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Today Is

National Candy Corn Day

National Candy Corn Day on October 30 is an Autumn treat for everyone. They are commonplace in store windows and at parties. We eat them like popcorn, by the handful, and so it seems only natural that we celebrate them for a day. Would you believe that technically they are a vegetable? Well, they are. Whether you grab some from your kitchen table or eat small packets, candy corn returns every year and it’s not going anywhere. So, grab a handful and join us for National Candy Corn Day.

Learn more about this and other holidays at National Today

Sunset in Metropolis, IL
Monday, October 30, 2023 (CDT)

5:59 PM

COLD Weather Incoming

For today we expect a high of 48 with gusty winds and an overnight low of 27.

The National Weather Service calls for a widespread frost tonight mainly after 10:00 p.m. and that should last until tomorrow morning approaching 10:00 a.m.

For tomorrow sunny with a high of 48 and gusty winds. Into the evening and overnight low of 24 – widespread frost again on Wednesday.

The National Weather Service issued a freeze warning in effect from 9:00 p.m. this evening until 9:00 a.m. Tuesday – sub freezing temperatures between 23 and 29 degrees. Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

We suggested to take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold and to prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes.

They should be wrapped, drained and allowed to drip slowly. If you have an inground sprinkler system you should drain that and cover the above ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

Ill Weather Brought Out the most Dedicated Trunk or Treaters on Saturday in Metropolis

(WMOK) Metropolis, IL – The weather did not cooperate for Saturday night’s Trunk or Treat at Fort Massac State Park.

The Trunk or Treat is held annually and is coordinated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Metropolis Police Department.

The costume contest took place at 4:00 to kick off the event. Pictured below are the winners for the 2023 Trunk or Treat contest with Metropolis Police chief Harry Masse and Metropolis Mayor Don Canada – as well as a photo of one of the winners who we didn’t realize had ‘stepped away for a moment’ when we took the group photo.

Due to the chilly weather and steady precipitation this year’s participation was more limited than in years past bringing out the most dedicated trunk or treaters.

The Metropolis Police department is able to provide community events via their safe fund. The safe fund was developed by Chief Harry Masse. Donations may be made to the Metropolis Police Department.

See more photos from Trunk or Treat on the WMOK Facebook Page

Clocks will “fall back” one hour at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, November 5, 2023.

Sunday, November 5, 2023

Clocks will “fall back” one hour at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, November 5, 2023.

The seasonal time change will occur on Sunday – that’s November 5th. Daylight Saving Time ends that day at 2:00 a.m. which is the official hour to set our clocks once again to standard Time.

A Sunshine Protection Act was proposed in 2021 and US Senate unanimously approved that act in 2022. Although it unanimously passed the Senate it didn’t make it past the House of Representatives and was not signed into law.

A 2023 version of the ACT has remained idol in Congress as well

Metropolis Police Department in Need of Dispatcher

/ WMOK

WMOK Staff

Oct 27, 2023 | 9:52 AM

(WMOK) Metropolis, IL – Metropolis Police Chief Harry Masse has advised that they are hiring a full time 911 dispatcher. Masse said that the position will likely be a night shift. 6p to 6a. (Union shop shift bids are twice a year by seniority)

Applications are available at Metropolis Police Department, 1020 Broadway St. Starting pay is $17.74 an hour plus benefits and retirement. .55 cents an hour shift differential for nights as well.

City of Metropolis Police Department is hiring a full-time dispatcher.

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

• 21 years of age

• US Citizen

• Work under stressful conditions

• Be able to deal with people under different stressful circumstances

• Pass drug test

• Pass criminal background test

• Pass IL State Police LEADS testing.

• Be able to type approx. 50 words per minute

• Be able to multi task under stressful situations

• Be able to work different shifts and holidays

• Excellent starting pay and benefits

You may pick up an application at City Hall or the Metropolis Police Department. Metropolis City Hall Jobs

The City of Metropolis is an equal opportunity employer.

The City of Metropolis will recruit, hire, train and promote into all job levels the most qualified individuals without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age, sexual orientation or affectional preference, military status, or status as a special disabled or Vietnam era veteran except where sex is a bona fide occupational qualification.

The City of Metropolis will prohibit harassment against any applicant or employee who is a member of one of these groups.

Applications will be accepted until close of business on Monday, November 27, 2023.

‘Tis the Sneezin’ to Get Protected: IDPH Launches Campaign to Fight Triple Threat of COVID-19, Flu, RSV

State of Illinois is urging Illinoisans to get protection from the full range of seasonal respiratory viruses

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has launched a new awareness campaign called ’Tis The Sneezin’ to remind residents to vaccinate against the fall and winter triple threat: the flu, COVID and RSV. The announcement comes as data indicates six counties in the state are at an elevated level for COVID-19 hospitalizations, according to the CDC’s national COVID Data Tracker<https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#maps_new-admissions-rate-county> as of the week ending October 14. However, the total number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state has been trending downward in recent weeks, with 503 hospitalizations for the week, down 8% from the previous week.

