This Afternoon Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. North northeast wind 3 to 7 mph.

Tonight Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. Calm wind.

Friday Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 42. Light south southwest wind.

Friday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. Calm wind.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. Calm wind.

Saturday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Calm wind.

Meteorological winter officially began this week, marking a shift in weather patterns as temperatures drop and snow becomes more frequent in many regions. This season lasts until the end of February, bringing cozy days, holiday festivities, and opportunities for winter sports. It’s a time to embrace the chilly embrace of nature.

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METROPOLIS, IL – As the calendar turns to a new year, it’s time for all Southern Illinois motorists to pay close attention to changes coming to the road. The new year brings a host of new laws to Illinois, and one of the most critical for public safety is the latest expansion of Scott’s Law, also known as the “Move Over” Law, taking effect on January 1, 2026.

The law is named in honor of Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Scott Gillen, who was tragically struck and killed by a driver while assisting at a crash scene over two decades ago. The law has been continuously strengthened to better protect first responders and road workers.

What You Need to Know: The New Requirements

While the core rule remains: Slow down and move over when approaching a stationary vehicle with flashing lights—the 2026 update formalizes and strengthens the required action, especially at emergency scenes and construction zones.

• The “Move Over” Rule: You must change lanes away from any stationary authorized emergency vehicle, construction/maintenance vehicle, or any vehicle with hazard lights flashing, if it is safe and possible to do so.

• The New “Slow Down” Rule: Even if you successfully change lanes, and especially if you cannot safely change lanes, you must substantially reduce your speed and proceed with extreme caution. This ensures that even in close proximity, you have the reaction time necessary to avoid a tragedy.

• Expanded Coverage: The law explicitly mandates a speed reduction and caution when approaching any emergency scene or a construction or maintenance area or zone, not just the immediate vicinity of a stationary vehicle.

Penalties Remain Severe

The penalties for violating Scott’s Law are already very serious and remain in force:

• Violations can result in fines of up to $10,000.

• A violation that results in property damage may lead to a Class A misdemeanor.

• A violation resulting in injury or death can lead to felony charges and a suspension of driving privileges for up to two years.

The Illinois State Police and local law enforcement are urging all drivers to remember the key message: Give Them Distance.

The new year is a great time to commit to safer driving habits. Protect our first responders, tow truck drivers, and road crews by giving them the room they need to do their jobs safely.

Get ready to kick off the holiday season with joy and festivities at the Metropolis Public Library Christmas Open House! Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 6th, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, following the much-anticipated Christmas Parade.

This event promises to be a delightful experience for the entire family. Capture the magic of the season with family photos next to our beautifully decorated Christmas Tree and don’t miss your chance to take memorable pictures with Santa himself!

In addition to festive photo opportunities, we invite you to join in on the holiday spirit with fun crafts for all ages and delicious food and refreshments to enjoy. It’s the perfect way to spend a relaxed afternoon with friends and family.

As a special highlight, the Metropolis Friends of the Library group will be announcing the winners of their Logo Contest during the event. Come show your support and cheer for the talented participants!

Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season, connect with your community, and create lasting memories. We look forward to seeing you there!

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.

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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

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.

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