A sunny but warm weekend is ahead for us

SUMMARY: A huge ridge of high pressure will give the Deep South a lot of sunshine, but very warm temperatures through the weekend into nearly next week. Humidity levels are going to remain tolerable. Use lots of sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Some isolated to scattered daytime heating afternoon storms could return by the midweek. TROPICS: NOAA released their…

Suicide and addiction-related deaths on the rise in Mississippi, mental health expert says people need better access to treatment

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Thursday is the very first Mental Health Action Day, a time meant to focus on raising awareness of the various mental health needs all across the country and how to give people the help they need. “To understand what to say to someone when they look at you in the eye and they talk about ending…

Bruce telephone company to provide high speed internet through ‘We Connect’

BRUCE, MISS. (WCBI) – A Calhoun County business will provide high-speed internet to people in rural Southeastern Pontotoc County. “We Connect” a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bruce Telephone, will get one point six million dollars to provide high-speed internet to an underserved area in Pontotoc County. The census bureau determines which areas are lacking broadband access, and companies were able to…

Elementary school celebrates surviving COVID with field day

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The last week of school is always bittersweet. For teachers and their students, this year has not been textbook. Despite the challenges, educators have been able to overcome and deserve the highest of grades. Over the past year, both the staff and students at Sale Elementary showed the community that COVID wasn’t going to stop them…

Partnership Middle School students are celebrating music and culture

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Some Starkville students are celebrating music and culture. The world languages and music classes at the Partnership Middle School participated in a World Drumming Class with percussionist, Dr. Robert Damm today. The presentation focused on the theme of “Peace.” The students will be played authentic instruments from around the world, along with bucket drums donated by…

Mayoral candidates shared ideas today with the Exchange Club of Columbus

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Some of the candidates vying to become the next mayor of Columbus share their ideas today. The Exchange Club of Columbus offered the opportunity to the candidates. Keith Gaskin and Montrell Coburn were there to talk to the members. They discussed the city’s image and the city’s finances. Crime was also a big topic. Gaskin and…

NOAA calling for an above average hurricane season for 2021

TROPICS: NOAA released their Atlantic Hurricane Season 2021 Forecast on Thursday. They are calling for an above average season once again with 13-20 named storms, 6-10 of them could become hurricanes. 3-5 of those could become major Category 3 or higher hurricanes. This comes as no surprise as they recently updated their average hurricane season numbers based off the data…

Truck drivers are needed for companies to get back on track

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- From product shortages to toilet paper, to automobiles, items this year have not been as plentiful. Now, as products are ready to return to the market, truck companies are looking for people to deliver. Truck lots are filled with products with limited drivers to push them out. Veteran drivers and managers say they have never seen…

One more day of showers before we really warm up

SUMMARY: Clouds and a few showers will still linger into our Wednesday. Our region will start to dry out and really warm up as we head into the weekend. Highs should be around 90 degrees into next week. The humidity will be tolerable but it’s still going to be very warm. WEDNESDAY: Cloudy skies will stick around. A slight chance…

Physical Limitations Don’t Stop Teen Cancer Survivor From Pursuing Fitness And Fishing

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – A sixteen-year-old Tupelo High School student, who is also a cancer survivor, is not letting a physical limitation hinder his determination to strengthen his body and pursue a hobby. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Jorden Daniel drives to Elev8 Fitness,  assembles his wheelchair, and heads inside for an hour-long workout. Jorden was diagnosed at four months old…

Mississippi PEER Committee is hopeful to improve state parks

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- State park’s lands are rundown and not ready for visitors, and most of the state’s parks are losing money. According to the Mississippi Peer Committee, the Performance Evaluation Expenditure Review oversight group, say that it appears there is no vision for Mississippi’s parklands. Mississippi has 25 state parks and with a vast majority of them being…