Hello Metropolis, Massac County and Beyond!
A Look Back at the 1984 Lisa Carnes Case Ahead of Next Week’s Bradfield Hearing
WMOK – Metropolis, IL – As the pre-trial hearing for George E. Bradfield approaches next week, the community continues to reflect on a case that has spanned more than four decades.
The legal proceedings mark a major milestone in a mystery that began on March 30, 1984, when the body of 26-year-old Lisa Ann Carnes was discovered in a rural Massac County field.
Bradfield in 1980 – Photo: ISP
At the time of the homicide, Bradfield, now 76, was working as an ironworker at the Missouri Portland Cement plant in Joppa, commuting daily between Harrisburg and the local facility.
The breakthrough came after forty-two years of investigation when advanced DNA testing on evidence preserved from the original crime scene linked Bradfield to the victim.
Following his arrest in Owensboro, Kentucky, in April 2026, Bradfield was extradited to Illinois and entered a plea of not guilty to five counts of murder.
He remains in custody at the Tri-County Detention Center after being denied pre-trial release.
Local authorities are still seeking leads from anyone who may remember interacting with Bradfield along his daily commute or at the Joppa plant in 1984.
Below you’ll find a portion of WMOK’s conversation with Massac County Sheriff Chad Kaylor regarding detention hearings.
Coming Up in Metropolis and Massac County
National Backyard Games Week: 18-24
Mule Days: 19-24
Wednesday, May 20
Kindergarten Graduations
Massac County Drug Awareness Coalition meets on the 3rd Wednesday at 12p at Metropolis City Hall
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
Jefferson Awards Ceremony
Thursday, May 21
The upcoming free Lunch & Learn event at Massac Memorial Hospital focuses on heart health and will take place on Thursday, May 21st, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.
Participants will gain valuable insights into early detection of irregular heart rhythms and learn about the ZIO Cardiac Monitor Patch, which offers a simple and comfortable way to continuously track heart rhythm.
The event will feature guest speakers Matt Hany from iRhythm and Ellen Walton, the Cardiac Clinic Manager at Massac Memorial Hospital.
A complimentary lunch will be provided, but attendees are encouraged to reserve their spot as seating is limited.
To save a seat, individuals can call 618-638-1348 or comment below. This event presents a great opportunity for community members to take a proactive approach to their heart health.
Metropolis Elementary School Awards Ceremony
Friday, May 22
National Polka Weekend: 22-25
Nifty Needles at the Metropolis Public Library
Looking to wrap up your week with some creative company? The Nifty Needles group meets this afternoon at the Metropolis Public Library! Whether you are a master of the crochet hook or just casting on your first knitting project, all skill levels are welcome to join in.
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When: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
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Where: Metropolis Public Library, 317 Metropolis Street
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What: A social hour for knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, and more
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The Vibe: A craft session—short, sweet, and social!
It is the perfect chance to “just breathe” after a long week, swap patterns, and enjoy some yarn therapy. Grab your current project and head downtown to join the fun.
Saturday, May 23
Metropolis American Legion to Honor Veterans with Flag Placement and Memorial Ceremony
The American Legion Post 306 of Metropolis is continuing its decades-long tradition of honoring fallen heroes this Memorial Day weekend. Through a series of community-driven events, the Legion aims to ensure that every veteran interred in the area is recognized for their service.
Flag Placement and Volunteer Breakfast
The observance begins on Saturday, May 23, with a massive effort to decorate veterans’ graves throughout the region. Volunteers are invited to meet at the Legion Hall, located at 321 Market St., to assist with the project.
7:00 a.m. – The American Legion Post Ladies Auxiliary will serve a free breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, juice, coffee, and milk for all volunteers.
8:00 a.m. – Teams will depart from the hall to begin placing flags.
Tools Needed – Volunteers are asked to bring a screwdriver to assist with the flag placement process.
