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Good Morning, Joplin. Some say the statute of limitations on saying “Happy New Year” has expired. But cheerful greetings are the Midwest way, so keep on keeping on.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Pittsburg’s 20th ArtWalk

• Joplin Data Center Proposal

• Cardinals Caravan

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who still has Christmas decorations up.

🤝 CJACC’s 2026 Mix & Mingle Kicks Off the New Year
Wednesday, January 16 | 12:00–4:00 PM | Anytime Golf Suites, Carl Junction

Start 2026 strong at the Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Mix & Mingle — a casual, come-and-go networking event to celebrate members, spark new connections, and toast to the year ahead.

Enjoy light refreshments, a relaxed atmosphere, and the perfect backdrop for meaningful conversation (and maybe a few swings in the simulator!).

🎊 Celebrate members
💬 Make new connections
🚀 Set the tone for a successful 2026

Free to attend for CJACC members. Let’s make this year one to remember — together!

🍲 Empty Bowls 2025 Funds to Be Shared with Local Hunger Organizations

Watered Gardens Ministries is inviting the community to Joplin Greenhouse & The Coffee Shop on Tuesday, January 20 as they present donation checks to the beneficiaries of the 13th Annual Empty Bowls fundraiser. The event celebrates another successful year of community support for organizations working to feed neighbors in need across the Four States.

Held on November 13 at Suzanne’s Natural Foods, the 2025 Empty Bowls event brought together local artists, restaurants, sponsors, and patrons for a simple but powerful cause. Participants purchased handcrafted pottery bowls, enjoyed donated soup, and took home an empty bowl as a reminder of ongoing hunger in the community. Proceeds from the event will be distributed equally to We Care of the Four States, Watered Gardens, and Hope Kitchen—all privately funded organizations focused on feeding people locally.

Now in its seventh year under Watered Gardens’ leadership, Empty Bowls continues to grow through the generosity of local sponsors, artists, and chefs, reinforcing the community’s commitment to caring for its most vulnerable neighbors.

⚾ Cardinals Caravan Rolls Into Joplin

Baseball fans will have a chance to get up close with the St. Louis Cardinals when the Cardinals Caravan stops at the Taylor Performing Arts Center on Saturday, January 17 from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM. The event features current Cardinals players, alumni, and broadcasters taking part in a live Q&A hosted by a Cardinals announcer, followed by autograph signings and photo opportunities with fans.

A raffle will also be held, giving attendees a chance to win Cardinals tickets and memorabilia, with proceeds benefiting the local United Way. The event is open to students and the community and is a must-attend for Cardinals fans of all ages.

🎨 Shape the 20th Anniversary of Pittsburg ArtWalk

The Pittsburg Arts Council is inviting artists, creatives, and community supporters to help shape a milestone year for Pittsburg ArtWalk with a casual come-and-go social at TOAST. This gathering is all about sharing ideas, energy, and vision as planning begins for ArtWalk’s 20th anniversary in 2026.

ArtWalk is the Arts Council’s signature, family-friendly event that transforms downtown Pittsburg into a vibrant celebration of visual art, live music, performances, food vendors, and hands-on creative experiences. Whether you’re an artist, vendor, musician, small business owner, or simply a supporter of the arts, your input is welcome. The group is already looking ahead to the 2026 ArtWalk dates on April 18 and September 19, and this is a chance to help shape what that anniversary year looks like.

Bring your ideas, meet fellow creatives, and be part of the conversation as Pittsburg ArtWalk plans its next chapter. Check out the event page.

🗂️ Proposed Data Center Triggers Annexation & Rezoning Review

Tuesday, January 20 | 6:00 PM | Joplin City Hall

The City of Joplin is reviewing requests tied to a proposed large-scale data center on land near Central City Road and West 20th Street, following a Planning & Zoning Commission hearing held January 12, 2026. According to public notices and application materials, the request includes voluntary annexation of the property into the City of Joplin and rezoning to Heavy Industrial (M-2). Site documents submitted as part of the process identify the location as suitable for a Tier 4 data center, which typically refers to facilities designed for high reliability and redundancy.

The proposal is scheduled to move to Joplin City Council consideration on January 20, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Joplin City Hall, where the council will review the request as part of the standard public process.

HOME OF THE WEEK

Tuesday: 🌡️ 41 | 61 ☀️

Wednesday: 🌡️ 26 | 48 💨 

Thursday: 🌡️ 21 | 44 ☀️ 

Recap:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (8-7)
Saturday 1/10 at HOME vs Newman University | W 72-50

🏀 Women’s Basketball (11-4)
Saturday 1/10 at HOME vs Newman University | W 71-63

Upcoming:

🏀 Men’s Basketball (8-7)
Wednesday 1/14 at University of Central Oklahoma | 7:30 PM
Saturday 1/17 at Rogers State University | 3:30 PM

🏀 Women’s Basketball (11-4)
Wednesday 1/14 at University of Central Oklahoma | 5:30 PM
Saturday 1/17 at Rogers State University | 1:30 PM

👟Men’s & Women’s Track & Field 
Friday 1/16 at Rust Buster @ Washburn University | 10:30 AM

Trivia Nights

🤓 Generational Trivia at B&B Theatres: Wednesday - A free, all-ages trivia night challenging teams on decades of pop culture, music, and trends across generations. Play for prizes, bragging rights, and enjoy food and drinks while you compete.

🧠 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.

❓️ Trivia Night at Flag City Brewing: Thursday - A lively trivia night covering everything from current events and pop culture to music and history. With varied rounds, final wagers, and prizes on the line, it’s a fun way to test your knowledge with friends over a beer.

Paint and Sip Events

🎨 Paint and Sip at Vino Noir – Northern Lights: A relaxed evening of painting and wine at Vino Noir where guests create a Northern Lights–inspired artwork in a social, welcoming setting. All supplies are included, with drinks available for purchase, making it an easy and fun night out for all skill levels.

🖌️ January Famos Paint & Sip: A fun night out at Famos Italian Smokehouse where guests paint a pre-sketched canvas while enjoying a $20 food and drink credit. Hosted by Cutie Patootie Paint Parties, this January session offers limited seating and a relaxed, social painting experience with friends.

Other Events

🎨 Creation Station with Emily Cole: Tuesday - A hands-on art class for ages 6–11 exploring Australian Aboriginal dot painting and its use of pattern, rhythm, and storytelling. Students will create their own dot-style artwork using paint and tools like cotton swabs, with designs inspired by handprint shapes and cultural symbolism.

🎤 Open Mic Night at Keltoi Winery: Friday - A relaxed evening of local music, poetry, and creative performances in a welcoming winery setting. Held on the first and third Fridays of the month, it’s a great place to share your talent or enjoy the show with wine and a full menu from Two Brothers Catering.

🎶 The Reset Party at Vino Noir: Saturday - An easygoing January night of live music, great energy, and reset-inspired cocktails designed to help you shake off the noise and start the year fresh. With a Reset Wall and a relaxed, no-pressure vibe, it’s all about letting go and enjoying the moment.

🎨 Gelli Plate Printing with Brenda: Saturday - A hands-on mixed-media workshop introducing gelli plate monoprinting using paint, stencils, and found objects to create layered, one-of-a-kind prints. Guided by artist Brenda Hayes, participants will explore texture and experimentation while creating pieces perfect for cards, journaling, or collage work.

We’d love to hear your feedback! Reply to this newsletter or take the poll to let us know how we’re doing!