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Courthouse Closure Notice Due to Waterline Break in Vienna, IL
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Department Vienna,IL has advised that due to a waterline break in Vienna, the courthouse will be closed until further notice. The Sheriff’s Office will remain open.
WMOK Community Events Listing
Send YOUR Event details, graphics and information to:
Text – 618-524-9209
E-mail – WMOKnews@frontier.com
December
Cookie Cutter Week: 1-7
Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is an annual event, typically held in early December, that focuses on helping older adults stay safe on the road by promoting safe driving skills, managing age-related changes, and exploring alternative transportation options. The 2024 week was held December 2–6. Key themes include understanding physical and cognitive changes, being proactive about health and vision, and planning for the future, according to the American Occupational Therapy Association and the Ohio Traffic Safety Office.
Monday, December 1, 2025
Rosa Parks Day – On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks, a seamstress and secretary for the local NAACP chapter, refused to give up her seat in the “colored” section of a segregated bus to a white passenger after the “white” section was full. This act of civil disobedience was a pre-planned stand against Jim Crow laws and led to her arrest.
Her refusal sparked the 381-day Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event led by Martin Luther King Jr., which ultimately resulted in the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that bus segregation laws were unconstitutional.
World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.
Cyber Monday – Originally coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation’s online division, Shop.org, the term “Cyber Monday” was created to encourage people to shop online at a time when in-store Black Friday sales were the dominant post-Thanksgiving event.
It capitalized on the trend of people returning to work with high-speed internet connections and continuing their holiday shopping from their desks.
Today, it is one of the biggest online shopping days of the year, with many retailers offering exclusive online deals, free shipping, and limited-time offers to attract customers who prefer the convenience of shopping from home to avoid the crowds associated with physical stores.
Meteorological winter is the three-month period from December 1st to February 28th (or 29th in a leap year) in the Northern Hemisphere, based on the annual temperature cycle rather than Earth’s orbit.
This definition was adopted by meteorologists because the months of December, January, and February consistently have the coldest average temperatures, making it easier to calculate and compare seasonal statistics year-to-year.
COPE Food Pantry Distribution
C.O.P.E. Food Pantry Distribution takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Metropolis at 1013 North Avenue from 9am until 3pm. Please bring your photo I.D. and proof of Massac County Residency.
– Brookport Distribution – 9A- 12P – Christian Church building that is directly behind the Harry Statham gymnasium . Every 3rd Thursday of the month 9A-12P – (618)524-3635
–Joppa Distribution – 10A-12P – Civic Center next to Joppa City Hall. Every 3rd Saturday a month. Please bring your photo I.D. and proof of Massac County residency. (618) 524-3635.
(618) 524-3635
6:30P – The Massac County Historical Society at Elijah P. Curtis Home meets the first Monday of each month at 405 Market St.
At The River Ministries Community Meal
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Giving Tuesday – Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement that encourages people to do good in their communities and the world. It takes place annually on the Tuesday after U.S. Thanksgiving, following major shopping days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to shift the focus from consumerism to philanthropy.
12P – The Kiwanis Club of Metropolis meets every Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 520 Ferry Street in Metropolis
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
National Package Protection Day is on December 3, 2025, and is celebrated on the Wednesday after Thanksgiving to encourage consumers to protect their deliveries from theft during the holiday season. The day was founded in 2016 by Ring.com and National Day Calendar.
The 2025 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will take place on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Rockefeller Center in New York City. The event will be broadcast live as part of “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” and will feature the tree being lit with over 50,000 LED lights and crowned with a Swarovski star.
The 2025 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, 2025, with the tree being lit around 10 p.m. EST. The ceremony will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock, starting at 8 p.m. EST.
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Time: The “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” broadcast starts at 8 p.m. EST, and the tree is lit around 10 p.m. EST.
How to watch: The event will be broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock.
Host: Country music star Reba McEntire will host the special.
Performers: Musical guests include Marc Anthony, Halle Bailey, Michael Bublé, Laufey, and Gwen Stefani. The Radio City Rockettes will also perform as they celebrate their centennial.
COPE Food Pantry Distribution
C.O.P.E. Food Pantry Distribution takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Metropolis at 1013 North Avenue from 9am until 3pm. Please bring your photo I.D. and proof of Massac County Residency.
