Fieldnotes on the Edge - Eyes on Joplin

    This weekend, Joplin got a foot of snow and a full dose of irony. Main roads were cleared. Neighborhoods? Not so much.   Joplin’s snow removal policy leaves residents stuck literally. Satire meets civic frustration in this snowy showdown. Welcome to the City of Joplin’s Winter Strategy™ : “If you live near a hospital, good luck.” “If you live on a hill, build a sled.” “If you’re elderly, the winter survival guide is basically: groceries, blankets, and patience. Lots of patience. The streets will melt eventually.” Our neighborhood close to Freeman Hospital turned into a live-action obstacle course. Cars spun like figure skaters. Nurses tried to reach their shifts like contestants on American Ninja Warrior: Snow Edition . Families visiting loved ones got stuck in snowbank's deeper than the city’s sense of responsibility. Neighbors  have "hometown values" city leaders not so much And who saved them? Not the city. It was Bob in his pickup. It was ...

  If you’ve lived in Joplin long enough, you know our weather loves to stir up drama. But this January, the forecast went full Broadway. As a 28‑year Joplin resident , I should’ve known better than to let the local news hype me into survival‑mode shopping but there I was, clutching my grocery list like it was a treasure map and preparing for the “Winter Storm of 2026.” This is my firsthand account of the Joplin snowstorm panic , complete with cart races, empty shelves, and a blizzard that ultimately ghosted us.   The Forecast That Started the Frenzy Early in the week, meteorologists warned of blizzard conditions , 15 inches of snow , dangerous ice , and wind chills near –20°F . Every news station repeated the same message: “Prepare now. This could be the worst winter storm of the season.” Cue the collective meltdown. By Thursday, Joplin residents were out in full force, prepping for what sounded like the next Ice Age. The winter storm warning had officially trigge...

  Hunting season may be over in Joplin, but the safety concerns it exposed are not. This year revealed serious gaps in communication, signage, and public awareness   issues that put residents, pets, and even hunters at risk. Now is the time for the City of Joplin to acknowledge what went wrong and correct these mistakes before next year’s season begins. Across the country, other communities are facing the same problem. In Worthington, Ohio, a resident even filed a lawsuit after discovering that lethal wildlife operations were happening near his home without posted signs or clear public notice . His case highlights a national pattern: cities allowing hunting activity near neighborhoods while failing to warn the people who live there. Joplin is not alone   but that doesn’t mean we should accept unsafe practices.   A safety sign / warning to all  The Problem: Hunting in Urban Areas With No Posted Signs This season, Freeman Grove and surrounding areas saw...

  This season, a troubling encounter reminded us why safety and accountability must go hand in hand. An archer in our area admitted to hunting from a ground-level blind a direct violation of Joplin’s urban hunting terms, which require hunters to be elevated at least 10 feet. When my neighbor questioned him, the archer made it clear he knew where we lived. That’s when the conversation shifted from concern to fear. My neighbor told me we couldn’t report him. Not because it wasn’t wrong but because retaliation felt like a real possibility. This is exactly why Joplin needs an anonymous reporting system for urban hunting violations. Residents should be able to: Share safety concerns without fear Report violations of hunting terms Document suspicious or illegal activity Help protect pets, children, and neighbors All without putting themselves at risk. A simple website   with no name required could make all the difference. It would empower re...

  Mark your calendars: Saturday, December 6, 2025 , brings the first annual Joplin Coin Show to the VFW Hall at 110 Veterans Way. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or someone who just inherited a mysterious coin, this event is your gateway to discovery. With free admission, expert dealers, and secure onsite setup, the Joplin Coin Show promises a day of learning, trading, and connecting with the region’s vibrant collector community.   What to Expect Dozens of dealers offering rare coins, currency, bullion, and collectibles Onsite appraisals and buying opportunities bring your coins and ask questions Educational displays showcasing historic U.S. and world coins Secure environment with 24-hour security and professional setup Free admission and open hours from 9 AM to 4 PM   What You’ll Find Certified coins from PCGS, NGC, and CAC   ready for investment or collection Raw coins for those who enjoy the thrill ...