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In from the National Weather Service of Paducah
This Afternoon A 20 percent chance of showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. West southwest wind 7 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Tonight A slight chance of rain showers before 2am, then a slight chance of freezing rain between 2am and 3am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday A slight chance of flurries. Partly sunny, with a high near 34. West northwest wind 3 to 8 mph.
Saturday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 15. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday Sunny, with a high near 32. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 18 mph.
Sunday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 20. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
M.L.King Day Mostly sunny, with a high near 28. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph becoming light north northwest in the afternoon.
Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 11. Calm wind.
Good Morning Metropolis, Massac County and Beyond!
5:02 PM
Friday, January 16, 2026 (CST)
Sunset in Massac County, IL
Coming up in
Metropolis and Massac County
Friday, January 16
COPE Food Pantry Distribution
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
Saturday, January 17
Betty White Day – This would have been her 104th birthday; it’s now a day many use to donate to local animal shelters.
Sunday, January 18
Hunt For Happiness Week: 18-24 (Third Full Week)
Monday, January 19
COPE Food Pantry Distribution
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
On Mondays at 5 PM at the Metropolis Community Center, located on West 10th Street, a free weekly meal for the community. For more information, please call 618-521-7880

On January 21, 1972, a historic milestone was reached when DC Comics officially proclaimed Metropolis, Illinois, as the “Hometown of Superman.” This wasn’t just a casual nod; the Illinois House of Representatives even passed Resolution 572 to solidify the city’s status as the real-world home of the Man of Steel.
This year, we celebrate Official Hometown of Superman Day with a special ceremony! Mayor Jeffords will kick off the festivities with an official proclamation, followed by Superman-themed refreshments for all to enjoy.
To show your community spirit, we encourage everyone to wear their iconic Superman shield shirts to work and school. Additionally, the Chamber of Commerce is celebrating with a special promotion: shoppers can enjoy 25% off their purchase now through January 21—no cape or shield required!
Exile Ticket Giveaway

The legendary country-rock band Exile is coming to the Marion Cultural and Civic Center on Friday, February 20th!
The 5 original Exile members re-formed in 2008 with J.P. Pennington, Les Taylor, Sonny LeMaire, Marlon Hargis and Steve Goetzman.
The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame members continue to perform for legions of fans on the 2018 No Limit Tour and have appeared over 100 times on the Grand Ole Opry.
Exile recently released their latest project Hits and the album contains 11 number one songs spanning three decades, along with four additional top ten’s.
The ultimate, cross-over band has sold over 8 million records worldwide, with three Gold albums. Exile has lasted longer than most marriages.
Want to score a four-pack of tickets for you and three friends?
WMOK is giving away a four-pack every single day from Monday, January 19th, through Friday, January 23rd—but you’ve gotta have a sharp eye to win!
Here is how to play: Every day next week, we are burying a specific Exile song title somewhere inside the WMOK News Check Yellow Sheet.
When you spot it, just screenshot the title and reply to your Yellow Sheet text with that image. It’s that simple! Each day’s winner will be drawn from those who find the song.
If you don’t receive the Yellow Sheet yet, get signed up now so you don’t miss the first hunt on Monday morning.
Text the word NEWS to 618-524-9209.
That’s NEWS to 618-524-9209.
Find the song, send the shot, and win your way to see Exile!

Brookport Library Announces January Cleanup and Cataloging Month
BROOKPORT, IL – The Brookport Library is taking the month of January to focus on a thorough cleanup and cataloging of its resources. During this time, regular hours may be altered, and patrons are advised to check for any updates regarding library access.
Library director Lucille Shannon encourages the community to visit during this period, noting that if anyone drives by and notices no cars in the lot, they are welcome to call her directly at 270-748-9756 for assistance. “I will come and open the library up just for you!” she assures.
Shannon expresses optimism about returning to a regular schedule in February and invites everyone to stay engaged with the library’s offerings.
Deadline Extended: Get Covered Illinois Open Enrollment Now Runs Through January 31
METROPOLIS, IL – Residents seeking health insurance coverage have been granted additional time to secure a plan for the 2026 calendar year. Officials have announced that the Get Covered Illinois open enrollment period has been officially extended until January 31, 2026.
This extension provides a vital window for individuals and families who have not yet selected a provider or who need to update their existing coverage.
Local Assistance Available
For those navigating the enrollment process, local help is available. Rural Health, Inc. (RHI) is offering personalized assistance to the community. Individuals can contact a member of the RHI team at 618-833-4471 to receive help with the enrollment process.
Key details regarding the assistance include:
No Cost: Enrollment help is provided at no charge.
Open to All: Assistance is available to everyone in the community, regardless of whether they are a current patient of Rural Health, Inc.
How to Enroll
Residents can explore plan options and complete their applications through the following methods:
Online: Visit the official Get Covered Illinois website.
By Phone: Call Rural Health, Inc. at 618-833-4471 to speak with a representative.
With the new January 31 deadline approaching, health officials encourage residents to review their options early to ensure continuous coverage throughout the year.
Deadline Extended: Get Covered Illinois Open Enrollment Now Runs Through January 31
METROPOLIS, IL – Residents seeking health insurance coverage have been granted additional time to secure a plan for the 2026 calendar year. Officials have announced that the Get Covered Illinois open enrollment period has been officially extended until January 31, 2026.
This extension provides a vital window for individuals and families who have not yet selected a provider or who need to update their existing coverage.
Local Assistance Available
For those navigating the enrollment process, local help is available. Rural Health, Inc. (RHI) is offering personalized assistance to the community. Individuals can contact a member of the RHI team at 618-833-4471 to receive help with the enrollment process.
Key details regarding the assistance include:
No Cost: Enrollment help is provided at no charge.
Open to All: Assistance is available to everyone in the community, regardless of whether they are a current patient of Rural Health, Inc.
How to Enroll
Residents can explore plan options and complete their applications through the following methods:
Online: Visit the official Get Covered Illinois website.
By Phone: Call Rural Health, Inc. at 618-833-4471 to speak with a representative.
With the new January 31 deadline approaching, health officials encourage residents to review their options early to ensure continuous coverage throughout the year.
WMOK News: The New Illinois Laws – Part 23 – Mandatory Dementia Screening Required for Assisted Living Admission