– Brookport Distribution – 9A- 12P – Christian Church building that is directly behind the Harry Statham gymnasium . Every 3rd Thursday of the month 9A-12P – (618)524-3635
–Joppa Distribution – 10A-12P – Civic Center next to Joppa City Hall. Every 3rd Saturday a month. Please bring your photo I.D. and proof of Massac County residency. (618) 524-3635.
(618) 524-3635
1-3P – DAR – Daughters of the American Revolution – 1st Wednesday of each month – Metropolis Public Library, 317 Metropolis St.
Thursday, December 4, 2025
The full Moon will be 100% illuminated on December 4 at 6:14 P.M. EST. For the most dramatic view, watch just after moonrise, when the Moon appears larger near the horizon—a phenomenon called the “Moon illusion.” More from Farmers Almanac
National Sock Day is celebrated annually on December 4th to recognize the importance of socks and to commemorate two historical events that occurred on that day in 1954 and 1991. It’s a day to celebrate matched pairs, wear your favorite socks, and often involves charitable giving, such as donating socks to those in need.
12P – The Rotary Club of Metropolis meets every Thursday at Community Christian Church, 1150 Country Club Rd.
Friday, December 5, 2025
International Volunteer Day for Economic & Social Development is an annual observance on December 5th that celebrates the vital contributions of volunteers to social and economic development worldwide. It aims to raise awareness of volunteerism’s impact, encourage more people to volunteer, and encourage governments to support volunteer efforts. The day highlights how volunteers contribute to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by participating in everything from local initiatives to global projects.
COPE Food Pantry Distribution
C.O.P.E. Food Pantry Distribution takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Metropolis at 1013 North Avenue from 9am until 3pm. Please bring your photo I.D. and proof of Massac County Residency.
– Brookport Distribution – 9A- 12P – Christian Church building that is directly behind the Harry Statham gymnasium . Every 3rd Thursday of the month 9A-12P – (618)524-3635
–Joppa Distribution – 10A-12P – Civic Center next to Joppa City Hall. Every 3rd Saturday a month. Please bring your photo I.D. and proof of Massac County residency. (618) 524-3635.
(618) 524-3635
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, December 6, 2025
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 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
Sunday, December 7, 2025
WMOK's Coffee Break Program:
We invite you to text
questions and topics for our guests to
618-524-9209
Now taking orders for engraved bricks, pavers & arrays to be placed on the Walkway of the Massac County WWII Memorial
As the holiday season approaches, an opportunity arises to honor the brave men and women who served during World War II. The Heroes of Massac Endeavors are now accepting orders for engraved bricks, pavers, and arrays to be installed on the Walkway of the Massac County WWII Memorial. This initiative not only commemorates the sacrifices made by local heroes but also enhances the community’s dedication to remembering its history.
The memorial, which features a life-sized statue of Pvt. John Marvin Steele, pays tribute to the WWII casualties from Massac County. It tells the story of Steele’s historic D-day landing on the Church in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, while the back of the memorial honors TSgt. William “Luster” Leukering and shares tales of Massac soldiers who fought bravely during the conflict.
Engraved bricks, pavers, and arrays are available for purchase, providing a unique way to memorialize loved ones or organizations. Companies and groups can also have their logos included on pavers or arrays. The arrays come in sets of 4, 6, or 9 pavers, adding an impactful display to the memorial’s walkway.
For those interested in showing their support, orders can be placed online or by picking up an order form at Creations Florist at 600 Market in Metropolis or from a member of the Heroes of Massac Endeavors board.
In addition to the engraved items, commemorative T-shirts are available for purchase. The “Marvin Map” design features Pvt. John Marvin Steele, the Church at Sainte-Mere-Eglise, WWII paratroopers, and a map of Normandy, while the “Steele Wings” shirt showcases the US Parachutist Badge along with Steele’s military company and regiment. Another option, “The Longest Day,” commemorates June 6, 1944. These shirts come in various adult sizes and can be acquired at Creations Florist & Gifts, located at 600 Ferry St. in Metropolis.
This holiday season, take the opportunity to honor someone special by contributing to this meaningful cause.
HEROES OF MASSAC ENDEAVORS
https://heroesofmassacendeavors.org
Massac Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Fundraiser - Well over $2000 in Prizes
WMOK School and Sports News
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