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WMOK – Metropolis · TUESDAY WMOK NEWS CHECK 2.24. 6am wav

Hello Metropolis, Massac County and Beyond!

5:43 PM

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 (CST)

Sunset in Metropolis, IL

6:32 AM

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (CST)

Sunrise in Metropolis, IL

Today: Expect clouds to increase throughout the day, with a high temperature nearing 49°F. A light south wind will develop, shifting to south-southwest at 12 to 17 mph this morning, with potential gusts exceeding 28 mph.

Tonight: Look for mostly cloudy skies with temperatures dropping to around 41°F. Southwest winds will be in the range of 5 to 11 mph, with gusts possibly reaching 24 mph.

Outlook for the Week: Please be aware of elevated fire danger today due to the combination of increasing and gusty winds. Late Wednesday night into Thursday morning, there is a possibility of thunderstorms, which may bring concerns of lightning and brief heavy rainfall.

Stay safe and enjoy your day!

WMOK Live Stream

I-24 Bridge Construction Update: Heads up, commuters!
All lanes on the I-24 Ohio River Bridge are currently open,
but a significant traffic shift is coming soon.

Phase 2 of the bridge rehabilitation project is set to begin on Monday, March 2, weather permitting. To accommodate the work, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Initially, temporary barriers will be placed; once the prep work is complete, all traffic will be shifted into a “head-to-head” configuration on the westbound lanes to allow for a complete overhaul of the eastbound side.

Expect these lane restrictions to be in effect through October 13. Enjoy the smooth crossing while all lanes are open this week!

Get a live view of I-24 and Brookport Bridge Traffic via Waze

Massac County Residents Invited to Weigh In on Major 5,000-Acre Solar Project TONIGHT

Feb 24, 2026 | 10:22 AM

Massac County Residents Invited to Weigh In on Major 5,000-Acre Solar Project TONIGHT

Image Source: Multiple Facebook Posts

METROPOLIS, IL — The landscape of Massac and Johnson Counties could be seeing a significant change, and local officials want to hear what you think about it.

The Massac County Board of Commissioners has announced a public hearing for Tuesday, February 24, 2026, to discuss a massive new commercial solar energy facility. The meeting will run from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Metropolis Elks Lodge 1428 on West 4th Street.

California’s SB Energy has announced the launch of a significant solar project that will span approximately 5,150 acres in Massac and Johnson Counties.

For those trying to picture the location, the proposed site is situated in an unincorporated part of the county, roughly two miles east of Belknap. Specifically, the development would cover portions of Sections 01, 02, 03, 11, 12, and 30 in Township 14 South.

Context on SB Energy

SB Energy (SE US Development, LLC) is a major player in the renewable sector, backed by SoftBank. They have recently completed the “Orion Solar Belt” in Texas and are aggressively expanding into the Midwest. This 5,000-acre project would be one of the largest in Illinois, rivaling the Double Black Diamond project (800 MW) located further north.

Large-scale solar projects of this magnitude (5,000+ acres) are often polarizing because they represent a fundamental shift in land use for rural communities.

In Illinois, these projects are governed by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and Public Act 102-1123, which limit how much a county can restrict solar development while mandating certain protections for residents.

As of right now, final approval has not been granted.

The meeting occurring tonight, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, is the formal public hearing required before the Massac County Board of Commissioners can vote on the Special Use Permit.

The Approval Process Timeline

Under Massac County Ordinance No. 23-2 and the Illinois Counties Code (55 ILCS 5/5-12020), the approval process follows a strict sequence:

Application Filing: SB Energy submitted the formal application for the 5,150-acre project to the County Clerk’s office (where it is currently available for public review).
The Public Hearing (Tonight): This is the legal window for the community to provide testimony. The Commissioners act as a quasi-judicial body here, gathering evidence and hearing concerns about drainage, property values, and land use.
The “Recommendation” Period: Following tonight’s hearing, the board typically has a set window (often 30 days) to review the testimony and the technical reports provided by the developer.
Final Vote: The Commissioners will schedule a subsequent regular board meeting to officially vote on whether to approve the Special Use Permit.

