Lowndes Co. Supervisors discuss school district’s claimed budget shortfall

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Supervisors in Lowndes County found themselves in a familiar situation, being asked to fund a budget shortfall for the county school district. The Lowndes County School District has claimed a $1.1 million shortfall in its budget. The two groups have been at odds over how certain industrial properties should be taxed. School leaders said properties…

Lowndes Co. Supervisors accept bid to pave community center parking lots

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Lowndes County Supervisors paved the way for improvements at three of the county’s community centers. Supervisors accepted a bid from Falcon Contracting to pave the parking lots at Concord, Crawford, and New Hope Community Centers. Currently, all three have gravel lots which have become popular for the “wrong” reasons. People have been showing off their…

The State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages firework safety this Independence Day

Those wishing to purchase and use fireworks need to check with their fire protection officials to make sure local laws are being followed. Certain areas prohibit fireworks from being used within city limits. One cannot shoot fireworks in Columbus city limits and the fee for it is almost $250.

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – If you are shooting fireworks this holiday weekend, the State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages firework safety this Independence Day whether at home or a firework show. State Fire Marshal and Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney says to use common sense when dealing with fireworks, and never point them at someone. Those wishing to purchase and use fireworks need…

Columbus High School’s first graduating class looks to clean up community

The Class of '93 was the first to graduate from Columbus High School after the district consolidated Lee and Caldwell High Schools.

COLUMBUS, Miss (WCBI) – The Columbus High School Class of 1993 kicked off its 30-year reunion by helping out its hometown. The alumni gathered at Sim Scott Park to clean up the neighborhood. The Class of ’93 was the first to graduate from Columbus High School after the district consolidated Lee and Caldwell High Schools. Stephanie Jones and Kessa Thompson…

Columbus woman crowned Miss Volunteer America

Hannah Perrigin says hard work, a strong support system and her Christian faith prepared her for the journey

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – A Columbus woman now has a national stage to share her platform and promote a pageant that is more that just a beauty competition. Hannah Perrigin was crowned Miss Volunteer America last weekend during the national pageant in Jackson, Tennessee. Perrigin grew up in Columbus, raised by a single mom and was taught to pursue her…

Gas prices are low for Mississippians for 4th of July weekend

The average for the state of Mississippi is $2.97, which is the lowest state average in the country.

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Those traveling this Fourth of July Weekend may need to fill up their car with gas. The average for the state of Mississippi is $2.97, which is the lowest state average in the country. In Lowndes County, the average is 2.95 per gallon, and in Clay County, it is $2.87. This time last year, the average in…

Professional football player Jeffery Simmons host community fun day

The Noxubee community beat the heat at the Jeffery Simmons Fun Day and Fire Works event.

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss (WCBI) – The Noxubee community beat the heat at the Jeffery Simmons Fun Day and Fire Works event. The Professional football player for the Tennesse Titans put it on as a way to give back to his hometown. Simmons was even presented a key to the city as a thank-you for his dedication and service to Macon….

The Starkville Police Department is investigating a fatal vehicle collision

An SUV occupied by four individuals left the roadway at the intersection of Highway 12 and Bluefield Road.

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The Starkville Police Department is investigating a fatal one-vehicle collision on July 1st around 7:24 p.m. An SUV occupied by four individuals left the road at the intersection of Highway 12 and Bluefield Road. A 71-year-old passenger was declared dead on the scene. The driver was flown to Tupelo for further treatment. A male and female…

Several new laws went into effect today in the state of Mississippi

For those who are 18, a bill permits submitting loan applications and entering into legally binding contracts, meaning one can pay off a mortgage or lease property as young as 18.

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Several new laws went into effect today in the state of Mississippi. Here are just a few of the laws that went into effect. Senate Bill 2346 prevents those under the age of 18 from viewing sexually explicit content by implementing “reasonable age verification methods.” For those who are 18, Senate Bill 2073 permits submitting loan applications…

Fireworks on the Water kicked off this evening at Stennis Lock and Dam

"Visit Columbus" projects more than thousands of people to attend to see the fireworks and listen to a line-up of music.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Fireworks on the water kicked off July 1st at the East Bank of the Stennis Lock and Dam. “Visit Columbus” projects more than thousands of people to attend to see the fireworks and listen to a line-up of music. Mississippi Natives and country music sensation Chapel Hart took center stage. The Mayor of Columbus says this…

THS band travels to nation’s capital for 4th of July parade

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Members of the Tupelo High School Marching Band will spend their July 4 holiday in the nation’s capital, taking part in the Independence Day Parade. The band did a final run-through of the songs that pay tribute to Tupelo’s most famous native son. Cliff Moore is leading the Golden Wave Marching Band through the songs they…

Expert sees more snakes this season and issues warning

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – There are 55 different kinds of snakes in Mississippi, and six of them are venomous. And snakes, like people, go looking for somewhere cool when the weather gets hot. And that cool place may be near or even in your house. Temperatures are soaring, and most people remember to stay in the cool areas. But…

Extreme temperatures and food can be dangerous combination

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The Fourth of July Holiday Weekend is officially here, and for many people the celebrations include food. Whether it’s a picnic, family cookout, or grabbing a plate from a vendor at one of the many public celebrations. Of course, we’re also in the middle of a heatwave, and the extreme temperatures and food can be…

Rip tides can turn fun beach vacations to nightmares

In less than two weeks, rip currents have taken the lives of at least 11 people.

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – It is one of the most popular vacation spots for people in North Mississippi and West Alabama, but there are dangers in the water from Fort Morgan to Panama City Beach. First responders said there have been multiple drownings. In less than two weeks, rip currents have taken the lives of at least 11 people. Data shows…

Southside Blues Festival kicks off at Townsend Park

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – An Independence Day weekend tradition continues in Columbus. The 17th installment of the Southside/Townsend Park Blues Festival started June 29 and really kicks into gear Friday evening. The festival features something for everyone, including food, family-friendly fun, and, of course, music. Things got rolling Thursday night with the return of Youth Night and softball. Starting at…

Preparation for ‘Fireworks on the Water’ has begun in Columbus

Fireworks on the Water is back for the second year since the COVID-19 pandemic.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – If fireworks are a must-have for your Independence Day celebration, then you can get an early start this weekend in Columbus. “This has really been going on for five months. In the last few weeks and really the last couple of months, we have met every Wednesday afternoon. We serve snacks and we get everybody in…

Tupelo city leaders name 20-year veteran to be new interim Fire Chief

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Tupelo city leaders tap a 20-year veteran to head the Fire Department during the search for a new Fire Chief. Mayor Todd Jordan announced that Deputy Fire Chief Brad Robinson has been promoted to Interim Chief. Robinson will be taking over for Chief Kelly Elliott who was selected to take over as the Executive Director of…

Retired Saltillo chief pins badge on son graduating from police academy

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – It is always a big day when cadets graduate from the police academy, but for one family, the ceremony was extra special. Retired Saltillo Police Chief Dan McKinney was able to pin the badge on his son, Kagen McKinney, after he graduated from Class B73 at the North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center. Kagen McKinney will…

MSU alumni reflect on their time at McCarthy Gym

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – From 1950 to 1975, McCarthy Gym was home to Mississippi State Basketball teams. It served several other roles after Humphrey Coliseum was built. After seven decades, the structure is gone, making way for new development on campus. 73 years after its opening, McCarthy Gym is no longer standing, making way for something new. This gym has…