The COPE Food Pantry distribution occurs today and every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. It takes place at 1013 North Avenue in Metropolis from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants are required to bring a photo ID and proof of residency in Massac County.

WMOK – Metropolis, IL – Independence Day weekend in Metropolis was a test of patience and resolve as weather-related hurdles disrupted our planned celebrations.

Friday: Fireworks and Festivities

The Harrah’s Hometown Celebration got off to a rocky start on Friday evening as storms rolled through.

• Safety First: Bouncy houses were dismantled and food vendors temporarily closed as a precaution. Trish Steckenrider, for the Greater Metropolis Convention and Visitors Bureau, confirmed that while the inflatables were grounded for the night, vendors were able to reopen once the weather cleared.

• Fireworks Update: While the fun resumed on the ground, the pyrotechnics team faced a major challenge behind the scenes. The infrastructure required to launch the fireworks had to be dismantled during the storm. The team began reassembly immediately, but because rushing such a procedure could be dangerous, the work required a precise and measured pace. Consequently, due to the reconstruction of the components, the fireworks show was delayed until after 10:00 p.m.

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Saturday Morning: A Bright Start at the Market

Before the weather turned on Saturday afternoon, the community enjoyed a productive morning at the riverfront. The Metropolis and Massac County Farmers Market at Dorothy Miller Park, near the Hope Light Lighthouse, welcomed shoppers from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. Even with the holiday weekend, our local vendors were out in force, offering a variety of fresh goods and produce to kick off the Independence Day celebration on a high note.

Saturday Afternoon: A Dampened Schedule

On Saturday afternoon, the weather turned once again, forcing difficult decisions regarding our holiday plans.

• Parade & Park Events Canceled: As thunder and heavy downpours moved into the area, the Independence Day parade and all remaining outdoor festivities at Washington Park were canceled.

• Entertainment Finds a New Home: Despite the cancellations, the music played on. Performer Corey Evitts successfully relocated his show to the Metropolis Elks Lodge, providing a great evening of entertainment starting at 7:30 p.m.

Photo:
Metropolis Elks Lodge #1428

A Resilient Community

While the weather shifts were disheartening, the weekend served as a testament to the resilience of our neighbors. A sincere word of appreciation goes out to all the organizers who spent months planning and managing these complex logistics; your hard work behind the scenes is recognized and deeply valued.

WMOK – Massac County, IL –

Now that we’ve made it to the other side of Independence Day, it’s the perfect time to catch your breath and look ahead. While the heat is on, we’re entering that sweet spot of summer where we can really lean into those goals we set back in the spring. Whether it’s tackling a home project, spending more time outdoors, or simply slowing down to enjoy a sunset, there is still plenty of time to make the most of the season before the pace picks up again.

As we look toward the coming months, keep in mind that the transition to the new school year is just around the corner. Here is a look at what is coming up for our local students and community:

Important Dates for Your Calendar

• August 10: Teacher In-Service (Massac Unit 1 & Joppa-Maple Grove)

• August 11: Teacher In-Service (Massac Unit 1 & Joppa-Maple Grove)

• August 12: First Day of School (Massac Unit 1: 2pm Dismissal; Joppa-Maple Grove: First day back)

• September 7: No School — Labor Day (Massac Unit 1)

School Registration Information

• Massac Unit 1: Online re-registration for students returning in Grades 1 through 12 is available now through the Alma portal. For further details and to get your students registered, visit the official Massac Unit 1 registration page.

• Joppa-Maple Grove: Existing students should log into the PowerSchool Parent Portal to complete registration. If you are new to the district or need assistance with your portal account, please reach out to the school office at mbaughman@joppa38.com.