The effort is substantial, with volunteers placing approximately 1,400 flags at Metropolis Memorial Gardens, IOOF Cemetery, and Masonic Cemetery. In total, the Legion oversees the placement of 3,000 flags across Massac County. Families with loved ones in private cemeteries are also encouraged to stop by the hall to pick up flags for personal placement.
Sunday, May 24
The City of Metropolis is gearing up for the 2026 swim season at the City Pool.
WMOK learned during a recent Coffee Break with Mayor Jeffords that several significant changes have been announced to ensure the facility remains a safe, family-friendly environment for local residents.
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Opening Day: Memorial Day (Monday, May 25, 2026).
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New Hours: The pool will close daily at 5:00 PM to accommodate the high demand for private parties.
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Resident Only: Pool passes (single and family) are now available only to Massac County residents.
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The “Teen Pass”: A new waiver system for ages 13–17 to curb issues with “imported” unruly behavior and unaccompanied minors.
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Daily Admission: Now $3.00.
Addressing the “Babysitter” Problem
Mayor Jeffords emphasized that the city is taking a firm stand on unaccompanied minors. In previous years, the pool often dealt with children being dropped off without supervision, leading to unruly behavior.
“Our lifeguards are there to make sure you’re staying safe—they are not babysitters,” Jeffords told WMOK.
The New Teen Access Policy:
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Ages 13–17: Must have a Teen Pool Access Pass. To get one, a parent or guardian must visit City Hall to sign a waiver.
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Under 13: Cannot enter without a parent or guardian unless accompanied by a sibling who holds a Teen Pool Access Pass.
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Consequences: Misbehavior, including cursing or fighting, will result in immediate removal from the facility.
2026 Pricing Structure
While prices have seen a slight increase to align with rising costs, the Mayor noted that Metropolis remains significantly more affordable than surrounding area pools.
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Daily Gate Fee: $3.00
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Individual Season Pass: $40.00 (Massac County residents only).
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Family Pass: $120.00 (Covers a family of four; $30 for each additional child).
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Pool Parties: The cost is still $200 for a two-hour block (5:30 PM – 7:30 PM). Dates typically fill up within a single afternoon once the calendar opens.
Dress Code & Environment
The city is reinforcing a “proper swimwear” policy.
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Expectation: Traditional swim trunks for boys and family-appropriate bathing suits for girls.
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Prohibited: “Skinny” or overly revealing suits that are not suitable for a public city pool.
Hear WMOK’s Full Discussion with Mayor Jeffords in the Soundcloud Player Below:
Massac County High School Class of 1989 Plans Summer Reunion
The Massac County High School Class of 1989 is officially gearing up for a summer celebration. A “Save the Date” announcement has been issued for the upcoming class reunion, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
The event will be held at the Elks Lodge in Metropolis, offering classmates a great local venue to gather and catch up. Attendees can look forward to a casual and fun evening, with a taco bar set to be served. Organizers note that more specific details regarding the reunion will be released soon.
Save the Date: Steele Wings Swing Dance 2026
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
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Live Big Band Music: The evening typically features a full orchestra (past years have featured Steve Shininger & The ShinSings) playing authentic 1940s standards.
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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.”
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Nostalgic Atmosphere: The event often includes period-appropriate hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and vintage photo opportunities to transport guests back in time.
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Community Impact: All proceeds go directly toward the John Marvin Steele Statue and WWII Memorial project.
Event Logistics
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When: Saturday, September 19, 2026
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Where: Traditionally held at the historic Harry Statham Gymnasium in Brookport.
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More Information: Keep an eye on heroesofmassacendeavors.org for ticket sales and door times as the date approaches.
WMOK Coffee Break
WMOK's Coffee Break Program:
We invite you to text
questions and topics for our guests to
618-524-9209
We invite you to text
questions and topics for our guests to
618-524-9209
Happy Hearts Senior Center Menu
WMOK School and Sports News
WMOK School and Sports News
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