Also this week the CDC issued an alert to healthcare providers read more here advising of a shortage of a medication called nirsevimab which is used to protect infants from RSV. The CDC is recommending that doses should be prioritized for infants under 6 months and those with certain risk factors. The CDC also recommended that expectant parents talk to their healthcare provider about receiving an RSV vaccine approved for use during the 32nd to 36th week of pregnancy that protects newborns from RSV.

“IDPH is continuing to work closely with local, state, and federal partners to monitor the three respiratory viruses that caused last fall and winter’s tripledemic,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “We encourage all Illinois residents to do the same to prevent illness and protect yourself and your loved ones. The tools include washing your hands, improving ventilation inside your homes, staying home if sick, and getting immunized with the vaccines available to you. Why? Because . . . ‘Tis the Sneezin’.”

Highlighting a common way respiratory viruses spread, the ’Tis The Sneezin’ campaign showcases everyday moments interrupted by a common symptom of the flu, COVID and RSV, along with a punny call to action to encourage vaccinations. Following are some examples (click on links to see videos):

* Rideshare<https://youtu.be/vDYm7bj0wrs>: Don’t pick up illnesses this winter. Vaccines can keep you healthy through the holiday sneezin’.

* Elevator:<https://youtu.be/C4B_1KLx7v4> Ding! Sneezin’ season is coming up. Avoid coming down with symptoms by getting up to date on all vaccines.

* Detention:<https://youtu.be/wLq0OAm7hDo> Teach the flu, COVID and RSV a lesson on who’s boss. Get vaccinated and avoid the holiday sneezin’.

* Selfie:<https://youtu.be/vO6pyqt4cS8> Sickness always has the worst timing. Get protected from the holiday sneezin’ by getting vaccinated.

The campaign will reach Illinoisans in every corner of the state in both English and Spanish through a variety of traditional and online media channels, including cable, broadcast and connected TV; streaming audio and radio; billboards and bus shelters; digital display and video; print and social media.

In September, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended newly reformulated COVID-19 shots for everyone over the age of 6 months. The federal agencies have given the green light for updated mRNA vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer that target the currently circulating strains of the COVID-19 virus. They also have recently approved an updated Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.

These newly approved shots are considered safe when given at the same time as other vaccines for the flu and RSV.

Studies have consistently shown that COVID-19 vaccines lower the risk of getting symptomatic COVID-19 and improve protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death. New evidence is also emerging that it can protect you from long Covid and flu vaccines are also protective against heart disease. Most Americans can still get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. For people with health insurance, most plans will cover the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. People who don’t have health insurance or with health plans that do not cover the cost can get a free vaccine from their local health centers and pharmacies.

For those who are uninsured or under-insured, the CDC this summer launched the Bridge Access Program<https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/bridge/index.html> that will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines this fall. The Vaccines for Children Program<https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/index.html> will cover vaccines for eligible children.

In June, the CDC’s ACIP recommended use of a single dose of RSV vaccine for persons 60 years of age and older. In August, ACIP also recommended a new preventive measure against RSV for infants under 8 months and toddlers at high risk, a new monoclonal antibody shot called nirsevimab. This medication was the subject of the CDC’s advisory that warned of shortages and urger healthcare provides to prioritize the use of nirsevimab.

On September 22, ACIP recommended seasonal administration of one dose of RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy, to maximize protection for babies after birth.

For treatment of COVID-19, Illinoisans who experience symptoms can access no cost-share telehealth services through the SIU School of Medicine Covid Test to Treat<https://www.siumed.org/treatment/covid-19-test-treat-clinic> services or call (217) 545-5100.

Illinois has more than 170,000 courses of effective therapeutic medications, including Paxlovid and Lagevrio, supplied through the US government that are available through providers and pharmacies that will continue to be provided free of charge to those with Medicare, Medicaid and the uninsured until supplies run out. Paxlovid and Lagevrio will also be commercially available in November 2023.

The CDC recently launched a new national respiratory virus dashboard<https://static.prototype.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/index.html> that allows the public to view the levels of COVID-19, flu and RSV in each state.

Additional resources and COVID-19 data can be found at https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19.html.

The federal government has established a website that provides an all-purpose toolkit with information on how to obtain masks, treatment, vaccines and testing resources for all areas of the country at: https://www.covid.gov/.

