In one small midwestern city, an innocent-seeming table tennis tournament belies a complicated backstory. The city of Joplin, Missouri has spent the last eight years getting back on its feet after a 2011 tornado flattened a large swath of the city, leaving 161 dead. Led by President Janus Lazarus, the Joplin Table Tennis Club (JTTC) has been a tentpole for the rebuilding city, providing structure, stability and much-needed fun and relaxation for its hard-working civilians and civil servants. On October 20, the JTTC hosted its tenth "City Challenge Championship," offering $1300 in prizes across six events. The team event has grown into a serious rivalry between city departments. "Last year, police department won the trophy," said JTTC President Lazarus. "This year, city council will challenge the police department to win the City Challenge Championship." Last Sunday morning, the Joplin Police Department arrested its second consecutive city championship, overcoming a spirited challenge from the city council. As it turns out, you can fight city hall after all. Regardless of which branch of local governance hoists the coveted trophy, the city of Joplin continues to emerge victorious.

More at KOAM News Now