708e6e06-b5e8-4f2e-b33b-1b884c134e77-0 2

Hear Today's WMOK News Check Below

Touch Listen in Browse or the Play Button in the Soundcloud Player Below:

Hello Metropolis, Massac County and Beyond!

8:11 PM

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 (CDT)

Sunset in Metropolis, IL

5:52 AM

Wednesday, July 22, 2026 (CDT)

Sunrise in Metropolis, IL

Listen Now – WMOK Live Stream

Traffic:

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

Pre-Trial Detention Upheld and Discovery Shared in 1984 Cold Case Zoom Hearing

WMOK (Massac County, IL) — Legal proceedings advanced via a Zoom hearing in the Massac County court system regarding the prosecution of 76-year-old George E. Bradfield, who faces five counts of murder in connection with the 1984 homicide of 26-year-old Lisa Ann Carnes.

Massac County State’s Attorney Josh Stratemeyer, Appellate Prosecutor Robinson, and Defense Attorney Cervantez participated in the virtual session before Judge Thurston.

Courtroom Developments

Discovery Shared: The State confirmed during the Zoom session that all discovery currently in its possession has been handed over to the defense.
Upcoming Motions: Defense counsel indicated that a formal response to the State’s Rule 404(b) motion will be filed within seven days.
Detention Ruling: Judge Thurston ruled that continued pre-trial detention remains necessary, finding that the defendant poses a real and present threat to community safety or a risk of willful flight based on the specific articulable facts of the case.
Next Court Date: The matter remains officially set for a hearing on August 25, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Courtroom 1.

Community Vital: Help Support the August 3rd Blood Drive

Metropolis and Massac County residents have an opportunity to support a necessary community resource on August 3rd. With blood donations lower than usual since May, there is a consistent and important need for donors to participate in the upcoming local blood drive.

To encourage participation, those who donate on August 3rd will receive a $20 gift card via email.

See upcoming blood donation events and book your appointment here

Organizers are looking for assistance in spreading the word to ensure the drive is successful. Please consider sharing this information with your neighbors.

WMOK Text Line:

Text us at 618-524-9209

Is there a news topic you’ve been wondering about? Click below to text us your questions, thoughts and comments.

CLICK TO TEXT NEWS

Listen at 920AM on your radio or streaming worldwide at 920wmok.com

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 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.

Wednesday, July 22

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM – (C.O.P.E.) food pantry – 1013 North Avenue

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, July 23

Rotary Club of Metropolis
12P – The Rotary Club of Metropolis meets every Thursday at Community Christian Church, 1150 Country Club Rd.

Friday, July 24

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM – (C.O.P.E.) food pantry – 1013 North Avenue

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.

When: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Where: Metropolis Public Library, 317 Metropolis Street
What: A social hour for knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, and more
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, July 25

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

Metropolis and Massac County Farmer’s Market Brings
Weekend Fun to Dorothy Miller Park

Community members are invited to support local vendors and enjoy a morning outdoors at the Metropolis and Massac County Farmer’s Market. The market takes place every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until noon at Dorothy Miller Park, located along the riverfront in Metropolis, affectionately known as the park with the lighthouse.

Attendees can browse a variety of offerings, including fresh produce, local plants, homestead goods, breads, crafts, jewelry, and more.

In addition to shopping, the market features door prize bundles with drawings held at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Organizers remind shoppers to come prepared, noting that with these prize bundles, visitors might just “need a bigger tote”.

This family-friendly, open-air market is a great way to support local producers and connect with the community.

Facebook Event Link

MCHS Class of 1996 Celebrates 30 Years

The MCHS Class of 1996 is gearing up for a memorable reunion as they celebrate 30 years since their graduation. On Saturday, July 25, classmates will gather at Fat Edd’s, specifically upstairs, starting at 7:00 PM. This milestone event promises to be filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of opportunities to reminisce about the good old days.