Halloween Events Still to Come

TODAY

Massac County High School National Honor Society will hold a trunk-or-treat from 5-6 p.m. The honor society invites grade school aged children and encourages costumes. The Trunk or Treat will be held in the front parking lot of Massac High

Tuesday – Halloween

5pm – 8pm

City of Metropolis Trick or Treating

City-Wide Trick or Treating in Brookport from 5-8p

City-wide Trick or Treating – Village of Joppa – 5-8P

City-Wide Trick or Treating in Vienna from 5-8p

WMOK has confirmed with both nursing facilities in Metropolis that they will accept Trick or Treaters from 5 until 8pm in the lobby of their facilities.

Southgate Nursing and Rehabilitation Center – 900 E 9th St, Metropolis

Metropolis Rehabilitation & Health Care Center – 2299 Metropolis St, Metropolis

Keep Scrolling for more Metropolis and Massac County News from WMOK

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Coffee Break has been a part of the local morning radio landscape for decades.

Coffee Break is WMOK’s community affairs program in which host Kim Comer talks with local leaders, organizations and more.

Coming up on WMOK’s Coffee Break

Tuesday, October 31 – Massac County Commissioners

Wednesday, November 1 – Metropolis Fire Chief Micah Tolbert

Thursday, November 2 – Metropolis Public Library

Friday, November 3 – Joppa Maple Grove District 38 Superintendent Wendy Wear

Keep Scrolling for more Metropolis and Massac County News from WMOK

WMOK Morning Show

6am to 10am

Monday thru Friday

Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month:

Saturday, November 11
Veterans Day

Monday, November 13 – Friday, November 17

City of Metropolis Clean Up Week – All items must be at your normal pick up place and within 5 feet of the trash container. All Items should be bagged or contained – anything loose should be bundled so that it can be handled by one employee. Lumber will be picked up in small amounts only and must be stacked in 3’x3′ rolls. Carpet and padding must also be rolled in no larger than 3’x3′ rolls. Items that will not be picked up include: electronics, appliances, yard waste, hazardous or medical waste, construction and demolition debris, tires, batteries and paint cans (unless empty and dry).

Friday, November 17 5:30P

Massac Memorial Hospital Foundation Christmas Dueling Pianos – featuring Steve Heisner and John Windings at Shawnee Community College. Tickets are $30 until Nov 3rd. Silent Auction & Appetizers will start at 5:30 and event at 7:00pm. You may purchase tickets via the website or by calling Robbin McDaniel at 618-524-2176 x3113. Tickets can be purchase after Nov.3rd and at the door for $35

WMOK Community Events Listing
Brought to you in part by:

Metropolis Drugs 1

Beau Dodson Weather

WMOK Community Events Listing

Thursday, November 23 – Thanksgiving

Friday, November 24 – Black Friday

Saturday, November 25 – Small Business Saturday

City National Bank Coat Drive

City National Bank is accepting donations of new or gently used coats for youth in Massac County. Donations can be made at either branch location.

Monetary Donations can be made to City National Bank Attn Maggie PO Box 380 Metropolis, IL 62960.

Distributions will be made as requests are received or at the local schools week of November 13th.

Reminders from the Massac County Tax Assessors Office

(WMOK) Metropolis, IL – Massac County Supervisor of Assessments Gary Hamm has advised of upcoming reminders that homeowners will want to be aware of.

November 6th is the last day to file an appeal for the 2023 assessment year. You can file your appeal through the assessments office (1 Superman Square RM 1A, Metropolis) or by emailing garyhamm@massaccountyil.gov

Hamm also advised that splits and combinations requested after the date of July 31st 2023 will not be completed until the following assessment year. He asks that folks are mindful of this in their home closings.

Hear our Coffee Break from earlier this year with Gary Hamm here – We discussed Things homeowners can do to improve resale value of home, tax bills, things that can effect taxes and “the senior freeze”.

LIHEAP Program Available to Assist Southernmost Illinois Residents with Heating Expenses

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months).

Energy costs can place severe and continuing stress on a family’s budget. In some instances, households are forced to make painful decisions regarding which bills to pay and which necessities to survive without.

Illinois residents with a household income that does not exceed an amount determined annually by the Department of Commerce are eligible.

Annual eligibility levels are determined based on available funding and may not exceed 200% of the federal nonfarm poverty level.

Medicare Open Enrollment at Metropolis Happy Hearts in November

Must Schedule Appointment

(WMOK) Metropolis, IL – WMOK spoke with Betty at Happy Hearts about the upcoming Medicare Open Enrollment in November.

Betty told WMOK that Medicare Open Enrollment will be offered every Wednesday in November at Happy Hearts.

You must schedule an appointment. To do so – call 618-524-9755

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Illinois and Beyond

Illinois man will appear in court on hate crime and murder charges in attack on Muslim mother and son

JOLIET, Ill. (AP) — A man accused of murder, attempted murder and a hate crime in an attack on a Palestinian American woman and her young son is scheduled to appear in court on Monday following his indictmen t by an Illinois grand jury.

