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Hello Metropolis, Massac County and Beyond!
Sunset: March 11, 2026, at 6:49 PM (CDT)
Sunrise: March 12, 2026, at 7:23 AM (CDT)
Metropolis Man Arrested in Child Sexual Abuse Material Investigation
Paducah, KY – The Paducah Police Department has made significant strides in combating child exploitation, following the arrests of two men as part of an investigation prompted by tips from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
The investigation began when Paducah Police received crucial information regarding several email addresses and phone numbers associated with Aaron Hobbs, 26, of Metropolis, IL.
These contacts were flagged for hosting multiple images of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
Acting on this intelligence, detectives executed a search warrant on February 19, 2026, leading to the discovery of 88 images of CSAM on devices owned by Hobbs.
He was subsequently arrested and charged with 88 counts of Possession of Matter Portraying A Sexual Performance By A Minor.
Hobbs is currently being held in the McCracken County Jail as the investigations continue.
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This week in Metropolis and Massac County Illinois
Wednesday, March 11
COPE Food Pantry Distribution (Metropolis): The pantry at 1013 North Avenue is open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Please remember to bring a photo ID and proof of Massac County residency.
Metropolis Chamber of Commerce Monthly Meeting: Takes place at 11:30 AM. Local business professionals will gather to discuss community engagement and networking opportunities.
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, March 12
Event by Massac County Music Department
Massac County High School
Public · Anyone on or off Facebook
Join us for BANDAPALOOZA, a two-night celebration of Music In Our School’s Month, benefiting the Massac Unit #1 Band Programs.
Night 1: Combined 5th – 12th Grade Band Concert
-Thursday, March 12
-MCHS Gymnasium
-Doors open at 6:00 PM (students should arrive by 6:00)
-Concert begins at 6:30 PM
-Donations at the door directly benefit the Massac County Band Programs.
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, March 13
Hunter Safety Course: A reminder for students—a Hunter Safety Course is being offered this Friday and Saturday (March 13-14) at the Massac County Fairgrounds
Event by Massac County Music Department
Elks Lodge
Public · Anyone on or off Facebook
Join us for BANDAPALOOZA, a two-night celebration of Music In Our School’s Month, benefiting the Massac Unit #1 Band Programs.
Night 1: Combined 5th – 12th Grade Band Concert
-Thursday, March 12
-MCHS Gymnasium
-Doors open at 6:00 PM (students should arrive by 6:00)
-Concert begins at 6:30 PM
-Donations at the door directly benefit the Massac County Band Programs.
Night 2: Rock & Roll Show
-Friday, March 13
-Elks Lodge, Metropolis
-Doors open at 6:00 PM
-Show starts at 6:30 PM
-Performances by some of Southern Illinois’ best musicians, including:
•MCHS Rock Combo
• The Faculty
• DNA Vibrators
• The Melungeons
• Rooted in So. IL
Entry is by donation. All proceeds benefit the Massac County Band Programs.
Guitar Raffle
-$10 raffle tickets for an Ibanez guitar starter pack (provided by TC3 Music Supply, Metropolis) will be sold both nights.
-The drawing will be held Friday night at the rock show. Winner must be present to accept.
-Taco Bar Provided by the Elks Lodge
-T-shirt sale
Maple Grove Elementary Child Find Screenings
Maple Grove Elementary – Child Find Screenings
Friday, March 13, 2026
8:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Maple Grove Elementary will be hosting Child Find Screenings for children living in our district who may be eligible for Pre-K or Kindergarten for the 2026–2027 school year.
Appointments are required.
Please call 618-543-7589 to schedule an appointment.
Eligibility requirements:
• Pre-K: Child must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2026
• Kindergarten: Child must be 5 years old by September 1, 2026
Please bring:
• Birth certificate
• Physical and shot record
• Proof of residence
Pre-K families:
• Proof of income (most recent pay stubs, W-2, or Medicaid card)
Saturday, March 14
Joppa Maple Grove Hosts Spring Extravaganza on March 14th
Joppa Maple Grove is excited to announce its upcoming Spring Extravaganza, set to take place on March 14th. This family-friendly event promises to be a delightful day filled with fun, community connections, and special appearances, including a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Local vendors are invited to participate in this vibrant gathering. For just a $30 vendor fee, sellers of crafts, handmade items, boutique goods, baked goods, and other unique products can set up shop and showcase their offerings to attendees. To secure a space at this popular event, vendors must pre-pay as spots are limited and expected to fill quickly.
The Spring Extravaganza not only provides an opportunity for vendors to connect with their community but also creates a festive atmosphere for families to enjoy. This event is a chance for residents to support local artisans and enjoy the spirit of spring.
Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on the chance to experience this wonderful celebration at Joppa Maple Grove. Whether you are a vendor looking to showcase your talent or a family wanting to enjoy a day of fun, the Spring Extravaganza is an event you won’t want to miss.
Sunday, March 15
Coming Up in Metropolis and Massac County Illinois
WMOK Coffee Break
WMOK's Coffee Break Program:
We invite you to text
questions and topics for our guests to
618-524-9209
Happy Hearts Senior Center Menu - March 2026
WMOK School and Sports News
WMOK School and Sports News
Shawnee Community College:
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
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