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WMOK Seeks Public Records Following Sudden Relief of Golconda Police Chief – RE: City of Golconda Police Chief Relieved of his Duties
WMOK (Massac County, IL) —
Rural Pope County Fire Protection District FB Page – March 2021
WMOK Seeks Public Records Following Sudden Relief of Golconda Police Chief
GOLCONDA, IL — Following Wednesday’s sudden announcement by Mayor Gail Barger that Golconda Police Chief Steve Walker has been relieved of his duties effective immediately, WMOK has taken formal steps to seek transparency and official documentation regarding the leadership transition.
As of this morning, WMOK has officially filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the City of Golconda. While Mayor Barger’s initial press release noted that all local law enforcement concerns are being temporarily handled by the Pope County Sheriff’s Department, city officials have not yet provided details surrounding the reasons for the Chief’s sudden departure.
To ensure complete transparency and to keep our listeners informed with verified public records, the exact text of the FOIA request submitted by our newsroom is published below:
Subject: FOIA Request – Police Department Records
To the Freedom of Information Officer / City Clerk, City of Golconda:
Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), I am requesting copies of the following public records:
Any and all written notices of termination, separation, resignation, or relief of duties issued to or regarding former Police Chief Steve Walker.
Any public resolutions, memos, or official agenda items voted on or discussed by the City Council concerning the transition of law enforcement duties to the Pope County Sheriff’s Department.
Any formal agreements, contracts, or Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Golconda and the Pope County Sheriff’s Department regarding temporary police coverage executed since March 2026.
Per statutory guidelines, please deliver these records electronically to this email address.
This request is not being made for a commercial purpose. If any fees are anticipated for duplication, please notify me before proceeding.
Thank you for your time and assistance in maintaining transparent local government.
Sincerely,
WMOK News
Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the City has five business days to respond to the request.
Residents requiring non-emergency or emergency law enforcement assistance in the interim should continue to contact the Pope County Sheriff’s Department at (618) 683-4321.
We will continue to follow this story closely and provide updates as soon as official responses or documents are received.
PUBLISHED: 7.22.26 – WMOK – Metropolis, IL – According to a press release issued on July 22, 2026, Mayor Gail Barger announced that Police Chief Steve Walker has been relieved of his duties for the City of Golconda, effective immediately.
In the interim, all law enforcement concerns for the city will be handled by the Pope County Sheriff’s Department. Residents needing assistance can reach the department by calling (618) 683-4321.
WMOK has made contact with Golconda City Hall and is awaiting a call back from Mayor Barger.
Coming Up in Metropolis and Massac County
Metropolis and Massac County Community Events
We are in the process of adding events to the WMOK Community Events listing for July and August.
Have a local event?
Send details to the WMOK Text Line at 618-524-9209, email wmoknews@frontier.com, message our Facebook, or mail 339 Fairgrounds Road.
Thursday, July 23
Rotary Club of Metropolis
12P – The Rotary Club of Metropolis meets every Thursday at Community Christian Church, 1150 Country Club Rd.
Friday, July 24
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM – (C.O.P.E.) food pantry – 1013 North Avenue
Nifty Needles at the Metropolis Public Library
Looking to wrap up your week with some creative company? The Nifty Needles group meets this afternoon at the Metropolis Public Library! Whether you are a master of the crochet hook or just casting on your first knitting project, all skill levels are welcome to join in.
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When: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
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Where: Metropolis Public Library, 317 Metropolis Street
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What: A social hour for knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, and more
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The Vibe: A craft session—short, sweet, and social!
It is the perfect chance to “just breathe” after a long week, swap patterns, and enjoy some yarn therapy. Grab your current project and head downtown to join the fun.
Saturday, July 25
10am-12pm Grace Church Community meal and pantry held on the last Saturday each month at 102 East 20th Street, Metropolis
Metropolis and Massac County Farmer’s Market Brings
Weekend Fun to Dorothy Miller Park
Community members are invited to support local vendors and enjoy a morning outdoors at the Metropolis and Massac County Farmer’s Market. The market takes place every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until noon at Dorothy Miller Park, located along the riverfront in Metropolis, affectionately known as the park with the lighthouse.
Attendees can browse a variety of offerings, including fresh produce, local plants, homestead goods, breads, crafts, jewelry, and more.
In addition to shopping, the market features door prize bundles with drawings held at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Organizers remind shoppers to come prepared, noting that with these prize bundles, visitors might just “need a bigger tote”.
This family-friendly, open-air market is a great way to support local producers and connect with the community.
MCHS Class of 1996 Celebrates 30 Years
The MCHS Class of 1996 is gearing up for a memorable reunion as they celebrate 30 years since their graduation. On Saturday, July 25, classmates will gather at Fat Edd’s, specifically upstairs, starting at 7:00 PM. This milestone event promises to be filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of opportunities to reminisce about the good old days.
For attendees, the cost of admission is set at $15 for alumni and $25 for those bringing a plus one. While CashApp payments are preferred in advance, there’s also an option to pay at the door. A link for payment will be provided only after an RSVP is completed through the designated link.
Guests can look forward to a cash bar and a restaurant open downstairs, allowing them to enjoy a meal either before or during the festivities. To top it all off, a cake will be provided, ensuring a sweet celebration of this significant occasion.
This reunion is not just about celebrating the past; it’s an opportunity for friends to reconnect, share stories, and strengthen the bonds formed during their high school years. All members of the class of 1996 are encouraged to join in this nostalgic gathering.
WMOK Coffee Break
WMOK's Coffee Break Program:
Upcoming Coffee Break Programs:
Metropolis Police Chief Harry Masse
Metropolis Mayor Gregg Jeffords
We invite you to text
questions and topics for our guests to
618-524-9209
We invite you to text
questions and topics for our guests to
618-524-9209
Happy Hearts Senior Center Menu
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