Alcorn County Tax Collector pleads guilty to fraud-related charges

JACKSON, Miss. (PRESS RELEASE) – State Auditor Shad White announced that Former Alcorn County Tax Collector Larry Ross pleaded guilty to false representations to defraud the government. The case was prosecuted Friday in Judge Funderburk’s courtroom, where Ross accepted his plea agreement. Ross is guilty of creating a false bill of sale for a motor vehicle to lower the tax…

Oxford man arrested for allegedly making harassing phone calls, texts

OXFORD, Miss. (WCBI) – An Oxford man was accused of making harassing phone calls and text messages. 27-year-old Tayler Beard was charged with cyberstalking and intimidating a witness. OPD said a report was taken on August 8 about the alleged calls and texts. The charge for intimidating witnesses came later in the investigation. His bond was revoked once that charge…

Democratic nominee for Secretary of State withdraws from race

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – The Democratic nominee for the Secretary of State race withdrew for medical reasons. Shuwaski Young said he recently suffered a hypertensive crisis. His original intent was to continue campaigning but said he can no longer do that. Young had recently challenged Secretary of State Michael Watson to a debate. Young grew up in Neshoba County. For…

Tupelo teenager charged for shooting into motor vehicle

The arrest comes two months after an incident on North Green Street when police were called to a report of shots fired.

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A Tupelo teenager is in Lee County Jail charged with shooting into a motor vehicle. Tupelo Police arrested 17-year-old Darmarion Calvin. The arrest comes two months after an incident on North Green Street when police were called to a report of shots fired. Witness statements and evidence gathered at the scene led them to develop Calvin…

MSU students evacuate from residence halls after threat was sent to police

MSU vice president for strategic communications, Sid Salter says safety is one of the top priorities at the university.

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Threats at Mississippi State are not taken lightly. Friday, Aug. 25, MSU police received a threat that led to the evacuation of 4 residence halls. MSU Vice President for Strategic Communications, Sid Salter says safety is one of the top priorities at the university. “People make decisions about enrolling in a university with safety and security…

Starkville firefighters take on role of story tellers

Breaking away from their usial rountines, firefighters in Starkville put on a different kind of uniform -- that of story tellers.

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Some Starkville firefighters got out of the firehouse and into the community this morning. The Fire Department teamed up with Modern Woodmen of America and the Starkville Area Arts Council,  to read to children from across the Golden Triangle, and let those children meet the people who come to the rescue in emergencies. Breaking away from their usual…

Iconic country music artist arrives in Philadelphia

People were lined up in the street waiting to get into Dolly Parton's Concert

PHILADELPHIA, Miss. (WCBI) – An iconic country music artist made their arrival on Aug. 26 in Philadelphia, MS. People were lined up in the street waiting to get into Dolly Parton’s Concert. Parton put on two full performance shows at the historic Ellis Theater as a fundraiser for the Congress of Country Music. For 24/7 news and updates follow us…

Airbus celebrates 20 years in Columbus

Airbus helicopters coming out of the Golden Triangle are making an impact across the globe, but the company's impact at home is just as important.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Twenty years ago, it was a dream. Now, it is a reality. Airbus is celebrating 20 years in Columbus, Mississippi serving first responders, the Emergency Management Agency, Law enforcement, and businesses all over the nation. In Columbus, Airbus manufactures 70-90 helicopters per year for the U.S. Government. The leadership 20 years ago went to Eurocopter in France…

United Way “50K Your way” fundraiser

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Five people were able to win a bunch of money while a local organization received the support to serve their community. The United Way of Lowndes and Noxubee held its annual ‘Campaign Kickoff’ event. The nonprofit has been campaigning for its “50K Your Way” fundraiser. Winners include Lisa Smith from Columbus, Penny Weaver from Columbus, Phyllis Keys…

Hamilton Attendance Center works to keep students cool on the bus

Many school buses in the area do not have air conditioning. Record-breaking temperatures for this time of year have rolled through Mississippi.