For attendees, the cost of admission is set at $15 for alumni and $25 for those bringing a plus one. While CashApp payments are preferred in advance, there’s also an option to pay at the door. A link for payment will be provided only after an RSVP is completed through the designated link.

Guests can look forward to a cash bar and a restaurant open downstairs, allowing them to enjoy a meal either before or during the festivities. To top it all off, a cake will be provided, ensuring a sweet celebration of this significant occasion.

This reunion is not just about celebrating the past; it’s an opportunity for friends to reconnect, share stories, and strengthen the bonds formed during their high school years. All members of the class of 1996 are encouraged to join in this nostalgic gathering.

Please visit this link to register

Prioritizing Social Wellness This July, World Forest Week

Prioritizing Social Wellness This July

July is recognized annually as Social Wellness Month. It serves as a timely reminder of the importance of fostering social connections, cultivating strong relationships, and enhancing overall well-being through regular interaction with others. For residents in Metropolis, Massac County, and the surrounding areas, this month offers a great opportunity to evaluate how we connect with those around us.

For individuals who may find socializing difficult, or for those who reside in more remote parts of the county, the following strategies can help in building and maintaining meaningful connections:

Start with low-pressure interactions: Building social confidence does not require large gatherings. Simple, everyday exchanges—such as a friendly greeting to a neighbor or a polite conversation with a local business owner—can serve as effective, low-stress ways to practice communication and feel more connected to the community.
Focus on shared interests: Engaging in activities where there is a common goal or passion often makes socializing feel more natural. Whether it is volunteering for a local project, joining a club, or attending community events, these structured settings provide a clear focus for conversation and interaction.
Keep gatherings simple and casual: Strengthening relationships does not need to involve elaborate planning. Inviting someone over for a cup of coffee or a quick, informal visit provides an opportunity to deepen friendships in a comfortable and familiar setting.
Use technology to bridge distances: For those living in more remote areas, digital tools remain a valuable resource. Utilizing local community groups online or staying in contact through consistent text messages can help maintain a sense of engagement and prevent the feeling of isolation.
Be patient with the process: It is common to feel hesitant or awkward when initiating new connections. Recognize that many others are likely feeling the same way. Approach social interactions as a gradual process, focusing on being authentic rather than perfect.

World Forest Week

The 10th World Forest Week will take place from Monday, July 20 to Friday, July 24, 2026, in conjunction with the 28th Session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO28) at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy.

The event is organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and is held biennially (every two years) alongside the COFO sessions.

WMOK Coffee Break

WMOK's Coffee Break Program:

Coffee Break Archive

Upcoming Coffee Break Programs:

Metropolis Police Chief Harry Masse

Metropolis Mayor Gregg Jeffords

We invite you to text
questions and topics for our guests to

618-524-9209

Coffee Break - WMOK's Community Affairs Program - Jun 30, 2026 450 views

Chief Masse Reflects on Successful Superman Celebration Jun 26, 2026 46 views

Echoes of the Past: Remembering Metropolis's History of Sacrifice and the Loss of Marshal "Dump" Oakes Jun 30, 2026 42 views

We invite you to text
questions and topics for our guests to

618-524-9209

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.

Happy Hearts Senior Center Menu

Job and Career Listings

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

Court Proceedings Update: George E. Bradfield Case Developments (Late June - Mid-July 2026)

WMOK - Metropolis, IL - Recent proceedings in the Massac County courthouse regarding the case of George E. Bradfield have focused on discovery, evidentiary motions, and scheduling. Below is a chronological review of the court activity recorded from late June through mid-July 2026. Late June 2026: Motions and Case Manag...

Jul 17, 2026 359 views

Daylight Saving Time - State-Level Developments in Illinois

At the state level, several attempts have been made in the Illinois General Assembly to address time standardization. Various bills, such as HB 5400 and SB 2926, were introduced during the 2026 session to explore either exempting the state from DST or adopting permanent standards. Currently, these state-level proposals...

Jul 15, 2026 249 views

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...

4h ago 242 views