday’s edition — then the race to 64 begins.

Start stretching those paws. 🐾

🦫 Punxsutawney Phil Predicts Six More Weeks of Winter

Groundhog Day delivered its familiar verdict this year, with Punxsutawney Phil reportedly seeing his shadow and forecasting six more weeks of wintry weather during the annual early-morning ceremony in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Tens of thousands gathered at Gobbler’s Knob for the tradition, which dates back more than a century and surged in popularity after the 1993 film Groundhog Day. While Phil historically predicts a longer winter far more often than an early spring, the event remains a lighthearted midwinter ritual that brings people together—even as cold temperatures continue across much of the eastern U.S.

🎉 Grand Reopening & Ribbon Cutting at Joplin History & Mineral Museum

Friday, February 6 | 11:00 AM | 504 S Schifferdecker Ave

The community is invited to celebrate the Grand Reopening and Ribbon Cutting of the Joplin History & Mineral Museum, marking an exciting new chapter for one of Joplin’s most treasured landmarks. Attendees are encouraged to help cut the ribbon, explore refreshed exhibits, and celebrate the city’s rich history and mineral heritage alongside fellow community members and local leaders. The event is open to the public and takes place at 504 S. Schifferdecker Ave.—a great opportunity to show support and rediscover a hometown gem.

🎭 What Happened After Once Upon a Time

Feb 5–15 | Various Showtimes | Stained Glass Theatre Joplin

Fairy tales get a hilarious twist in What Happened After Once Upon a Time, a fast-paced comedy where classic storybook characters refuse to let a substitute narrator tell their stories wrong. As each tale begins, familiar faces like Rapunzel, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and the Three Little Pigs jump in to correct the record—revealing wildly exaggerated personalities, modern quirks, and plenty of chaos along the way. Packed with humor, heart, and clever reversals, the show ultimately answers the question we’ve all wondered: what really happens after “happily ever after”? Performances run February 5–15 at Stained Glass Theatre, with tickets ranging from $5–$12, making it an affordable night of laughs for all ages.

Tuesday: 🌡️ 31 | 45 ⛅️ 

Wednesday: 🌡️ 28 | 40 ☁️ 

Thursday: 🌡️ 29 | 54 ☀️ 

Recap:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (11-8)
Saturday 1/31 at HOME vs Northeastern State University | W 77-64

🏀 Women’s Basketball (15-5)
Saturday 1/31 at HOME vs Northeastern State University | W 85-75
Monday 2/2 at Pittsburg State University | L 72-66

⚾️ Baseball (1-0)
Sunday 2/1 vs Oklahoma Baptist University | W 10-1

🥎 Softball (5-0) @ Lone Star Classic in Mansfield, TX
Friday 1/30 vs Texas Woman’s University | W 5-3
Friday 1/30 vs Colorado School of Mines | W 7-1
Saturday 1/31 vs Southern Nazarene University | W 3-0
Sunday 2/1 vs St Edward’s University | W 4-1
Sunday 2/1 vs Cameron University | W 9-3

👟Men’s & Women’s Track & Field 
Friday 1/30 & Saturday 1/31 at Washburn Open in Topeka, KS | See results
Saturday 1/31 at Pittsburg State Invitational | See results

Upcoming:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (11-8)
Thursday 2/5 at Newman University | 7:30 PM
Saturday 2/7 at Emporia State University | 3:30 PM

🏀 Women’s Basketball (15-5)
Thursday 2/5 at Newman University | 5:30 PM
Saturday 2/7 at Emporia State University | 1:30 PM

⚾️ Baseball (1-0) @ HSU Invitational in Arkadelphia, AR
Friday 2/6 vs Henderson State University | 5:00 PM
Saturday 2/7 vs Harding University | 1:30 PM
Sunday 2/8 vs Ouachita Baptist University | DH 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM

🥎 Softball (5-0) @ Lone Star Classic in Mansfield, TX
Friday, 2/6 vs Southeastern Oklahoma State University | 11:00 AM
Friday 2/6 vs Drury University | 1:30 PM
Saturday 2/7 vs Arkansas Tech University | 11:30 AM
Saturday 2/7 vs Southwest Baptist University | 2:00 PM
Sunday 2/8 vs Texas Woman’s University | 11:00 AM
Sunday 2/8 vs William Jewell College | 1:30 PM

👟Men’s & Women’s Track & Field 
Friday 2/6 & Saturday 2/7 at Missouri Southern Open

Tuesday

🧠 Trivia Night at Tropicana Bar & Grill: A free weekly Tuesday trivia night hosted by Not Rocket Science Trivia with live questions and gift card prizes for top teams. Show up at 7:00 PM, play for fun, and put your knowledge to the test. Click here to get 3 free trivia clues before the game.

Wednesday

🎶 Boy Bands Music Bingo: A free, all-ages music bingo night at B&B Theatres Joplin 7 & B-Roll Bowling featuring hits from your favorite boy bands. Sing along, play for prizes, and enjoy food and drinks during this high-energy community game night.

Thursday

💖 Love in a Bottle: A Valentine Bottle Creation Night at Vino Noir: A relaxed, guided craft night where guests transform an empty wine bottle into a Valentine-themed piece of home décor. Perfect for a girls’ night or date night, this creative evening pairs hands-on fun with a cozy wine bar atmosphere.

🎨 February Craft + Canvas at Chaos – “Love Gnomes”: A 21+ paint-and-sip night at Chaos Brewing where guests create an adorable gnome-themed painting while enjoying craft beer. No experience needed—supplies, step-by-step instruction, and a drink ticket are included for a relaxed, creative evening downtown.

🎲 Game Night at Social BTB: A free, drop-in board game night where players can jump into featured games like Catan or choose from a variety of classics and party games. Come solo or with friends, borrow a game or bring your own, and play anytime between 6:00–9:00 PM in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Friday

✨ Josh Farley Magic Across America Tour: An award-winning illusion show blending fast-paced magic, interactive comedy, and world-class sleight of hand as part of a 50-state tour. VIP tickets include a pre-show close-up magic experience and meet-and-greet, with the full show delivering a night of mind-blowing entertainment.

🍷 February First Friday WineShare: A relaxed evening of shared wine, conversation, and community at Royale Cinema Lounge, complete with free popcorn for attendees. Guests are invited to bring a bottle to share, enjoy the full bar, and stick around for a special film screening curated by Downtown Joplin Alliance.

☕ Morning Brew at Sparklight: A casual morning networking event hosted by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, offering coffee and connections before the workday begins. Meet fellow business professionals, grow your network, and learn more about the featured host location.

💃 February First Friday Swing Night: A lively evening starting with a swing dance lesson followed by live jazz and open dancing at The Main Event. Learn new moves, enjoy craft cocktails, and dance the night away—tickets are limited to the first 100 guests.

Saturday

🌱 Seed Paper Valentines with Ciera: An eco-friendly Valentine’s workshop where participants create plantable cards from recycled paper that grow into flowers. This hands-on class blends creativity and sustainability, with guided instruction to make seed paper designs and matching decorated envelopes.

❤️ Linocut Valentine’s with Jade: A Valentine-themed printmaking workshop for ages 16+ where participants learn linocut and block-printing techniques to create bold, handmade designs. With guided instruction and all materials provided, this class is perfect for creating meaningful prints solo or alongside a friend.

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