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Thursday WMOK News Check “Yellow Sheet” – 11.13.25 WMOK – Metropolis and Massac County News

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In from the National Weather Service of Paducah

7.14.25 - In From the National Weather Service

Today Partly sunny, with a high near 66. Light south southeast wind.


Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Calm wind.


Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Light south wind becoming southwest 5 to 9 mph in the morning.


Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. South southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.


SaturdayMostly sunny, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Joppa-Maple Grove Unit School District 38 Reports Medical Emergency; All Students Safe

Officials at Joppa-Maple Grove Unit School District 38 advised via social media on Wednesday afternoon that they experienced a medical emergency involving a student.  They stated that the staff responded quickly, and emergency personnel were contacted immediately. The student’s parent/guardian has been notified, and they are relieved to share that everyone is okay.

Celebrating 70 Years: Massac Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Invites Community to Special Reception

The Massac Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is excited to invite the community to a special reception celebrating 70 years of service and dedication. Members of the Auxiliary, former board members, past gift shop managers, and volunteers are all encouraged to visit the Forget Me Not Gift Shop at 28 Chick St, Metropolis, on Wednesday December 3 between 1 and 4 p.m. to enjoy a showcase of memorabilia from the past seven decades.

 

Founded on December 3, 1955, the Auxiliary has played a vital role in supporting the hospital and enhancing patient care through various fundraising efforts and initiatives. This event not only highlights the rich history of the Auxiliary but also provides an opportunity for community members to gather, reminisce, and learn more about the organization and its mission.

 

In addition to browsing the nostalgic displays, attendees will be treated to light refreshments. Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the community, this reception offers a perfect chance to connect with others and celebrate the impactful work of the Auxiliary.

 

Join us in honoring the legacy of the Massac Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the many lives it has touched throughout the years!

Light Up Massac County! Join the 2025 Christmas Light Trail!

Light Up Massac County! Join the 2025 Christmas Light Trail!

Do you have the most festive house on the block? Is your holiday spirit too bright to contain? Then it’s time to shine! The Massac County Christmas Light Trail is back for 2025, and we are calling on every resident and business to transform our county into the most dazzling holiday destination in Southern Illinois!

This is more than just a light display; it’s a month-long, county-wide celebration powered by your creativity, making an unforgettable memory for every family who drives the route.

Organizers need your help to make this year the biggest and brightest ever! Sign up to put your home on the official map and share your light with thousands of visitors.

Here’s what you need to know:

The Dates: The trail runs from December 1st through December 31st, offering a full 31 nights of festive fun.

The Time: We encourage all participants to keep their lights on until at least 9:00 PM each night, so families and late-evening drivers can enjoy the magic.

The Exposure: Your address and location will be featured on the official Massac County Christmas Light Trail Facebook page, Google Maps, and all advertisements for the event. Get ready for your home to be a viral sensation! (You also acknowledge the possibility of people photographing your fantastic display.)

🎁 Host a Special Event!
Take your participation to the next level by hosting a special event on one evening of the trail! Turn your home into a holiday hotspot and create a lasting memory for the community. Share your ideas—we want to hear them!

Ideas for a Special Evening:

Santa Waving: Schedule a time for Santa to wave to families from your yard!

Toy Drive Drop-Off: Host a special drop-off evening to support a great cause.

Passing Out Candy/Hot Cocoa: Spread cheer with a sweet treat for trail drivers.

If you have a special event idea, please list it in your contact and the organizers will reach out to you by phone to coordinate a date and ensure it is fully advertised!

✍️ How to Sign Up and Be Featured!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Massac County’s favorite holiday tradition. There is no official form needed—just reach out to the organizers to get your address on the map!

To Register Your Home or Event, Contact:

Jennifer Johnson Travis

The Massac County Christmas Light Trail Facebook page

Superintendent Hayes Talks with WMOK Regarding Employee Misconduct Allegations at Massac County Unit 1 – WMOK Coffee Break – 11.12.25

WMOK spoke with Massac County Unit 1 School Superintendent Jason Hayes on Friday regarding a recent post by a parent on the Metropolis and Massac Community Watch Page about alleged employee misconduct. Mr. Hayes informed WMOK that he has spoken with the parent and reviewed the video footage in question. Hayes said that after discussing the matter with the Metropolis Police Department, it has been determined that the student was not handled inappropriately. Additionally, Mr. Hayes has forwarded the video to States Attorney Josh Stratmeyer to ensure it is on file.

In his comments, Hayes emphasized the importance of addressing community concerns:

“The critical point is that we are committed to ensuring that no one feels unsafe. While the student was not mistreated, the mother’s worries about safety are valid, and we are dedicated to strengthening our relationships and building trust within the community.”

