The main ingredient for meth will be more accessible in January 2022

Pseudoephedrine is used to treat cold symptoms. But it's also the main ingredient in methamphetamine.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The number one ingredient used for making meth will be available without a prescription in January. Pseudoephedrine is used in products like Sudafed to treat cold symptoms. This is a decision made by Mississippi lawmakers during the last session. 794. That’s how many meth labs that were working in Mississippi back in 2010. Lowndes County Sheriff…

What are “average temperatures?”

COLUMBUS, MISS (WCBI)- Many of us have heard about “average temperatures” before. When a meteorologist says “the high today will be 10 degrees above/below average”, what does that mean? Meteorologist Christian Bridges breaks it down in this week’s edition of weather whys. Categories: Featured, Local News, Weather

The Community Benefit Committee needs help as Halloween approaches

The Community Benefit Committee is working hard to make sure this spooky season tops them all.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – With Halloween is right around the corner, the Community Benefit Committee is getting ready to host their Haunted House, “Dead Pirates Cove”. Trick or treating, hayrides, and Haunted Houses. All essential to Halloween. The Community Benefit Committee is working hard to make sure this spooky season tops them all. “It’s going to be great. It’s going…

Warming trend through Thursday

SUMMARY: Hopefully you’ve been able to get out and enjoy the great weather this weekend! Plenty more nice days in store this week. The weather will stay nice and dry through Wednesday, with highs slowly warming into the upper 70s to near 80 degrees. A cold front brings a chance of showers and storms on Thursday, before we clear out…

Msu chemistry department puts a scientific spin on tailgating

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- Mississippi State’s chemistry department is putting a scientific spin on tailgating. Students in the department hosted their annual tailgate extravaganza to kick off “National Chemistry Week.” Organizers say the week allows students of all ages to enjoy the fun parts of chemistry. During their tailgate today, students presented action-packed chemistry demonstrations like strawberry DNA extraction. There was…

A West Point woman celebrates five years of being a breast cancer survivor

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- Celebrating 5 years of being a breast cancer survivor. Cynthia Mathews of West Point was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2016. Friends and family carved with pink pumpkins to show their support for other women and men who may be battling the disease. More than anything, Mathews says she’s thankful for everyone showing awareness for…

16 year old Louisville local has his own car detailing business

16 year old Cameron Hathorne said if you work hard, you can do anything.

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Water, soap, and a car. If you’re looking for a deep clean, Cameron Hathorne has you covered. “I really started because I wanted to see different cars and learn different features about them and drive them. So, when you like something and you can do it, try your best to get it done,” Cameron Hathorne said….

Gorgeous week of weather ahead

SUMMARY: Finally, at last, fall has arrived for MS and west AL! After the muggy and very warm weather the past couple weeks I’m sure many of you will greatly appreciate the return of cooler temps! Lows will be in the upper 30s to low 40s on Saturday night. Sunday looks very similar to Saturday, with cool, dry weather in…

Fall in full swing

SUMMARY: Finally, at last, fall has arrived for MS and west AL! After the muggy and very warm weather the past couple weeks I’m sure many of you will greatly appreciate the return of cooler temps! Saturday many locations will not get out of the 60s, and lows will be in the upper 30s to low 40s on Saturday night….

An 18-year-old is dead in Louisville leaving Police searching for a suspect

A friendly basketball game turns deadly after shots are fired at an 18-year-old.

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Police in Louisville are searching for a killer after a teenager was shot and killed while playing basketball with neighborhood friends and family. 18-year-old Tyquan McCully died at the scene.  His cousin, Dlo Shields, said it was like any other pick-up game Wednesday night. They were on the court and suddenly heard shots. “All I know…

Lowndes Co. Sheriff’s Department gets CSI training on preserving fingerprints, other DNA evidence at crime scenes

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Thursday, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department underwent Crime Scene Investigation training, going over the various ways to preserve evidence at a crime scene. “Each fingerprint is unique to that person,” says Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins. “The same thing with DNA.” And often it takes one of several unique processes to preserve those fingerprints. ” to…

Breast cancer survivors share their journey to recovery

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We all know someone who’s been affected by the disease. The American Cancer Society says 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. For men, it’s 1 in 833. ” It was pretty devastating at that time. Not knowing what I know later, trying to face…

‘Pastor Caleb’ plans a community wide revival for his 10th birthday

Although Caleb Rodgers has cerebral palsy, that doesn't stop him from proclaiming a message of hope

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A Tupelo child is not letting a physical limitation stop him from proclaiming an important message. For nine-year-old Caleb Rodgers, a typical day may include physical therapy, doing homeschool work,  or one of his favorite activities, sitting with his Dad, singing hymns. Caleb has cerebral palsy, and though he may be nonverbal, Caleb is able to communicate…

Columbus man out on parole arrested after domestic altercation

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A man out on parole was arrested Thursday after he allegedly knocked his girlfriend to the ground and fled into the woods behind an East Columbus shopping center. Columbus Police Chief Fred Shelton says his officers were called to the scene in the 900 block of Alabama street just after 11 AM. Investigators say that is…

Columbus Exchange Club names local fireman Firefighter of the Year

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A Columbus Firefighter is honored for his service to the city and his fellow firefighters. Every year the Exchange Club of Columbus honors a firefighter for going the extra mile. This year’s Firefighter of the Year is Captain Dale Ballard with Columbus Fire and Rescue. During his career, Ballard has helped train new firefighters. He is…

Starkville businesses are preparing for a busy football weekend

The Mississippi State Bulldogs are taking on the Alabama Crimson Tide

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- It’s one of the biggest home games of the season. The Mississippi State Bulldogs are taking on the Alabama Crimson Tide. While the players are focused on what happens on the field; workers and business owners are stepping up their game in the city’s restaurants, shops, hotels, and bars. “You know Alabama their team travels well so…

Examining effects of forensic audits amid debate between mayor and city council over Columbus finances

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Mayor Keith Gaskin says he will continue to advocate for a forensic audit, even after the city council overrode his veto of their decision not to authorize one.  He says many Columbus residents feel the same way. “What happened to our budget this time? We thought that we had $1.5 million that we did not,” he…

Veteran law officer protects and serves on school campuses

Longtime deputy at Hancock County Sheriff's Department is SRO for all five Houston schools

HOUSTON, Miss. (WCBI) – A new school year for one school district in our region means an added layer of protection for students and teachers. When Howard Parker was hired as the school resource officer, one of the first items on his to-do list was to make sure the campuses were secure. “Simple things like doors leading to the outside, not…

New voting system introduced in Oktibehha County

County officials and residents debate on the on how accurate the new voting system will be

OKTIBEHHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- Voters in Oktibbeha County will mark their choices on paper ballots the next time they vote. Circuit Clerk Tony Rook demonstrated the county’s new voting machines Wednesday. The demonstration also served as training for poll workers and allowed election commissioners to see the machines in action. With the new system, voters will mark their ballots with…

Council voted to override both of Mayor Gaskin’s vetoes

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – With the ink barely dry on Mayor Keith Gaskin’s veto of 2 measures, the Columbus City Council holds a special call meeting to revisit the issues. Ward 2 Councilman and Vice-Mayor Joseph Mickens called the special meeting Tuesday afternoon after the mayor vetoed the council’s decision not to authorize a forensic audit of the city’s books,…