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Hello Metropolis, Massac County and Beyond!

8:03 PM
Friday, July 31, 2026 (CDT)
Sunset in Metropolis, IL

6:00 AM
Saturday, August 1, 2026 (CDT)
Sunrise in Metropolis, IL

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Traffic:

Get a live view of I-24 and Brookport Bridge Traffic via Waze

In from the National Weather Service:

Today (Friday): Partly sunny with a high near 87°F. Slight 20% chance of showers/thunderstorms after 3 PM.
Tonight: 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 3 AM. Low around 71°F.
- Hazard Warning: A few severe storms are possible this evening with damaging winds, torrential downpours causing localized flooding, and an isolated tornado threat.
Saturday: High near 82°F with a 40% chance of scattered showers and storms throughout the day. West winds 6–10 mph with gusts up to 18 mph. Low around 67°F with rain chances tapering to 30% overnight.
Sunday: High near 81°F with a 50% chance of rain, and thunderstorms possible after 1 PM. Low around 66°F under partly cloudy skies overnight.
Monday Outlook: Mostly sunny to start the workweek with a high near 85°F and just a slight 20% chance of a pop-up shower after 1 PM.

Road Resurfacing Leads to Water Line Repairs Near Metropolis Street

METROPOLIS, IL — Residents living near ongoing road construction on Metropolis Street may have noticed temporary disruptions to their water service recently, including discolored water or bursts of air and sand from household faucets.

According to an update from the City of Metropolis, a water service line was accidentally damaged by contractor Samron during road resurfacing work. City crews and contractors have since completed repairs to the damaged line. Because it was initially unclear which specific residence the line served, city officials provided guidance for any nearby households experiencing issues.

What Residents Need to Know

Clearing Your Water: If you notice cloudy, brown, or discolored water coming from your taps, the city recommends running the cold water at a faucet for 10 to 15 minutes until it clears.
Ongoing Construction Alert: As road resurfacing continues, residents should expect additional temporary water service interruptions while remaining service lines are lowered to match the new roadway grade.
If Issues Persist: Anyone continuing to experience water clarity or pressure issues after flushing their lines for 15 minutes should contact the city directly for further assistance.

School Supply Lists and Teacher Wish Lists Needed for Upcoming School Year

WMOK – MASSAC COUNTY, IL — As a new school year approaches, Massac County Unit 1 and Joppa-Maple Grove schools are encouraged to submit their classroom supply lists to WMOK. Lists will be added to the dedicated School & Sports News section on 920wmok.com to help local families prepare.

Submissions can be sent directly to WMOK:

Text Line: 618-524-9209
Email: wmoknews@gmail.com

In addition to supply lists, local teachers are invited to send links to their classroom Amazon Wish Lists. Sharing these links allows listening families across Metropolis, Joppa, Unionville, and all throughout Massac County to directly support teachers and their students heading into the classroom.

Illinois State Police to Conduct Active-Shooter Training at Shawnee Community College

ULLIN, Ill. — The Illinois State Police will conduct an active-shooter training exercise on the main campus of Shawnee Community College in Ullin on Friday, July 31.

The training operation will take place throughout the day. Residents and commuters in the area who notice increased emergency vehicle presence, loud noises, or other tactical activity around the campus are advised that all operations are part of the scheduled drill and pose no cause for concern.

College officials noted that Shawnee Community College is partnering with the Illinois State Police to support critical training opportunities aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness and enhancing public safety across local communities.

State to Launch "FRESH" Program Providing $400 One-Time Payments for Lost SNAP Benefits

Illinois is launching the Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) program, which provides a one-time $400 cash benefit to residents who lost federal SNAP benefits due to expanded work requirements. The $70 million initiative begins automated payments to existing Illinois Link cards on August 1, 2026, for eligible recipients.

For more details, visit Illinois Department of Human Services.

Local Topics We're Working on at WMOK

42 Years in the Making – Timeline of Lisa Carnes Massac County Cold Case Murder – WMOK Metropolis

After 42 years, major breakthroughs occurred in the 1984 cold case murder of Lisa Ann Carnes in Massac County. Using advanced genetic genealogy, investigators linked 76-year-old George E. Bradfield to the crime. Indicted by a grand jury, Bradfield was arrested in Kentucky, extradited to Illinois, and remains held without bond.

For the detailed, chronological breakdown and ongoing coverage, check out the full Timeline of Lisa Carnes Massac County Cold Case Murder on WMOK.

How the Golconda Police Chief Termination Unfolded (Updating)

Current Status: Golconda Mayor Gail Barger unexpectedly relieved Police Chief Steve Walker of his duties, leaving interim coverage to the Pope County Sheriff’s Department.
Key Findings: Records obtained via FOIA revealed five grounds for termination, including investigation delays, improper profiling, and refusal of duties.

Stay tuned as this story develops. For complete coverage and ongoing updates, follow How the Golconda Police Chief Termination Unfolded at 920WMOK.com.

