WMOK – Metropolis, IL — Funeral arrangements have been finalized for Metropolis Ward 4 City Alderman and community champion Chad Lewis, 47, who passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning, May 30, 2026 in Metropolis. As a dedicated leader, local DJ, and fierce advocate for tourism and municipal growth, his passing has left an immeasurable void across Massac County.

Services to honor his legacy will be held next week. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home, located at 70 Jon Street in Metropolis.

The funeral service will follow immediately at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with Adam Faughn officiating. Burial will take place afterward at Metropolis Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home. Online condolences and shared memories can be left for the family on the funeral home’s website, or submitted to WMOK as we continue to compile a public record of the incredible deeds Chad brought to everyday life.

Get ready to breathe in that festival air, because our quiet stretch of the Ohio River is about to get a whole lot more exciting.

It’s that time of the year again when “Metropolis, Massac County and Beyond” isn’t just our favorite radio sign-off—it’s a literal description of Market Street! The annual Metropolis Superman Celebration is officially right around the corner, and the countdown is on.

Our local population is about to experience its legendary yearly influx as thousands of visitors, superfans, and caped crusaders from all over the globe travel down Interstate 24 to Exit 37 to find their way into the Official Hometown of Superman!

The town a-buzz and the local calendar is packed tight. While the main celebration weekend officially takes over the square from Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14, our hometown kickoff activities are getting a head start on Thursday, June 11.

Local Highlights to Put on Your Radar:

• The MCDAC Super 5K Fun Run/Walk: Lace up your sneakers for Thursday, June 11. Registration opens up at 5:30 PM at the Fort Massac State Park 7th Street entrance, with the official chip-timed race starting at 7:00 PM. It’s a perfect way for local families to kick off the celebration weekend.

• The Triumphant Return of Carnival Rides: After years of searching high and low since the pandemic threw a wrench in smaller amusement bookings, a traditional carnival is officially coming back to  Metropolis! Set up right around Washington Park and Metropolis Street, families can expect a full midway experience complete with traditional games, food concessions, and attractions for all ages.

As the tourists fill the hotels and park along our streets, let’s show them the deep hospitality that Massac County is famous for. It takes a massive local effort from the Chamber, our civic groups, city workers, and everyday residents to pull this off year after year.

Cool Off at the Metropolis City Pool

There is no better way to beat the mid-day heat than heading over to the Metropolis City Pool, located at 312 West 4th Street. The pool is officially open for the season through August 8th, bringing daily relief to local families.

• Public Pool Hours: Daily from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Sundays open from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM). Note: The pool closes at 5:00 PM daily this year to accommodate a high demand for private evening pool parties.

• Daily Gate Fee: $3.00 per person.

• Season Passes: Individual Season Passes are available for $40.00, and Family Passes (covering a family of four) are $120.00, with an additional $30.00 for each extra child. Please note that season passes are strictly available to Massac County residents only this year.

• New “Teen Pass” Policy: To ensure a safe, family-friendly environment for our local youth, all teens ages 13–17 must have a Teen Pool Access Pass to enter. Parents or guardians must visit City Hall to sign the required waiver. Kids under 13 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or a sibling who holds a Teen Pass.

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Weekly Adventures at the Metropolis Public Library

Our local library at 317 Metropolis Street is the ultimate hub for weekly summer programming. They have lined up an incredible, action-packed schedule to keep young minds growing all summer long.

• Mondays—Kidz Club Saves the Afternoon (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM): Designed for children up to 6th grade, this weekly block features superhero-themed crafts and fun activities. Parents can drop off their kids, but first-time participants must be registered at the library’s front desk before joining in.

• Tuesdays—”Reading is a Superpower” Storytime (10:30 AM): Bring the little ones out for a weekly morning dose of fun! This all-ages storytime is the perfect excuse to head downtown, enjoy a great book together, and wrap things up with a fun craft.

• All Month Long—”Reading is Dino-Mite!” Summer Reading Program: Registration is officially open through July 1st! This year’s prehistoric-themed program features a full lineup of dinosaur books, interactive activities, and post-program snacks. Make sure to sign your kids up directly at the library to get their reading logs started.

• Fridays—Nifty Needles Group (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM): Looking to unwind as the workweek wraps up? Youth ages 11 and up (and adults, too!) are invited to the library for a relaxed social hour of knitting, crocheting, and needlepoint. Whether you are a master of the craft or casting on your very first project, it’s a wonderful space for some yarn therapy, pattern swapping, and creative company.

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Saturday Morning Traditions

Saturdays in Metropolis are all about celebrating our small-town roots and supporting the people who make our community thrive.

• Metropolis & Massac County Farmers Market (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Set your alarms and head down to the riverfront at Dorothy Miller Park (586 E. 1st St.). Running every Saturday morning from May through October, it’s the prime spot to pick up fresh local produce, vibrant plants, homemade baked goods, and unique artisan crafts.

• Saturday Library Hours (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM): After you finish gathering your goodies at the market, head to the Metropolis Public Library. They are open every Saturday, and they even have a dedicated genealogy assistant on hand during the first Saturday of each month to help you dig into regional history.

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