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WMOK – Metropolis · Friday WMOK News Check 11.14

In from the National Weather Service of Paducah

Today Sunny, with a high near 75. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph.

Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. South southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 8 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.

Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming north after midnight.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 63. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 39. Calm wind.

WMOK Live Stream

Last Days to Nominate a Silver Bell to the Massac Memorial Hospital New Beginnings Department

METROPOLIS, IL—Massac Memorial Hospital’s New Beginnings department is once again inviting the community to participate in its annual Silver Bell Program for the 2025 holiday season. This heartfelt initiative aims to bring joy and support to isolated, low-income seniors in need during the festive time.

Nominations are currently open. Community members interested in submitting a nomination are asked to contact the New Beginnings department directly.

For questions or to nominate a senior, please call New Beginnings at 618-524-7370..

Hear more from Thursday’s WMOK Coffee Break with Kim Abell, Director of the New Beginnings Department

WMOK – Metropolis · CB Kim Abell Massac Memorial Hospital New Beginnings Dept 11.13

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

Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day

Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day is an annual observance on November 14th that encourages people to de-stress and not take things too seriously. The day is about releasing tension, letting go of worries, and finding happiness in a relaxed state of mind. People celebrate it by enjoying simple pleasures, spending time with loved ones, or participating in activities that promote relaxation.

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

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.

Mark Your Calendars! The Metropolis Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, December 6th at 1:00 PM!

Mark Your Calendars! The Metropolis Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, December 6th at 1:00 PM! This year’s theme is Classic Christmas — a celebration of timeless holiday traditions, twinkling lights, and the magic of the season.

We can’t wait to see the streets of Metropolis, IL filled with festive floats, cheerful music, and holiday spirit. Bring the whole family and help us kick off the Christmas season in true hometown style!

Sign up by following the link below:

https://forms.gle/srHs8Y6BBoXLB436A

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.

Project Hope Humane Society In Need of Floor and Surface Cleaner Donations

Hey friends! We are in desperate need of any kind of FLOOR and SURFACE cleaner. With as many animals as we have right now, we are going through it more than usual to keep everything looking and smelling great! You can always order it and send it to us directly or drop it off anytime! If it’s before or after open hours there is a donation bin/shelf out front you can leave it on. As always, we appreciate everything that gets donated to us, you guys are great!! Here’s our

Amazon Wish List link:
https://www.amazon.com/…/1AP4C…/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2

World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day is the primary global awareness campaign focusing on diabetes mellitus and is held on 14 November each year. WDD is led by the International Diabetes Federation, and each World Diabetes Day focuses on a theme related to diabetes.

From Rural Health, Inc.

Over 38 million Americans are living with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association® is on a mission to end this epidemic. Join us this #AmericanDiabetesMonth by getting involved and spreading awareness. Learn how you can get involved at diabetes.org/ADM.

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

Send your Job and Career Listings to WMOK

Text the information to 618-524-9209

Massac County Sports

Congratulations to these six MCHS boys soccer players who were very deserving of their selections to the SIRR All-Conference team following an outstanding 2025 season…LET’S GO PATRIOTS!!!

Join us tonight as we Meet the Lady Patriots basketball team and see them in action during their team scrimmages. The event starts at 6:30pm with concessions available. $3 adult and $2 student admission. Show out in your RED, WHITE, and BLUE

National News

The current state of SNAP benefits in Illinois as of noon on Friday, November 14, 2025

(WMOK)

Resumption of Full November Benefits

Status: The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has announced that it is restoring full USDA SNAP benefits now that the federal government shutdown has ended.
Timeline: IDHS anticipates that the remaining benefit payments will be made over the coming days. All SNAP recipients are expected to receive their full November benefits by November 20, 2025.
Background: Illinois had previously issued only partial November benefits to some recipients during the shutdown, while a number of other states were subject to judicial rulings and federal policy changes that complicated benefit distribution.

The current state of SNAP benefits in Illinois as of noon on Friday, November 14, 2025, is focused on the resumption of full benefits following the end of a recent federal government shutdown that had disrupted payments.

Here is a summary of the situation:

1. Resumption of Full November Benefits

Status: The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has announced that it is restoring full USDA SNAP benefits now that the federal government shutdown has ended.
Timeline: IDHS anticipates that the remaining benefit payments will be made over the coming days. All SNAP recipients are expected to receive their full November benefits by November 20, 2025.
Background: Illinois had previously issued only partial November benefits to some recipients during the shutdown, while a number of other states were subject to judicial rulings and federal policy changes that complicated benefit distribution.

2. Implementation of New Federal Work Requirements

Regardless of the shutdown, major, permanent changes to the SNAP program passed by the federal government earlier in 2025 are being implemented in Illinois:

Expanded Work Requirements: New federal rules are expanding the number of people subject to work requirements.
- The age range for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) subject to the requirement has been raised to 18-64 (previously 18-54).
- Exemptions for veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, and youth aging out of foster care have been removed in many circumstances, making them subject to the time limit unless they qualify for another exemption.
- The exemption for caring for a dependent child has been narrowed to children under age 14.
- The first potential countable month for ABAWDs who are not exempt or meeting the work requirement in Illinois is December 2025.
Eligibility Changes: The new federal law also removes SNAP eligibility for certain immigrants who are legally present in the U.S.

The state is working to navigate the immediate task of restoring November payments while also preparing its systems for the permanent changes to eligibility and work requirements.

For the most up-to-date information, it is best to check the official Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) website or contact their support line.