Macon drugstore reopens days after building collapse so residents get their medication

MACON, Miss. (WCBI) – Monday, City Drugstore in Macon was open again, just days after the building collapsed on employees Thursday. “Because of our patients,” says owner and pharmacist Bill Bell. “We had to be back up and running as soon as possible.” The back of the building was unaffected by the partial collapse, they are operating out of their…

Death rates in Lowndes County have risen over the years

Just two months into the year, Lowndes County has seen an unusually high number of deaths

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Just two months into the year, Lowndes County has seen an unusually high number of deaths. The coroner’s office has worked 168 deaths so far. Greg Merchant has seen a lot of death in his time as coroner in Lowndes County, but the numbers he’s seen so early in the year are staggering. The death rate is…

MSU professor’s artwork is featured on U.S. stamp

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – A Mississippi State University professor’s artwork could end up in your mailbox. Alex Bostic is an art professor at MSU. The United States Postal Service commissioned him to do the artwork for its Edmonia Lewis Commemorative Forever stamp, the 45th in the Black Heritage Series. Lewis was the first African American and Native American sculptor to…

Gov. Reeves issuing 2 executive orders supporting military families

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – Governor Tate Reeves did get some time in the office on this Presidents’ Day holiday. The Governor issues 2 executive orders today, supporting Mississippi’s military communities and families. The first establishes the Military Star Schools Program to help children in military families transition to new schools and provide additional support when a parent is deployed. It…

Chick Fil A working with Loaves and Fishes to give away surplus food

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – An area non-profit and a fast-food favorite team up to provide meals for those in need in Lowndes County. Chick-Fil-A in Columbus is donating its surplus food to Loaves and Fishes of Lowndes County. The restaurant made its first delivery today, donating chicken, chicken biscuits, fruit, and other items to the Columbus-based ministry. Loaves and Fishes…

Macon city drugstore reopens days after building is damaged

Macon City Drug will be back up and running on Monday.  

MACON,Miss.(WCBI)-  A Macon drugstore opens its doors just days after the building is damaged. Macon City Drug will be back up and running on Monday. The facility will use a storeroom behind the medal building on Lawrence Street until further notice. Also, there may be longer wait time to fill your prescription. Over-the-counter medications will not be available. Relocation plans have…

A Monroe county ministry donates food boxes to community

MONROE COUNTY,Miss. (WCBI)- A Monroe County ministry is making a difference in the lives of many people in the region. “We’re in a hurting community and we’re trying to give back. ” That’s why one Saturday a month, volunteers with “Stand Firm” Ministries distribute boxes of food, to anyone in need. It’s just one outreach of the Monroe County based…

Msu black alumni association hosts annual convention

The Mississippi State University Black Alumni Association held it's third Black Alumni Weekend

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- The Mississippi State University Black Alumni Association held it’s third Black Alumni Weekend. Festivities were back up and running after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The memo goes a long way for several officials and alumni taking part in Mississippi State Universities Black Alumni Weekend. Activities started on Thursday February 17, 2021  and will run…

Columbus police make an effort to seize crime in city limits

Keeping the streets clean of crime is what law enforcement agencies try to do day in and out

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Keeping the streets clean of crime is what law enforcement agencies try to do day in and out. For officials with Columbus Police Department; they’ve taken an extra step to try and do just that. In November 2021 Columbus Police Department came up with a plan that was found to be effective. “We put together what we…

Investment group improves neighborhoods by rehabbing distressed properties

Butler Holdings wants to give back to communities in many ways

SALTILLO, MISS. (WCBI) – A group of local investors and developers is making a difference in neighborhoods where they are working. Jubal and  Jeremy Butler are checking on a property they purchased a little more than one year ago. Butler Holdings renovated the entire complex, putting about ten thousand dollars in each unit.  Now, the 32 unit complex is a…

Area agencies rescue two victims from collapsed building in Macon

Time is critical when a life is on the line.

MACON, Miss. (WCBI)- We now know the names of the two people trapped in a building collapse in Macon last night. Macon Police tell WCBI Linda Grissom and Sheba Mickens were pinned under debris for nearly two hours. Time is critical when a life is on the line. And agencies from across the Golden Triangle quickly responded when they got…

Plantersville to require license for dog owners

Each dog must be registered with the city

PLANTERSVILLE, MISS. (WCBI) – If you own a dog and live in Plantersville, you will need to get a license for your furry friend. The licenses are required for any dog over the age of six months.  Dog owners will need to go to the town hall, pay a two-dollar fee and register their pet. Each dog owner will get…

Mike Hainsey retiring from Golden Triangle Regional Airport

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI) – After more than 19 years as executive director at the Golden Triangle Regional Airport, Mike Hainsey is retiring. Hainsey has been in the aviation field for more than 45 years, including his time at the airport and a career in the Air Force. GTR Airport has seen significant growth under Hainsey’s leadership. It added service…

Winston County man missing, last seen in Forest, Miss.

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The Winston County Sheriff’s Office is asking for your help to find a missing Winston County man. Jerry Maurice Gray was last seen in Forest, Mississippi Sunday, February 13th. The 42-year-old Gray is 6 foot 1 and weighs about 250 pounds. He was driving a black 2012 Ford Escape with Winston County license plate W-N-A-9-6-8-8 Gray…

Please Return on Monday, a message about smart driving

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – The Mississippi Highway Patrol is driving home a message to high school students this Spring. Please Return on Monday. It’s a statewide message to remind students to make smart decisions when they’re driving. High School Prom season and Spring Break are just around the corner, and State Troopers will be making the rounds to area high…

Two people injured after building collapse in Macon

MACON, Miss. (WCBI) – Two people are in the hospital with severe injuries after a building collapses on them. Macon Police Chief Davine Beck tells WCBI the individuals were in the Macon City Drugstore when the wall caved in around 5 pm this evening. Both victims were taken to the hospital for treatment. Their condition is unknown at this time….

Tupelo Furniture Market is underway, with some changes

Optimism prevails at first market in two years

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – The bi-annual Tupelo Furniture Market is underway for the first time since 2020 and there are some changes. “We did a smaller version of the big furniture market, ” said V.M. Cleveland, founder of the Market. The Winter Furniture Market is scaled down, running from Wednesday through Friday. Last year, supply chain disruptions meant longer shipping…

Electrical crews prepare for possible severe weather damage

Time is critical during power outages.

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- Heavy rain and strong wind gusts can be a recipe for disaster. The aftermath of a severe storm can leave downed power lines, broken poles, and fallen trees—a mix that usually leaves folks in the dark. Time is critical during power outages. It could be minutes to hours, depending on the damage. That’s why crews prepare…

Columbus Police review gun safety after accidental shooting into restaurant

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus Police say the man who accidentally fired his gun outside the Mi Hacienda restaurant Wednesday night has come forward. Police Chief Fred Shelton says that 22-year-old Justin Bishop is charged with shooting into a dwelling after his handgun went off and sent a bullet inside the restaurant. Chief Shelton says the incident demonstrates how vital…

MSU makes sure that students are safe during severe weather

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Education is important at Mississippi State University but there is also a strong focus on safety. And Mississippi State University wants to make sure its students have all the information they need to stay safe in case the weather turns severe. Chief Communication Officer Sid Salter says safety on and off campus is addressed even before…