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Want to sponsor your business in JOMO Jive? Send your inquiry to [email protected]

Good Morning, Joplin. Shark Week is officially underway, and while Discovery Channel wants you worried about great whites, we've got our own local legend to think about.

I’ve heard there’s at least one shark in Grand Lake. To date, nobody has ever proven that's true.

Then again... nobody has ever proven it's not true either…

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Route 66 Centennial Solar-Powered Race

• World Breastfeeding Week

• Lead Safe Joplin

• Joplin Seeks New IT Director

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who watches every minute of Shark Week and won’t put a toe in the ocean on vacation because of it.

FEATURED EVENT

🩸⚾ Bleed Red Blood Drive Returns July 31

Friday, July 31 | 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
Community Blood Center of the Ozarks – Joplin Donor Center
2318 E. 32nd St., Joplin

Help save local lives while scoring some great Cardinals swag during the 22nd Annual Bleed Red Blood Drive! Community Blood Center of the Ozarks is partnering with the Springfield Cardinals to boost the blood supply during the critical summer months when donations are needed most.

All successful donors will receive:
⚾ Two Springfield Cardinals tickets
🧢 Two Cardinals ball caps
👕 Two vintage CBCO Cardinals T-shirts
🏖️ A premium beach towel
✈️ Entries to win a 2026 RED Access Promo Club membership and a $10,000 Dream Vacation

Appointments are encouraged to reduce wait times, but every donation helps provide lifesaving blood for patients at hospitals throughout the Ozarks.

SPONSORED BY GAMBINO’S PIZZA

🍕 Tonight's Dinner Plan (Because We Both Know the Fridge Isn't Helping)

You know that moment around 5:30 when you open the fridge hoping dinner will magically appear... only to find half a bottle of ranch, three slices of cheese, and enough ketchup packets to start a collection?

Or maybe you did buy groceries—you just have absolutely zero interest in cooking tonight.

Either way, Gambino's Pizza has your back.

Right now, grab a Large Jalapeño Popper or Asian BBQ Pizza for just $20.99 with code WINNER, or buy any large pizza and add a Small Cheesestick Pizza for only $5 with code 5CHEESE. Want something sweet? Add a Small Cinnamon Streusel Dessert Pizza for just $5 with code CHAMP.

Sometimes the best dinner plan... is admitting you don't have one.

Click here to order now!

THE DIGEST

🥵 Extreme Heat Prompts Earlier Trash Pickup, Cooling Center Reminder

With another week of dangerously hot temperatures in the forecast, the City of Joplin is reminding residents to take precautions and prepare for a few temporary service changes. Republic Services will continue starting curbside trash and recycling collection at 5 a.m. through Saturday, August 1, so residents are encouraged to place carts at the curb the night before their scheduled pickup to avoid missing collection.

Residents needing relief from the heat can find a map of area cooling centers maintained by the Homeless Coalition of Jasper and Newton Counties, which includes several City of Joplin facilities open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Health officials also encourage everyone to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors, check on neighbors and loved ones, and ensure pets have plenty of water, shade, or are brought indoors during the hottest parts of the day.

☀️ Solar-Powered Race Comes to Carthage for Route 66 Centennial

The 2026 Electrek American Solar Challenge, an official Route 66 Centennial Project, will make an overnight stop in Carthage on Wednesday, July 29, as collegiate teams from across the U.S. and around the world compete in a 1,500-mile solar-powered road race. Solar cars are expected to arrive at Memorial Hall (407 S. Garrison Ave.) between 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., marking the end of one stage of the competition before teams prepare for the next day's journey.

One of the best opportunities for the public to experience the event will be during the evening charging period from 6–8 p.m., when visitors can get an up-close look at the solar-powered vehicles and meet the student teams behind them. The competition resumes the following morning as cars depart in one-minute intervals beginning at 9 a.m.

🤱 Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week at the Joplin Public Library

Saturday, August 1 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Joplin Public Library - 1901 E 20th St

The Joplin Health Department's Chi Chi Mamas support group will host its annual World Breastfeeding Week Celebration on Saturday, August 1, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Joplin Public Library. Expect local agency booths, snacks, door prizes, and helpful resources for nursing mothers, expectant parents, and their support systems. Families are encouraged to attend together to learn more about breastfeeding and the community health services available throughout the region.

Hosted through the Health Department's WIC division, the event is designed to provide education, encouragement, and connections for families at every stage of their breastfeeding journey. Chi Chi Mamas also hosts quarterly support group meetings throughout the year. For more information, contact the Joplin Health Department at 417-623-1928, ext. 1763. Learn more about World Breastfeeding Week here.

🏠 Joplin Launches Lead Safe Joplin Program for Older Homes

The City of Joplin has launched Lead Safe Joplin, a new program designed to help eligible homeowners reduce lead-based paint hazards in homes built before 1978. Administered in partnership with the Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area (ESC), the program offers qualifying homeowners free lead inspections, hazard removal, soil remediation, clearance testing, temporary relocation assistance (if needed), and lead testing for children under 6. Households with young children or pregnant residents will receive priority, with lead hazard control work expected to begin later this summer.

The $3.5 million program is funded through a federal HUD grant and aims to improve the safety of approximately 85 qualifying homes throughout Joplin. Eligible homeowners are encouraged to apply online, pick up a paper application at Joplin City Hall or the Economic Security Corporation office, or email Loni Smith at [email protected]. The City is also seeking certified lead remediation contractors to participate in the program. Application link: https://www.joplinmo.org/1290/20254/Lead-Safe-Joplin

LOCAL BUSINESS

SPONSORED BY

💻 City of Joplin Seeks Next Information Technology Director

Leadership position will oversee the City's technology strategy, cybersecurity, and major software initiatives.

The City of Joplin is searching for its next Information Technology Director, an executive leadership position responsible for managing the City's technology infrastructure, software systems, cybersecurity, and long-term IT strategy. The director will oversee the City's Information Technology Department, lead major technology projects, coordinate with departments across the organization, and help guide the implementation of new software platforms as Joplin continues modernizing its operations.

The City is seeking an experienced technology leader with a background in strategic IT planning, cybersecurity, enterprise software, and organizational leadership. Candidates should have at least 10 years of information technology experience, including five years managing a comprehensive IT department, along with a bachelor's degree in a related field. Applications are being accepted through August 14, with additional information and online applications available at GovHRjobs.com.

CIVIC UPDATES

🚧 Langston Hughes/Broadway Bridge Closing for Repairs

The Langston Hughes/Broadway Street Bridge over Landreth Park will be closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic from Monday, August 3, through Friday, August 14 while crews repair the bridge's expansion joints. The repairs follow a recent inspection that identified damaged sections requiring immediate attention to protect the bridge and extend its lifespan. Detour signs will be posted, and motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes during the closure. For more information, contact Coty Pringle at 417-624-0820 ext. 1557.

WEATHER

Tuesday: 🌡️ 78 | 94 ☁️ 

Wednesday: 🌡️ 77 | 91 🌧️ 45%

Thursday: 🌡️ 75 | 87 🌧️ 55%

FEEDBACK

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THANKS!

Thank you for reading JOMO Jive today. See you again Friday!