Columbus Municipal School District host groundbreaking ceremony
A historic school in Columbus will be restored through a major renovation
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A historic school in Columbus will be restored through a major renovation. The Columbus Municipal School District hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at the old Hunt High School. In February 2019, an EF3 tornado ripped through the campus and it was ruled a total loss. On June 16, people gathered on this campus to witness the start…
D.A.R.E. Camp teaches children valuable life lessons while keeping fun
The camp is organized by the Lee County Sheriff's Office
LEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – It is the season for summer camps, and participants at one camp are learning how to make wise choices while getting to know those who protect and serve. Zalla McCaffrey came to D.A.R.E. Camp as a student, and for the past three years, the 17-year-old Saltillo High Senior has been a leader. “I really enjoy…
Two area sheriffs were publicly threatened by citizens in their counties
In the past two weeks, there have been two instances of people publicly threatening area sheriffs
NORTH MISSISSIPPI, Miss. (WCBI) – Threats to law enforcement aren’t uncommon. In the past two weeks, there have been two instances of people publicly threatening area sheriffs. They said when threats come in, to them or anyone within their department or the community, they have to take them very seriously for their safety and the public’s. Threats to law enforcement…
Juneteenth organizers want to make celebration entertaining, educational
STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Communities across the country are celebrating Juneteenth this weekend with festivals, concerts, and other special events. The celebration in Starkville kicked off Wednesday. Organizers said the mission was to make it one that is entertaining, educational, and inclusive. Before the time of technology, information took quite some time to spread around. As for enslaved African Americans,…
Couple arrested for allegedly filing fake disaster relief claims in Monroe Co.
MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A couple in Monroe County was accused of filing bogus disaster claims where they do not live. Jason and Carole Coffey were charged with two counts of felony false pretense. Sheriff Kevin Crook said the couple came to the area in April, following the March tornado disaster. Investigators believed the couple filed fraudulent claims with…
Former Neshoba County CO arrested, accused of having sex with inmates
NESHOBA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A Louisville man was accused of having sex with inmates at his job in Neshoba County. 47-year-old Randal Prince was charged with three counts of sexual activity between correctional personnel and prisoners. In a press release, Sheriff Eric Clark said the jail administrator received a tip from an inmate about the relations happening behind bars….
Starkville police make arrest in shooting investigation
STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Starkville police made an arrest in a shooting investigation. 21-year-old Cameron Roby of Shuqualak was charged with aggravated assault. Investigators say the shooting happened early Thursday morning at the intersection of Highway 12 and Louisville Street. Before the gunfire started, SPD says there was an argument at Westside Market. A vehicle was damaged by bullets but…
Alabama unemployment rate holds steady at record low
ALABAMA (WCBI) – Alabama’s unemployment holds steady at a record low but locally the numbers are climbing. For the state, the seasonally adjusted rate for May remains at 2.2%. That’s the same number as it was in April. The new set of data shows 51,000 people in the state are unemployed, which is a record low. It also shows more…
Tupelo Juneteenth Celebration postponed for possible bad weather
TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – The Juneteenth Celebration for Tupelo has been postponed because of expected bad weather. Organizers said the parade will take place Saturday at 1, starting at the CC Agustus Center. But all other activities have been rescheduled for July 1. Vendors are still welcome to apply for a spot at the event, which will include music, food,…
FEMA prepares tornado survivors that unknown numbers may call them
MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Recovery continues in north Mississippi after the deadly March tornadoes. Now, FEMA wants survivors to know who will be calling them. Applicants for FEMA assistance could receive a call or text message from a number they do not recognize. It is important to respond and also make sure you are talking with a FEMA employee. If you…
Winona-Montgomery school district appoints new superintendent
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Winona-Montgomery Consolidated School District’s Board of Trustees appointed a new superintendent. Dr. Howard Savage, Jr., will serve as the district’s next Superintendent of Education. The board voted him in during its meeting on June 14. Savage will fill the position following the retirement of Dr. Teresa Jackson on June 30. He served two years…
Man arrested, accused of threatening Calhoun County sheriff, prosecutor
CALHOUN COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A Derma man was accused of threatening to kill the Calhoun County sheriff and county prosecutor. 40-year-old Gary Howell was charged with two counts of making terroristic threats. Sheriff Greg Pollan said Howell sent several threatening text messages to someone he thought was the sheriff. County Prosecutor Tina Scott was also allegedly named in the…
Hush Aerospace to have skilled workers from Lee County CTE Center
The unmanned vehicle manufacturer is building a plant next to the CTE Center at The Hive
TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – An aerospace company that makes unmanned aircraft is expected to not only have a big economic boost on the region but also to have a pool of skilled future employees. Noah Bass is the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Instructor at the Lee County Career Technical Education Center. He is using some of the summer break to prep…
Columbus city leaders look to pass ‘red cup law’ for downtown
Officials believe the red cup district law would promote innovation and foot traffic in the downtown area.
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus city leaders want to attract more business downtown, and they believe a new option for enjoying adult beverages could help. The city council is exploring the establishment of a leisure district downtown through a red cup law which. It would allow people to carry alcoholic beverages from one business to the other. Officials believe the…
Local farmers lose crops because of hail, strong winds
The unusual trend of strong storms this month continues to cause damage in our area
NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The unusual trend of strong storms this month continues to cause damage in our area. These June storms have caused damage to homes, some greenhouses, and now crops. “It’s just farming, last year we had one of the best cotton crops we’ve ever had and we started raining when the bowls started opening and rotted…
Lunch and learn helps connect older adults to resources
OKTIBEHHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s never too late to learn, and that was on full display at the 2023 Triad Luncheon at the Oktibbeha County Safe Room. Local community members gathered to learn about health and wellness resources for older adults. Through the Triad Grant, the state of Mississippi was able to implement more programs geared towards senior citizens…
Columbus City Council discusses ‘Old River Bridge’ repairs
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The Columbus City Council met Thursday morning and one of the big topics of discussion was repairs to the Columbus Riverwalk Pedestrian Bridge. The “Old River Bridge”, as it’s sometimes known, was severely damaged in February 2020 when it was struck by a runaway barge filled with limestone. Mayor Keith Gaskin said repairs are supposed to…