New piloting program looks to explain high power bills

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Temperatures are climbing and many people will be running the AC full blast, but staying cool may come at a higher price. 4-County Electric Power Association is looking to be proactive with its members by piloting a new program to help explain differences in their bills. Summer temperatures are on the rise and for many…

Columbus Fire Chief says recent house fires were not accidental

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The old saying goes: “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” And there’s been a lot of both around the Friendly City in the past few days. The fires are still under investigation, and it’s believed that at least some of them may have been intentionally set. Three fires in three days, two of those fires ignited in…

Community supports recovering child with Kaptain’s Katfish at Zachary’s

Hundreds participated in a fundraiser at Zachary's restaurant to raise money for Kaptain Edge's family.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – When the owner of Zachary’s found out about eight-year-old Kaptain Edge’s accident they knew they had to help. Kaptain Edge was hit by a car as he was leaving school on August 1. “This is second nature to us. This is something we have done for the community for quite a while and so once we…

Wellness Day at Walmart helps families prioritize their health

Customers also received free glucose, cholesterol, body mass index, and blood pressure screenings as well as immunizations for flu, HPV, tetanus, hepatitis, and more.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Walmart offered free screenings and affordable immunizations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19. Customers also received free glucose, cholesterol, body mass index, and blood pressure screenings as well as immunizations for flu, HPV, tetanus, hepatitis, and more. Pharmacy manager Patricia Lavender says this is a convenient way to stay on top of…

Baldwyn celebrates being named a Healthy Hometown

The Baldwyn Bearcats football season is drawing closer, and these young boys are hoping to be future Bearcats as they practice in an adjacent field in Latimer Park. Thanks to a 100-thousand-dollar grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation, the city will be able to purchase and install very high-end playground equipment in this section of the park.

BALDWYN, Miss. (WCBI) – The town of Baldwyn held a block party to celebrate being named a Healthy Hometown. The Baldwyn Bearcats football season is drawing closer, and these young boys are hoping to be future Bearcats as they practice in an adjacent field in Latimer Park. Thanks to a 100-thousand-dollar grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of…

Choctaw residents will soon have a say on the county’s status as a dry county

Since prohibition, Choctaw County has remained a dry county despite other counties in Mississippi choosing to sell alcohol.

CHOCTAW COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Choctaw residents will soon have their say on the county’s status as a dry county. Since prohibition, Choctaw County has remained a dry county despite other counties in Mississippi choosing to sell alcohol. Laura Carson organized a petition drive to get the issue to go to the Board of Supervisors for a vote. She believes…

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…