Hello Metropolis, Massac County and Beyond!
A remarkable piece of World War II history with deep local roots is coming to life in a brand-new way
WMOK – Metropolis, IL – On D-Day—June 6, 1944—Private John Marvin Steele of the 82nd Airborne Division cemented his place in military history. During the chaotic early hours of the Normandy invasion, his parachute caught on the church steeple in Sainte-Mère-Église, France. Hanging there suspended for hours amidst intense gunfire and chaos, Steele witnessed the liberation of the very first French town taken by the Allies.
His unforgettable story has been shared globally through books and Hollywood film, it remains a proud point of local heritage as Steele was born right here in Metropolis.
Now, his legendary experience is being told in a striking new graphic novel by Jean-Marc Lainé and Thierry Olivier, titled “John Steele: The Paratrooper of the Steeple.”
Support a Piece of Local Heritage
This release offers the perfect opportunity for history buffs, military enthusiasts, and community members alike to own a visual retelling of a local hero’s bravery while directly giving back.
All proceeds from the sales of the book go directly to support the John Steele WWII Memorial.
The graphic novel is available now at these local locations:
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Circuit Clerk’s Office
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Creations the Florist
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City National Bank
Bringing the Story HOME: The Heroes of Massac Endeavors
The arrival of this graphic novel marks an exciting connection and step forward for the Heroes of Massac Endeavors (HOME), a local non-profit organization dedicated to honoring and paying tribute to notable historical figures born right here in Massac County.
Founded after a local visit to France revealed the massive global pride surrounding our hometown hero, the group is currently channeling 100% of these book proceeds directly into their inaugural project: funding the construction of a permanent John Marvin Steele Statue and World War II Monument on the Massac County Courthouse lawn.
Looking ahead, HOME plans to continue preserving our rich regional heritage with future memorials dedicated to other legendary local trailblazers like Oscar Micheaux and Annie Turnbo Malone.
By purchasing your copy of the graphic novel today, you are directly investing in our community’s history and helping HOME build a lasting tribute to the brave individuals who left their mark on the world.
Be sure to stop by any of these local establishments to secure your copy, add an incredible piece of Metropolis history to your shelf, and support this meaningful memorial.
Metropolis Seeks Participants for Historic 250th America's Semiquincentennial 4th of July Celebration
WMOK – Metropolis, IL – The City of Metropolis is gearing up for a historic milestone this summer as it hosts a massive 4th of July Celebration marking America’s 250th Anniversary (1776–2026). Local organizers are currently seeking businesses, organizations, and community members to get involved and participate in what promises to be an unforgettable day of freedom, pride, and community spirit.
The patriotic festivities on July 4th will feature a jam-packed schedule of family-fun activities, vendors, food, and drinks.
Schedule of Events
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Patriotic Parade (6:16 PM): The parade will line up and kick off from 9th and Market Street, traveling down Market to Washington Park.
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Reading of the Declaration of Independence: A formal reading will take place at Washington Park immediately following the conclusion of the parade.
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Live Music (7:30 PM): Washington Park will host a live concert featuring Corey Evitts, sponsored by City National Bank.
Alongside the live music, families at Washington Park can enjoy inflatables, various community activities, and local vendors.
Community members, local groups, and businesses looking to participate in the parade or vendor spaces are encouraged to join in to help make this semiquincentennial landmark event a historic celebration to remember for Metropolis.
Music, Inflatables, and Ice Cream: CNB Feelin’ Good Summer Concert – Washington Park Gazebo – Friday June 19th
Clear Springs Revival Takes the Stage This Thursday for CNB Feelin’ Good Summer Concert
The fun doesn’t stop here in Metropolis! Following a fantastic, fun-filled weekend at the Superman Celebration, the summer vibes are keeping right on rolling in Massac County with the CNB Feelin’ Good Summer Concerts at the Gazebo.
You’ll want to grab your lawn chairs, round up your family and friends, and head on down to Washington Park for a wonderful, relaxing evening in our hometown.
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Live Music: Clear Springs Revival takes the stage at the Washington Park Gazebo to keep the community rocking.
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Time & Location: Join us at Washington Park in Metropolis from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
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Free Family Event: Admission is completely free, making it the perfect summer night out for our entire community.
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Eats & Treats: The Metropolis Elks Lodge #1428 will be on-site serving up food and drinks, and the CNB sweet treat ice cream trike will be out for everyone to enjoy.
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Water Fun for Kids: Tinker Toys inflatables will be set up and wet for the kids, so make sure they pack a swimsuit and a towel!
Coming Up in Metropolis and Massac County
Metropolis and Massac County Community Events
We are in the process of adding events to the WMOK Community Events listing for June, July and August.
Have a local event?
Send details to the WMOK Text Line at 618-524-9209, email wmoknews@frontier.com, message our Facebook, or mail 339 Fairgrounds Road.
Metropolis Public Library Extends $5 Bag Book Sale Through Thursday
WMOK – Metropolis, IL – The Metropolis Public Library is keeping the excitement going for local book lovers by extending its bag book sale through Thursday, June 18th.
Area residents looking to refresh their bookshelves can stop by to take advantage of the special deal: fill an entire bag with books for just $5. All purchases can be rung up directly at the front desk.
The sale runs during the library’s operating hours for the remainder of the week:
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Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Thursday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Bookworms are encouraged to head over to the Metropolis Public Library before the sale wraps up on Thursday evening.
Brookport’s Semi-Quincentennial Independence Day Bash!
WMOK – Brookport, IL – The City of Brookport, Illinois is pulling out all the stops for its Annual Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, June 27! The festivities kick off at 5:00 PM with a parade winding down to City Park, followed by a free cookout, car show, pageant, and new community art unveiling. Beat the summer heat with a special water surprise from the Brookport Fire Department before enjoying a live DJ and a massive, custom fireworks show after dark. Bring your lawn chairs and patriotic spirit to this historic community gathering!
Metropolis, IL - Home of Superman
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