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

Good Morning, Joplin. Based on overall consumption & population, the average American eats 70 hot dogs per year. Meanwhile, Joey Chestnut ate almost that many (66) in 10 minutes on Saturday to win his 18th Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. Is it gross? Is it impressive? Can it be both?

Announcement: There will be no JOMO Jive on Friday, July 10th.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Connect2Culture’s New Season

• Affordable Apartments for Veterans

• Morning Brew

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who reads more than 50 books a year. They’re in the top 4% of all U.S. readers.

SPONSORED BY La Boussole

Introducing New Cash Banking Membership at La Boussole Medical Spa & Wellness Center, Joplin.

Dollar for Dollar. Services and Savings. At La Boussole, we believe caring for yourself should be something you look forward to—not something you put off. That's why we're excited to introduce our new Cash Banking Membership, designed to reward you for making your health, wellness, and self-care a priority.

FEATURED EVENT

🦷 Free Dental Day at Family Dental

Friday, July 10 | Hosted at Ozark Family Dental

Everyone deserves access to quality dental care. On Friday, July 10, the teams at Ozark Family Dental, Seneca Family Dental, and Baxter Springs Family Dental are partnering to provide a Free Dental Day for community members who may not otherwise have access to treatment.

Made possible entirely by volunteer dentists and staff, this annual day of service reflects the practices' commitment to giving back to the communities they serve.

If you or someone you know could benefit from free dental care, this is an opportunity worth sharing. Be sure to check with the participating offices for treatment details, availability, and any first-come, first-served guidelines before attending.

THE DIGEST

⚽️ Men's World Cup Run Ends with Round of 16 Loss to Belgium

Americans reach the knockout stage before falling to one of the tournament favorites.

The United States' inspiring FIFA World Cup run came to an end Monday night with a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16. After advancing from the group stage and earning a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, the Americans faced a talented Belgian squad that capitalized on its chances to secure a place in the quarterfinals. At least we can still watch TikToks about people from other countries experiencing the U.S. culture and food for the first time, which might still be the best thing on the internet right now.

🎭 Connect2Culture Unveils 2026–2027 Performance Season

Season tickets now on sale for milestone year of live entertainment

Connect2Culture has officially announced its 2026–2027 performance season, marking a milestone as the organization celebrates 10 years of bringing professional arts and entertainment to the Joplin community. The new lineup features performances across C2C's Curtains Up Series, Cornell Series, and Ignite Series, with all shows taking place at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex in either the 419-seat Beshore Performance Hall or the outdoor Leggett & Platt Green.

Season ticket packages are now available and include a 15% discount, the largest savings offered by Connect2Culture. Individual tickets will go on sale August 1. A complete list of performers, series information, and ticket details is available on Connect2Culture's website, where patrons can explore the full season and reserve seats for another year of live music, theater, comedy, and cultural performances.

🏠 New Affordable Apartment Project Will Serve Local Veterans

Agape Apartments expected to open this fall with 10 affordable rental units

A new affordable housing development aimed at supporting local veterans is coming to Joplin. The Agape Apartments project, a partnership between the Joplin Economic Housing Development Initiative (JEHDI), Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity, and RE Smith Construction, will provide 10 affordable rental units designed specifically for veterans. The project is being funded through a grant from Mid-Missouri Bank's Affordable Housing Program and is expected to be completed in October 2026.

Organizers say the development was shaped by conversations with area veterans, who expressed a need for smaller, affordable housing located near essential services and amenities. The project is part of a broader effort to expand affordable housing opportunities throughout Joplin while helping veterans build stability and independence after their military service.

[PLACEHOLDER CONTENT]

LOCAL BUSINESS

SPONSORED BY

☕ Start Your Morning with Coffee and Connections

Friday, July 10 | 7:30 AM | Arc of the Ozarks

Looking to make a few new business connections before the workday begins? Join the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce's Morning Brew on Friday, July 10, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Arc of the Ozarks (4227 E. 32nd Street). This casual monthly networking event gives Chamber members and guests an opportunity to enjoy coffee, meet fellow professionals, and learn more about one of the community's outstanding organizations.

Hosted each month at a different member business, Morning Brew is just one of the many networking opportunities offered by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. Through events, advocacy, professional development, and business resources, the Chamber helps strengthen the local business community while creating opportunities for members to build relationships, grow their businesses, and stay engaged with what's happening across the Joplin area.

WEATHER

Tuesday: 🌡️ 67 | 88 ☀️ 

Wednesday: 🌡️ 69 | 93 ☀️ 

Thursday: 🌡️ 75 | 94 🌧️ 35%

FEEDBACK

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

THANKS!

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