November 1, 2024

The Citizen LOGO
 

November 2024 E-Newsletter

 
JoplinMo.org
Mayor Keenan Cortez delivering community update message

In our first ever monthly "Community Update" video, Mayor Cortez gives us a high-level view of Joplin's economy and how the City is working to strengthen it.

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UPDATES & REMINDERS

Helping Homeownership Dreams Come True!


Bottom Line: New programs are helping Joplin residents buy a home or complete major repairs.

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CAUTION: Fire Danger

Be Aware: Due to drought conditions, the Joplin Fire Department is not issuing burn permits until we get enough significant rainfall to reduce the current fire danger.

Curbside Leaf Pick-Up

Remember: Curbside leaf pick-up will begin on December 2nd, weather permitting.


To learn more, visit our webpage with more info about this annual program.

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Honoring a Joplin Trailblazer

What's New: Portion of Campbell Parkway renamed in honor of State Senator Ron Richard, who helped Joplin build its first trails.

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Lifeguards Save A Life

Did you hear? Young man's life saved by quick-thinking guards at Cunningham pool.

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2024-2025 budget books

Ringing in the new budget year!


As we welcome November, the City of Joplin begins a brand-new fiscal year!


In late October, Joplin City Council approved the 2025 budget, laying out a plan for services, operations, and exciting new projects. We’re using a record amount of grant money—over $51 million from federal, state, and county resources. With the City’s contributions, that brings our investment to a remarkable $81 million dedicated to enhancing our community.


What does this mean for Joplin? Think improved roads and intersections, a new splash park, outdoor recreational areas, and even a community-wide broadband network!


This year promises to be one of our busiest, with each project set to begin and be completed within the next three years.

City Website Survey

How should we improve the City website?


We know our website needs work. We want to improve Joplinmo.org, and we need your help!


In order to provide a city government website that is user-friendly and works for everyone, we need your input on this 10-minute survey.


No matter how often you use our City website, we want your ideas for how we could improve it. Please be detailed and specific.


This survey is just the beginning of our research phase for a major redesign of the City website. There will be more opportunities to provide feedback throughout the process.


Thank you for your participation.

Website Survey

NEW VIDEOS

Historic building
Joplin Park Ranger

Episode #1: Joplin Redevelopment Corp.


Episode #1 of the Show Me Joplin video series takes a look at how the Joplin Redevelopment Corporation works to restore historic buildings.

Episode #2: Park Ranger Program


Episode #2 of the Show Me Joplin video series takes you along with a Joplin Park Ranger to learn how they are helping make parks more welcoming.

Houses on a street in Joplin

Episode #3: Making Homeownership Dreams Come True


Episode #3 of the Show Me Joplin video series shows how the City is using ARPA funds to help folks buy and repair homes.

PROJECT UPDATES

Zora and Duquesne Roundabout Construction

Zora & Duquesne Intersection Improvements

Work on the roundabout at Zora Avenue and Duquesne Road is progressing. A truck detour is still in place.


Hall Street, on the north side of the intersection, remains closed. Roadways heading east, west, and south are open to local traffic.


Please use caution while driving in this construction zone. Weather permitting, the project should be completed by the end of 2024.

Connecticut Road widening project

Connecticut Road Widening

Construction on the five-lane Connecticut Avenue south of 32nd St. will finish in November. Funded by a 2014 sales tax, this widening project also added lanes to the I-44 bridge.


New shared-use paths run along both sides, and a pedestrian crossing with flashing beacons near 36th Street lets pedestrians alert drivers when crossing.

construction at 4th and Murphy

4th & Murphy Intersection Improvements

Work has kicked off at 4th Street and Murphy Boulevard for beautification and traffic improvements, set to wrap up in early 2025.


What’s coming:

  • A new plaza setting on the northeast corner.
  • Parking for trail users on the southeast side.
  • Updated traffic signals and new turn lanes to keep things moving smoothly.
  • Added sidewalks and stormwater upgrades.


Funded by: Capital Improvement Sales Tax (infrastructure) and Use Tax (beautification).

JOPLIN AT WORK

Tiffany Osborne

Police Dept. Spotlight:

Officer Tiffany Osborne is a patrol officer with the Joplin Police Dept. She has been on patrol for exactly one year this November since graduating the academy.


In her capacity as a patrol officer, Osborne routinely responds to citizen calls for service, completes police reports, makes arrests when required, and provides a number of other services to residents. In her brief time with JPD, Ofc. Osborne has earned quite a reputation for herself as being courteous, hard-working, reliable, and always willing to go the extra mile to aid citizens and her fellow officers.


The department has also received numerous citizen commendations regarding Ofc. Osborne’s caring and compassionate demeanor, and her ability to deescalate situations and provided service to people in crisis. Even though Ofc. Osborne relatively new to the force, she has already been selected twice as our Officer-of-the-Month.

Jullie Martin

Health Dept. Spotlight:

Julie Martin has served the City of Joplin for over 18 years. As the administrative assistant for the WIC office, she is known for her genuine care for people. She greets everyone with a smile and goes out of her way to make sure everyone around her is taken care of.


Julie always shows up early, stays until the job is done, and provides a friendly reliability to keep her team on task. She has a wealth of knowledge about her job and serves our WIC clients in ways that go beyond answering phones, setting appointments, loading benefits cards and all the paper work associated with her role.