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Text us at 618-524-9209

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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 August, September and October.

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.

Friday, July 31

Nifty Needles at the Metropolis Public Library – WMOK has received word that the Nifty Needles Gathering at the Metropolis Public Library this afternoon has been canceled.

Friday | Event: AA | Time: 7:00 PM | Location: Metropolis Library

Saturday and Sunday in Metropolis

Saturday, August 1

10am-2pm – Genealogy at the Metropolis Public Library –
Assistant on hand on the 1st Saturday of each month

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.

Sunday, August 2

Massac County Democrats to Host Town Hall Meeting with Congressional Candidate Julia Fortier

METROPOLIS, IL — The Democrats of Massac County have announced an upcoming public town hall meeting featuring Julia Fortier, candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Illinois’ 12th Congressional District.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, August 2, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the Elks Lodge Banquet Room, located at 104 W. 4th Street in Metropolis (situated behind Fat Ed’s).

The town hall offers area residents an opportunity to meet Fortier, ask questions, and share their concerns regarding local and regional priorities. Admission is free, and the event is open to all members of the public.

Event Highlights & Local Food Drive

Community Q&A: Fortier will address questions from attendees and discuss key issues facing Massac County and Southern Illinois communities.
COPE Food Pantry Drive: Organizers are encouraging attendees to support the local community by bringing donations for the COPE Food Pantry. Requested items include canned goods, dry goods, and other non-perishable food items. Attendees are asked to refrain from bringing glass jars or glass containers.

Important Dates for Your Calendar

August 10: Teacher In-Service (Massac Unit 1 & Joppa-Maple Grove)
August 11: Teacher In-Service (Massac Unit 1 & Joppa-Maple Grove)
August 12: First Day of School (Massac Unit 1: 2pm Dismissal; Joppa-Maple Grove: First day back)
September 7: No School — Labor Day (Massac Unit 1)

School Registration Information

Massac Unit 1: Online re-registration for students returning in Grades 1 through 12 is available now through the Alma portal. For further details and to get your students registered, visit the official Massac Unit 1 registration page.
Joppa-Maple Grove: Existing students should log into the PowerSchool Parent Portal to complete registration. If you are new to the district or need assistance with your portal account, please reach out to the school office at mbaughman@joppa38.com.

Feelin’ Good Summer Concert Series Finale Features Wildflower Honey and The Hot Biscuits

WMOK (Massac County, IL) —

WMOK – METROPOLIS, IL — The City National Bank of Metropolis and the Greater Metropolis Convention & Visitors Bureau are coming together to host a special event to wrap up the beloved seasonal music showcase with a grand finale at Washington Park.

The event, titled “Wildflower Honey and The Hot Biscuits at CNB’s Feelin’ Good Summer Concerts at the Gazebo!” is set for Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Local residents, music lovers, and families are invited to gather around the park gazebo for two entertaining hours of live music, celebrating the end of the summer concert series. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets to relax and enjoy the evening’s performance in the heart of Metropolis.

WMOK Coffee Break

WMOK's Coffee Break Program:

Coffee Break Archive

Upcoming Coffee Break Programs:

Metropolis Mayor Gregg Jeffords

We invite you to text
questions and topics for our guests to

618-524-9209

Major E-Bike & Scooter Law Changes Coming to Illinois in 2027: What Riders Need to Know Jul 30, 2026 505 views

Coffee Break - WMOK's Community Affairs Program - Jun 30, 2026 456 views

Echoes of the Past: Remembering Metropolis's History of Sacrifice and the Loss of Marshal "Dump" Oakes Jun 30, 2026 46 views

We invite you to text
questions and topics for our guests to

618-524-9209

Happy Hearts Senior Center Menu

1st Pope County Historical Society Family History Day - Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the Museum, 112 N. Columbus Ave. in Golconda

The Pope County Historical Society is hosting its 1st Family History Day on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the museum located at 112 N. Columbus Ave. in Golconda. This free community event is open to everyone—attendees do not need to have Pope County ancestry to benefit from the resources and presentations available throughout the day.

Event Highlights & Sales

To help support the ongoing operating expenses of the organization, the Society will have a variety of items available for purchase:

Genealogy & History Materials: A large collection of donated genealogy books, history books, and magazines.
Media & Refreshments: DVDs, CDs, and fresh baked goods.

Schedule of Events

Morning Session

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | “What is Evidence/Using Common Genealogical Websites”
- Professional Genealogist Rick Allen will present on what constitutes valid genealogical evidence and demonstrate how to navigate key research websites to uncover ancestral roots.

Mid-Day

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch Break
- Attendees are encouraged to support local Golconda restaurants for lunch.

Afternoon Session

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Afternoon Activities
- Guided Museum Tours: Explore local history with special guided tours of the facility.
- Individual Genealogy Consultations: Attendees facing research “brick walls” can take advantage of a free 30-minute consultation with Rick Allen. Consultations are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a slot, email a description of the research problem to rick@backstorybloodhound.com.
- Pope Pioneer Program: Learn about the process to have early ancestors officially certified as a Pope Pioneer.

