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Wednesday WMOK News Check Yellow Sheet – August 12, 2026 – Metropolis and Massac County News

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Hello, Metropolis, Massac County and Beyond! ☀️
Good morning from the WMOK studio!

Today’s Sun & Sky

  • Sunrise: 6:08 AM CDT

  • Sunset: 7:51 PM CDT

Forecast Highlights

  • Conditions: Sunny in Metropolis, IL

  • High/Low: High of 93°F | Low of 76°F

  • Winds: Southwest at 10 mph

  • Rain Chance: 15% during the day (0% overnight)

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.

City of Metropolis Announces Quarterly Summer Clean Up Week

By WMOK – Metropolis, IL

The City of Metropolis, in partnership with Bulldog Systems, has officially kicked off its Summer Clean Up Week, running through Friday, August 14th. City officials emphasize that this disposal event is available for this week ONLY as part of a quarterly clean-up schedule.

Residents participating in the clean-up must follow specific guidelines to ensure their items are collected:

  • Placement: All extra items MUST be set out at the regular pick-up point, within 5 feet of the normal trash container.

  • Containment: All discarded items MUST be bagged or contained.

  • Bundling: Any loose materials MUST be securely bundled so that a single worker can easily handle them.

  • Timing: Trash containers and extra clean-up materials must be out on the normal collection day by no later than 6:00 AM.

Certain items are strictly prohibited and will not be collected during the event. Prohibited materials include:

  • Tires, batteries, and auto parts

  • Hazardous or medical waste

  • Electronics of any kind

  • Appliances and satellites

  • Yard waste

  • Flammable liquids and wet paint (paint cans are only accepted if completely empty or dry)

  • Construction and demolition debris

Residents seeking additional details or clarification regarding acceptable items can contact Bulldog Systems directly at 1-877-285-3479, or reach out to the Metropolis Mayor’s Office at 618-524-4016.

Local Topics We're Working on at WMOK

A New Kind of Coffee Break

This week we’ll be testing an additional Coffee Break format.  Our litmus test will be Metropolis Mayor Gregg Jeffords.  We’ll go to his office this week for an “On Location Coffee Break Program”.
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

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

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

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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.


Wednesday, August 12

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

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 13

5:30P – Sons of the American Legion – American Legion 921 Market St – 2nd Thursday of the month

6P – American Legion Post 306 Meeting – American Legion 921 Market St – 2nd Thursday of the month






Friday, August 14

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 and Sunday in Metropolis

Saturday, August 15

 



Feelin’ Good Summer Concert Series Finale Features Wildflower Honey and The Hot Biscuits

/ WMOK
Feelin' Good Summer Concert Series Finale Features Wildflower Honey and The Hot Biscuits

WMOK – METROPOLIS, IL — The City National Bank of Metropolis and the Greater Metropolis Convention & Visitors Bureau are coming together to host a special event to wrap up the beloved seasonal music showcase with a grand finale at Washington Park.

The event, titled “Wildflower Honey and The Hot Biscuits at CNB’s Feelin’ Good Summer Concerts at the Gazebo!” is set for Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Local residents, music lovers, and families are invited to gather around the park gazebo for two entertaining hours of live music, celebrating the end of the summer concert series. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to relax and enjoy the evening’s performance in the heart of Metropolis.







Sunday, August 16

(1977) Anniversary of the passing of Elvis Presley

Monday, August 17 - Thursday, August 20

Monday, August 17





Tuesday, August 18

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




Wednesday, August 19

Massac County Drug Awareness Coalition meets on the 3rd Wednesday at 12p at Metropolis City Hall

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 20

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.

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.

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

  • '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

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

Looking Back at the Massac County Fairgrounds: Share Your Memories with WMOK

WMOK – Metropolis, IL — WMOK is taking listeners and local residents on a nostalgic trip down memory lane with a special look back at the historic Massac County Fairgrounds.

The featured aerial photograph highlights the bustling layout of the fairgrounds from years past, capturing iconic community landmarks that defined generations of local history.