Mr. Hayes spoke with WMOK’s Kim Comer on Wednesday’s Coffee Break program regarding the incident.  Hear the discussion below.

National Entrepreneurship Month!

WMOK is excited to be digging into National Entrepreneurship Month!
We’ll be scheduling special segments throughout the month to highlight the importance of local business and the entrepreneurial spirit.

 

Tuesday – November 19
– Shane Leonard, La Pizza di Shane

 

We are currently setting dates with Super City Cleaners and TC3 Music Supply,

 

We want to hear from our local entrepreneurs regarding their passions, their challenges and more as it applies to entrepreneurship in Metropolis and Massac County.

 

What local entrepreneurs would you like us to invite as guests on WMOK’s Coffee Break Program?

 

Please feel free to text the info to 618-524-9209 to submit.

 

Tired of missing out on local news and community happenings in Metropolis, Illinois?

Do you: Have a question about local news happenings, Have a suggestion for our Coffee Break Program, Have a question or topic you would like us to discuss on our Coffee Break or Metropolis and Massac County News?

The WMOK Text Line is your direct link to what’s happening. Subscribe to our free service and get the News Check Yellow Sheet delivered right to your phone five days a week.

The WMOK Text Line is also the best way to send in birthday and anniversary announcements, request a song, and submit topics for our popular community affairs program, Coffee Break.

Subscription: To subscribe, text the word “News” to 618-524-9209.

Just text your messages to (618)524-9209.

Stay connected with WMOK!



WMOK Community Events Listing

See Your Event
in the WMOK Community Events Listing

Send all pertinent details,
graphics and information to:

Text – 618-524-9209
E-mail – WMOKnews@frontier.com



November

Celebrating the Magic of Dear Santa Letter Week: A Heartfelt Holiday Tradition – November 7-13

Celebrating the Magic of Dear Santa Letter Week: A Heartfelt Holiday Tradition - November 7-13

Dear Santa Letter Week, celebrated from November 7-13, is a special time of year that emphasizes the joy and magic of children writing letters to Santa Claus. This week-long observance encourages parents and their little ones to engage in the delightful tradition of crafting heartfelt messages to Santa, sharing their hopes and wishes for Christmas. It’s an opportunity not only for children to express their desires but also for families to come together and participate in festive activities.

During Dear Santa Letter Week, many parents take advantage of programs like the USPS Letters from Santa, which provides a special North Pole postmark. This adds an extra touch of magic, making the experience even more memorable for the children.

The tradition of writing letters to Santa has deep roots, tracing back to the 19th century.

While the exact origin is difficult to pinpoint, it is believed that the practice began as a way for children to communicate their Christmas wishes. In the early 1900s, letters to Santa became more popular as the holiday gained commercial significance. Families would often encourage children to write their wishes down, fostering a sense of hope and excitement around Christmas.

Over the years, the idea of writing to Santa evolved, with many parents and communities creating elaborate events and mail services to make the experience more enchanting. This beautiful tradition continues to thrive today, as children cherish the opportunity to connect with Santa and imagine the joy of Christmas morning. Dear Santa Letter Week celebrates this timeless custom, bringing families closer as they share in the spirit of giving and the magic of the holiday season.


Thursday, November 13, 2025

Thursday – November 13
– Massac Memorial Hospital New Beginnings Director Kim Abell


Today on WMOK’s Coffee Break Program following the  8am WMOK News Check: New Beginnings Seeks Nominations for Annual Massac Memorial Hospital Silver Bell Project

New Beginnings Seeks Nominations for Annual Massac Memorial Hospital Silver Bell Project

As the holiday season approaches, New Beginnings is inviting the community to participate in a heartwarming initiative by nominating deserving seniors for the Massac Memorial Hospital Silver Bell program. This project aims to bring joy and support to isolated seniors in need.

The Silver Bell program is designed to assist seniors who meet specific criteria. Nominations are open for individuals who are low-income, living alone, and do not have active family members residing in the area. This initiative provides an opportunity for community members to ensure that these seniors do not feel forgotten during the festive season.

Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to New Beginnings for further information and to submit nominations. For questions or to nominate a senior, please call New Beginnings at 618-524-7370.


World Kindness Day is an annual observance on November 13th, dedicated to promoting goodwill and acts of kindness globally. It was launched in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement and is celebrated with events and actions that emphasize compassion, empathy, and positive behavior toward others.


Metropolis Chamber of Commerce
Join us as we welcome Cheri’s Berries Cafe & Play to Metropolis! 🎀✨
📍 215 E 5th Street, Metropolis, IL
📅 Ribbon Cutting: November 13 at 1:00 PM
Bring your friends, snap a photo with the big scissors, and help us celebrate this sweet new spot for kids and families in our community. 🍓☕🧁

We’ll see you there!




