UPDATE REGARDING IMPACTS TO CITY OPERATIONS DUE TO WINTER STORM

JOPLIN, Mo.. – The following Joplin city offices will be closed today starting at noon due to the forecasted worsening of winter storm and road conditions:

• City Hall
• Health Department
• Parks & Recreation
• Justice Center (Police and Fire offices)
• Municipal Court

Public Transit Update: Due to worsening road conditions, both Joplin public transit systems will be closing at noon. For Trolley, the last round of pickups at bus stops will be during the 11:00am hour. No Trolley services today after noon. MAPS service will have no additional outgoing rides.

Citizens already using these pre-scheduled ride services will be contacted and arrangements will be made to ensure they get home safely. Transit dispatch will be available to answer questions until all riders and staff are home safe. MAPS riders may also leave a voice message to cancel future rides due to the storm. Transit services may be delayed or limited on Wednesday Feb. 19 depending on road conditions.

Health Department: Medical and WIC appointments for today will be cancelled. Clients should receive an automated notification on how to reschedule their appointment.

Animal Control: Animal Control will respond to emergency calls only.

Persons who have an animal emergency should contact the City’s non-emergency dispatch at 417-623-3131.

Airport: Evening flights from and to Denver have been cancelled. Airport operations continue 24/7. We encourage passengers to check with their air service provider regarding updates for future flights.

Parks & Recreation facilities are closed today:

• Joplin Athletic Complex
• Joplin History & Mineral Museum
• Schifferdecker Golf Course

Thanks to Public Safety and Public Works teams:

The City of Joplin thanks public safety and public works personnel for working hard through the weather to keep the community safe and to provide services needed to keep basic city functions operational in any weather. Police, Fire, Public Works snow removal, wastewater and other services are vital to our community and we thank these city staff for their dedication to public service.

Note regarding trash collection: Republic Services have also announced curbside trash collection is not happening today or tomorrow in the Joplin area due to the weather. They intend to try to resume the normal schedule on Thursday or Friday. For those whose service will be missed Tuesday and Wednesday this week, they have committed to providing service on your normally scheduled day next week and will collect any extra trash accumulated.

CAUTION: Due to extreme cold temperatures, salt and treatment on streets and sidewalk may not prevent precipitation from freezing or refreezing on surfaces. Please be cautious today and for the next few days, as salt may not be able to melt away ice until temperatures rise. This is why public safety asks that you not travel on roads or sidewalks unless absolutely necessary. Stay home if you can.