The labeled overhead view displays several remembered locations across the grounds, including the original WMOK transmitter building perched at the top left (it’s bigger, but we’re still in it), the skating rink, the racetrack and central Trout Pond, and Metropolis Stables along the north side. The photo also highlights the grandstand, the fairgrounds midway, Parr’s Grill, Miller’s Motel (Park Court), the Miller family residence, and the nearby Illinois Central Railroad tracks running along Highway 45 near Fort Massac State Park.

Massac County residents and area locals are encouraged to click on the image in the post to examine the historical layout up close and drop their own memories of days gone by at the fairgrounds in the comment section. Whether it was attending the fair, skating with friends, watching the races, or grabbing a bite at Parr’s Grill, WMOK invites the community to join the conversation and help piece together the local history of these cherished landmarks.

 

Job and Career Listings

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

Help Wanted: Fat Edd’s Roadhouse Seeking Motivated Server and Bartender

Fat Edd’s Roadhouse is looking for a motivated server/bartender to join their team for immediate shifts. The position offers a flexible schedule with a mix of day and night shifts available.

Job Details & Benefits:

  • Pay: $9.00 per hour, plus tips

  • Perks: Employee meal discounts

  • Benefits: Retirement account options available after completing the initial probation period

Interested applicants are encouraged to stop by Fat Edd’s Roadhouse in person at 323 Ferry Street in Metropolis to fill out an application. On-the-spot interviews are frequently conducted for applicants applying in person.

For the latest community updates and job opportunities for listeners in Metropolis, Massac County, Illinois, and beyond, keep your radio tuned to 920AM or stream live worldwide at 920wmok.com.

WMOK School and Sports News

Massac County Patriots Football Returns to WMOK for the 2026/2027 Season

WMOK – Metropolis, IL — High school football is officially back as the Massac County Patriots prepare to kick off their 2026/2027 season, with WMOK set to broadcast every play, touchdown, and barn burner all season long.

Patriot Nation, get ready! Whether you’re listening in Metropolis, Unionville, Joppa, up on the bluff in New Columbia, or anywhere listening in Massac County Illinois and Beyond, WMOK has your front-row seat to Patriot football. Listeners can catch all the action live on the radio at 920AM on your radio or streaming worldwide from our website at 920wmok.com.

Provided we meet our 2026/2027 Sponsorship goal, our broadcasting season will begin when the Patriots kick off their campaign on the road two weeks from tomorrow, heading to West Frankfort on Friday, August 21, for a 7:00 PM kickoff under Head Coach Jacob Collins. The full 2026 Patriots regular season broadcast schedule on WMOK includes:

  • Aug 21 (Fri): @ West Frankfort (Away)

  • Aug 27 (Thu): vs. Vienna (Home)

  • Sep 04 (Fri): vs. Anna-Jonesboro (Home)

  • Sep 11 (Fri): vs. Murphysboro (Home)

  • Sep 18 (Fri): @ Harrisburg (Away)

  • Sep 25 (Fri): @ Herrin (Away)

  • Oct 02 (Fri): vs. Carterville (Homecoming)

  • Oct 09 (Fri): vs. Salem (Senior Night)

  • Oct 16 (Fri): @ Pinckneyville (Away)

To learn how sponsoring Massac County sports on WMOK can put you in the ears of Patriot fans, contact us via the WMOK Text Line at 618-524-9209.

 

Massac County Unit 1 School Superintendent Jason Hayes – Back to School Coffee Break – orig. airdate – 8.5.26

WMOK – Metropolis, IL – On Wednesday, we had Massac Unit 1 School Superintendent Jason Hayes in the studio to have our last Coffee Break before “back to school”.

Topics:

  • What’s happening on the school system end of things in the last week before school starts
  • School Supply Lists
  • Student Orientations
  • Communication – “Remind is changing to Parent Square“
  • Recap of policy regarding staff communications with students and parents
  • The Back to School Shift
  • Teaching your youth to effectively problem solve
  • “Screen Time”
  • Back to School Day, Labor Day
  • Phones in Schools
  • Next Coffee Break with Mr. Hayes – Wednesday, September 9th

 

Hear our discussion in its entirety in the SoundCloud Player below:

Massac County Unit 1 School Superintendent Jason Hayes – Back to School Coffee Break – orig. airdate – 8.5.26

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