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Today Is National Read a Book Day

National Read a Book Day on September 6 calls all book lovers to indulge in their favorite hobby, guilt-free. Bringing new worlds to life, books enlighten us and transport us on exciting adventures. They can challenge our perspectives on the human experience in ways unmatched by other media. In a world deluged by technology, National Read a Book Day encourages us to silence the noise and turn the pages for a while.

Learn More About the Holiday Here from National Today

Clarifying Misinformation: Understanding Honeywell’s Emergency Notification System

(WMOK) Metropolis, IL – In recent days, there has been some confusion and misinformation circulating about the emergency notification system at Honeywell. It is essential to address these concerns and provide accurate information to ensure clarity and alleviate any unnecessary panic. This article aims to shed light on Honeywell’s emergency notification procedures, the purpose of the sirens, and the steps taken to protect both employees and the public.

Photo: National Regulatory Commission

Sirens and Employee Notifications

When sirens are heard going off on the Honeywell property, it is crucial to understand that their purpose is to alert employees of an incident occurring within the facility. At this point, there is no immediate risk to the general public. These sirens are intended solely for internal communication and coordination to ensure employee safety.

Notification to the Public

Honeywell maintains two sirens located off the property, specifically near Airport Rd and US 45, as well as near the union hall on US 45. The activation of these sirens indicates that a product has left the facility perimeter, and it serves as a warning to the area within a 1.5-mile radius of an emergency situation. It is important to note that there are no Honeywell-owned sirens within the City of Metropolis.

Coordination with Local Authorities

In the event of any emergency, Honeywell recognizes the importance of promptly notifying the relevant authorities to ensure a coordinated response. Metropolis and Massac County authorities are notified at all levels of emergencies in accordance with established protocols. Honeywell maintains clear communication channels to keep authorities informed and engaged throughout the process.

Levels of Emergencies and Panic Prevention

Honeywell has well-defined procedures in place to address emergencies at different levels. These protocols prioritize the safety of employees, the public, and the environment. It is important to emphasize that Honeywell takes its responsibility seriously and is committed to preventing unnecessary panic while ensuring effective communication during emergencies.

Addressing the Incident on Saturday

Regarding the incident that occurred on Saturday, it is important to clarify that there was a mistake made by a Honeywell employee who sent an “all clear” message. Contrary to misinformation, there was never a shelter-in-place order issued. Honeywell acknowledges the error and is taking steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Clear communication during emergencies is of utmost importance to ensure the safety of employees and the public. Honeywell maintains a robust emergency notification system, with sirens on and off the property, which serve specific purposes. The company cooperates closely with local authorities to handle emergencies effectively and minimize the potential for panic. By addressing the misinformation and clarifying the facts, Honeywell aims to foster a better understanding of its emergency procedures and reinforce its commitment to safety.

More on Honeywell from WMOK’s Discussions with Local Officials

Metropolis Police Chief Harry Masse made a statement via facebook regarding the event. Chief Masse wants folks to understand, “If product leaves the perimeter, people living in the effected area will be notified.”

Following a similar incident in June of this year – WMOK spoke with both Massac County Emergency Management Director Brian Horn and Massac County Sheriff Chad Kaylor regarding protocols should a release occur. Hear our conversation at the link below:

Early June Release of Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6) at Honeywell’s Metropolis Works Facility – Updated: 6.13.23 Discussion with Massac County Sheriff Chad Kaylor – 6.21.23 Discussion with Massac EMA Brian Horn

One Shawnee is excited to be hosting a Regional Summit on Friday, October 6, 2023 at Vienna High School in Johnson County

The One Shawnee Regional Summit is specifically designed for local government officials & staff, local non-profits, community leaders, volunteers, and anyone else with the desire to take an active role in improving southernmost Illinois living or working in the following counties: Union, Alexander, Pulaski, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Hardin, Saline, Gallatin.

If you are able to attend, please take a brief moment to register here now.

Illinois Announces LIHEAP Program Year Schedule Expansion for Energy Bill Assistance

Expanded program year and tiered application will prioritize families most in need of assistance; Applications will launch on October 2, 2023

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released information about this year’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support with utility costs. LIHEAP will begin accepting applications on October 2, 2023, through August 15, 2024, or until funds are exhausted.