Thursday, March 5th – The Massac County Republican Party invites you to the Metropolis Community Center for the Republican Sheriff Candidate Forum

Mark your calendars for an important event on Thursday, March 5th! The Massac County Republican Party invites you to the Metropolis Community Center for the Republican Sheriff Candidate Forum. Doors will open at 6:00 PM, with the forum kicking off at 6:30 PM.

This is a great opportunity for attendees to hear from the candidates vying for the sheriff position and to engage with them on key issues.

Don’t miss this chance to participate in the democratic process!

Today in History:

Abe Vigoda (February 24, 1921 – January 26, 2016) was an American character actor renowned for his roles as mobster Salvatore Tessio in The Godfather (1972) and Detective Phil Fish on the sitcom Barney Miller (1975–1982). Known for his droopy eyes and deadpan delivery, he became a beloved pop culture icon, famously joking about false death reports.

The Voice of America (VOA) began its first official radio broadcast on February 24, 1942, aimed at Germany to counter Nazi propaganda with accurate, independent news during WWII. Launched by the U.S. government, the German-language broadcast promised to tell the truth, even if the news was “bad for us”

Floyd Joy Mayweather Jr. (né Sinclair; born February 24, 1977) is an American professional boxer and boxing promoter. Currently having an undefeated record at 50–0, Mayweather won 15 major world championships spanning five weight classes from super to light middleweight.

On February 24, 1980, two days after defeating the Soviet Union in the “Miracle on Ice,” the United States men’s ice hockey team defeated Finland 4–2 in Lake Placid, New York, to clinch the Olympic gold medal. After trailing in the third period, goals by Phil Verchota, Rob McClanahan, and Mark Johnson secured the victory.

Unveiling History: A Journey Through the Civil War in Southern Illinois

Join the Pope County Historical Society on Tuesday, February 24th, at 6 PM for an engaging video presentation by Ed and Diane Annable at the Historical Society Museum. They will be showcasing one of their latest works, “War in Copperhead Egypt – The War Within Southern Illinois – 1861-1865.”

This captivating presentation will delve into a lesser-known chapter of American history, highlighting the internal conflict that divided communities in Southern Illinois during the Civil War. Unlike other battles that are often celebrated, this was a war fought not just on the battlefield but within neighborhoods, pitting neighbor against neighbor.

The presentation will reveal the deep-seated struggles that arose in this region. Allegiances were formed, conflicts erupted, and fear gripped many as local residents found themselves embroiled in a war that was as much about ideology as it was about survival. The infamous Knights of the Golden Circle and a faction known as the Copperheads actively supported the Confederate cause, complicating loyalties and raising tensions in their communities.

Martial law was declared in certain areas, leading to the arrest of individuals accused of treason. This complex narrative of betrayal and bravery serves as a reminder of the profound impact of the Civil War on all corners of the country, including the often-overlooked conflicts within its borders.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with history and understand the struggles that shaped the relationships and identities of those living in Southern Illinois during one of the nation’s most tumultuous times. The Pope County Historical Society invites everyone to join them for what promises to be an enlightening evening.

Tuesday, February 24

Kiwanis Club of Metropolis Meeting: Noon at St. Paul Lutheran Church (520 Ferry Street). A great chance for local professionals to network and discuss community service projects.

Wednesday, February 25

5-7pm Trinity Food Pantry at 6th and Metropolis streets is open, specializing in Fresh Produce, with bread/meat/eggs when available. Clothing is available as well

Thursday, February 26

Friday, February 27

Saturday, February 28

10am-12pm Grace Church Community meal and pantry held on the last Saturday each month at 102 East 20th Street, Metropolis

The Love Out Loud WinterFest is a community-focused, free event scheduled to take place in Metropolis, Illinois, on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

The festival is designed to provide both material support and family-friendly entertainment to the local community.

Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026

Time: 2:30 PM

Location: Metropolis Elementary School (1015 Filmore St, Metropolis, IL)

Cost: Free admission for all ages

The festival emphasizes community “giveaways” and a positive, hope-filled atmosphere.

