Hello, Metropolis, Massac County, and Beyond! ☀️

Good morning from the WMOK studio! Here is your daily layout to kick off Monday, August 3, 2026.

Today’s Sun & Sky

Sunrise: 6:02 AM CDT
Sunset: 8:00 PM CDT
Forecast Highlights: Sunny today in Metropolis, IL, with a high of 86°F and a low of 65°F. Winds are from the northeast at 6 mph with a 15% chance of rain.

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Commute & Traffic Updates

I-24 & Brookport Bridge Traffic: Check real-time traffic conditions via Waze before hitting the road.

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Today’s News Check: Tap Listen in Browser or hit the Play button on the SoundCloud player below to catch the latest local updates.

Road Resurfacing Leads to Water Line Repairs Near Metropolis Street

METROPOLIS, IL — Residents living near ongoing road construction on Metropolis Street may have noticed temporary disruptions to their water service recently, including discolored water or bursts of air and sand from household faucets.

According to an update from the City of Metropolis, a water service line was accidentally damaged by contractor Samron during road resurfacing work. City crews and contractors have since completed repairs to the damaged line. Because it was initially unclear which specific residence the line served, city officials provided guidance for any nearby households experiencing issues.

What Residents Need to Know

Clearing Your Water: If you notice cloudy, brown, or discolored water coming from your taps, the city recommends running the cold water at a faucet for 10 to 15 minutes until it clears.
Ongoing Construction Alert: As road resurfacing continues, residents should expect additional temporary water service interruptions while remaining service lines are lowered to match the new roadway grade.
If Issues Persist: Anyone continuing to experience water clarity or pressure issues after flushing their lines for 15 minutes should contact the city directly for further assistance.

School Supply Lists and Teacher Wish Lists Needed for Upcoming School Year

WMOK – MASSAC COUNTY, IL — As a new school year approaches, Massac County Unit 1 and Joppa-Maple Grove schools are encouraged to submit their classroom supply lists to WMOK. Lists will be added to the dedicated School & Sports News section on 920wmok.com to help local families prepare.

Submissions can be sent directly to WMOK:

Text Line: 618-524-9209
Email: wmoknews@gmail.com

In addition to supply lists, local teachers are invited to send links to their classroom Amazon Wish Lists. Sharing these links allows listening families across Metropolis, Joppa, Unionville, and all throughout Massac County to directly support teachers and their students heading into the classroom.

State to Launch "FRESH" Program Providing $400 One-Time Payments for Lost SNAP Benefits

Illinois is launching the Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) program, which provides a one-time $400 cash benefit to residents who lost federal SNAP benefits due to expanded work requirements. The $70 million initiative begins automated payments to existing Illinois Link cards on August 1, 2026, for eligible recipients.

For more details, visit Illinois Department of Human Services.

Local Topics We're Working on at WMOK

42 Years in the Making – Timeline of Lisa Carnes Massac County Cold Case Murder – WMOK Metropolis

After 42 years, major breakthroughs occurred in the 1984 cold case murder of Lisa Ann Carnes in Massac County. Using advanced genetic genealogy, investigators linked 76-year-old George E. Bradfield to the crime. Indicted by a grand jury, Bradfield was arrested in Kentucky, extradited to Illinois, and remains held without bond.

For the detailed, chronological breakdown and ongoing coverage, check out the full Timeline of Lisa Carnes Massac County Cold Case Murder on WMOK.

Golconda Police Chief Termination (Updating)

Letter of Dismissal to Former Golconda Police Chief Includes No Added Detail – Reaffirms Previously Released Reasons

GOLCONDA, IL — WMOK received a copy of the official termination letter issued to former Golconda Police Chief Steve Walker this week.

The document, dated July 13, 2026, was delivered in person to Walker by Golconda Mayor Gail Barger. In the letter, Mayor Barger cited authority under Section 3.1-35-10 of the Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/3.1-35-10), stating that Walker’s termination was determined to be in the best interest of the City of Golconda.