“Every Illinoisan, regardless of income, deserves to be able to keep the lights on and stay warm—especially as we near wintertime,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to $237 million from our Help Illinois Families Program, thousands of households will be eligible for LIHEAP to offset skyrocketing utility costs. And with equity as our north star, this year’s tiered program will prioritize families with the greatest needs, so that our elders, young children, and disabled neighbors have the resources they need to maintain energy access.”

The energy bill assistance program offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane, and electricity bills.

Overview of Program Improvements for LIHEAP in 2023

Program Year 2023 includes a variety of improvements based on feedback from advocates such as the expanded program year, as well as re-instating the pre-pandemic practice of tiered applications to allow families most in need to apply first.

	Program Year 2022	Program Year 2023
Program Length (period when families can apply)	8 months	10.5 months
Program Dates	September 1, 2022 – May 31, 2023	October 2, 2023 – August 15, 2024
Application Process	No tiered process	Tiered application dates to ensure families most in need are prioritized

“LIHEAP is an important resource for Illinois families and the program improvements will help prioritize families who need the most assistance,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Through a program year extension and tiered application periods, the State of Illinois is providing the resources necessary for reliable access to energy utilities.”

Beginning October 2, 2023, eligible families can apply by visiting helpillinoisfamilies.com or by visiting their local agency (a list of partners throughout the State can be found here). Families can also call 1-833-711-0374 for assistance in 30 languages.

During the pandemic, the tiered application system which was previously in place was paused due to greater widespread need. This year, the tiered application system will be reinstated to ensure families most in need are able to apply first. The first group eligible to apply is expected to represent more than half of households that apply for the program.

October 2 – Income-eligible households who fall under the following categories:
- Households with seniors age 60+
- Households with a documented long-term disability
- Households with children under age 6
November 1 – Income-eligible households who fall under the following categories:
- October priority period households
- Households that are disconnected
- Households facing imminent threat of disconnection
December 1
- All income-eligible households

LIHEAP provides one-time payments directly to energy service providers on behalf of recipients. While the amount of support varies based on the needs of individual families, last year over 311,000 households received LIHEAP, with an average of over $1,000 per household.

All families who meet the qualifications and provide proper documentation will receive support until funding is exhausted. Families who earn up to two-times the federal poverty level are eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with eligible income thresholds can be found on the webpage and below:

FAMILY SIZE (HOUSEHOLD)	30-DAY GROSS INCOME
1	$2,430
2	$3,287
3	$4,143
4	$5,000
5	$5,857
6	$6,713

Additional Program Information:

The State of Illinois offers various programs to support eligible low-income families with utility assistance. These programs are open to ALL eligible low-income Illinois families who meet the criteria, including undocumented families. Programs for eligible families include:

One-time Direct Vendor Payment: All LIHEAP recipients receive a one-time payment.
Crisis/Reconnection Assistance: Funding is available for families in heating-related emergency situations.
Furnace Assistance: Based on funding availability, Furnace Assistance may be provided to households that do not have an operating furnace for their residence.
Home Weatherization Program: The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) helps low-income residents and households conserve fuel and reduce energy costs by making their homes and apartments more energy efficient.

Last year’s LIHEAP funding – which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 – provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.

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Massac Memorial Hospital’s Wellness Wednesday

Amanda Gaudy, Nurse Practitioner at Massac Memorial Integrated Care Clinic has been seeing a rise in CoVid positive cases. She recommends managing mild symptoms of covid with over-the-counter medications. Mucinex can help with cough & congestion, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting plenty of rest. Integrated Care Clinic is located at 28 Chick Street, Suite 100; Metropolis. 618-524-8381.

Mallory Wittig Nurse Practitioner at Massac Memorial Dr. Patel’s office has also seen a rise in patients testing positive for Covid. She recommends staying home if you are sick. Do not go to work or send your child to school because you could be infecting others. Good handwashing is important to prevent the spread of any illness. Dr. Patel’s office is located at 1204 W. 10th Street, Suite C; Metropolis. 618-524-2182.

Work Upcoming on Rosebud Road in Massac County – No Date Set

(WMOK) Metropolis, IL – Massac County Commissioner Jayson Farmer told us during our Coffee Break earlier this week that upcoming work will take place at the intersection of Rosebud Road and Upper Salem Road in Massac County. He advised that a time frame is not yet determined. Farmer discusses more about the work to be done in the audio clip below.

