WCBI News at Six - 05/07/2020

WCBI News at Six - 05/07/2020

Good evening everyone..

An ongoing dispute at the mississippi capitol over who's in charge of cares acts funds seems to be paused// governor reeves and legislative leadership are currently working out how to use the funds// mississippi received 1 point 25 billion dollars from the cares act// a bill last friday gave the legislature control of the funds// that bill has now been put on hold until an agreement is reached with the governor's office// during his press conference today, reeves says the legislature will be in charge of the federal funds// but, he will have a seat at the table deciding how the funds will be spent// we know who needs this money.

I believe that the three of us and the leaders in the house and the senate can work together to craft a solution to get the money to the people who need it.

Governor reeves also discussed stage 2 of reopening the state in his press conference today// house speaker phillip gunn and lieutenant governor delbert hosemann joined governor reeves at his press conference today.

Gunn says all three agree the top priority is helping small businesses.

While we may be holding that bill, we're not holding our work.

Right now, there is a committee meeting going on on workforce development.

We've been inundated with calls about people not being able to get their money.

We're also going to hold hearings today and tomorrow on legislation to transfer 100 million dollars to small struggling businesses in mississippi.

The main concern for us right now is to set up relief for our small to set up relief for our small businesses.

In our conversation yesterday, i think all three of us agreed that was our number one priority.

Legislators hope to unveil their plan next week to get that 100 million dollars to small businesses.

Today is the first time in more than a month that customers are allowed to eat áinsideá a restaurant// governor tate reeves announced earlier this week restaurants can operate at 50 percent capacity// our quentin smith visits a few eateries to see how things are the first day// he joins us live in starkville with more// scott ..

I'm here outside oby's where dozens of people have come through these doors to dine in today... workers have been cleaning and implementing new safety measures to make sure customers feel safe and comfortable as they come inside... now that we have the first day out of the way.... the owner tells me he expects more people to continue filing in in the days to come... it's another busy day at oby's in starkville..

But instead of only doing curbside orders... they're now serving customers like anderson crechale who couldn't wait to come eat at his favorite restaurant.

" i was not skeptical at all.

I was excited to be able to come out and enjoy my food in a restaurant and sit with my friend."

"i got a shrimp po'boy and a chili and cheese spud."

Lakoury hammond joined crechale for the meal.

The two say they missed being able to enjoy dining inside a restaurant....and they're definitely taking in more than just their food.

" just being able to come in and sit down with friends and be able to eat and talk at a table with friends."

"i mean it's been great just like it used to be before quarantine."

" my kitchen, the first couple of orders they did, they made for here orders to go just because that's all they've been doing the last eight weeks so i had to get them used to it again."

Restaurant owner ayers spencer says they were ready to see and serve customers on the inside.

While they saw a slim, but steady flow of patrons on the first day, he expects the crowd to soon grow even bigger.... " when we open the doors at 10:30, we did have a group of two that were ready to come on in, i think.

I think some people are finally ready to get out of the house you know after being cooped up for the last eight weeks."

Also happy to have customers back inside is 1883 steakhouse... " oh we need the cash flow.

We're all small businesses.

We're not a big corporation like sonic or wendy's, where a mom and pop so we need all we can get."

Owner mark welch says the turnout on the first day was better then he imagined.

The steakhouse, just like many other restaurants, has implemented new safety measures, such as moving tables six feet apart, and requiring employees to wear face masks.

"now we're taking emphasis for everybody to get sanitized before they come into the building.

As you can see from the stuff on the front door, we have some questions we ask our customers, so that's a different thing, but that's a good thing.

We can relate our customers, we can laugh, it's good to see our customers again."

Although restaurants can allow customers to dine in starting today..

Many chose not to do so... instead they're going to wait until next week before opening up... both oby's and 1883 steakhouse will continue to have the curbside option available for customers...for those who still want to use the option.

Reporting live in starkville quentin smith wcbi news..

Take vo off top in downtown starkville lunch was áon the houseá for some special folks at one place// starkville cafe was showing its appreciation for those on the frontlines.

The staff cooked up a special lunch for starkville and oktibbeha county first responders.

Owner john peeples says this is their way of thanking them for all of their hard work..

"these men and women do a phenomenal job all year round, in or out of the pandemic and covid-19, these people just do a phenomenal job and we just wanted to express thanks to them from main street and just buy everybody a fish lunch.

Who doesn't like a good catfish lunch."

Clark beverage group also helped with the free lunch by giving away free drinks to the responders... according to the cdc...using disinfectant sprays can play a pivotal role in help eliminating the corona virus... according to the cdc...using disinfectant sprays can play a pivotal role in help eliminating the corona virus... so it is very important that you follow each instruction provided..

And if you need tips in doing so.... here's how..

ááágrab your rag... and your disinfectant spray..

It is time to clean.... but before you begin..

Read the instructions on the back of bottle.... alena lester, associate professor for the nursing program at the mississippi university for women..