The letter lists five specific grounds for the dismissal:

Investigation Delays: Repeated failure to follow up in a timely and appropriate manner with criminal investigations within the City of Golconda.
Improper Profiling: Use of improper profiling techniques and conducting limited investigations into local criminal activity.
Disparaging Remarks: Undermining the authority of the Mayor by repeatedly making disparaging comments regarding the Mayor to city staff and municipal officials.
Ordinance Enforcement: Repeated failure to enforce city ordinance violations.
Refusal of Duties: Refusing to perform the duties of the office unless explicitly ordered to do so by the appointing official.

These grounds align directly with the information Mayor Barger previously released to the public in her July press statement. The newly obtained termination letter does not provide further elaboration or specific case details regarding the Mayor’s reasons for dismissing Chief Walker beyond the points already made public.

Additionally, the letter directed Walker to immediately surrender all city-owned property—including vehicles, firearms, gear, badges, electronics, and access passwords—to the city clerk. The document noted that Walker was paid salary benefits through his July 13 termination date.

WMOK has reached out but has not yet spoken directly with Mayor Barger regarding the matter. When contacted by WMOK, former Police Chief Walker stated that he does not wish to speak publicly at this time.

WMOK will continue to pursue this ongoing story, moving beyond the official bullet points regarding former Chief Walker’s termination and the future of municipal law enforcement in Golconda.

Stay tuned as this story develops. For complete coverage and ongoing updates, follow How the Golconda Police Chief Termination Unfolded at 920WMOK.com.

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Text us at 618-524-9209

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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
August, September and October.

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.

Monday, August 3

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.

Tuesday, August 4

12P – The Kiwanis Club of Metropolis meets every Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 520 Ferry Street in Metropolis

6pm -9pm – Superman Square – from 6th and Market to the Square will be closed to traffic for National Night Out – All residents are invited to come out to Superman Square and enjoy an evening of fun and visiting.

Wednesday, August 5

1pm-3pm – Daughters of the American Revolution – Metropolis Public Library – 317 Metropolis Street

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, August 6

Noon – Rotary Club of Metropolis – Community Christian Church – 1150 Country Club Road

Friday, August 7

Nifty Needles at the Metropolis Public Library
– call the library to confirm at (618) 524-4312

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 and Sunday in Metropolis

Saturday, August 8

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.

Sunday, August 9

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.

WMOK Coffee Break

WMOK's Coffee Break Program:

Coffee Break Archive

Upcoming Coffee Break Programs:

Metropolis Mayor Gregg Jeffords

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

618-524-9209

Major E-Bike & Scooter Law Changes Coming to Illinois in 2027: What Riders Need to Know Jul 30, 2026 630 views

Audio: The Immense Benefits of a Metropolis Library Card and How to Get One - WMOK Talks with Colby Kennedy Jul 31, 2026 36 views

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

618-524-9209

Happy Hearts Senior Center Menu

1st Pope County Historical Society Family History Day - Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the Museum, 112 N. Columbus Ave. in Golconda

The Pope County Historical Society is hosting its 1st Family History Day on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the museum located at 112 N. Columbus Ave. in Golconda. This free community event is open to everyone—attendees do not need to have Pope County ancestry to benefit from the resources and presentations available throughout the day.

Event Highlights & Sales

To help support the ongoing operating expenses of the organization, the Society will have a variety of items available for purchase:

Genealogy & History Materials: A large collection of donated genealogy books, history books, and magazines.
Media & Refreshments: DVDs, CDs, and fresh baked goods.

Schedule of Events

Morning Session

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | “What is Evidence/Using Common Genealogical Websites”
- Professional Genealogist Rick Allen will present on what constitutes valid genealogical evidence and demonstrate how to navigate key research websites to uncover ancestral roots.

Mid-Day

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch Break
- Attendees are encouraged to support local Golconda restaurants for lunch.

Afternoon Session

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Afternoon Activities
- Guided Museum Tours: Explore local history with special guided tours of the facility.
- Individual Genealogy Consultations: Attendees facing research “brick walls” can take advantage of a free 30-minute consultation with Rick Allen. Consultations are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a slot, email a description of the research problem to rick@backstorybloodhound.com.
- Pope Pioneer Program: Learn about the process to have early ancestors officially certified as a Pope Pioneer.

