A road closure began this morning on Country Club Road between North Avenue and Airport Road.  This section will be closed until further notice for the replacement of the bridge.  Learn more about the project here.  In addition a road project in underway on Waldo Church Road in Massac County.  WMOK will bring you more on these projects and the upcoming changing of the guard in the Massac County Highway Department later this week in the WMOK News Check.

SIEC Completing Work Following Outage in Massac, Pope and other Southernmost Illinois Counties on Tuesday Morning

May is National Bike Month – The George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail Makes for a Scenic Celebration

May is National Bike Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to giving biking a try. National Bike Month in May incorporates several events including National Bike to Work Week and National Bike to School Day.

Hiking, biking trail at Fort Massac State Park.

 

George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail – Enjoy a scenic ride or walk along a concrete trail inside Fort Massac State Park. Use of the bicycle and pedestrian path is free, and parking is located inside Fort Massac State Park. Upon its completion, the 9 mile trail will begin at Superman Square, continue through Fort Massac State Park, and end in the city of Brookport.

Bicycle Safety Tips and Laws

As a general rule, bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws as vehicle drivers. The following laws and safety rules are particularly important for bicyclists:

• Always ride with the traffic flow, as close to the right edge of the road as possible.
• Obey all traffic signals, pavement markings and directions given by police officers.
• Use hand signals to let drivers know your intentions.
• Bicycling after dark is very hazardous. Bicycles must be equipped with a front light that reaches 500 feet and a rear, red reflector.
• Wearing light-colored, reflective clothing increases your visibility to other drivers during the day and night.
• Learn to look over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving left.
• Do not pass on the right. Motorists often will not look for passing cyclists in that direction.
• When moving the same speed as traffic, ride in the middle of the lane, especially at busy intersections.
• Keep both hands on the brakes. Allow extra stopping time in the rain.
• Be alert for cars pulling out and make eye contact with the drivers to ensure you have been seen.
• Do not weave between parked cars.

In addition to state laws, many municipalities have ordinances restricting bicycles in certain areas. Contact local law enforcement agencies in the areas where you plan to ride.

Register Your Bicycle with the Metropolis Police Department

Stop by the Metropolis Police Department at 1020 Broadway St., to register your bike for Free!

Massac Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Asks Community Members to Help in Promoting Awareness and Raising Funds for National Hospital Week

We would love to include your event in our listing.
You may submit your event via email to WMOKnews@frontier.com with the words “upcoming event” in the subject line – You can also send details to us via Facebook Messenger on the WMOK Facebook page.

Friday, May 12

9a-3p – COPE Food Pantry Distribution – 1013 North Avenue, Metropolis – Please bring photo ID and proof of Massac County residency

7P – Massac County High School Graduation

7P – Joppa High School Graduation

Saturday, May 13

Massac County Farmers Market – Dorothy Miller Park – 7a to Noon

Metropolis City Clean Up Week – Monday, May 15 – Friday, May 19 – Items must be at your normal pick up point and within 5 feet of the trash container. All items must be bagged or in a container. Anything loose must be bundled so that one person can handle it. No construction debris, demolition debris or electronics will be picked up.

Memorial Day is Monday May 29, 2023 – Memorial Day is a national holiday and a federal holiday.  On Memorial Day you can expect Banks, government offices and some businesses to be closed.  The Metropolis City Pool will open on Memorial Day and admission will be free.

This Week on WMOK’s Coffee Break

Tuesday – Massac County Sheriff Chad Kaylor

Wednesday – Massac Unit #1 School Superintendent Jason Hayes

Thursday – Alicia Paris – Massac Memorial Hospital