Mississippi educators to receive thousands in pay raise
Mississippi educators received big news this week.
STARKVILLE,Miss. (WCBI)- Lawmakers passed the largest teacher pay raise in state history this week. Dozens of educators will get at least $5,000 on their salary. Several educators have left Mississippi for increased salaries in neighboring states like Georgia, Arkansas, or Texas. When it comes to retention and combating brain drain, they’re hopeful the bill will keep more teachers in the…
A local police department got its accreditation
The West Point Police Department is officially an accredited law enforcement agency
WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- The West Point Police Department is officially an accredited law enforcement agency. The designation became official in January. It’s a process that’s been years in the making; accreditation is a major accomplishment for police departments. It not only helps the department but gives the community a sense of peace. It’s been a four-year process, but worth…
Unpacking critical race theory and how new bill impacts the Mississippi education system
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves signed a bill March 14th requiring educators not to teach students that one race is superior to another, otherwise known as the anti-critical race theory bill. Mississippi is one of at least 35 states that have either passed or discussed legislation on how schools can talk about issues of race. “My grandfather…
A popular drug store in Macon moves into a temporary building
Macon City Drug is running normal operations again
NOXUBEE COUNTY,Miss. (WCBI)- A popular drug store in Macon returns. The original structure of Macon City Drug collapsed back a month ago, leaving dozens without a pharmacy to get their medicine. The phone is ringing off the hook… And the line is almost out the door. ” It’s been crazy we’ve been slammed packed and busy pretty much everyday. We…
Lowndes County first responders work together to start new safety program
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – During a car crash or medical emergency, there isn’t always a time where the victim can provide their information. There’s now a new program that Lowndes county citizens can participate in if this were to happen to them or a loved one. When you are a first responder, there are some moments that you won’t forget….
Preservation Society of Columbus taking over Pilgrimage program
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The preservation Society of a Columbus is taking over the 2022 pilgrimage program and using historical assets to increase tourism. The Preservation Society is a group of community members, such as homeowners and business people, and it’s the first year the organization is putting together the pilgrimage events. Pilgrimage 2022 is expected to be more inclusive…
Wreck in Columbus leaves one person with serious injuries
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A wreck at Highway 45 and Bluecutt Road intersection left one person with serious injuries. A silver Nissan was driving west on Bluecutt road when the driver ran the red light and hit a dump truck. The dump truck ran over into the ditch where the bed of the truck detached from the vehicle. The driver…
Man wanted for armed robbery in Winston County arrested
WINSTON COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A man wanted for armed robbery in Winston County was arrested in nearby Choctaw County. Winston County Sheriff Jason Pugh says Austin Goodin has been charged with the hold-up Tuesday morning at Crossroads Grocery, on Crystal Ridge Road. Pugh says the robber made off with about a thousand dollars in cash and couple of cartons…
Three suspects wanted in Caledonia Dollar General armed robbery
LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Lowndes County investigators are looking for as many as three suspects in the armed hold-up of a Dollar General store. It happened Wednesday night near closing time. Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said the Dollar General on Highway 12 in Caledonia was robbed around 10:00 pm. No one was injured in the robbery. Detectives have…
Tornado leaves Clay County with downed trees, broken telephone poles, other major damage
WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) – Clay County Emergency Management and members of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency are in the midst of assessing the damage left by Tuesday’s tornado. Clay County was one of the 12 counties across Mississippi where homes suffered storm damage, according to MEMA. The areas around Barton Ferry Road and Concord Road took the worst of…
On the Beat (Crowell, Gillis, & Cooper) 03-22-22
On the Beat (Crowell, Gillis, & Cooper) 03-22-22
Categories: On the Beat
On the Beat (Robert’s Apothecary) 02-21-22
On the Beat (Robert's Apothecary) 02-21-22
Categories: On the Beat
Franchise that keeps people clean opens in Tupelo
Buff City Soap changes the way people look at purchasing soap products
TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) -A franchise that keeps customers clean has opened its doors in Tupelo. Krista Scott was a customer of “Buff City Soap” for years, and when the Bartlett, Tennessee-based company began franchising, she opened a store in Southaven and opened a Tupelo store on St. Patrick’s Day. Buff City Soap uses no harsh chemicals, detergents, or animal products….
Lowndes County firefighters spend hours battling scrapyard fire through high winds and black smoke
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Tuesday’s high winds made things difficult for firefighters working to put out a large fire in a Columbus scrapyard. Lowndes County Fire Coordinator Neal Austin says they were actually counting on the day’s heavy rain to put the fire out completely. The black smoke from the fire was thick enough to cover up the sun and…
Dr. Thomas Dobbs is calling his experience a positive one
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Two weeks after announcing his resignation as State Health Officer, Dr. Thomas Dobbs is calling his experience a positive one. Dobbs was the speaker today at the Columbus Rotary Club. As the state’s top doctor, he led Mississippi through the coronavirus pandemic, appearing with the governor for daily press conferences and updates for the public. Dobbs…
College research teams deployed to Central Mississippi to study tornado genesis
MACON, Miss. (WCBI) – Multiple research teams from the University of Alabama Huntsville and other colleges from across the country, were out collecting data ahead of Tuesday’s storms. The teams were spread across Central Mississippi using radar and profiling instruments to collect data based on elements like the wind, the atmosphere and precipitation. Joshua Huggins, Adam Weiner and Melissa Gonzalez-Fuentes…
Safety protocols for East Webster High School storm shelter
MABEN, Miss. (WBCI) – East Webster High School says they plan on letting students out of class early Tuesday due to the expected severe weather. Principal Corey Stidham says they are continuing to monitor the weather situation and have several plans in place to make sure their students stay safe. As schools around Mississippi prepare for the threat of severe…
Wings Over Columbus happening this weekend, here’s what you need to know
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Wings Over Columbus is back and ready to soar. The 2022 Air Show and STEM Expo are this Saturday and Sunday at the Columbus Air Force Base. The show will feature the US Air Force Thunderbirds, showcasing the elite skills all pilots must-have. Their performances demonstrate the pride, precision, and professionalism of the pilots. This year…
In The Kitchen (Taste) 03/21/22
Categories: Cooking, FEATURES-APP, In the Kitchen, Special Guests
Gas prices lower this week according to AAA
MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – It may not feel like much difference in your bank account but gas prices are lower this week. Right now, Triple A says the average price for a gallon of regular gas is $3.93 in Mississippi. In Alabama, it’s $4.04. You can see those prices are lower compared to last week’s numbers. Triple A reports the current…
Construction of Amory park is in progress
AMORY, Miss. (WCBI) – Construction of an Amory park is on the move. Panther Park will have a basketball court, exercise equipment, swings, and a playground. Work first started to secure grants in 2019. Money from state and private organizations, along with donations from community groups are making it possible to complete. Prep work will soon begin, and the equipment…