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

Massac County Youth Soccer Registration Now Open for Fall Season

METROPOLIS, Ill. — Registration is officially underway for the Massac Youth Soccer League’s upcoming fall season, offering local youth the chance to develop athletic skills and teamwork.

The league is open to children ranging from age group U6 (4 and 5-year-olds) up to U12 (10 and 11-year-olds). Organizers clarified that the U12 division will also include 6th-grade students, even if they have already turned 12 years old.

Key dates for the upcoming season include:

Registration Deadline: Friday, August 21st
First Practice: Monday, August 24th
First Game: Saturday, September 12th
Last Game: Saturday, October 31st

Parents and guardians interested in signing up their young athletes can register online through the Massac County Youth Soccer League Portal.

Massac County Youth Soccer Registration Now Open for Fall Season

METROPOLIS, Ill. - Registration is officially underway for the Massac Youth Soccer League's upcoming fall season, offering local youth the chance to develop athletic skills and teamwork. The league is open to children ranging from age group U6 (4 and 5-year-olds) up to U12 (10 and 11-year-olds). Organizers clarified th...

Aug 02, 2026 39 views

Shawnee Community College Announces Auditions for Fall Production of "Frozen"

ULLIN, Ill. - Shawnee Community College has announced upcoming open auditions for its fall musical production of Disney's Frozen: The Broadway Musical, scheduled for Friday, August 21, and Saturday, August 22. According to updates shared by the college, audition requirements vary based on the role an applicant is pursu...

Aug 01, 2026 13 views

Joppa-Maple Grove School District #38 Seeks Passionate Special Education Teacher

Joppa-Maple Grove School District #38 is actively seeking a Full-Time Special Education Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. This opportunity is ideal for educators who are dedicated to making a significant impact in the lives of students and who desire to be part of a supportive, student-centered team. The selected ...

Jul 31, 2026 19 views

How the Golconda Police Chief Termination Unfolded (Updating)

WMOK News - Metropolis, IL - The shakeup in Golconda's city leadership has left Southern Illinois residents with questions over the past week. What began as a sudden announcement from City Hall has quickly developed into an unfolding story of public record requests and allegations involving local law enforcement leader...

Jul 28, 2026 1.21K views

Major E-Bike & Scooter Law Changes Coming to Illinois in 2027: What Riders Need to Know

METROPOLIS, IL - Big changes are coming to how electric bikes, e-scooters, and high-powered "e-motos" are regulated across the state of Illinois. Metropolis Police Chief Harry Masse recently shared an important update on Facebook regarding Senate Bill 3484, sweeping state legislation signed into law that esta...

Jul 30, 2026 630 views

Understanding the Current Status of Daylight Saving Time

The twice-yearly ritual of changing our clocks remains a frequent topic of conversation. As of July 2026, here is the current outlook on the future of Daylight Saving Time (DST). The Current Schedule Under existing federal law, there have been no changes to our current practice. The United States continues to observe D...

Jul 31, 2026 490 views

Traffic Stop Leads to Suspension Charge for Out-of-State Driver

METROPOLIS, IL - An out-of-state driver was taken into custody following a traffic stop in Metropolis earlier this month. According to an arrest summary from the Metropolis Police Department, 34-year-old Joseph Campbell of Mobile, Alabama, was arrested on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Officers cited Campbell for speeding, no...

Jul 28, 2026 422 views

Letter of Dismissal to Former Golconda Police Chief Includes No Added Detail - Reaffirms Previously Released Reasons

GOLCONDA, IL - WMOK received a copy of the official termination letter issued to former Golconda Police Chief Steve Walker this week. The document, dated July 13, 2026, was delivered in person to Walker by Golconda Mayor Gail Barger. In the letter, Mayor Barger cited authority under Section 3.1-35-10 of the Illinois Mu...

Jul 31, 2026 370 views