Hello, Metropolis, Massac County, and Beyond! ☀️

Good morning from the WMOK studio! Here is your daily layout to kick off Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

Today’s Sun & Sky

Sunrise: 6:03 AM CDT
Sunset: 7:58 PM CDT

Forecast Highlights

Conditions: Sunny today in Metropolis, IL
High/Low: High of 89°F | Low of 67°F
Winds: West at 3 mph
Rain Chance: 0% during the day (15% overnight)

Live Stream

Listen Live: Listen Now – WMOK Live Stream

Commute & Traffic Updates

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

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

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

Final update concerning Tuesday’s Massac County Water Outage:

WMOK – MASSAC COUNTY, IL —

WMOK – Metropolis, IL – Fort Massac Water District crews have fully restored water service to all customers following Tuesday morning’s main line break.

Customers may notice air pockets or a slightly milky appearance in their water. The discoloration is simply caused by tiny air bubbles, which will clear up a few seconds after being drawn from the faucet. District personnel are continuing to flush the lines to clear all remaining air pockets from the system.

A precautionary boil order remains in effect strictly for drinking water. This order applies to customers in the following locations:

Highway 145 (between Powers Church and Brad’s Auto Body)
Country Acres Lane
Old Orchard Road
Waldo Church Road
Wesley Drive
Adam’s Way

Bathing, showering, and laundry are not affected by this order.

Water samples will be collected Wednesday morning and delivered to the lab for safety testing. With satisfactory test results expected Thursday morning, the boil order is anticipated to be lifted at that time.

Fort Massac Water District personnel apologize for the inconvenience and greatly appreciate customer patience throughout the repair process. Listeners listening in Metropolis and Massac County Illinois and Beyond can stay tuned at 920AM on their radio or stream worldwide at 920wmok.com for any further updates.

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.

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.

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

How the Golconda Police Chief Termination Unfolded (Updating)

Current Status: Golconda Mayor Gail Barger unexpectedly relieved Police Chief Steve Walker of his duties, leaving interim coverage to the Pope County Sheriff’s Department.
Key Findings: Records obtained via FOIA revealed five grounds for termination, including investigation delays, improper profiling, and refusal of duties.

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

Chime in or follow the community conversations on the July 22nd FB post July 27th FB post July 31st FB Post

Updates coming next week on Metropolis Riverfront Dog Park

We’ll have updates on –> Metropolis Dog Park Moves Forward as City Council Addresses Fencing, Grants, and Loose Dog Fines next week – WMOK will be sitting down for a Coffee Break with Home of Superman – City of Metropolis, IL Mayor Gregg Jeffords!

If you have questions or topics you’d like for us to discuss with Mayor Jeffords, you may text the WMOK text line at 618-524-9209 or email wmoknews@frontier.com

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
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.

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.

31st Annual Gospel Benefit Concert Features The Hoppers Live at First Methodist Church

WMOK – Metropolis, IL – Legendary Southern Gospel group The Hoppers will headline the 31st Annual Gospel Benefit Concert for Cancer on Thursday, August 20, at First Methodist Church. The evening of music, fellowship, and support for a vital cause will begin at 6:30 PM.

Known as “America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music,” The Hoppers have brought their distinctive harmonies to audiences across the country for over six decades. The Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees are celebrated for signature hits such as “Jerusalem,” “Shout 21st Century,” and “Yes I Am.”

Event Details:

Event: 31st Annual Gospel Benefit Concert
Featured Artist: The Hoppers
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: First Methodist Church

The entire community is invited to gather for an inspiring night of worship while supporting local efforts in the fight against cancer.

‘American Pickers’ Heading Back to Illinois this September: How Local Collectors Can Pitch Their ‘Rusty Gold’

WMOK – Massac County, IL – The hit History Channel documentary series American Pickers has announced plans to return to Illinois and Iowa to film new episodes throughout September 2026.

The documentary show follows skilled pickers across the country on a mission to hunt down America’s most valuable antiques, rescue forgotten relics, and give historically significant objects a brand-new lease on life. In addition to rare and unique items, the show focuses heavily on unforgettable local characters, their personal stories, and their private collections.

Producers are currently seeking local leads across the area for large, rare collections and items the Pickers have never seen before. If area residents or someone they know has a unique collection, a story to tell, and is ready to sell, the production team wants to hear from them.

What the Pickers Are Looking For

The producers are specifically hunting for specific types of vintage items, including:

Motorcycles & scooters

Old signs & advertising

Vintage toys

Oil & gas items

Pedal cars & bicycles

Early furniture

Vending & pinball machines

Jukeboxes

Folk art

Military items

Taxidermy

Submission Guidelines & Rules

Private Collections Only: The Pickers exclusively visit private collections. They do not pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or any locations open to the general public.

Required Information: Submissions must include full name, town & state, phone number, location where the collection is housed, and a detailed description of the items with photos attached.

How to Submit: Email leads directly to americanpickers@cineflix.com or call and leave a message at (646) 493-2184.

WMOK Coffee Break

WMOK's Coffee Break Program:

Coffee Break Archive

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 Aug 04, 2026 656 views

National Night Out Brings Metropolis Community and Law Enforcement Together Tonight 23h ago 60 views

'American Pickers' Heading Back to Illinois this September: How Local Collectors Can Pitch Their 'Rusty Gold' 20h ago 40 views

Audio: The Immense Benefits of a Metropolis Library Card and How to Get One - WMOK Talks with Colby Kennedy Jul 31, 2026 39 views

WMOK Listener Question: Do Police Have Quotas? Chief Masse Discusses July Traffic Safety Operations 22h ago 28 views

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

618-524-9209

Happy Hearts Senior Center Menu

The Happy Hearts Senior Center remains a fantastic resource for those seeking to enhance their social wellness at any time of the year. Located at 7th and Pearl Streets in Metropolis, in the former IGA building, the center offers a welcoming environment for connection and community.

Join them for Coffee Time, held every morning at 7 AM. It’s a wonderful opportunity to relax, play card games, browse the internet, or enjoy a good book in their cozy foyer. Don’t forget to pick up the latest menu to discover all the exciting offerings at Happy Hearts!

For just a $1.00 donation, you can enjoy unlimited coffee.

If you’d like to stay for lunch, a delicious meal is served at 11:30 AM for a suggested $3.00 donation.

The center stays open until 2 PM, allowing ample time to socialize and unwind.

Follow the Happy Hearts Facebook Page Here

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 52 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 16 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 25 views

Get in on last night’s WMOK Tuesday Evening Question – What’s your motto?

Battery Arrest Reported at Massac County Sheriff's Office

METROPOLIS, IL - A local resident was taken into custody following an incident at a county law enforcement facility earlier this month. According to an arrest summary released by the Metropolis Police Department, 46-year-old Robert L. Little of Metropolis was arrested on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Officers arrested Littl...

Aug 01, 2026 1.11K 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...

Aug 04, 2026 656 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 494 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 390 views

Brookport Resident Arrested on Drug and Ammunition Charges

METROPOLIS, IL - A Brookport woman was taken into custody following an arrest in Metropolis earlier this month. According to an arrest summary released by the Metropolis Police Department, 38-year-old Ashley M. McKendree of Brookport was arrested on Thursday, July 16, 2026. She was charged with: Possession of Methamphe...

Aug 02, 2026 332 views