Says a common mistake people make when applying disinfectant is... skipping steps... "allowing it time to dry," said lester.

"it's probably the most step that's missed.

Generally.

And also soaking the surface.

Whether it's an aerosol wipe, you still generally have to give enough wipe to soak the surface itself and give a wet texture on top.

Once it's soaked you have to let ito let it sit there."

Many disinfectant sprays are made for specific cleaning purposes..

Hamp holley, head of commercial cleaning at service master restore in starkville... says it is important that people know the product before using... "staying up-to-date on what the cdc is recommending and knowing what chemical you are using is it epa certified disinfectants or dwell times and stuff like that all such important things to learn and to know before trying to disinfect your place of business you're home or anything like that."

And with new covid-19 guidelines here in mississippi... the amount of people allowed to gather in one place has increased from 10 to 20..

So holley offers some safety tips.

"always focus on washing your hands that's a big one regardless if you have people coming in and out but know who's coming in and out they've been sick ask them before they come in but have some disinfectant when they leave of course and everything they touch that you know of."

On cam tag so it is very important that you follow each instruction provided on the back of these disinfecting bottles to make sure that each disinfectant is working to the best of its ability.

And to make sure that your home is as clean and as safe as possible.

Bobby martinez wcbi news.

Local stores are constantly re- stocking cleaning supplies and some cleaning companies are even selling supplies direct to customers.

Take vo off top the mississippi department of health reports 262 new cases of covid-19 bringing the total to over 86-hundred cases// over one thousand of those cases are in long-term care facilities// 22 new deaths are also being reported today// 9 of those are from death certificate investigations// statewide, there have been 396 coronavirus deaths// most of those deaths are in the 70 to 79 age range// over 80-thousand mississippians have been tested for the virus// first look stinger first look summary: areas of rain and embedded thunder will push across the region friday with a cold front.

This will be our only chance of rain over the next week.

Unseasonably cool air will stick around through next tuesday.

New record lows are possible saturday morning and sunday morning.

Thursday night: increasing clouds and milder.

Lows in the low to mid 50s.

A few showers are possible late.

Friday: mostly cloudy with areas of rain.

Some thunder is also possible but no strong or severe weather is expected.

Rainfall during the day may range from 1/3" to 1 1/2".

Highs top out in the upper 60s.

Southerly winds will become breezy between 10 and 25 mph, northwesterly in the afternoon.

Gusts may be between 30 and 40 mph.

Take developing story stinger the man accused of killing a tupelo teen is now charged with first degree murder// 20-year-old jacquez calvert was charged this morning during an initial appearance in tupelo municipal court// the deadly shooting happened just before nine tuesday night on north broadway in tupelo// dreshanw williams, 18, was pronounced dead at north mississippi medical center// witnesses say that williams was in an argument with several men and was shot as he was walking away// williams was set to graduate from tupelo high yesterday// calvert is being held without bond// two drivers are injured after a two car crash, near steens, today// the impact sent a white cadillac into a ditch// state troopers say a nissan pathfinder was attempting to cross highway 12 from sanders mill road and collided with the car// the crash happened near the old country store// both drivers were taken to baptist golden triangle// the extent of their injuries is unknown// the mississippi highway patrol continues to investigate the crash// stinger it's not exactly áloaves and fishesá but an area church is feeding its neighbors..

We take a look when we come back..

A noxubee county church is going outside its walls to help the community// second baptist church in brooksville is serving up grab and go meals// pastor roderick chandler says the sack lunches are for students in grades k through 12.

But anyone who needs a meal will be provided one// the church has been at it all week// members have provided around 100 meals a day// everybody knows brooksville is a very, very small community and the school did all they could.

So, i felt like the church, it was time for the church to do something.

With this church being right the center of the community, i decided with my leadership and my ministry that we have going on, we can try to reach others by giving back to the community.

Lunch will be available again tomorrow from 10:45 until noon// wipe to vo the national day of prayer was observed in front of tupelo city hall and broadcast live on social media.

The city organized the service, which usually has a large crowd, as well as musicians.

This year the event was scaled down because of coronavirus precautions, but prayers were offered for the city, state and the nation.

"getting the ugly comments, negativity, that's part of the job of being in political office, but the people who say, 'hey we're praying for you, praying for the city, that means the world, and it works, power of prayer works."

"i am hyenia happy, peackck proud and giraffe grateful to see the mayor, and his outlook having national day of prayer and overwhelmed how he would call different, nationalities to come together and pray together."

The national day of prayer is held the first thursday in may.

It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the us congress.

Stinger wx open summary: areas of rain and embedded thunder will push across the region friday with a cold front.

This will be our only chance of rain over the next week.

Unseasonably cool air will stick around through next tuesday.

New record lows are possible saturday morning and sunday morning.

Thursday night: increasing clouds and milder.

Lows in the low to mid 50s.

A few showers are possible late.