Our focus shifts to senior living and healthcare standards with a new law strengthening protections for individuals with cognitive decline. House Bill 3328, effective January 1, 2026, amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act to mandate that all prospective residents undergo a specific cognitive assessment prior to admission.
The goal of this law is to ensure that residents with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias are not inappropriately placed in facilities that lack the specialized staffing, training, and safety measures required to meet their unique needs.
Key Requirements of the Mandatory Dementia Assessment
This new provision creates a clear, documented process that facilities must follow before accepting any new resident:
1. Pre-Admission Assessment is Mandatory
Facilities licensed as assisted living or shared housing establishments must ensure every individual resident is assessed for cognitive impairment prior to acceptance for residency.
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Why it matters: This formalizes the process, preventing facilities from overlooking signs of dementia and accepting residents whose care needs may be beyond the scope of a standard assisted living environment.
2. Expert-Approved Tools Required
The assessment must be conducted using tools that are approved or recommended by recognized Alzheimer’s and dementia care experts.
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Tool Validation: The law specifies that these tools must be validated for accurately identifying and evaluating cognitive impairments related to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This prevents the use of generic, unreliable questionnaires.
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Continuous Review: These assessment tools must be reviewed and updated regularly to align with current best practices and clinical standards in dementia care.
3. Ongoing Physician Approval
The initial assessment must be approved by the resident’s physician and must be performed again annually and at any time a significant change in the resident’s condition is identified by family members, facility staff, or their physician.
Focus on Specialized Care
HB 3328 also reinforces existing requirements for facilities that advertise or offer a special program or unit for persons with Alzheimer’s and related disorders:
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They must fully disclose the details of their special care program to the Department of Public Health and to the resident’s representative.
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They must implement clear policies and procedures to ensure the continued safety of all residents, especially those who may have a tendency to wander.

Volunteering
Getting involved in volunteering around Metropolis and Massac County is a great way to connect with our neighbors and make a difference. Places like the COPE Food Pantry and local groups like the Metropolis Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, and Massac Memorial Hospital Auxiliary offer fun ways to pitch in and help create a closer, stronger community for everyone.
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WMOK School and Sports News

Good luck to the MCHS boys bowling team as they compete in the IHSA Marion Regional being held at Herrin Bowl in Energy, IL.



WMOK School and Sports News
Harry Statham Youth Basketball League

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Job and Career Listings
Send your Job and Career Listings to WMOK Text the information to 618-524-9209
Links to Local Employers:
Massac Memorial Hospital

MMH is hiring! Join a team that puts patients first and supports the health of our community every day. Compassion. Excellence. Local Care. Apply today at www.massachealth.org/careers or by scanning the QR code.
Rural Health, Inc.
Metropolis Big John
Shawnee Community College
City of Metropolis
Southern Seven Health Department

Job and Career Listings
Tired of missing out on local news and community happenings in Metropolis, Illinois?
Do you: Have a question about local news happenings, Have a suggestion for our Coffee Break Program, Have a question or topic you would like us to discuss on our Coffee Break or Metropolis and Massac County News?
The WMOK Text Line is your direct link to what’s happening. Subscribe to our free service and get the News Check Yellow Sheet delivered right to your phone five days a week.
The WMOK Text Line is also the best way to send in birthday and anniversary announcements, request a song, and submit topics for our popular community affairs program, Coffee Break.
Subscription: To subscribe, text the word “News” to 618-524-9209.
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