Touch “Listen in Browser” in the Soundcloud box below to listen:

WMOK – Metropolis · Rosebud Road And Upper Salem Road WMOK Coffee Break Massac County Commissioners September 2023

WMOK Community Events Listing

How to Submit Your Event:

Via email to WMOKnews@frontier.com with the words “upcoming event” in the subject line

Via Facebook Messenger on the WMOK Facebook page

Via Text – 618-524-9209

Via Walk-In – Lobby Hours 8am to 10:30

Via Mail – 339 Fairgrounds Road, Metropolis IL 62960

Wednesday, September 6

9-11A – Plant a Row, Watch COPE Grow – Food Donation Garden Stewardship Days First and Third Wednesdays – Volunteers Needed

9a – 3p – COPE Food Pantry takes place in Metropolis today and every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1013 North Avenue – please bring your photo ID and proof of Massac County residency.

5-7P – Trinity Tree of Life Food Pantry 605 Metropolis St (Every Wednesday)

Beau Dodson Weather - Keeping you and your family safe from the storm - WMOK Metropolis

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Caring For You and About You Since 1975

Thursday, September 7

The Rotary Club of Metropolis meets every Thursdays at 12P in Community Christian Church, 1150 Country Club Rd.

Friday, September 8

9a – 3p – COPE Food Pantry takes place in Metropolis today and every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1013 North Avenue – please bring your photo ID and proof of Massac County residency.

7:30P – Movies in the Park brought to us by Massac County Ag in the Classroom – At Fort Massac State Park by the Visitor’s Center. Admission is $1.

Saturday, September 9

7A-12P Massac County Farmer’s Market will take place Dorothy Miller park on east Front Street in Metropolis. There is no fee to set up at the Massac County Farmers Market however it is asked that vendors register with Alexis at the Massac County Farm Bureau. You can call Alexis at 618-524-5811

Sunday, September 10

Sunday –

5P – Eastland Life Church 3D Life Recovery Meetings are held at 716 East 3rd St. Meal and child care provided. Hear more – touch “listen in browser” in the Soundcloud Player below:

Monday, September 11

9a – 3p – COPE Food Pantry takes place in Metropolis today and every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1013 North Avenue – please bring your photo ID and proof of Massac County residency.

WMOK Community Events Listing
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Illinois and Beyond

Monday WMOK News Check "Yellow Sheet" - 6.23.25 WMOK - Metropolis and Massac County News

15h ago

Combatting Mosquitoes: Essential Tips for Effective Control During National Mosquito Control Awareness Week Jun 19, 2025

Wednesday WMOK News Check "Yellow Sheet" - 6.18.25 WMOK - Metropolis and Massac County News Jun 18, 2025

See When Brilliant Fall Foliage Will Peak With This Interactive Map

The tool’s county-by-county predictions will help you plan the best leaf-peeping trips

See the Map and Read More Here

Generation Gap

Young adults say ‘little treat’ buys and splurges are ‘so worth it.’ Are they? | Adulting

Generally, the younger generations have similar spending habits. They spend more on eating out, traveling and experiences such as concerts, streaming services, online shopping, retirement savings, and brands that promise to be kind to the environment, according to the Pew Research Center. They are also paying off college loans.

The two younger generations, unlike their parents and grandparents, will spend less on vehicles, housing and other material goods.

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How Jimmy Buffett Turned “Margaritaville” Into a Way of Life

Few songs have proven as lucrative as “Margaritaville,” a modest 1977 hit by the late singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett that became an anthem for an entire life philosophy. The track was the springboard for Buffett’s business empire—restaurants, apparel, kitchen appliances, and more—marketing the taking-it-easy message of its tropical print lyrics.

After just a few years of expanding that notion into other ventures, the “Parrot Heads” of Buffett’s fandom began to account for $40 million in annual revenue—and that was before the vacation resorts began popping up.

Read More Here

Now you can own a piece of Brady Bunch history with Eve Plumb’s own memorabilia up for sale

Julien’s Auctions has announced a new sale event titled “Brady Bunch and More: Eve Plumb’s Jan Brady & Career Archives” that would make any Brady fan say, “it’s a sunshine day!”

