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In from the National Weather Service of Paducah
Juneteenth – Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. West northwest wind 5 to 7 mph.
Tonight – Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Calm wind.
Friday – Sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.
Friday Night – Mostly clear, with a low around 72. Light south wind.
Saturday – Sunny, with a high near 94. South southwest wind 3 to 8 mph.
Saturday Night – Clear, with a low around 75. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday – Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 6 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night – Clear, with a low around 75. Light south wind.
Monday – Sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Monday Night – Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Calm wind.
Tuesday – Sunny, with a high near 95. Light south wind.
Tuesday Night – Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Calm wind.
Wednesday – Sunny, with a high near 94. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Celebrating Juneteenth: The Legacy of Opal Lee and the Journey to Federal Recognition
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, announcing the end of slavery, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s a day celebrating freedom and the perseverance of African Americans, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. history.
Juneteenth’s journey to federal recognition gained significant momentum after decades of advocacy, particularly from activists like Opal Lee. Following widespread social justice movements in 2020, bipartisan legislation passed Congress, leading President Joe Biden to sign the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021, making it a federal holiday.
More on Opal Lee:
Opal Lee is widely known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth” for her tireless and decades-long activism in advocating for Juneteenth to become a federal holiday. Born in Marshall, Texas, in 1926, she experienced firsthand the significance of Juneteenth celebrations and the injustice of racism. In 1939, when she was 12, her family’s home in Fort Worth was burned down by a white mob on Juneteenth, an event that profoundly impacted her.
Despite this trauma, Lee dedicated her life to community service as a retired schoolteacher and counselor, working with various organizations and even starting Opal’s Farm to combat food insecurity. However, her most prominent work began in 2016, when at 89 years old, she embarked on a symbolic 1,400-mile “Walk for Freedom” from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C. She walked 2.5 miles in each city she visited, representing the 2.5 years it took for news of the Emancipation Proclamation to reach enslaved people in Texas after it was signed. Her efforts, which included gathering millions of petition signatures, brought national attention to the importance of Juneteenth.
Her perseverance paid off when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law on June 17, 2021, making Juneteenth a federal holiday. Opal Lee was present at the signing ceremony and is recognized for her instrumental role in achieving this historic milestone. She continues to be a prominent voice for civil rights and unity.
Opal Lee’s granddaughter sits down to speak about Grandmother of Juneteenth from WFAA
Rural Health Inc offers residents free assistance in finding affordable insurance
WMOK Metropolis, IL – The lack of affordable insurance leaves countless individuals vulnerable, forcing them to choose between essential care and basic necessities. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, worsening health conditions, and crushing medical debt. Without coverage, a single illness or accident can quickly spiral into financial ruin, pushing families into poverty and severely impacting their quality of life.
Statistics reveal a significant challenge regarding health insurance coverage in Massac County, Illinois. According to the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, approximately 6.5% of persons under 65 years in Massac County were without health insurance as of the 2019-2023 estimates. More recent data from Data USA indicates that between 2022 and 2023, the percentage of uninsured citizens in Massac County saw an increase of 13.8%, rising from 7.91% to 9.01%. This suggests a growing concern for access to healthcare coverage within the county, impacting a notable portion of its residents.
Rural Health, Inc offers a free insurance assistance program in which they help uninsured and underinsured individuals acquire health care. While the program is likely most beneficial to the underserved, all Illinois residents are welcome to make an appointment to review their coverage.
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Metropolis Public Library Launches 2025 Summer Reading Program – Registration Underway
WMOK – Metropolis, IL – The Metropolis Public Library is thrilled to announce the start of its Summer Reading Program for 2025!
Sign ups began this week on Monday, and readers of all ages are encouraged to participate in this enriching experience.
This year’s program kicks off with a special party on June 24th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, where attendees can enjoy light refreshments and witness the opening of the library’s time capsule—a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community’s history.
The weekly programs will run from July 1st through July 23rd, offering a range of activities tailored to different age groups.
On Tuesdays, children aged 0-3 and 4-6 can join in on the fun from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Meanwhile, Wednesdays are reserved for readers aged 7 and older, also from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
As the program comes to a close, participants are invited to the End of Summer Reading Bash on July 29th from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, celebrating all the reading achievements and experiences of the summer.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to foster a love for reading while enjoying a variety of engaging activities at the Metropolis Public Library. Sign up today and prepare for a summer filled with adventure and learning!