Sunday, March 1

We invite you to tune in to the WMOK Morning Show from 6am until 10am on weekdays to hear each morning’s WMOK News Check, an eclectic mix of classic country, vintage hits, cover tunes and bit of the “newer stuff” mixed in for good measure. You can text requests, birthdays, anniversaries and the like to 618-524-9209 anytime.

If you have specific questions or concerns regarding any information please feel free to text us at that number and we will do our best to help you get the information you need. Keep in mind the WMOK text line is to help us stay connected to the community – we want you to use it as you would to contact an old friend.

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Get Metropolis and Massac County News anytime on our website at www.920wmok.com

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.

Community Spotlight

Host a 2026 “Mix and Mingle”: Showcase Your Business to the Community

Are you looking for a way to get more eyes on your business while building meaningful professional relationships? The Metropolis Chamber of Commerce has officially opened its calendar for the 2026 Mix and Mingle event series, and they are looking for local hosts to lead the way.

These popular networking events provide a relaxed, after-hours environment for chamber members to connect, share ideas, and support the local economy. For a host, it’s a premier opportunity to open your doors and give the community a firsthand look at what you do.

Event Details at a Glance
The Mix and Mingle events are designed to be low-stress but high-impact. Here is the standard format:

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Frequency: Scheduled throughout the 2026 calendar year.

Atmosphere: Casual networking and business showcasing.

Hospitality: Hosts have the option to provide light snacks and refreshments, though it is not a requirement.

Why Host?
Hosting a Mix and Mingle is more than just a social hour; it’s a strategic marketing move. By bringing the “crowd to you,” you eliminate the hurdle of getting potential clients or partners through your front door. Whether you’ve recently renovated, launched a new product line, or simply want to reinforce your presence in Metropolis, this is your stage.

“We would love to partner with you in 2026! It’s a great opportunity to highlight your business while connecting with fellow chamber members.” — Lori Abbott, Office Manager

How to Secure Your Date
Dates for 2026 are expected to fill up quickly. If you are interested in putting your business in the spotlight, reach out to the Chamber office to reserve your spot on the calendar.

Contact Information:

Contact: Lori Abbott, Office Manager

Address: 516 Market St, Metropolis, IL 62960

Phone: 618-524-2714

Don’t miss the chance to be the hub of Metropolis business activity for an evening!

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This Week on WMOK’s Coffee Break Program:

Thursday – Metropolis Mayor Gregg Jeffords

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Happy Hearts Senior Center Menu - February 2026

WMOK School and Sports News

Shawnee Community College:

WMOK School and Sports News

Massac County High School Basketball

Boys’ Recap: Massac County 67, Carmi-White County 39

The Patriots opened their postseason run with a dominant 67–39 victory over the Bulldogs in the IHSA 2A Regional Quarterfinals last night at home. With this win, the Patriots advance to the Regional Semifinals, where they will travel to take on Anna-Jonesboro tomorrow night (Wednesday, Feb 25).

Girls’ Preview: Sectional Semifinal Tonight

Matchup: #3 Massac County (17-12) vs. #1 Nashville (30-2)
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Chester High School (Chester, IL)
The Stakes: This is a win-or-go-home Sectional Semifinal. Nashville is one of the top-ranked teams in the state (currently #2 in Division 2A), so the Lady Patriots will need a stellar performance to pull off the upset.
The Bracket: The winner of this game will advance to the Sectional Championship on Thursday night to face the winner of the earlier semifinal between Breese Central and Benton.

WMOK School and Sports News

Job and Career Listings

Send your Job and Career Listings to WMOK Text the information to 618-524-9209

Job and Career Listings

Visit the WMOK Soundcloud for popular WMOK Coffee Break Interviews and News Checks You May Have Missed

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Context on SB Energy

The Approval Process Timeline

Tuesday, February 24

Wednesday, February 25

Thursday, February 26

Friday, February 27

Saturday, February 28

Sunday, March 1

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Girls’ Preview: Sectional Semifinal Tonight

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