The Health Department and City are fortunate to have her on our team. She is also a great cook and treats her department to goodies. Thank you Julie for all you do!

Wellness Works!

With support from our Wellness Coordinator Megan Saba and the Wellness Works Committee, the City of Joplin has earned the prestigious Gold Level Award from the Worksite Wellness Program!


This award highlights our commitment to employee wellness through stress relief tools, healthy food options, and fun activities like park scavenger hunts, all aimed at creating a healthier, more productive workplace.

CITY CALENDAR

Nov. 4: City Council Meeting @ Joplin City Hall, 6 p.m.  

Nov. 5: Presidential Election Day – Visit your County Clerk's website for sample ballots and other election information: Jasper County or Newton County 

Nov. 6: CPR Class @ Joplin Health Dept. Prepayment & preregistration required – go to “Adult Programs” 

Nov. 7: Public Meeting - Missouri Department of Transportation, Missouri Route 66 (7th Street) Traffic & Safety Improvements @ Joplin City Hall, 4:30 – 6 p.m. 

Nov. 8: CPR Class @ Joplin Health Dept. Prepayment & preregistration required – go to “Adult Programs” 

Nov. 9: Joplin Veterans Day Parade, 15th St. – 3rd St. on Main St., 3rd St. – 6th St. on Joplin Ave., 10 a.m.

Nov. 11: City Council Work Session Joplin City Hall, 6 p.m. 

Nov. 18: City Council Meeting @ Joplin City Hall, 6 p.m. 

Nov. 22: Parks & Recreation’s Turkey Shoot, Free, Must pre-register  

Nov. 26: City Hall Holiday Window Display opens 

Nov. 28 & 29: City of Joplin Offices closed for Thanksgiving Holiday 

Nov. 28: Republic Services Holiday: Residential Trash moves one day back through Sat. 

Dec. 2: City Council Meeting @ Joplin City Hall, 6 p.m.  

Dec. 3: Joplin Christmas Parade on Main Street, 6:00pm.

Dec. 4: Holiday Tree Trail Opening Night @ Mercy Park, 6 – 8 p.m. 

Dec. 7: Parks & Recreation’s Breakfast with Santa, Must pre-register or call 625-4750 

Dec. 16: City Council Meeting @ Joplin City Hall, 6 p.m.  

PARKS & REC NEWS

Send your letters to Santa through Parks & Rec Express Delivery


Are your kids already making their wish list? Send their letter to Santa through Parks & Rec’s Express Delivery! Drop it in Santa’s Mailbox at one of our designated receptacles between Nov. 13 and Dec. 10. Include your child’s name, return address, and a few details to receive a personalized letter back from Santa himself.

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Enjoy the Holiday Tree Trail!

Experience the Holiday Tree Trail at Mercy Park, open nightly from December 4 to December 31!


Enjoy over 100 decorated trees, holiday treats, and live music on Opening Night from 6 to 8 p.m., along with a visit from Santa. Cast your vote for favorite trees via QR code to support local decorators.


Even during the day, the themed trees and Rotary Sculpture Garden make this festive display a must-see!

Dig Deeper
Holiday Tree Decorating Contest 2024

Deck the Halls and Dazzle the Crowd!

Calling all businesses, not-for-profits, and other groups and organizations! Ready to spread some holiday cheer and boost your brand? Be a part of the Holiday Tree Trail at Mercy Park.

 

  • Decorate a Tree: Unleash your creativity and design a festive masterpiece.
  • Promote Your Business: Showcase your brand to thousands of visitors.
  • Join the Fun: Join this local tradition and celebrate the season.
  • Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to shine!


Sign up today and let's make this holiday season unforgettable.

Sign Up

How to register for Parks programs


To register for youth and adult recreational programs or to reserve a park facility for your private event, click the button below to visit the parks registration site.

Parks Registration
Joplin Parks & Rec LOGO

For the latest news about events and programs in our parks, be sure to follow Joplin Parks & Recreation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joplinparksandrecreation

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

Joplin Schools News
Joplin Chamber News
Joplin Library News
MOKAN News
MoDOT News
Downtown Joplin News
Jasper County Website
Newton County Website

FYI: FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Start Your Career With Joplin!


Working for Joplin isn’t just a job—it’s an opportunity to be part of a dedicated team of public servants.


We offer excellent benefits which support your well-being and future. City employees enjoy free medical benefits, a city-paid pension, paid vacation, and paid holidays.

See Current Job Openings
Apply Now!

Stream Council Meetings Live Online

Stream council meetings live on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month. You can also view recordings of meetings on the same page of our website, generally meeting recordings are posted 48 hours after the meeting.

Watch Council Meetings

City Contact Numbers


City Hall: 417-624-0820 

Animal Control: 417-623-6122 

Fire Dept. (Non-Emergency): 417-623-0403 

Parks & Recreation: 417-625-4750 

Police Dept. (Non-Emergency): 417-623-3131 

Public Works Center: 417-625-0820 ext. 1564 

Republic Trash Service: 800-431-1507 

Utility Billing: 417-627-2955

STAY CONNECTED

The City of Joplin maintains several official social media accounts where you can find the latest official information from the municipal government and its various departments.


We encourage you to follow these accounts and share content with your neighbors!

Official Facebook Accounts:



Official LinkedIn Account:

 
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