Local History Department helps individuals learn more about themselves

The Local History Department has original county records, probate records, and wills dating back to the 19 century available to help individuals travel back in time and learn a little more about their family or town.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Weekends offer most people the opportunity to have a little adventure. Some are taking their venture to the Columbus Lowndes Public Library, as the local history department is helping individuals learn more about themselves and the area. The Local History Department has original county records, probate records, and wills dating back to the 19 century available…

Blessing Box charity effort is spreading across North Mississippi

The Blessing Box in Amory is constantly stocked with perishable food items, toiletries, and other essentials.

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi is known as “The Hospitality State,” so it’s not uncommon to drive through any county in the Golden Triangle and find a Blessing Box. The Blessing Box charity effort has been spreading across the North Mississippi region lately, providing a lifeline to individuals and families in need. The Blessing Box in Amory is constantly…

Airbnbs rise as popular option for game day visitors in Starkville

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The 2023-2024 college football season hasn’t started yet but people are already getting prepared. Many local hotels have already been booked; however, Starkville realtors and homeowners have been able to take advantage of turning homes into weekend homes for fans. “I used to think that Airbnbs were only in larger cities and I love that Starkville…

Artificial Intelligence is shifting into nearby industries

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Technology is a constantly shifting landscape, and one area that is getting more buzz is Artificial Intelligence. That’s right. AI is not new, but it is expanding its territory, not just online, but into nearby industries. “For example, let’s take a recommendation engine that Amazon uses today to make recommendations around books, why we spend more…

Motorcyclists, officials discuss motorcycle safety amid Little Sturgis Rally

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Little Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is still cranking up the town of Sturgis. With visitors from around the country and locals doing their day-to-day activities, it’s important to be a defensive and alert driver to keep everyone safe on the roads. According to Forbes, August is the most dangerous month for motorcyclists, and Motorcycle fatalities…

Tupelo Community Theatre dedicates season to memory of Tom Booth

Season starts with "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – An award-winning community theatre group is gearing up for another big season putting the spotlight on local talent. And the upcoming season for the Tupelo Community Theatre is extra special, as it will honor the legacy of its longtime director, who passed away earlier this year. The season opener for the Tupelo Community Theatre puts audience…

Mississippi University for Women moves to next step of rebranding efforts

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi University for Women is moving into the next phase of its rebranding efforts, and that is also likely to involve a name change. Earlier this year, the university and the MUW Foundation partnered with marketing firm Chernoff Newman to help define a clear brand identity and help select a name that reflects that identity. Chernoff…

Residents in eastern Pontotoc Co. now have access to natural gas service

PONTOTOC COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Residents in eastern Pontotoc County now have access to natural gas service. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of a multi-phase project that expanded natural gas service to rural areas. More than 14,000 feet of gas lines are now connected to 63 homes as part of the final phase of that project. The expansion is…

Mississippi continues trend of record-low unemployment rate

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – There’s some good economic news for the state of Mississippi. The state has hit a record-low unemployment rate. July’s unadjusted jobless rate came in at just 3% breaking the previous record set last month. In fact, this is the fifth month in a row that Mississippi has hit record-low unemployment. For 24/7 news and updates, follow us…

Discovery Center of Starkville hosts resource fair for community

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI ) – Thursday was a day for community, communication, and education in Starkville. The Discovery Center hosted a resource fair to help area residents learn about what’s available and how agencies can help. “Everybody has different needs and things that they are looking for whether they are actively seeking resources or looking for volunteer opportunities,” Elizabeth Williams…

West Tupelo bridge closed after inspections found structural issues

Corrosion on bridge's support pilings prompted engineers to close the bridge

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – The daily traffic commute for thousands who travel to and from west Tupelo will be impacted for some time. This was after the City announced a 70-year-old bridge on Highway 6 was being closed due to serious structural issues found during recent inspections. At Steele’s Dive, the lunch rush is the bread and butter of the…

Little Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has big economic engine

The Oktibbeha County town of Sturgis has a population of just over 200, but by this weekend there are expected to be thousands of people riding into town.

STURGIS, Miss. (WCBI) – The Oktibbeha County town of Sturgis has a population of just over 200, but by this weekend there are expected to be thousands of people riding into town. For local businesses and leaders, The Little Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a big economic engine. Sturgis is usually a quiet little town, but that will change this weekend. In…

Lowndes County Narcotics STING Unit conducts round-up of drug violators

They hit the roads of Lowndes County with Operation Rolling Thunder and a list of 28 targets.

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s been a busy day for the Lowndes County Narcotics STING Unit and several other law enforcement agencies. They hit the roads of Lowndes County with Operation Rolling Thunder and a list of 28 targets. So far they’ve managed to bring in many of those they were looking for. After a quick rundown of the…

State Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, Parks issues burn ban

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Your bonfires and campfires will have to be put on hold in certain locations but fall is right around the corner. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks has issued a burn ban at all state parks effective immediately. The ban is a response to the dry weather, a condition that can influence dangerous blazes. On…

Mississippi students hit record high in state standardized testing

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Mississippi’s students have hit a record high in the state’s standardized testing. The Mississippi Department of Education has released the results for the 2022-2023 school year Mississippi Academic Assessment Program, or MAAP, testing, and scores are up across all subject areas. The state averages show marked improvement in the percentage of students scoring Proficient or Advanced in…

Columbus firefighters battle early morning house fire, no injuries reported

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus firefighters battled an early morning blaze. Fire Chief Duane Hughes said the home at 705 18th Street North appeared to be abandoned. Firemen quickly put out the flames at about 8 a.m. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. For 24/7 news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter Categories: Local…

Lowndes County’s new Sportsplex to have its own identity

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Lowndes County’s new Sportsplex will have its own identity. Interim Lowndes Recreation Director Tom Velek presented a branding agreement with Bankfirst to the Board of Supervisors at this morning’s meeting. Under the 10-year deal, the baseball and softball facilities at the Lowndes County Sportsplex will become known as Bankfirst Yards. The branding plan goes beyond…