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In from the National Weather Service of Paducah

This Afternoon Sunny, with a high near 63. West southwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light.
Tonight Patchy dense fog between 8pm and 5am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 37. Calm wind.
Tuesday Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 68. Light and variable wind becoming south southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 47. South southwest wind around 7 mph.
Wednesday Sunny, with a high near 71. Southwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon.
Southern Seven Health Department Assures Continuation of Head Start and WIC Programs Amid Government Shutdown
Last week, the Southern Seven Health Department issued an update regarding the government shutdown and its impact on Head Start and WIC programs. Shawnna Rhine of the Southern Seven Health Department informed WMOK that they are well aware of the concerns raised by families served through Head Start and WIC due to the recent government shutdown. They continue to monitor the situation daily and want to assure everyone that, despite delays in the federal budget, services will proceed as usual until they receive further notice.
Additionally, Shawna mentioned that earlier this month, they confirmed that WIC would remain open and operational in Illinois, with resources available through October.
This deadline has now been extended through November.
She stated that funds for Head Start are expected to continue through the end of this year, and there are no planned program changes at this time.
Shawnna appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding, and she encourages individuals to contact the Southern Seven Health Department with questions or concerns. The contact number is 618-634-2297.
SNAP Benefits for November 2025: Delayed Partial Payments Amid Federal Government Shutdown
As of now, SNAP benefits are going to be released, but the payments are delayed and will be partial for November 2025 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
- Partial Payment Authorized: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will use emergency contingency funds to provide 50% of the usual monthly SNAP allotment to eligible households for November.
 - Court Mandate: This decision comes after two federal judges ruled that the administration must tap into these emergency funds to prevent a complete cutoff of the nation’s largest food aid program.
 - Delayed Issuance: Even with the funding authorized, the payments have been delayed and will not arrive on the regular schedule. State agencies are currently working to implement the system changes required to issue the new, reduced benefit amount, which may take days or even weeks in some states.
 - Contingency Fund Depleted: The use of this emergency fund will deplete it entirely, which could lead to a similar funding crisis in December if the government shutdown is not resolved.
 - Prior Benefits Still Usable: Any unspent SNAP benefits from previous months remain on your EBT card and can be used as normal.
 
Recipients should receive a partial benefit for November, but it will be delayed.
Scam Warning: Massac County Residents Targeted by Fraudulent Power Company Calls
The Massac County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents about a recent scam targeting local households. Individuals are reporting receiving phone calls from someone impersonating a representative from Ameren.
During these calls, the scammer claims that the recipient’s power service is at risk of being shut off unless an outstanding balance is paid immediately. Authorities urge residents to be cautious and refrain from providing any personal or account information over the phone.
Legitimate power companies typically reach out through official communications such as mail or email, not via phone for urgent payment requests. If you receive such a call, it is recommended that you hang up and contact your power provider directly to verify your account status.
Stay vigilant and share this warning with friends and family to help prevent potential scams.
WMOK Community Events Listing
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Text – 618-524-9209
E-mail – WMOKnews@frontier.com
November
National Fig Week is celebrated annually from November 1–7. It is a time to celebrate the unique flavor and health benefits of figs by cooking with them, sharing recipes on social media, or learning more about the fruit.
Monday, November 3, 2025
Golconda, IL City Clean Up Week
6:30P – The Massac County Historical Society at Elijah P. Curtis Home meets the first Monday of each month at 405 Market St.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
National Easy-Bake Oven Day
12P – The Kiwanis Club of Metropolis meets every Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 520 Ferry Street in Metropolis
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
1-3P – DAR – Daughters of the American Revolution – 1st Wednesday of each month – Metropolis Public Library, 317 Metropolis St.
The “Beaver Moon” is the name for the full moon in November, traditionally named because it’s the time of year when beavers were busy preparing for winter. This year’s Beaver Moon is also a supermoon, making it the largest and brightest full moon of 2025. It will be visible shortly after sunset on November 5th, rising in the east.
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- Origin of the name: The name comes from the time of year when beavers were most active in building dams and lodges and storing food for the coming winter, and it was also the season for trapping beavers for their pelts.
 - When to see it: The full moon rises in the east around sunset on November 5th, appearing largest and brightest in the night sky. You can see it with your eyes, or with binoculars for a closer look.
 
 
- What else to see: In addition to the moon, you may be able to spot other celestial objects like the Pleiades and Hyades star clusters, the constellation Orion, and the planet Jupiter.
 
Thursday, November 6, 2025
12P – The Rotary Club of Metropolis meets every Thursday at Community Christian Church, 1150 Country Club Rd.
Friday, November 7, 2025
Dear Santa Letter Week is a week-long observance from November 7-13, dedicated to the tradition of children writing letters to Santa Claus. During this time, parents and kids can participate in activities like writing and mailing letters, with some options to receive a special North Pole postmark through programs like the USPS Letters from Santa program.
Recreation Time for Needle Crafters
– Nifty Needles Meets from 4:30-5:30 on Friday Afternoons at the Metropolis Public Library
For more information about the Nifty Needles Group, stop by the library or call 618-524-4312.
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Monday, November 10 – Friday, November 14th
Metropolis City Clean Up Week
WMOK's Coffee Break Program:

Thursday – November 6 – Metropolis Public Library – Director Colby Kennedy
920AM and streaming worldwide
We invite you to text 
questions and topics for our guests to 
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Volunteering
Getting involved in volunteering around Metropolis and Massac County is a great way to connect with our neighbors and make a difference. Places like the COPE Food Pantry and local groups like the Metropolis Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, and Massac Memorial Hospital Auxiliary offer fun ways to pitch in and help create a closer, stronger community for everyone.

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Silver Crown Masonic Cemetery

While out and about in Metropolis over the weekend, we ran into these two fantastic representatives of the Silver Crown Masonic Cemetery. The group is holding a 50/50 Raffle to raise funds for maintenance at the cemetery. To purchase a ticket contact via their facebook page
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