Joseph Czuba, 71, is expected to enter a plea at an arraignment on eight counts in the indictment filed last week. He is charged in the fatal stabbing of Wadea Al-Fayoume, 6, and the wounding of Hanaan Shahin on Oct. 14. Authorities said the victims were targeted because of their Muslim faith.

Shahin told police that Czuba, her landlord in Plainfield in Will County, was upset over the Israel-Hamas war and attacked them after she had urged him to “pray for peace.”

Generation Gap

Happy 78th Birthday Henry Winkler - American actor and comedian

Happy Birthday, Henry Winkler!

Today, we celebrate the life and career of this talented actor who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Born on October 30th, Henry Winkler has captivated audiences for decades with his diverse range of characters.

Most famously known for his iconic portrayal of Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli in the hit sitcom “Happy Days,” Winkler became a cultural phenomenon during the 1970s. His leather jacket, cool demeanor, and signature catchphrase “Aaay!” made him a beloved television icon.

However, Winkler’s talent extends far beyond the Fonz. He has showcased his versatility by taking on various roles throughout his career, such as the charismatic lawyer Barry Zuckerkorn in “Arrested Development” and the lovable Coach Klein in “The Waterboy.”

He even ventured into the horror genre, delivering a memorable performance as the principal in the “Scream” franchise.

Henry Winkler’s enduring charm, talent, and contributions to the entertainment world have solidified his status as a true Hollywood legend. Happy birthday to a remarkable actor!

Book Review: Henry Winkler grapples with the Fonz and dyslexia in his entertaining new memoir

Happy Hearts
Technology Time
with WMOK

Our next Technology Time at Happy Hearts will be Wednesday November 29th at 10:45am

We have a project for you learners during November.

We want you to text us at 618-524-9209 to get a conversation started. You can say good morning or request a song, tell us what you’re having for breakfast or anything you wish …. you can tell us who your are but you don’t have to …

We see that some of you are texting us fluently and we are super proud of you!

We see that some of you are learning to text and sometimes typing things that don’t quite make words or sentences – but we are also super proud of you!!

How extreme weather in the US may have affected the pumpkins you picked this year for Halloween

HUDSON, Colo. (AP) —

Alan Mazzotti can see the Rocky Mountains about 30 miles west of his pumpkin patch in northeast Colorado on a clear day. He could tell the snow was abundant last winter, and verified it up close when he floated through fresh powder alongside his wife and three sons at the popular Winter Park Resort.

But one season of above-average snowfall wasn’t enough to refill the dwindling reservoir he relies on to irrigate his pumpkins. He received news this spring that his water delivery would be about half of what it was from the previous season, so he planted just half of his typical pumpkin crop. Then heavy rains in May and June brought plenty of water and turned fields into a muddy mess, preventing any additional planting many farmers might have wanted to do.

Love it or hate it, feelings run high over candy corn come Halloween

NEW YORK (AP) — Cruel joke for trick-or-treaters or coveted seasonal delight? The great Halloween debate over candy corn is on.

In the pantheon of high-emotion candy, the classic shiny tricolor kernels in autumn’s white, orange and yellow are way up there. Fans and foes alike point to the same attributes: its plastic or candle-like texture (depending on who you ask) and the mega-sugar hit it packs.

“I am vehemently pro candy corn. It’s sugar! What is not to love? It’s amazing. It’s like this waxy texture. You get to eat it once a year. It’s tricolor. That’s always fun,” comedian Shannon Fiedler gushed on TikTok. “Also, I know it’s disgusting. Candy corn is objectively kind of gross, but that’s what makes it good.”

Read More: Read More Here

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WMOK School and Sports News

Massac County Unit #1

Massac Unit 1 Important Upcoming Dates

(WMOK) Metropolis, IL – When Massac Unit 1 School Superintendent Jason Hayes joined us for Coffee Break earlier this month he shared with us important upcoming dates for Massac County Unit 1 Schools.

Veterans Day will be observed on Friday November 10.

Franklin Elementary will hold their Veterans Day Program on Thursday the 9th.

Jefferson Elementary will hold their Veterans Day Program on Tuesday the 14th.

Hear our full discussion with Mr. Hayes regarding upcoming dates in the Soundcloud player below::

WMOK – Metropolis · Massac Unit 1 School Superintendent Jason Hayes – Important Dates For Fall 2023

Mr. Hayes joins WMOK for our Community Affairs program Coffee Break on the second Wednesday of each month.

Congratulations to MCHS Cross Country runner Jaydon Miller on his 14th place finish at the Benton 1A Sectional and qualifying for the IHSA State Meet Saturday in Peoria.

Massac County Lady Patriot Volleyball

Good luck to Coach Miller and the Massac County volleyball team as they take on the Bulldogs from Carmi-White County tonight in an IHSA 2A Sectional semi-final. The match will be played in Duster Thomas Gymnasium at Pinckneyville High School