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Christmas Banter – Massac County Sheriff Chad Kaylor – December 2025 – WMOK Coffee Break
WMOK (Massac County, IL) We always have a great banter at the opening of our Coffee Breaks with Sheriff Kaylor. This month, we touched on Christmas music and Christmas movies, Cold Weather as well as the nostalgia that sometimes makes us blue during the holiday season.
Hear our full discussion in the Soundcloud Player below.
WMOK News: The New Illinois Laws – Part 7 – Health and Planet: Insurance Coverage Expands, Plastic Waste Shrinks in 2026
METROPOLIS, IL – This installment of our series addresses new laws impacting the welfare of Illinois families and the environment. Effective January 1, 2026, residents will see changes in how health insurance plans handle dependents and how the hospitality industry addresses plastic waste.
Major Health Insurance Coverage Expansion
A significant change (HB 5258) takes effect in the health insurance marketplace, affecting families who provide support for their older relatives:
Mandate for Dependent Parent Coverage
Fully insured health plans issued, amended, delivered, or renewed in Illinois on or after January 1, 2026, are now mandated to include insurance coverage for dependent parents and stepparents of the insured individual.
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Conditions Apply: This coverage is not automatic for all parents. The parent or stepparent must meet two key federal criteria:
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They must live within the service area of the health insurance policy.
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They must meet the definition of a “qualifying relative” under federal tax code, which involves strict limits on the parent’s gross income and the amount of financial support provided by the insured individual.
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Impact on Families
This change provides a new path to health coverage for parents who are financially dependent on their children but may not be old enough for Medicare or able to afford their own plan. Employers and employees offering or utilizing fully insured health plans should consult their carrier to understand the documentation and enrollment process for these newly eligible dependents.
The End of Tiny Hotel Plastics
The final phase of the state’s Small Single-Use Plastic Bottle Act (SB 2960) is now in effect, targeting waste that often ends up in our waterways.
Final Stage of the Hotel Toiletries Ban
The law bans hotels from providing small single-use plastic bottles (less than 6 ounces) of personal care products, like shampoo, conditioner, and body soap, in guest rooms.
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January 1, 2026 Deadline: While larger hotels (50 or more rooms) had to comply earlier in 2025, the January 1, 2026 deadline applies to all remaining hotels with fewer than 50 rooms.
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The Goal: This measure pushes the hospitality industry to transition to bulk, refillable dispensers, drastically reducing the millions of tiny plastic bottles that previously ended up in landfills and polluting the environment, including the Great Lakes watershed.
Hotels that fail to comply will face a written warning for a first offense and subsequent civil penalties.
WMOK Community Events Listing
Send YOUR Event details, graphics and information to:
Text – 618-524-9209
E-mail – WMOKnews@frontier.com
Shawnee Holiday Spirit Week
Friday, December 12, 2025
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.
Event by Metropolis Elks Lodge #1428 – 104 W 4th St Metropolis, IL
Join us for a night of frightening and festive fun, as we merge a little thrill and chill for everyone. Wear something scary or wear something merry as you all are in for a real good treat!
Corey Evitts will fire up at 8pm. Cover charge is $10 for non-members. Current members plus one guest are free.
Bring your snacks, sit back and relax as you never know when that hunger will attack!
The Lodge opens at 5pm, so come early. Jason will be ready to serve…
GUARANTEED SEATING
Book ahead a grab one of the VIP Tables for only $80 (up to 8 seats) to secure your guaranteed spots and some extra surprises. To book, get with Kathye Rose. THESE WILL GO FAST!!!
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Big Fun at Joppa High Cafeteria Today
Arrival Event at Lewis & Clark State Historic Site (Day 1) – West Central IL –
On December 12, 1803, the Lewis & Clark Expedition arrived at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and fixed on a place to build Camp River Dubois. This Arrival Event – December 13 & 14 – marks this arrival with reenactors, demonstrators, and more!
The event will feature exhibitors of vintage tools, firearms, 18th Century medicine, military reenactors, and artillery. Come see how the soldiers of the Corps of Discovery lived during their winter encampment in the Illinois Country from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is primarily inside the Interpretive Center.
St. Nicholas will also make an appearance for pictures and maybe a treat each day. Come learn about Christmas traditions in early 19th Century America. more info
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Arrival Event at Lewis & Clark State Historic Site (Day 2) – West Central IL – more info
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
Send your Job and Career Listings to WMOK
Text the information to 618-524-9209
Links to Local Employers:
MMH is hiring! Join a team that puts patients first and supports the health of our community every day. Compassion. Excellance. Local Care. Apply today at www.massachealth.org/careers or by scanning the QR code.
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