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WMOK – Metropolis · Monday WMOK News Check 12.15

In from the National Weather Service of Paducah

This Afternoon Sunny, with a high near 37. South southwest wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 25. South southwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 47. Light south wind becoming south southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.

Tuesday Night Increasing clouds, with a low around 35. Southwest wind 3 to 6 mph.

Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night A 40 percent chance of rain after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 43. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 21 mph.

Thursday Rain and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 57. South wind 9 to 14 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

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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.

AT&T Has Begun Phasing Out Landline Service in All States, Including Illinois

AT&T is actively moving to phase out its traditional copper-based landline service (Plain Old Telephone Service or POTS) across the country, including in Illinois, the full shutdown is a multi-year process that extends beyond 2026.

In short, 2026 is a transition year where new orders are already closed and the final shut-off notice for existing customers is approaching, but the actual end date for existing landlines is in 2027 or later, pending regulatory approval and alternative availability.

Discontinuation Date: Letters sent to existing AT&T traditional landline customers in Illinois indicate their service will be discontinued “on or after March 15, 2027.”
New Service/Changes: As of October 15, 2025, AT&T has stopped accepting new orders or modifications for traditional copper landline service in affected areas, including Illinois. This means current customers who move will not be able to get traditional landline service at their new location.

Here are the key points regarding AT&T landlines in Illinois:

Ultimate Goal and Timeline: AT&T’s overarching plan is to retire the vast majority of its copper network by the end of 2029 nationwide. The transition is happening in phases, with a goal to have “no customers using copper” in certain areas by the end of 2027.
2026 Milestones:
- June 2026 is a critical date when AT&T is set to begin decommissioning copper facilities in approximately 500 wire centers across the country, representing about 10% of its footprint. It’s likely that some Illinois locations could be included in this initial shutdown.
Official Discontinuation Notice: Some customers in Illinois have received letters announcing that their traditional landline service will be discontinued “on or after March 15, 2027.”
The Transition: AT&T is replacing the copper lines with modern alternatives, such as fiber-optic technology or a wireless solution called AT&T Phone – Advanced (which uses the cellular network).
Consumer Protections: AT&T has received approval from state and federal officials to end its status as a “Carrier of Last Resort” in Illinois. However, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) still has a role. If you receive a discontinuation notice and believe you do not have alternative, reliable telephone service (especially for 911 access, home security, or medical monitoring), you can notify the ICC. They can require AT&T to continue providing reliable service if no viable alternative is available in your area.

In summary, while the full end of landline service is not strictly limited to 2026, the year is part of an accelerated phase-out process, and some customers may see their service discontinued that year or shortly after.

If you are an AT&T landline customer in Illinois, your best step is to check any recent correspondence from AT&T for a specific date that applies to your service and location.

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:

No Delay: Police must take the report immediately upon it being filed.
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:

No Discouragement: Law enforcement officers are prohibited from discouraging a victim from filing a police report, regardless of the nature of the crime.
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:

Be present at all court proceedings.
Be heard at sentencing and other critical hearings.
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.

Tired of missing out on local news and community happenings in Metropolis, Illinois?

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?

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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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Christmas Bird Count Week: 14-1/5

Chanukah – Evening of Sun, Dec 14, 2025 – Mon, Dec 22, 2025

Monday, December 15, 2025

Cookie Exchange Week: 15-19

At The River Ministries Monthly Community Meal

On Mondays at 5 PM at the Metropolis Community Center, located on West 10th Street, At the River Ministries offers a free weekly meal for the community.

Sponsored by ATR, the program relies on generous donations for the remaining meals, fostering a spirit of togetherness and support. For more information, please call 618-521-7880

https://www.920wmok.com/2025/11/17/wmok-local-food-pantry-listings/

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

Volunteering

Getting involved in volunteering around Metropolis and Massac County is a great way to connect with our neighbors and make a difference. Places like the COPE Food Pantry and local groups like the Metropolis Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, and Massac Memorial Hospital Auxiliary offer fun ways to pitch in and help create a closer, stronger community for everyone.

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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

Tired of missing out on local news and community happenings in Metropolis, Illinois?

Subscription: To subscribe, text the word “News” to 618-524-9209.

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.

Just text your messages to (618)524-9209.

Stay connected with WMOK!