Send your Job and Career Listings to WMOK Text the information to 618-524-9209

Final Pre-K and Kindergarten Screenings Announced for Metropolis Elementary School

METROPOLIS, IL — Metropolis Elementary School has announced details for its upcoming final Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten screenings ahead of the new school year.

The required screenings are mandatory for all incoming Pre-K and Kindergarten students who were not previously screened during the Spring 2026 session.

Final Screening Date and Time

Date: Friday, July 31, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Metropolis Elementary School
Duration: Approximately 1 hour per child

To reserve a screening slot, parents and guardians must schedule an appointment in advance by calling Kristin Rousseau at 618-524-9376, ext. 101.

What to Bring to the Appointment

Parents attending the screening with their child are required to bring the following documentation:

State-issued birth certificate
Proof of residency
Up-to-date immunization records
Completed school physical

In-Person Registration Information

School officials remind families that attending a screening does not replace the registration process. Kindergarten students must also complete in-person registration prior to starting classes.

In-person registration is scheduled for Monday, August 3, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Metropolis Elementary School for all new or returning K–6 students who are unable to complete registration online.

Massac County Youth Soccer Registration Now Open for Fall Season

METROPOLIS, Ill. — Registration is officially underway for the Massac Youth Soccer League’s upcoming fall season, offering local youth the chance to develop athletic skills and teamwork.

The league is open to children ranging from age group U6 (4 and 5-year-olds) up to U12 (10 and 11-year-olds). Organizers clarified that the U12 division will also include 6th-grade students, even if they have already turned 12 years old.

Key dates for the upcoming season include:

Registration Deadline: Friday, August 21st
First Practice: Monday, August 24th
First Game: Saturday, September 12th
Last Game: Saturday, October 31st

Parents and guardians interested in signing up their young athletes can register online through the Massac County Youth Soccer League Portal.

Joppa-Maple Grove School District #38 Seeks Passionate Special Education Teacher

Joppa-Maple Grove School District #38 is actively seeking a Full-Time Special Education Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. This opportunity is ideal for educators who are dedicated to making a significant impact in the lives of students and who desire to be part of a supportive, student-centered team. The selected ...

3h ago 17 views

Joppa-Maple Grove Unit District #38 Opens Registration for 2026-2027 School Year

JOPPA, IL - Joppa-Maple Grove Unit District #38 has officially opened registration for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. An email has been dispatched to all families of returning students with detailed instructions on how to complete the online registration process. For parents and guardians of new students entering ...

3h ago 13 views

Massac County Youth Soccer Registration Now Open for Fall Season

METROPOLIS, Ill. - Registration is officially underway for the Massac Youth Soccer League's upcoming fall season, offering local youth the chance to develop athletic skills and teamwork. The league is open to children ranging from age group U6 (4 and 5-year-olds) up to U12 (10 and 11-year-olds). Organizers clarified th...

3h ago 33 views

WMOK Obtains Official Termination Notice for Former Golconda Police Chief Steve Walker

WMOK has obtained the official termination notice for former Golconda Police Chief Steve Walker. Read the five specific grounds cited by Mayor Gail Barger.

Jul 24, 2026 2.33K views

How the Golconda Police Chief Termination Unfolded (Updating)

WMOK News - Metropolis, IL - The shakeup in Golconda's city leadership has left Southern Illinois residents with questions over the past week. What began as a sudden announcement from City Hall has quickly developed into an unfolding story of public record requests and allegations involving local law enforcement leader...

Jul 28, 2026 911 views

Major E-Bike & Scooter Law Changes Coming to Illinois in 2027: What Riders Need to Know

METROPOLIS, IL - Big changes are coming to how electric bikes, e-scooters, and high-powered "e-motos" are regulated across the state of Illinois. Metropolis Police Chief Harry Masse recently shared an important update on Facebook regarding Senate Bill 3484, sweeping state legislation signed into law that esta...

Jul 30, 2026 505 views

Traffic Stop Leads to Suspension Charge for Out-of-State Driver

METROPOLIS, IL - An out-of-state driver was taken into custody following a traffic stop in Metropolis earlier this month. According to an arrest summary from the Metropolis Police Department, 34-year-old Joseph Campbell of Mobile, Alabama, was arrested on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Officers cited Campbell for speeding, no...

Jul 28, 2026 413 views

Traffic Stop Results in DUI and Registration Charges for Anna Resident

METROPOLIS, IL - An Anna, Illinois, resident was arrested in Metropolis following a traffic stop earlier this month. According to an arrest summary released by the Metropolis Police Department, 25-year-old Garrett Fabrec of Anna was arrested on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Officers conducted a traffic stop on West 10th Stre...

Jul 29, 2026 269 views