☕️ New Leadership in Town

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Good Morning, Joplin. Ever wonder why certain adjectives are always used a certain way? You know… avid reader, vested interest, rampant inflation… These are called collocations (col-oh-KAY-shun) and they help us communicate faster because our brain recalls these ready-made chunks of words instead of stringing sentences together one word at a time.

My personal favorite thing about collocations is the fact that a “fat chance” and a “slim chance” are both equally unlikely.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Tattoo Blood

• Joplin Spring Cleaning

• Art for Utility Boxes

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who loves local politics.

🏃‍♂️ Freeman 5K & 1-Mile Walk for Autism

Saturday, April 18 | 8:00 AM | Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism
📍 2808 S Picher Ave, Joplin

Lace up for a great cause! The annual Freeman 5K & Walk for Autism brings the community together to support autism awareness with a timed 5K and a family-friendly 1-mile walk—both kicking off at 8 AM.

🏅 Finishers medals for all participants
👟 Chip-timed, USATF-certified course
👨‍👩‍👧 Walk options for all ages (kids 2 & under free)
🏆 Awards + team recognition for participation & fundraising

🎟️ 5K: $40 | Walk: $0–$20

Packet pickup available April 17 & race morning. Run, walk, and support an incredible cause!

SPONSORED BY CONNECT2CULTURE

🎭 Support the arts you love with the C2C Circle

From unforgettable performances to community-driven creativity, Connect2Culture is shaping Joplin’s cultural future—and you can be part of it. By joining the C2C Circle, your annual gift of $50 or more directly fuels local arts, supports regional talent, and brings world-class entertainment to our community. Plus, members enjoy exclusive perks like special events, updates, and more. Whether you give once or throughout the year, your impact lasts far beyond the stage. Learn more about C2C Circle.

🎨 Call for Artists: “Art: Outside the Box” Returns to Downtown Joplin

Submissions Open April 14 | Deadline June 8

Downtown Joplin is about to get a creative upgrade—and artists of all kinds are invited to be part of it. The Downtown Joplin Alliance, in partnership with the City of Joplin, Spiva Center for the Arts, and the Joplin Arts District, is now accepting submissions for its “Art: Outside the Box” initiative. The project will transform over two dozen utility boxes across downtown into colorful, eye-catching public art installations using professionally printed vinyl wraps.

This opportunity is open to artists and creatives of all experience levels, from painters and photographers to poets and designers—no prior public art experience required. Participants can submit up to two designs, with $2,000 in total prizes awarded across youth and adult categories. It’s a chance to bring more color, personality, and creativity to everyday spaces while leaving a lasting mark on the city’s landscape.

🧹 Joplin May Day Spring Cleaning Rally Set for May 1

Friday, May 1 | 9:30 AM–12:00 PM | Joplin City Hall

Joplin is gearing up for a busy season of visitors—and the community is being called on to help make a strong first impression. The Joplin May Day Spring Cleaning is a citywide effort to clean up streets, public spaces, and neighborhoods ahead of increased traffic tied to Route 66’s 100th anniversary and World Cup travel. Hosted by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Joplin, the event invites businesses, organizations, and residents to roll up their sleeves and pitch in.

Volunteers will meet at Joplin City Hall at 9:30 AM, then head out to assigned cleanup areas from 10:00 AM to noon. Groups are encouraged to sign up in advance and bring coworkers, friends, or family members along. Even if you can’t attend the organized effort, residents are encouraged to clean up their own neighborhoods—because even a few minutes can make a noticeable difference in keeping Joplin clean, welcoming, and ready for the spotlight.

🩸 New Tattoo Guidelines Make Blood Donation Easier

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks has announced updated tattoo guidelines that will allow more people to donate blood without waiting. Thanks to new guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, individuals who receive tattoos at state-regulated facilities—including here in Missouri—can now donate immediately, as long as proper safety standards (sterile needles and single-use ink) are followed.

For tattoos received in unregulated states or unlicensed facilities, the waiting period has also been reduced—from 12 months down to just 3 months. Officials say many people wrongly assume they’re ineligible to donate after getting a tattoo, and this change aims to remove that barrier at a time when blood donations are critically needed. As always, donors should ensure the tattoo or piercing site is fully healed before giving blood.

🏛️ New Joplin City Council Members Sworn In, Leadership Selected

Joplin officially welcomed a new group of city leaders this week, as Brian Cowles Sr., Mary Price, Eli Moran, and Rob O’Brian were sworn in during Monday’s City Council meeting, alongside re-elected Councilmember Josh DeTar. Following the ceremony, the Council selected Rob O’Brian to serve as Mayor and Keenan Cortez as Mayor Pro Tem, both in two-year terms.

The meeting also recognized the service of outgoing councilmembers Doris Carlin, Mark Farnham, Doug Lawson, and Gary Shaw, honoring their contributions to the community. Special recognition was given to Shaw for his 24 years of service on the City Council, along with his involvement on numerous local boards—marking a significant legacy of public service in Joplin.

