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Metropolis Police Arrest Suspect on Warrant and Drug Charges
Date: October 19, 2025
Time: 11:42 PM
Officers of the Metropolis Police Department observed an occupied vehicle parked at the closed Sports Park. Upon investigation, the passenger, identified as 34-year-old Gregory R. Dinkins, Jr., a resident of Metropolis, was recognized by the officer as being wanted on a warrant. This warrant, issued by Massac County, was for Failure to Appear (FTA) and Resisting Arrest.
Dinkins was taken into custody without incident. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered numerous baggies containing pills suspected to be Fentanyl. As a result, Dinkins was charged not only for the outstanding warrant but also with Possession of a Controlled Substance with the intent to deliver. He has been lodged in the Massac County Detention Center.
The preceding information pertains to an arrest made by the Metropolis Police Department. This arrest was made on the basis of probable cause and all arrestees are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week
Southernmost Illinois Food Pantry Listing
*To add a pantry to the listing or make changes to information on a pantry already listed – please text WMOK at 618-524-9209 or email WMOKnews@frontier.com
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: All participants are encouraged 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. Sign up and turn your display into 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!
Jennifer Johnson Travis, one of the event organizers, encourages everyone to think outside the box.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
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 announced!
How to Sign Up and Be Featured!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of Massac County’s favorite new holiday tradition.
There is no official form needed—just reach out to the organizers to get your address on the map!
Your participation will help create a magical atmosphere that brings our community together and spreads joy throughout the season.
To Register Your Home or Event, Contact:
Jennifer Johnson Travis
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
American Education Week is a national observance held annually in the third week of November, before Thanksgiving. It is a time to celebrate public education and show appreciation for all school employees, including teachers, administrators, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers.
November 17–21, 2025 Geography Awareness Week is celebrated annually in the third week of November, with the specific dates changing each year. The week aims to increase understanding of geography’s importance by encouraging citizens of all ages to learn about the significance of place and how we affect and are affected by it.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Thursday, November 20, 2025
National Game and Puzzle Week is celebrated during the week of Thanksgiving, from November 20th to November 26th, to encourage families to connect through games and puzzles. This celebration includes a wide variety of activities, from playing board games and card games to solving jigsaw puzzles and word games, which are seen as a fun way to spend time together during the holiday. The event highlights the cognitive benefits of games and puzzles, such as improved problem-solving, pattern recognition, and mood, while fostering quality time with loved ones.
12P – The Rotary Club of Metropolis meets every Thursday at Community Christian Church, 1150 Country Club Rd.
Friday, November 21, 2025
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 22, 2025
Join us for a fun day of shopping with local vendors! Baked goods, crafters, raffles, door prizes and pictures with Santa! Brittany Crim from Southern Spread will be on hand with her delicious food for sale during the event. All to benefit Project Hope Humane Society. Admission $1
You’re invited to Brookport’s Thanksgiving! This dinner is not just for those in need, its a chance to gather, connect, and celebrate the spirit of gratitude.
Join your neighbors, old friends, church congregation, and new faces around the table for a warm meal and great company!
Transportation to the event will be provided! For more information please contact Brookport City Hall at (618) 564-2351.
Sunday, November 23, 2025
November
Monday, November 24, 2025
7-8P – City of Metropolis City Council Meeting – Upstairs at the Metropolis City Hall, 106 W 5th St – Metropolis City Council meetings occur on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
12P – The Kiwanis Club of Metropolis meets every Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 520 Ferry Street in Metropolis
BETTER CONVERSATION WEEK – November 23-29, 2025
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Thanksgiving Day
Friday, November 28, 2025
Black Friday 2025 is on Friday, November 28, 2025, which is the day after Thanksgiving. While this is the official date, many retailers will have deals starting in early November.
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 29, 2025
Small Business Saturday is on November 29, 2025, and is a day dedicated to supporting small, local businesses. The event encourages consumers to shop at neighborhood stores and restaurants and is a key part of the holiday shopping season, falling on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Superman Square
Caroling begins at 4:30 PM Tree Lighting at 5:00 PM
Enjoy cookies and hot cocoa with family and friends as we kick off the holiday season together!
November 29th & 30th
December 6th & 7th
December 13th & 14th
Coffee from Crown Brew Coffee
Food Vendors
Feed cups
Please leave your furry friends at home
Sunday, November 30, 2025
New Beginnings Seeks Nominations for Annual Massac Memorial Hospital Silver Bell Project
Final Days to Submit a Silver Bell
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.
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
We invite you to text
questions and topics for our guests to
618-524-9209
Metropolis Elementary School Fundraiser Invites Community to "Tattoo a Warrior"
The MES community is gearing up for a unique fundraiser titled “Tattoo a Warrior.” A total of 33 adventurous staff members have volunteered to don temporary tattoos, offering students and families a fun way to support their school.
Participants will have the opportunity to choose their favorite staff members to sponsor, and these brave educators will proudly display their temporary ink on Tuesday, November 25. The anticipation is building as students look forward to seeing their teachers and staff adorned with vibrant and playful designs.
Order forms for this fun event will be sent home with students, and for those who prefer the convenience of online shopping, orders can also be placed via a provided link. This initiative not only promises to engage the community but also aims to strengthen school spirit while raising funds for future projects.
Mark your calendars for November 25, and get ready to cheer on your favorite MES staff members as they showcase their temporary tattoos!
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