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Many school buses in the area do not have air conditioning. Record-breaking temperatures for this time of year have rolled through Mississippi. Students ride the bus in the morning, afternoon, and even the middle of the day. A 20 to 30-minute bus ride with no air conditioning can feel a lot longer. So, the Hamilton…

Business owners prepare for tailgating as football season approaches

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- Time is ticking; college football is almost here. The season kicks off Saturday, August 26, 2023, but Mississippi State and Ole Miss have to wait until September 2, 2023. Local hotels and businesses are gearing up for big crowds at the game and the tailgate. Preparations have begun for workers at Southern Tradition Tailgate and business owners…

Golden Triangle housing market looking up for homebuyers

The housing market is tight these days

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The housing market is tight these days. Shrinking inventory is driving home prices higher. Factor in interest rates at their highest point in more than a decade, and the idea of home ownership, especially for younger adults, is looking like a distant dream. Changes in the economy have completely changed the housing market. With an increase…

Pickens County first responders feels the effects of hospital shutdown

PICKENS COUNTY, Ala. (WCBI ) – Pickens County Medical Center has been closed for three years, leaving residents without immediate medical support. The community has been fighting to get the hospital back open, but like most places, there needs to be more funding. “Volunteer fire departments are in real need of help.” Keith Cox, President of the Pickens County Fire…

Starkville man charged with enticement of a child

A Starkville man is charged with enticement of a child

Clive DavisSource: Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – A Starkville man is facing a child sex crime charge. Clive Davis is charged with enticement of a child. Oktibbeha County investigators say Davis is accused of sending text messages to a child under the age of 15. The alleged incident was reported to deputies on July 31st. Davis was…

FEMA provides temporary housing for people displaced by tornado

While most found temporary shelter, there has been a need for a long-term solution.

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The tornado that swept through Amory and other parts of Monroe County displaced many residents. While most found temporary shelter, there has been a need for a long-term solution. That solution is now moving from planning to building. Monroe County is taking another step toward recovery. After five months, temporary housing is going up for…

Columbus Salvation Army looks for communities help to fund mission

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – With their Red Kettles and Angel Trees, many people associate the Salvation Army with the Christmas season. The group is in the business of helping people year-round, and that means that they have a year-round need for funding. Unfortunately, the Summer months often mean a slowdown in donations and an increase in requests for help, especially…

Update: Columbus homicide suspect turns himself in

Person of interest named in Columbus homicide

Traylen ColvinSource: Columbus police COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A person of interest in a Wednesday morning homicide turns himself in. Traylen Colvin, 19, of Columbus is a suspect in connection to a homicide incident in the 200 block of 11th Avenue South at about 12:20 AM for a disturbance. 911 operators heard gunshots during the phone call. Officers arrived to find…

EMCC’s Golden Triangle Campus offers new line worker utility program

The goal is to provide local training for jobs with local openings.

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – East Mississippi Community College’s Golden Triangle Campus is powering up a new program. Thanks in part to a grant from AccelerateMS, the campus has started the Utility Lineworker Program. The goal is to provide local training for jobs with local openings. Noah Hatcher has seen up close what it’s like to be a lineman. He’s…

Okolona School District takes measures to combat extreme heat

OKOLONA, Miss. (WCBI) – “School safety is a priority here,” said Dr. Marcus Gladney, Okolona Middle School Principal. Principals and athletic directors are experts in knowing how to manage both a school and sporting activities during extreme heat. Gladney serves both roles for the Okolona Municipal Separate School District. Gladney said his middle school is taking the necessary precautions to…

Flood waters continue to rise in the Luxapallila Creek in Millport

A West Alabama town is looking to unclog a creek that has already caused some significant damage

MILLPORT, Ala. (WCBI) – A West Alabama town is looking to unclog a creek that has already caused some significant damage. Where it flows through Lamar County, Luxapallila Creek is filled with years of debris. City leaders in Millport said the rising water stretches nearly 10 miles to the Mississippi state Line. Further upstream in Lamar County, town and county…