WMOK – Metropolis, IL The Massac County Board of Commissioners joined WMOK Tuesday morning for the Coffee Break Program.  Among other items we discussed the issue of the Proposed Solar Project and the upcoming meeting.

Late in the day on Tuesday, we realized that, due to an error in the recording, most of our audio from the discussion was not captured.  

When the commissioners joined us we had them to recap the issue for those who are not fully aware of the details. 

We touched on both sides of the issue when we spoke with the commissioners as the project has sparked a spirited debate locally.

Here is a breakdown of the primary arguments on both sides of the fence:

The Pro View: Economic & Energy Boost

• Tax Revenue: Supporters point to a significant influx of property tax revenue for local schools and county services without a corresponding increase in the need for public infrastructure.

• Landowner Rights: Proponents argue that farmers should have the right to diversify their income by leasing land, providing a stable financial “floor” during years of volatile crop prices.

• Job Creation: The construction phase is expected to bring several hundred temporary jobs to the region, providing a “shot in the arm” for local hotels, restaurants, and suppliers.

• Environmental Impact: As a clean energy source, the project aligns with state mandates to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy independence.

The Con View: Land Use & Preservation

• Loss of Farmland: Critics are concerned about taking thousands of acres of productive soil out of agricultural use for decades, potentially impacting the local “ag” economy and the character of the rural landscape.

• Property Values: Some neighboring residents worry about the long-term impact on the resale value of their homes and the “industrial” look of solar panels replacing open fields.

• Drainage & Environment: Concerns have been raised regarding soil compaction, potential runoff issues affecting neighboring farms, and the impact on local wildlife habitats.

• End-of-Life Concerns: Skeptics often question what happens 30 years from now—specifically whether there are enough safeguards to ensure the land is fully restored to its original state once the project is decommissioned.

The Public Hearing is set for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 7 PM to 9 PM.

The event will take place in the large courtroom of the Massac County Courthouse, located at 2 Superman Square, Metropolis, Illinois.

This Public Hearing is a significant opportunity for residents to learn about and provide feedback on an Application for a special use permit concerning a proposed commercial solar energy facility.

The Application, submitted by SE US Development, LLC, also known as SB Energy of Redwood City, California, seeks to establish a Solar Project on approximately 5,150 acres of land situated across Johnson and Massac Counties.

The Massac County portion of the project will be located around 2 miles east of Belknap, within an unincorporated area of Massac County.

The land involved in this project pertains to various sections of Township 14 South, Range 3 East of the Third Principal Meridian, specifically Sections 01, 02, 03, 11, 12, and 30.

Residents are encouraged to attend the hearing to express their opinions, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of how the proposed solar facility could impact the community.

Copies of the Application will be available for examination at the Massac County Clerk’s Office for those interested in reviewing the specifics of the project prior to the hearing.

The Massac County Commissioners spoke with us regarding this when they joined us for our Coffee Break Program early in March.  You can hear our discussion below.  

Project Hope Humane Society is seeking volunteers for its Roadblock event on Saturday, April 4th, from 8 AM to 12 noon at 12th Street and North Avenue, and 12th Street and Metropolis St. Volunteers can assist for one to four hours, and students aged 14-16 are especially encouraged to help. Contact Project Hope Human Society at (618) 638-4555

In a recent Coffee Break episode, listeners tuned in to an engaging conversation with Metropolis Abatement Officer John Roman about the intricacies of Administrative Warrants. The conversation highlights the vital role of local authorities in maintaining community standards and ensuring public safety.

Building on that discussion, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with Metropolis Mayor Gregg Jeffords just last Thursday. Mayor Jeffords shed light on the ongoing cleanup efforts in our city, detailing the initiatives being implemented to restore and rejuvenate Metropolis.

Join us as we dive into this conversation about the future of Metropolis and the efforts being made to create a cleaner, safer environment for all residents.

[Listen to the full conversation with Mayor Gregg Jeffords below.]

The Heroes of Massac Endeavors (HOME) has officially announced the return of their signature fundraising event.

The Steele Wings Swing Dance is set to take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

This 1940s-themed evening serves as a key benefit for the construction of a statue honoring Metropolis native and WWII paratrooper John Marvin Steele, along with a memorial for all Massac County WWII fallen heroes.

What to Expect

#LiveBigBand Music: The evening typically features a full orchestra (past years have featured Steve Shininger & The ShinSings) playing authentic 1940s standards.

#Vintage Attire: Attendees are encouraged to dress in their finest 1940s costumes. Trophies are traditionally awarded for the “Best Dressed Gal,” “Best Dressed Guy,” and “Best Dance Duo.”

#NostalgicAtmosphere: The event often includes period-appropriate hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and vintage photo opportunities to transport guests back in time.

Community Impact: All proceeds go directly toward the John Marvin Steele Statue and #WWIIMemorial project.

Event Logistics
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026