WMOK – Metropolis, IL – The Massac County Board of Commissioners officially denied a request for a special use permit on Monday morning, June 15, 2026, halting plans for a proposed commercial solar energy facility in the county.

The decision was reached during a special meeting called by Board Chairman Jayson Farmer. Commissioners, local officials, and community members gathered at 8:30 a.m. in the Law Library on the second floor of the Massac County Courthouse at 1 Superman Square in Metropolis.

The single focus of the special session was an application filed by SB Energy—also operating as SE US Development, LLC. The company had requested a Special Use Permit to site a commercial solar energy facility within Massac County boundaries.

Public Input and Board Action

The meeting opened with standard procedural items, including the call to order and roll call, before moving directly into public participation. During the designated public comment period, which was limited to a maximum of 30 minutes, four local residents took the floor to voice their thoughts regarding the solar project directly to the board.

Following the public comments, the commissioners entered into formal consideration of the application. The meeting agenda had prepared two contrasting legislative paths for the board’s final action: a motion to approve the permit, or a motion to deny it.

Ultimately, the commissioners chose to vote in favor of the restrictive measure, adopting the ordinance to officially deny SB Energy’s application for the Special Use Permit. With the application rejected and no further business on the agenda, the board adjourned the special session.

This Friday, June 19, the C.O.P.E. food pantry will be closed in observance of the Federal holiday, Juneteenth. On June 20, the pantry will be located at Joppa and Brookport for the monthly distribution. The pantry will reopen on June 22 at 1013 North Avenue in Metropolis during its regular hours, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

This coming Friday marks the observance of Juneteenth, which is recognized as a federal holiday across the United States. Consequently, all non-essential government offices, federal courts, banks, and post offices will be closed for the day to honor the occasion. Local community services may also adjust their hours, so residents are encouraged to plan ahead for the long weekend.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to deliver General Order No. 3. This historic announcement brought news that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved people were finally free. Coming two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, this momentous day marks the true closing chapter of slavery in America and serves as a vital time for reflection, education, and celebration of African American freedom and resilience.

Calling all super readers! If you are looking for a fun, engaging, and educational activity for the family this month, the Metropolis Public Library has officially unveiled an exciting lineup for its weekly youth programming.

This month, the library is embracing a thrilling comic-book-style atmosphere with its June theme: “Reading is a Superpower.” Led by the library’s own Stacey Fike, these weekly interactive sessions aim to unleash the “super reader powers” of local children through the magic of books and hands-on creativity.

Event Details & Weekly Schedule

The program is designed to fit perfectly into your summer routine, repeating weekly throughout the month:

• When: Every Tuesday morning

• Time: 10:30 AM

• Where: Metropolis Public Library

• Who: All ages are welcome!

Books, Crafts, and Snacks

Each session promises a dynamic mix of storytelling and interactive entertainment. Attendees can look forward to a curation of hero-themed books, including popular titles featured on the flyer such as Pete the Cat: Super Pete, I Am Superman!, Gratitude is My Superpower, and You Can Do Anything, Daddy!.

Following the reading portion of the morning, children will participate in custom hero-themed crafts to take home, followed by a delicious snack to wrap up a “super fun time.”

The Metropolis Public Library invites everyone to soar into the facility this Tuesday at 10:30 AM to discover the true superpower of reading.