Friday: 🌡️ 58 | 79 ⛈️ 75%

Saturday: 🌡️ 45 | 60 🌧️ 85%

Sunday: 🌡️ 41 | 69 ☀️ 

Recap:

⚾️ Baseball (26-13)
Tuesday 4/14 at HOME vs Newman University | W 16-2

🥎 Softball (36-6)
Saturday 4/11 vs Northwest Missouri State University | W 6-1, L 5-2

⛳️ Men’s Golf
Wednesday 4/15 at MIAA Conference Championship | Recap

Upcoming:

⚾️ Baseball (26-13)
Friday 4/17 at HOME vs Missouri Western State University | 1:00 PM
Saturday 4/18 at HOME vs Missouri Western State University | 1:00 PM
Sunday 4/19 at HOME vs Missouri Western State University | 1:00 PM

🥎 Softball (36-6)
Friday 4/17 at HOME vs University of Central Missouri | 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM
Saturday 4/18 at HOME vs Rogers State Univeristy (Senior Day) | 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM

⛳️ Women’s Golf
Monday 4/20 at MIAA Conference Championship

👟 Men’s & Women’s Track & Field
Sunday 4/19 at Pittsburg State University

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday

🎭 Before Oz – Webb City High School Theatre: Discover the story behind The Wizard of Oz as Webb City students bring L. Frank Baum’s inspirations to life at Cardinal Theatre. Enjoy this creative performance for just $7 adults and $5 students/seniors in a fun, family-friendly setting.

Friday

🎨 Studio 55: Guided Class: Adults 55+ are invited to a relaxed, instructor-led art session from 2:00–4:00 PM, featuring a step-by-step spring sunset acrylic painting project. Enjoy a welcoming, social environment while building creative skills for just $10 per session.

Saturday

🌸 Spring Market at Christine’s Vineyard: Spend a relaxing afternoon at the vineyard from 12:00–5:00 PM, featuring local vendors, permanent jewelry, photography, and delicious eats from Creek Crew BBQ. Stroll the grounds, shop small, and soak in the cozy springtime atmosphere with friends.

🏃‍♂️ Dogwood Run 5K: Lace up for the 44th annual Dogwood Run in Neosho, featuring a scenic course through blooming dogwood-lined streets starting at Big Spring Park. Run or walk with the whole family—first 100 finishers score a dogwood sapling, and there’s even a relaxed “Cap & Walk” option for a more laid-back experience.

🏃‍♀️ Freeman 5K & Walk for Autism: Join this meaningful race and walk at 8:00 AM at the Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism, with options for a timed 5K or a family-friendly 1-mile walk. Support a great cause while earning medals, team recognition, and enjoying a community-focused morning.

🎶 Jam the Square: Enjoy an evening of acoustic music, local shopping, and community vibes around the Carthage Courthouse Square from 5:00–7:00 PM. Stroll, listen to a variety of performers, and support local businesses while soaking in the sounds of downtown.

🎬 Lights Camera Auction – JACS Premiere Event: Dress to impress for a glamorous night of cocktails, small plates, and exciting live and silent auctions at McAuley Catholic High School. Support Joplin Area Catholic Schools while bidding on exclusive items and helping fund technology upgrades that benefit students and classrooms.

🌍 World Music & Cuisine Festival: Experience global flavors and live performances from 5:00–7:30 PM at Young Gymnasium on the MSSU campus. Enjoy unlimited food samples and cultural music for $15 ($10 for kids under 12 and MSSU students) while celebrating international cuisine and community.

🦋 Moth Market: Patient Zero: Dive into a curated market of the strange and unique on in Joplin, featuring vintage curios, handmade goods, and rare oddities you won’t find anywhere else. This one-of-a-kind shopping experience is perfect for anyone who loves the eclectic and unconventional.

Sunday

🎨 Paint Your Hat Workshop: Get hands-on and design your own custom hat at this fun, beginner-friendly workshop from 1:00–3:00 PM at Christine’s Vineyard. For $35, all materials are included—just bring your creativity and enjoy a relaxed afternoon with friends.

Friday

Low Co Duo
Christine’s Vineyard | 6:00 PM

Dillon Leggett
HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 6:00 PM

Dustin Treiber
W H Farm Cafe Mining Company | 6:00 PM

Tragic Prelude
Beard Engine Brewing | 6:30 PM

Morgan Rohr
Osage Spring | 8:00 PM

Big Smitty
Happy Jack’s Tavern | 8:00 PM

Saturday

Vagabond Grove
Joplin Empire Market | 12:00 PM

Zane Grimes
Mi Torito, Galena | 4:30 PM

Analog Rewind
Keltoi Winery | 6:00 PM

Diversity Band
Wyandotte Nation Casino | 7:00 PM

Blues Doctors
Osage Spring | 8:00 PM

The Lost Dogs
Grand Lake Casino | 8:00 PM

Tantric with Rage Is My Rival and If I Were King
Blackthorn Pizza & Pub | 9:00 PM

Sunday

Bobby DeGonia, Stonehorse, Western Justice, and Todd East
Kicks Bar & Grill | 1:00 PM

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THANKS!

Thank you for reading JOMO Jive today. See you again Tuesday!