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Calling All Farmers: Showcase Your Farm in the Upcoming Massac County Plat Book!
The Massac County Farm Bureau is excited to announce an opportunity for local farmers to be featured in their upcoming plat book, set to be released in Spring 2026! This is a fantastic chance for the community’s farmers to shine and share their hard work with a wider audience.
They are currently seeking local farms to highlight and would love to showcase the diverse and vibrant agricultural landscape of Massac County. If you have captivating photos of your farm, they encourage you to submit them to massacfb1@gmail.com. Your images could help illustrate the beauty and dedication of the local farming community!
In addition to showcasing farms, they are also looking for advertisers. This is a wonderful opportunity for farm owners and agricultural businesses to promote their services and products to residents and visitors alike. If you’re interested in placing an ad in the plat book, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact them via email at massacfb1@gmail.com or call Alexis at 618-638-7204 for more information or to submit your advertising request.
Join in celebrating the hardworking farmers of Massac County! Your contributions will help create a valuable resource that highlights the significance of agriculture in the community. They look forward to hearing from you soon!
WMOK News: The New Illinois Laws – Mandate Start Date: July 1, 2031 – Part 19 – Safety Standard Upgrade: Three-Point Seat Belts Mandated for Future School Buses
We turn to student safety for this installment of our series. While the bright yellow school bus is already one of the safest vehicles on the road, a new law takes effect that mandates a higher level of passenger restraint for all future vehicles. Senate Bill 191 (Public Act 104-0075) requires three-point, lap and shoulder seat belts in all newly purchased school buses.
This law brings Illinois’ school transportation standards in line with modern passenger safety requirements, providing extra protection against injury during collisions and rollovers.
Key Requirements of the New School Bus Seat Belt Law
While the law has been passed and signed, its implementation is a gradual process designed to accommodate the purchasing cycles and budgets of school districts.
1. The Three-Point Seat Belt Requirement
The core of the law is simple: each designated seating position in a newly purchased school bus must be equipped with a combination pelvic and upper torso seat safety belt system, commonly known as a three-point seat belt or lap and shoulder belt.
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“Newly Purchased”: The mandate applies only to vehicles purchased by school districts or contractors after the effective date. School districts are explicitly not required to retrofit their existing fleet of buses.
2. The Implementation Timeline is Phased
To mitigate the immediate financial impact on local school districts, the law establishes a compliance date several years into the future:
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Mandate Start Date: July 1, 2031. The requirement for three-point belts will apply to all school buses purchased on or after this date. This gives school districts ample time to adjust their transportation budgets and procurement plans.
3. No Burden on Drivers or Staff
The law is very clear in its limitation regarding responsibility:
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No Enforcement Duty: The law explicitly states that no public or nonpublic school, school district, transportation provider, or bus driver is required to ensure that the seat belt is correctly adjusted and fastened, or to provide instruction on how to use it. The responsibility for securing the seat belt remains with the passenger.
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WMOK School and Sports News
WMOK Broadcast Schedule:
1/6 Boys vs. Herrin – 7:15 Acee’s Neighborhood Market Pre-Game Show
1/9 Boys vs. Carterville – 7:15 Acee’s Neighborhood Market Pre-Game Show
1/10 girls vs Goreville – 10:45 Acee’s Neighborhood Market Pre-Game Show
1/10 boys vs Hardin – 7:15 Acee’s Neighborhood Market Pre-Game Show
WMOK School and Sports News
Countdown to the Harry Statham Youth Basketball League: Tip-Off on January 10th, 2026!
Job and Career Listings
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. Excellence. 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
Job and Career Listings
Happy Hearts Senior Center Seeks Home Delivery Driver
Metropolis, IL – Happy Hearts Senior Center is excited to announce an opening for a Home Delivery Driver, aiming to enhance service to seniors in the community. The position operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, and is a vital role within the organization.
Candidates for this position must possess a valid Driver’s License and demonstrate excellent skills in interacting with seniors, ensuring a compassionate and friendly delivery experience.
Those interested in applying or seeking more information about the position are encouraged to reach out directly to Site Director, Bettie Stoner, at 618-524-9755.
This opportunity is not just a job, but a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the elderly population in Metropolis. Happy Hearts Senior Center looks forward to welcoming a dedicated individual to their team.
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