Temporary Pandemic-era SNAP benefits end across United States

Mississippi was one of the first 18 states to end those extra benefits last year

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) –  Temporary Pandemic-era Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs or SNAP benefits ended all around the U.S. Wednesday. Mississippi was one of the first 18 states to end those extra benefits last year, and local food pantries, like Helping Hands in Columbus, still feel that impact. Members of the nonprofit said they have had to find more ways to…

Columbus police chief explains United Deli owner arrest

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The Columbus community continues to react to the arrest of a business owner. Adel Musa, known as Mr. John, was charged with simple assault. Musa said his security camera alerted him to a person at one of his businesses. This came after several thefts there. Here’s how Columbus Police Chief Joseph Daughtry explained what happened. “Officers…

Columbus police chief to temporarily withdraw joint narcotics task force

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus Police Chief Joseph Daughtry is temporarily pulling out of a joint narcotics task force with the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office. The agencies created the unit as a way to pool resources and personnel to get more drugs off the streets in the city and the county. This interlocal agreement signed by the City Council…

Warm temperatures bring out Spring-like nature around us

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI) – It is warming up and Mother Nature is responding to those warm temperatures. You may have recognized this warm weather lately or even pulled out your spring or summer clothes but have you thought about the effects that this warm weather could have on nature and even you? Grasses are beginning to pop up, and…

Leaders gather in Louisville to share storm recovery ideas

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Common tragedies connect leaders from Louisville, Mississippi all the way to Kentucky. The mayors of Mayfield and Madisonville, Kentucky were in Louisville to discuss and learn more about storm preparations and recovery. “Failure to plan is a plan to fail,” said Louisville Mayor Will Hill who is paying it forward. Hill offered insight on how to…

What family members should do if loved one goes missing

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – 30-year-old Kenneth Reed of Noxubee County has been missing for almost a week. Reed was last seen Wednesday, February 22 at a relative’s house, and his family is doing everything they can to bring him back home. When a loved one is missing sometimes it is hard to accept but taking the right steps as…

More than 500 pills of Oxycodone found after Monroe County arrest

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI ) – The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department is seeing an uptick in the number of counterfeit drugs and the illegal sale of prescription drugs. Less than a week ago Don Cornelos Gilleylen, who was already out on bond for a manslaughter charge, was arrested for aggravated trafficking of cocaine, trafficking of Oxycodone, possession of methamphetamine, and…

WCBI co-workers win Best 48-Hour Film Competition Film at The Mag

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Congratulations to our talented co-workers, winner of the Best 48-Hour Film Competition Film at this year’s Magnolia Film Festival. “STACHE” was written by Jon Tackett, with Director of Photography Dylan Scott and editor Adam Maddox. All three are part of our WCBI family. The three filmmakers produced the competition film together. The film had to be…