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☕️ Besse's Back
Friday, August 14, 2026
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Good Morning, Joplin. NFL football has returned. We’ve only entered the preseason, so these first few games don’t count—the starters will play about a quarter. But someone in your group chat will still form a permanent opinion about the third-string quarterback.
In today’s JOMO Jive:
Sunshine Lamp Trolley Expansion
Besse Hotel Reimagined
Missouri Kids Dental Opens
Let’s get to it.
— Matt Thompson
P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who loves tailgating before a game.
FEATURED EVENT

😂 Dave Attell Live at Downstream Casino
🕖️ Saturday, August 15 | 8 PM (Doors at 7 PM)
📍 The Pavilion at Downstream Casino Resort
One of stand-up comedy’s most respected—and unapologetically hilarious—voices is coming to the Four States. Dave Attell takes the stage at Downstream Saturday night for an evening of razor-sharp, no-holds-barred comedy.
Attell became a cult favorite as host of Comedy Central’s Insomniac with Dave Attell and most recently returned to Netflix with his acclaimed special Hot Cross Buns.
🎟️ Tickets start at $55, with premium and table seating available.
If you like your comedy quick, clever, and definitely not family-friendly, this one’s for you.
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THE DIGEST
🚌 Joplin Considers Major Expansion of Sunshine Lamp Trolley Routes
Thursday, August 20 | 11:30 AM–1:00 PM & 5:00–6:30 PM | Joplin City Hall

The City of Joplin is considering a significant expansion of the Sunshine Lamp Trolley system aimed at shortening travel times and improving connections to high-demand destinations. The proposal would increase the system from three routes to five and expand the number of stops from 62 to more than 100. Several frequently requested stops would be added, while a small number of existing stops could be moved or eliminated. Current fares and service hours would remain unchanged.
Residents can learn more and provide feedback during two public meetings on Thursday, August 20, in the City Council Chambers on the fifth floor of City Hall. There will be no formal presentation; instead, attendees can view proposed route maps, ask questions, and share feedback at either session. A 30-day public comment period is also underway, with comments accepted by Transportation Coordinator Gina Thompson at 417-624-0820, ext. 1800 or [email protected].

🏨 Historic Besse Hotel Gets New Life in Downtown Pittsburg

One of downtown Pittsburg’s most recognizable buildings is getting a new chapter. The historic Besse Hotel, which opened in 1927 at Fourth and Locust streets, is being reimagined as part of Pittsburg State University’s larger Gorilla Rising initiative. Renovation plans call for the former hotel’s upper floors to become loft apartments for students, while the ground floor will become the new home of PSU’s Center for Reading.
The project revives a building with deep roots in Pittsburg history. Local residents and business leaders helped finance its original construction nearly a century ago, with businessman Alexander Besse stepping in to provide the final $25,000 needed to make the project possible—eventually mortgaging all of his property to do so. The 12-story hotel opened in June 1927 and later transitioned into apartments before ultimately becoming vacant following years of decline. Now, its redevelopment will preserve the landmark while putting it back to use for a new generation of Pittsburg State students and the broader community.
LOCAL BUSINESS
SPONSORED BY
🦷 Missouri Kids Dental Celebrates Grand Opening
Missouri Kids Dental is celebrating the grand opening of its new Joplin office with a ribbon cutting Friday, August 14 at 4:00 PM at 732 S. Range Line Road, Suite D. The pediatric dental office is currently accepting new patients and offers kid-friendly dental care including routine exams, fillings, extractions, and other services, with financial options available to help make care accessible to families.

🦁 MSSU Makes It Easier for Local Businesses to Get Involved
Missouri Southern State University has launched its new Community Green & Gold Engagement Hub, a one-stop resource designed to make it easier for local businesses and organizations to connect with MSSU and support its students. Community partners can use the Community Hub to find opportunities ranging from student promotions and campus traditions to events such as the Spirit Tunnel on August 14, Community Day on August 19, Paint the Town Green & Gold beginning September 16, and Homecoming festivities in October. Some opportunities require advance registration.
Businesses and organizations interested in getting involved can explore the Community Green & Gold Engagement Hub or contact [email protected] with questions. For even more ways to connect with campus, check out the MSSU Calendar of Events or follow Missouri Southern on Facebook for upcoming events and opportunities throughout the year.

CIVIC UPDATES
🗑️ Early Trash Pickup Times Continue Next Week
With extreme temperatures expected again, Republic Services will begin trash and recycling collection at 5:00 AM from Monday, August 17 through Saturday, August 22. Joplin residents should expect trucks to arrive earlier than normal and are encouraged to place trash and recycling carts at the curb the night before their regularly scheduled pickup day.
WEATHER
Friday: 🌡️ 79 | 99 ☀️
Saturday: 🌡️ 78 | 98 ☀️
Sunday: 🌡️ 79 | 99 ☀️
LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN
Friday
Richard Latham
HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 6:00 PM
Lo Compatibility Duo
Christine’s Vineyard | 6:00 PM
Dillon Leggett
Keltoi Winery | 6:00 PM
Left of Center
Kansas Crossing Casino | 8:00 PM
Swade Diablos
Cherokee Casino Grove | 8:00 PM
Stonehorse
Grand Lake Casino | 8:00 PM
The Cliff Boone Band
Downstream Casino | 8:30 PM
Johnny Dale Roberts Band
Indigo Sky Casino | 9:00 PM
Saturday
Jason Garrison
Christine’s Vineyard | 6:00 PM
Skyler Weimer
Jeep Beach | 6:00 PM
Roving Gambler Band
Pam’s Place | 6:00 PM
Clinton Dodson
Keltoi Winery | 7:00 PM
Colton Kro
Flag City Brewing | 7:00 PM
The Blue Underground
River Bend Casino | 7:00 PM
Josh Turner ($)
Kansas Crossing Casino | 8:00 PM
Beaty Creek Band
Cherokee Casino Grove | 8:00 PM
Zac White Band
Grand Lake Casino | 8:00 PM
The Brandon Butler Band
Downstream Casino | 8:30 PM
Mayday By Midnight
Indigo Sky Casino | 9:00 PM
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THANKS!
Thank you for reading JOMO Jive today. See you again Tuesday!