The lot contains scripts, behind-the-scenes goodies, and personal items from Jan Brady herself. One notable entry is Eve Plumb’s autograph book, which contains autographs from series creator Sherwood Schwartz, Florence Henderson (who sweetly signed it “love, mommy”), Robert Reed, Ann B. Davis, and her onscreen siblings.

You can get the script for the Brady Bunch pilot, “The Honeymoon”, which interestingly has the original series title The Brady Brood printed on the cover with “brood” scratched out and “bunch” rewritten in its place. Also included are Plumb’s own annotated scripts for some of the series’ most iconic episodes, including “Will the Real Jan Brady Please Stand Up?” where Jan dons a curly black wig, “The Subject Was Noses”, where Marcia gets nailed in the face with a football, and “Her Sister’s Shadow” which includes Jan’s famous “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!” line.

Read More Here

Technology Tips for Beginners

We look forward to another technology presentation at the Happy Hearts in September on the 21st at 10:45am!

One of the items we plan to work with our participants on that day is “Google Assistant”.

Google Assistant is a virtual assistant software application developed by Google that is primarily available on mobile and home automation devices.

If you’re already somewhat familiar with Google Assistant and would like to learn you can do so here

If you are not familiar with Google Assistant – look for the icon shown above on the screen of your smartphone and touch it –

When you see lights at the bottom of the screen – ask it a question – for example:

“What time is sunset?”

“What time is sunrise”

“When does the time change?”

You can experiment and ask and expect an answer for anything that has a definitive answer.

If something doesn’t have a definitive answer – the Google Assistant will show you links to articles regarding the topic of which you inquired…

For example:

“What’s the best movie of all time?”

Google Assistant can’t give you a definitive answer to that because there isn’t one – she will likely ‘say’ to you, “Here’s what I found on the web” and show you a list of articles that have been written by different sources about “the best movies of all time”.

Practice with your Google Assistant, Keep Texting the WMOK Morning Show and be sure to join us at the Happy Hearts in September on the 21st at 10:45am – We hope you’ll make plans to attend and bring a friend!

For those learning how to operate their flip phone – we found the video below which covers use of a Samsung flip phone. While many many have different brands and models – we found that many in our group at Happy Hearts had Samsung.

For those learning how to operate their smartphone – we found the video below which covers use of an android phone. While many many have different brands and models – we found that this one shows great basic operation tips for an android phone.

Massac County History

Remembering Jim Hambrick: The Keeper of Superman - Metropolis IL Jun 13, 2025

First Saturday of Each Month Offers a Genealogy Focus at the Metropolis Public Library - WMOK Metropolis Jun 06, 2025

Metropolis' Own "Rifleman": The Enduring Legacy of Pool Legend Buddy Hall May 23, 2025

Exploring Illinois' Rich Heritage: A Mobile Exhibit on Precolonial Communities Apr 16, 2025

Massac County Sheriff Kaylor Talks Flooding in Massac Over the Years and Currently - WMOK Coffee Break - 4.8.25 Apr 11, 2025

Massac County School and Sports News

It was an SIRR Conference win on Tuesday in Carterville as the Patriots Boys Soccer team traveled to take on the Lions

Massac County 1, Carterville-Herrin 0

The Lady Patriots Golf team travels to Shawnee Hills this afternoon for a match with Harrisburg

Any Student interested in bowling, please come to the meeting:

September 7, 2023, at 3:15 in the High School gym.

This Week in Massac County Sports

The folks at Joppa-Maple Grove say that the love they are feeling is inspiring and has motivated them greatly.

Tomorrow – Thursday from 4pm until 8pm the Joppa High School Senior Class will oversee a book drive for Maple Grove students.

Folks may take gently used, K – 6th grade level, learning/educational, fiction/non-fiction books to 911 Joppa North Avenue on Thursday. Drop off will be at the entrance to the building.

WMOK serves as a drop off for the books described below well in an effort to provide an “in town” drop off location. We’ve had books to arrive today and tomorrow we will extend our hours to allow for a wider drop off time.

Those who wish to drop off books or supplies at WMOK for the Joppa-Maple Grove Students may do so during the hours of 6am to 12pm on Thursday or by appointment (text 618-524-9209) WMOK is located at 339 Fairgrounds Road in Massac County.

On Friday and beyond we will resume our regular lobby hours of 8am to 10:30am and by appointment.