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Illinois winter disconnection rule in effect through March
Chicago, Il – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is reminding customers that the state’s winter weather rule is in effect from December 1 – March 31. The winter weather rule limits utilities from disconnecting eligible customers who use electric or gas as their primary source of home heating.
“Illinois winters are known for frigid temperatures and frequent snowfall. The winter weather rule protects customers who might otherwise struggle to stay warm during the coldest months of the year,” said ICC Chairman Doug Scott.
The winter weather rule protects residential customers from disconnections when temperatures are forecasted to be at or below 32 F, and on days preceding holidays and weekends when the forecast is expected to drop to freezing.
Residential customers or master-metered apartment buildings who used gas or electricity as the primary source of space heating equipment during the previous winter cannot be disconnected for non-payment unless: the utility has offered the customer a Deferred Payment Agreement (DPA) with a maximum down payment of 10 percent; provided the customer with contact information for public and private aid agencies; the customer refused to enter a DPA; and all disconnection notices provisions have been met.
To protect Illinoisans during dangerous cold, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) participants; electric space heating customers; and military personnel and veterans cannot be disconnected if they fall behind on their utility bills. The rule excludes disconnections related to theft, tampering, or safety.
Households struggling to pay their utility bills are encouraged to apply for LIHEAP annually.
Customers with past due balances should contact their utility to enroll in a DPA. Customers whose electric or gas service has already been disconnected should contact their utility directly to see if they qualify for reconnection at less than the full amount owed.
Ameren, Nicor, North Shore, and Peoples Gas natural gas customers and ComEd electric customers who qualify for LIHEAP or whose incomes are at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for a monthly discount on their bills through the state’s low-income discount rates.
Enrollment in the above programs is free of charge, and customers can access LIHEAP benefits regardless of immigration status.
Contact the ICC’s Consumer Services Division at 1-800-524-0795 for further guidance or to file a complaint against a utility.
Voting Underway! Massac County Christmas Light Trail Brightens the Holiday Season
The holiday spirit is coming alive in Massac County with the annual Christmas Light Trail, a festive display that promises to illuminate the community throughout December. This year, the dazzling lights will be showcased every night from 5 PM to 9 PM, inviting families and friends to gather and enjoy the festive cheer.
The Massac County Christmas Light Trail has unveiled a list of participating houses that will showcase their creative and stunning holiday displays. Residents and visitors can explore the trail using a map available via a QR code or by clicking on this link: [Christmas Light Trail Map].
To enhance your experience while admiring the lights, the Christmas Light Trail has curated a delightful festive playlist. You can easily access this playlist by scanning the provided Spotify code using the Spotify app or by finding the clickable link on the Christmas Light Trail page.
While many of the homes are ready to dazzle with their displays, organizers have noted that a couple of houses are still in the final stages of preparation. Those displays are expected to be completed by the end of this week, ensuring that visitors will have even more to enjoy as the month progresses.
Join in the festive fun and make lasting memories with loved ones on the Massac County Christmas Light Trail this December!
Voting Underway for Massac County Christmas Light Trail 2025 Grand Champion
WMOK (Metropolis, IL) – The Massac County Christmas Light Trail is taking place through December 31.
Voting began today to select a Grand Champion for this year.
To weigh in and choose your favorite, click the Facebook Post below, which will take you to the post containing all of the photos.
WMOK News: The New Illinois Laws – Part 8 – Crime and Public Safety: New Protections for Victims and Faster Missing Person Response in 2026
METROPOLIS, IL – In this installment of our series, we focus on major legislative changes designed to improve how law enforcement responds to crime and supports victims. Effective January 1, 2026, new laws streamline reporting procedures and expand rights for those impacted by violence.
Zero Tolerance for Delayed Missing Person Reports
A critical public safety law, Ending Waiting Periods for Missing Person Reports (SB 0024), will be in effect, ensuring that the critical early hours in a missing person case are not lost to waiting periods.
Immediate Reporting Mandated
The law eliminates the ability of law enforcement to impose a waiting period before accepting a missing person report. This means:
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No Delay: Police must take the report immediately upon it being filed.
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Irrelevant Factors: Law enforcement cannot refuse to take a report based on factors that previously caused delays, such as the person being an adult, their suspected mental health status, or the possibility that they may have left voluntarily.
Why Speed Matters
Law enforcement experts stress that the faster a missing person report is filed and disseminated, the higher the chance of a safe outcome. This new law removes bureaucratic hurdles, ensuring investigations can begin without delay across Southern Illinois.
Expanded Rights for Crime Victims
Two new pieces of legislation significantly clarify and strengthen protections for crime victims, extending rights both in their interactions with police and in their workplaces.
1. Right to Report and Record (HB 3710 / HB 1278)
The legislature has clarified the rights of crime victims and placed new restrictions on employers and law enforcement:
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No Discouragement: Law enforcement officers are prohibited from discouraging a victim from filing a police report, regardless of the nature of the crime.
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Workplace Device Use: Employers are prohibited from discriminating or retaliating against an employee who uses an employer-issued electronic device to record or communicate about domestic violence, sexual violence, or other crimes of violence committed against themselves or a family member. This ensures victims can seek help without fear of losing their job over policy breaches regarding device use.
2. Clarified Victims’ Rights (HB 3710)
This law clarifies and expands the protections already provided under the Illinois Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights, ensuring that victims are fully informed of their rights to:
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Be present at all court proceedings.
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Be heard at sentencing and other critical hearings.
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Be treated with dignity and respect throughout the judicial process.
These laws collectively aim to create a more supportive and responsive environment for victims as they navigate the aftermath of a crime.
WMOK Community Events Listing
Send YOUR Event details, graphics and information to:
Text – 618-524-9209
E-mail – WMOKnews@frontier.com
Monday, December 15, 2025
Cookie Exchange Week: 15-19
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
12P – The Kiwanis Club of Metropolis meets every Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 520 Ferry Street in Metropolis
5:30 – Metropolis Public Library – Board of Trustees Meeting -Third Tuesday of the month Basement of the Library – Open to the public.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
National Wright Brothers Day is celebrated annually on December 17th to commemorate the first successful sustained and controlled powered flight by the Wright brothers in 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The day honors Orville and Wilbur Wright’s innovation and encourages the public to observe the achievements of aviation through ceremonies and activities
Join us for our upcoming coalition meeting to collaborate, share updates, and work toward a drug-free community. At this Meeting we will also be revisiting all the things we did in the past year! Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the group, your voice matters! We’ll discuss current initiatives, upcoming events, and ways you can get involved or contribute.
Thursday, December 18, 2025
12P – The Rotary Club of Metropolis meets every Thursday at Community Christian Church, 1150 Country Club Rd.
Friday, December 19, 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, December 20, 2025
Sunday, December 21, 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
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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