Friday: mostly cloudy with areas of rain.

Some thunder is also possible but no strong or severe weather is expected.

Rainfall during the day may range from 1/3" to 1 1/2".

Highs top out in the upper 60s.

Southerly winds will become breezy between 10 and 25 mph, northwesterly in the afternoon.

Gusts may be between 30 and 40 mph.

Friday night: clearing skies.

Lows in the low 40s or upper 30s.

A few new record lows could be established.

Saturday: sunny and cool.

Highs mainly in the mid 60s.

Saturday night: clear and chilly.

Lows in the upper 30s to around 40.

More record lows could be established.

Mother's day: mostly sunny.

Pleasant.

Highs in the low to 70s.

Next week: look for comfortable low 70s monday & tuesday.

A return to the 80s is expected starting wednesday.

It will look and feel more like may by the end of next week.

Follow @wcbiweather on summary: areas of rain and embedded thunder will push across the region friday with a cold front.

This will be our only chance of rain over the next week.

Unseasonably cool air will stick around through next tuesday.

New record lows are possible saturday morning and sunday morning.

Thursday night: increasing clouds and milder.

Lows in the low to mid 50s.

A few showers are possible late.

Friday: mostly cloudy with areas of rain.

Some thunder is also possible but no strong or severe weather is expected.

Rainfall during the day may range from 1/3" to 1 1/2".

Highs top out in the upper 60s.

Southerly winds will become breezy between 10 and 25 mph, northwesterly in the afternoon.

Gusts may be between 30 and 40 mph.

Friday night: clearing skies.

Lows in the low 40s or upper 30s.

A few new record lows could be established.

Saturday: sunny and cool.

Highs mainly in the mid 60s.

Saturday night: clear and chilly.

Stinger n-f-l won't have a need for any passports this season...more on those changes to the league when we come back spx open mississippi state men's basketball continues to plan for the upcoming season that all starts with the schedule...per m-su athletics, the bulldogs are set to compete in the holidays hoopsgiving tournament in atlanta the tourney takes place on november 27th and december 12th ben howland's squad will play that december 12th date, a saturday against the dayton flyers the bulldogs are one of five s-e-c teams to compete in the holiday tournament the decemeber quadraple header also features auburn vs memphis, alabama vs clemson, and lsu vs south florida the tournament kicks off on november 27th with a match-up between kentucky and georgia tech broadcast schedules for these games will be released at a later time in juco news....east mississippi community college announcing that cheer and mascot tryouts will be conducted virtually tryouts will run from may 8th through 5 pm on may 15th anyone interested in trying out should send a video submission to cheerleading head coach laura posey at lposey@eastms.co m for cheer tryouts, video submissions should include challenging standing skills, running tumbling passes, and advanced stunts for mascots, video submissions can include video from past sports seasons or an at- home skit more information on the tryout guidelines can be found on e-m-c-c athletics website...that's www.emccathletic s.com fans are ready for live sports to start up again ... even if games are closed to the public.

In a survery conducted by e-s-p- n with one thousand people 65 percent said they would watch sports without fans in the stands.

That number rose to 76 percent... when participants were asked if they would watch a game where athletes "were kept in hotels and contact with others was closely monitored."

Live sports games have been canceled for weeks because of the coronavirus... many leagues are now weighing options on how to return as states start to re-open.

The good news is that the n-f-l continues to plan for the upcoming season the schedule for the 2020 season is officially released tonight however, plenty of leaks have given insight as to what this upcoming season will look like per cbs sports...here is what we know about the 2020 season so far for opening weekend...thursda y night football will feature the texans at the chiefs on september 10th... followed on sunday by -- bears at lions -- colts at jaguars -- jets at bills -- dolphins at patriots -- eagles at redskins -- buccaneers and tom brady in new orleans against the saints -- raiders at panthers mnf: tba at broncos the playoffs are set to begin on january 9th and will run through january 23rd on championship sunday the big game is set to be played on sunday february 7th...// the official release of the full schedule begins tonight at 7 pm central time on espn one thing that is for certain in the leagues schedule..

N-f-l teams will not play any games outside of u-s this upcoming season.

The league made the announcement monday saying it wants to focus on the well-being of players and personnel.

According to the nfl's website, one game was supposed to be played in mexico city and four games were supposed to be played in london.

The arizona cardinals, atlanta falcons, jacksonville jaguars and miami dolphins were set to be home teams for international series games but now that's not happening.

The n-f-l said it hopes to return to having international games in mexico and the united kingdom in 20-21.

Take vo off reading is a vital part of every child's development// and some area librarians are going high-tech to connect with those younger readers// starkville- oktibbeha and columbus-lowndes public libraries are offering a 'virtual reading program' for kids of all ages// this is one way to give your child an interactive activity and reading session every day of the week// families can sign- up for virtual story times each morning// our stephanie poole will have more information on this story tonight at 9 and 10// last look stinger last look stinger last look stinger