Christmas Barn Sale Trail


6P – Metropolis Lions’ Club – 2nd Thursday of the month at the Metropolis Community Center, 900 W 10th St. – Small Conference Room




Friday, November 14, 2025


World Diabetes Day




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 15, 2025






1p-2p – Cherokee Trail of Tears in Southern Illinois
Giant City State Park

Heather Carey, Heritage Program Manager/Tribal Liaison for the Shawnee National Forest and President of the Illinois Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association will present on the Cherokee Trail of Tears through southern Illinois. She will discuss the historical background leading up to the forced removal of the Cherokee, information about local resources related to the Trail, and initiatives being undertaken to learn more about the Trail and the Cherokee experience while traveling through southern Illinois. Please call 618-457-4836 to register or for more information. More info





Sunday, November 16, 2025

National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week is observed annually the week before Thanksgiving, with the 2025 observance taking place from November 16 to November 22. This week aims to raise public awareness and support for those experiencing hunger and homelessness through various events, including educational, fundraising, and advocacy initiatives.

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.

Send your Job and Career Listings to WMOK

Text the information to 618-524-9209

Fat Edd’s Roadhouse – HIRING EXPERIENCED SERVERS $9.00 / HOUR + TIPS
323 Ferry St, Metropolis



Harrah’s is Hiring Room Attendants – Earn a $300 sign-on bonus after 30 days and up to $800 total after 90 days!

WMOK's Coffee Break Program:

Thursday – November 6
– Metropolis Public Library – Director Colby Kennedy

Tuesday – November 11
– Massac County Sheriff Chad Kaylor 

Wednesday – November 12
– Massac County School Superintendent Jason Hayes

Thursday – November 13
– Massac Memorial Hospital New Beginnings Director Kim Abell

Tuesday – November 18 
– Shane Leonard, La Pizza di Shane

Wednesday – November 19
– Metropolis Animal Control and Abatement Officer John Roman

Wednesday
– November 26 – Metropolis Police Chief Harry Masse

920AM and streaming worldwide 

Coffee Break Archive



We invite you to text
questions and topics for our guests to 

618-524-9209



Tired of missing out on local news and community happenings in Metropolis, Illinois?

Subscription: To subscribe, text the word “News” to 618-524-9209.

The WMOK Text Line is your direct link to what’s happening. Subscribe to our free service and get the News Check Yellow Sheet delivered right to your phone five days a week.

The WMOK Text Line is also the best way to send in birthday and anniversary announcements, request a song, and submit topics for our popular community affairs program, Coffee Break.

Subscription: To subscribe, text the word “News” to 618-524-9209.

Just text your messages to (618)524-9209.
Stay connected with WMOK!

Don’t Forget To Text For Your Free Subscription:
Get Massac County and Metropolis IL News – Delivered To Your Text Message In Box 5 Days a Week –

Text *News* to WMOK at 618-524-9209

A penny short: US mints final 1-cent coins after over 230 years in circulation

(ABS News – Wednesday, November 12, 2025 4:10PM)
From here on out, a penny saved is more than just a penny earned; it’s also a relic of history.

The final penny was minted on Wednesday at the Philadelphia Mint after over 230 years in circulation as a useful coin flip device, a vehicle to cast wishes into lucky ponds and the smallest form of U.S. currency.

“Today, we retire the penny,” Derek Theurer, who is performing the duties of Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, said in statements delivered at the Philadelphia Mint, the same city where the first penny was created over two centuries prior.

U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach also spoke at the event, highlighting the historic moment. Beach said the last time the United States discontinued a coin was the half cent in 1857.

Historic Federal Government Shutdown Comes to an End

WMOK – WASHINGTON D.C. – The longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history is officially over.

President Donald Trump signed a funding bill late Wednesday night, November 12, bringing an end to the 43-day political stalemate that began on October 1.

The agreement funds the government through January 30, 2026, allowing federal agencies to reopen and resume normal operations over the next few days.

Key Impacts Ending: The deal means that hundreds of thousands of furloughed federal workers will return to their jobs and receive back pay. Critical services—including SNAP (food stamps), which faced funding uncertainty, and operations at airports—are now secure for the time being.

The Funding Bill: The resolution was brokered in the Senate and passed the House late Wednesday, despite objections from many Democrats who were demanding an extension of expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. While the ACA subsidies were not included in the final bill, the deal reportedly includes a promise for a Senate vote on the issue in December.

Federal workers impacted by the shutdown should monitor official communications from their specific agencies regarding their return-to-work schedules.

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