Showers to start off the week

COLUMBUS, Mississippi (WCBI)- The week begins with showers and storms throughout the day Monday and Tuesday. By Tuesday night, rain is expected to move out. Wednesday will be partly cloudy and mild, but rain chances will return for the later part of the week. MONDAY: Showers and storms will continue throughout the day. Rain will keep temperatures lower than average, with…

Columbus Police investigate possible shooting at gas station

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus Police are starting the year with a possible shooting investigation. Witnesses say the incident happened shortly after 6 PM in the 700 block of Highway 45 near the Sprint Mart and Columbus Laundromat. Police responded to the scene and took statements. There were no injuries reported. WCBI has reached out to the Columbus Police Department,…

Area horse riders got to showcase skills for free

MABEN, Miss (WCBI)- Christmas is a time of holiday cheer and giving. Cow Punch arena owners Josh and Annie Wood said they wanted to give back to the community in a different way. “Just trying to get the word out that we are open, and the rainy season is coming, and if you would like to ride then we are…

Damage reported in Tupelo and Pontotoc

Possible tornado damage has been reported in Tupelo and Pontotoc

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Homes and businesses have been damaged in Lee and Pontotoc Counties. A tornado warning was posted for Pontotoc late Friday night, and shortly afterward damage reports started coming in. Pontotoc Police Chief Randy Tutor tells WCBI Highway 41, south of Highway 15, and the 10th Street areas had most of the damage. Several trees and powerlines…

Columbus mayor updates citizens on several projects and police chief search

What's Next for the City of Columbus?

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus city leaders are looking for ways to move forward with several projects and the search for a new police chief. Columbus Mayor Keith Gaskin took time out Wednesday morning to update the public on some of the issues facing the city and plans to address them. At Tuesday night’s meeting, the City Council voted to…

Columbus nativity tradition continues

Columbus nativity tradition continues

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A nativity scene tradition continues in Columbus. Every year since 1969, Memorial Gunter and Peel Funeral Home have recreated the birth of Christ scene at its Second Avenue North location. Live sheep often steal the show. Mom Elenor and baby sheep Eilene come from a Macon farm. The nativity will be on display until December 27th….

Tupelo students get to “Shop With A Cop”

WalMart gives students an early Christmas

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – It was an early Christmas for some elementary students in the Tupelo School District. Eighteen students were selected for the annual “Shop with a Cop” outing at the Wal-Mart on North Gloster. Each student was paired with a Tupelo police officer or a Natchez Trace Park Ranger. As officers pushed buggies, the children selected toys, clothes, and…

Downtown Tupelo post office named after Vietnam POW

Col. Carlyle "Smitty" Harris survived eight years as a POW in North Vietnam

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A Tupelo post office is renamed for a Vietnam war hero. “It’s almost overwhelming the honor and support I’ve received from all of you,” said Col. Carlyle “Smitty” Harris. With his wife of nearly 62 years looking on, Retired US Air Force Colonel Carlyle “Smitty” Harris told friends and family he was in awe at the honor…

Local churches take part in ‘Operation Christmas Child”

West Jackson Street Baptist Church sends its shoe boxes to a children's home in Mexico

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Churches across our area are busy packing shoeboxes full of Christmas gifts for children around the world. At Tupelo’s West Jackson Street Baptist Church, a “packing party” was held Wednesday night. Shoe boxes full of Christmas gifts were packed and prepared to be shipped out.  It’s part of a ministry known as “Operation Christmas Child.” The…