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WMOK Community Events Listing
Get Your Event in the WMOK Community Events Listing
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Monthly Meetings from the WMOK Community Events Listing
12P – The Kiwanis Club of Metropolis meets every Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 520 Ferry Street in Metropolis
12P – The Rotary Club of Metropolis meets every Thursday at Community Christian Church, 1150 Country Club Rd.
1-3P – DAR – Daughters of the American Revolution – 1st Wednesday of each month – Metropolis Public Library, 317 Metropolis St.
6:30P – The Massac County Historical Society at Elijah P. Curtis Home meets the first Monday of each month at 405 Market St.
9:30-11A – Garden Club – Metropolis Community Center – 900 W 10th St (2nd Monday of the month)
5:30 – Metropolis Public Library – Board of Trustees Meeting -Third Tuesday of the month Basement of the Library – Open to the public.
The Metropolis Elks Lodge monthly meetings take place the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Except July, August and December only the 1st Tuesday. Members only can attend. Applications can be picked up at the Lodge or from a member.
6P – Metropolis Lions’ Club – 2nd Thursday of the month at the Metropolis Community Center, 900 W 10th St. – Small Conference Room-
7P – City of Metropolis City Council Meeting – Upstairs at the Metropolis City Hall, 106 W 5th St – Metropolis City Council meetings occur on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month
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
4:30P – Nifty Needles Group – Metropolis Public Library – Every Friday – 317 Metropolis St, Metropolis
C.O.P.E. Food Pantry Distributions in Massac County
C.O.P.E. Food Pantry Distribution takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Metropolis at 1013 North Avenue from 9am until 3pm. Please bring your photo I.D. and proof of Massac County Residency.
– Brookport Distribution – 9A- 12P – Christian Church building that is directly behind the Harry Statham gymnasium . Every 3rd Thursday of the month 9A-12P – (618)524-3635
–Joppa Distribution – 10A-12P – Civic Center next to Joppa City Hall. Every 3rd Saturday a month. Please bring your photo I.D. and proof of Massac County residency. (618) 524-3635.
(618) 524-3635
Happy Hearts Senior Center
Join Us for Coffee Time at Happy Hearts Senior Center
WMOK Metropolis, IL – The Happy Hearts Senior Center invites all seniors to come and enjoy a delightful Coffee Time at our location at 7th and Pearl Streets in Metropolis, the former IGA building. Starting bright and early at 7 AM, Bettie Stoner and our friendly team welcome you to savor a cup of warm coffee while catching up with friends. It’s the perfect chance to relax, play a friendly card game, browse the internet on your phone, or dive into a good book by our inviting foyer window.
Don’t forget to pick up your June menu while you’re here—there’s plenty to discover at Happy Hearts!
For just a $1.00 donation, you can enjoy “all the coffee you can drink.” And if you’d like to stay for lunch, we serve a delicious meal at 11:30 AM, with a suggested donation of $3.00. Our center stays open until 2 PM, so there’s plenty of time to socialize and unwind.
Bring your coffee-loving friends, and make some wonderful memories together at Happy Hearts Senior Center!
This Week in the WMOK Community Events Listing:
– Thursday, June 19
Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19th, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom. This came over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s a day to celebrate emancipation, honor African American history and culture, and reflect on the ongoing pursuit of equality.
12P – The Rotary Club of Metropolis meets every Thursday at Community Christian Church, 1150 Country Club Rd.
National Mosquito Control Awareness Week
June 20 to 26 every year
– Friday, June 20
(WMOK) Metropolis, IL — The Metropolis Public Library is excited to invite crafty people to its community initiative, the Nifty Needles Group. This weekly gathering invites residents aged 11 and up to explore their creativity through knitting, sewing, embroidery, and other personal crafting projects.
Participants will convene in the library’s basement every Friday from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM to work on their individual projects. This group aims to provide a welcoming space for crafters to focus on their hobbies while enjoying a friendly atmosphere.
“Crafting is a wonderful way to express creativity and connect with others,” said the library’s program coordinator, Colby Kennedy. “We want to create an inclusive environment where individuals can share their skills, learn from one another, and enjoy refreshments provided by the library.”
The Nifty Needles Group is perfect for both beginners learning a new skill and experienced crafters wanting to refine their techniques or tackle larger projects. Participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies and ideas to share.
In addition to hands-on crafting, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in conversation with fellow enthusiasts, fostering a sense of community around shared interests.
The Metropolis Public Library is committed to serving the needs of its diverse population, and this new group is just one of many initiatives aimed at bringing people together through their common interests.
For more information about the Nifty Needles Group, stop by the library or call 618-524-4312.
– Saturday, June 21
– Sunday, June 22











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