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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.
The Massac County Christmas Light Trail
The centerpiece of our holiday celebrations this month is the Massac County Christmas Light Trail!
What it is: This is a county-wide celebration where local residents and businesses light up their homes and storefronts for all to enjoy. It’s a wonderful way to experience the festive spirit from the warmth of your car.
When to See It: The trail is running every night through December 31st, with participants encouraged to keep their dazzling displays on until at least 9:00 PM each evening.
Find the Map: You can find the official map and the curated festive playlist to enhance your drive by visiting the Massac County Christmas Light Trail Facebook page. There are QR codes and clickable links available there!
Cast Your Vote: Don’t forget, voting is currently underway to select the Massac County Christmas Light Trail Grand Champion! Check the organizers’ social media for details on how to weigh in and pick your favorite.
Give Back on the Trail: Food Drive
While you’re enjoying the lights, you can also support a great cause!
We’ve confirmed that one of the participating homes on the Christmas Light Trail is hosting a food drive drop-off to benefit those in need right here in Massac County.
December 12th-14th and 19th-21st at 973 Country Club Rd
We’re excited to welcome everyone to experience the magic of the Christmas Light Trail! There will be plenty of photo opportunities, including a cozy spot in Santa’s sleigh, a visit to the elf in the candy cane forest, and a snapshot with our giant teddy bear.
**Parking Information:** Please park in the large gravel lot next to the house, which is located about two driveways down.
Bring your family, friends, and little ones for a delightful holiday stroll. We can’t wait to see you out enjoying the lights and spreading some Christmas cheer!
WMOK News: Illinois Laws – Part 9 – Honoring Service: Paid Leave Created for Military Funeral Honors Detail
METROPOLIS, IL – In a move to ensure every veteran receives the dignified farewell they deserve, Illinois has established a new form of paid leave. While this law, Senate Bill 220 (The Military Leave Act), officially took effect late last year, its impact is being felt throughout 2026 as employers and employees adapt to the new standard for honoring our fallen service members.
This law creates a pathway for employees who volunteer for this solemn duty—often retired service members or members of veterans’ organizations—to participate without sacrificing their income.
Key Provisions of the Military Funeral Honors Paid Leave
This law requires certain employers to provide a specific amount of paid time off for employees participating in an official military funeral honors detail.
1. The Leave Entitlement
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Time Allotted: Eligible employees can take up to 8 hours of paid leave per calendar month to participate in a funeral honors detail.
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Annual Cap: The total leave is capped at 40 hours per calendar year, though employers may authorize more.
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Payment: Leave must be paid at the employee’s regular rate of pay.
2. Who is Covered?
The law covers employers with 51 or more employees. To be eligible, the employee must meet specific criteria:
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Longevity: Must have been employed by the same employer for at least 12 months and worked at least 1,250 hours in the preceding year.
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Trained Role: Must be trained to participate in a funeral honors detail and be either:
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An active or retired member of the U.S. Armed Forces or Reserve Components (including the Illinois National Guard).
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An authorized provider or a registered member of a veterans’ service organization recognized by the Armed Forces to augment the uniformed military detail.
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3. Protecting Other Benefits
Crucially, employers cannot require an employee to use or exhaust any other forms of accrued leave—such as vacation, personal, compensatory, or sick leave—before granting this military funeral honors paid leave. This ensures the leave is a dedicated benefit.
4. Limited Denial Exception
While the leave is mandatory, employers at certain 24/7 care facilities (like nursing homes or assisted living facilities) may deny a request if granting the leave would reduce staffing levels below the established minimum, except where a union agreement specifies otherwise.
A Dignified Farewell
A military funeral honors detail is the solemn ceremony provided to a deceased veteran, typically including the folding of the flag, its presentation to the family, and the playing of “Taps.” This law recognizes that the dedication of the individuals who perform this service is vital to honoring the sacrifice of our veterans and their families.
WMOK Community Events Listing
Send YOUR Event details, graphics and information to:
Text – 618-524-9209
E-mail – WMOKnews@frontier.com
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.
Event by Massac County Music Department
Doors open at 6:00 PM.
Concert Bands
Concert Choirs
Jazz Band
Combo
Patriettes Vocal EnsembleWednesday, 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
Good luck to the boys and girls bowling teams this afternoon as they host the Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats starting at 3:30pm
We’ll make every attempt to receive a timely update on the outcome of the match during tonight’s broadcast of Massac County Basketball.
Get ready for live basketball action tonight as WMOK brings you the game!
WMOK’s Marcus Grace and Don Sawyer, will join us from the Metropolis Big John Broadcast Booth at approximately 7:15 PM with the Acee’s Food and Fuel Pre-Game Show, followed by the play-by-play action.
Tune in to catch every moment of the game!
920am and streaming worldwide from 920wmok.com – –
Send your Job and Career Listings to WMOK
Text the information to 618-524-9209
Links to Local Employers:
Massac Memorial Hospital
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.
Rural Health, Inc.
Metropolis Big John
Shawnee Community College
City of Metropolis
Southern Seven Health Department
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