Wednesday, May 14, 2025

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

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

Good Morning, Joplin. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. This is your newsletter.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Third Thursday - Route 66 Fest

• Neosho National Fish Hatchery Veteran’s Derby

• Joplin Police Earn Missouri Blue Shield Designation

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

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

SPONSORED BY ARVEST BANK - MILLION MEALS

Nevada Community Outreach is one of 11 local food partners we’re highlighting through Arvest’s Million Meals campaign. Serving Vernon County, this organization provides essential food assistance to individuals and families facing financial hardships. Their efforts ensure that neighbors in need have access to balanced meals, including meats, vegetables, pastas, and canned fruits.

Nationwide, nearly 18% of U.S. households with children under age 18 experience food insecurity. Your support can help reduce this number in our community.

✅ Donate online, in the Arvest Go app, by phone, or at any branch.

Together, we can nourish our community and foster hope.
arvest.com/millionmeals

THE DIGEST

🛣️ Third Thursday - Route 66 Fest

Thursday, May 15, the Downtown Joplin Alliance hosts the Route 66 Fest edition of Third Thursday! From 5:30 to 8:30 PM, Main Street transforms into a retro roadside celebration—thanks to presenting sponsor Mid America RV, who’s also celebrating their 20th anniversary.

🚐 Check out the RV takeover on the 400 block with travel trailers, toy haulers, and fifth wheels galore.

🎨 Swing by the new Route 66 Tri-State Mural in the 600 block, created by Andy Thomas and installed by Whitehill Enterprises—Joplin’s newest photo op!

🎶 Live music all night from the 200 Block to the 600 Block, from The Fun Club, Little Green Men, Cody Rawlings, and Analog Frog (at 610 S. Main).

🍔 Over 140 vendors, 30+ food & drink booths, patio dining, cocktails, bounce house for the kids, vintage car cruise, gravity racer building at the Exploreum (300 S. Main), and an Art Walk in the 500 block? Yes. To. All. Of. It.

🛍️ Bonus stop: Support Downtown Joplin Alliance at the Youth Volunteer Corps booth—grab a Third Thursday tee or a Route 66 souvenir, and sign your teen up to give back.

This is your sign to grab the fam, hit Main Street, and cruise through Joplin’s biggest block party of the month. Full details at downtownjoplin.com/thirdthursday 🚗🎉

🎣 Neosho National Fish Hatchery Veteran’s Derby

The Neosho National Fish Hatchery is keeping tradition alive with its Annual Veteran & Active Duty Fishing Day, happening Saturday, May 17 from 9 AM to 12 PM. This free, all-gear-included event honors those who’ve served with a relaxing morning of trout fishing, community, and a hot dog lunch—no license or tags required.

🎖️ Who’s it for?
Veterans and active duty military members (proof of service required)

📍 Where?
Neosho National Fish Hatchery – 520 Park Street, Neosho, MO

🎣 Details:

• Registration opens at 8 AM, fishing starts at 9 AM

• All bait and tackle are provided—do not bring your own gear

• 4 trout limit, no catch and release

• Volunteers will clean and pack your catch—just bring a cooler and chair

• Lunch is on the house!

This annual event is just one of many hosted by the hatchery, which has served the community for over 135 years. Come celebrate World Fish Migration Day the Neosho way—rod in hand, fish on the line, and stories to share. 🐟🇺🇸

More updates as the event nears at facebook.com/NeoshoNFH.

Civic Updates

🚔 Joplin Police Earn Missouri Blue Shield Designation for Public Safety Excellence

The Joplin Police Department has officially received the Missouri Blue Shield designation, a prestigious honor from the Missouri Department of Public Safety that recognizes communities going above and beyond to make public safety a priority.

Created by Governor Mike Kehoe in January 2025, the Blue Shield Program highlights cities that invest in crime reduction, build strong partnerships between law enforcement and the public, and support officer training and community engagement.

Joplin received the designation thanks to:

• Neighborhood policing and outreach initiatives

• The Citizens Advisory Committee

• The Co-Responder Unit in partnership with the Ozark Center

• The Flex Platoon, which targets illegal drug activity

Governor Kehoe called public safety “the foundation of a thriving community,” and this designation proves Joplin is leading the way in protecting its citizens.

🔍 So What Does This Mean for You?

This isn’t just a gold star—it opens doors. Joplin now qualifies for state grant funding for police training, new equipment, and public safety initiatives. That means more resources, more tools, and more support for the officers who serve our community.

Plus, the recognition itself puts Joplin in the spotlight as a community that prioritizes safety—good news for families, businesses, and anyone thinking about planting roots here.

Congrats to the Joplin Police Department for earning this honor—and for working hard every day to keep our city safe.

WEATHER

Wednesday: 🌡️ 68 | 86 ☀️

Thursday: 🌡️ 66 | 82 ⛅️

Friday: 🌡️ 61 | 84 ⛅️

What’s Happening

Family

5/8-18 🎡 Rides, snacks, and pure nostalgia: Evans United Carnival rolls into Northpark Mall with games, food, and thrills for all ages. Free parking and admission — just bring cash for rides and snacks (or hit the ATMs on site). Open evenings and weekends, weather permitting.

Arts, Crafts & Culture

5/13 ✈️ Art, snacks, and a trip to Panama: Creation Station at Spiva continues its Passport series Tuesday afternoon with a hands-on mola craft inspired by Panamanian textiles. Kids ages 6–11 will also enjoy snacks, scavenger hunts, and creative freedom.

5/13 🌎 Books, big ideas, and bold conversations: The Gathering at Joplin Public Library returns Tuesday, May 13 at 6 PM with a discussion on climate change, featuring No Planet B by Lucy Diavolo. Bring your own resources, insights, or just your curiosity — and help choose next month’s topic, too!

5/16 🖼️ Paint night with your crew: Girls Trip at Create N Sip is a relaxed, step-by-step canvas painting class on Friday, May 16 from 7–9pm. No experience needed — just bring your favorite drink (BYOB, 21+), a friend or two, and get ready to unwind creatively.

Entertainment

5/14 - 5/18 🎭 Dark comedy, awkward silences, and 1970s flair: Joplin Little Theatre presents Absurd Person Singular May 14–18. This sharp British comedy follows three couples through three hilariously disastrous holiday parties. Tickets on sale now — mature audiences recommended.

5/16 🎲 D&D meets improv chaos: Tales of Vicious Mockery is a fully improvised Dungeons & Dragons comedy show where you help shape the story. Expect epic quests, ridiculous fails, and nonstop audience-fueled laughs. No two shows are the same — critical hits (and comedy) guaranteed.