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Featured, Local News

Columbus woman crowned Miss Volunteer America

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

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
Local News

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.
Grace Brister,

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…

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Featured, Local News

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.
Kealy Shields,

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….

fatal crash accident
Local News

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.
Grace Brister,

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 Laws Take Effect In Mississippi
Local News

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.
Grace Brister,

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…
Featured, Local News

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.
Joey Barnes,

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
Featured, Local News

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

Allie Martin,

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…

Capture
Featured, Local News

Expert sees more snakes this season and issues warning

Joey Barnes,

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…

Food Safety
Featured, Local News

Extreme temperatures and food can be dangerous combination

MorrisAdmin,

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 Into Nightmares
Featured, Local News

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.
Grace Brister,

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
Local News

Southside Blues Festival kicks off at Townsend Park

Eric Lampkin,

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…

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Featured, Local News

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.
Joey Barnes,

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…

Brad Robinson
Local News

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

Eric Lampkin,

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…

Cop Grad
Local News

Retired Saltillo chief pins badge on son graduating from police academy

Allie Martin,

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…

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Featured, Local News

MSU alumni reflect on their time at McCarthy Gym

Joey Barnes,

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…

Mhp
Local News

MHP Troopers will have safety checkpoints set up for holiday weekend

Eric Lampkin,

NEW ALBANY, Miss. (WCBI) – Troopers with the Mississippi Highway Patrol will be doing their part to help keep the roadways safe during the upcoming holiday weekend. Highway Patrol Troopers will set up safety checkpoints, looking for impaired or distracted drivers. They will also have more officers on the roadways during the July Fourth holiday. Staff Sergeant Bryan Magee is…

Local Agencies Team Up To Provide Cooling Shelter For Community
Featured, Local News

Cooling shelter opens in Lowndes County for people to escape heat

In Lowndes County, the Golden Triangle Regional Homeless Coalition and Lowndes County Emergency Management are teaming up to help people beat this week's brutal heat.
Grace Brister,

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – In Lowndes County, the Golden Triangle Regional Homeless Coalition and Lowndes County Emergency Management Agency are teaming up to help people beat this week’s brutal heat. A cooling shelter is opened for those who need to escape the high heat index. Many people have volunteered their time to put this together to give back to…

Crime
Crime, Local News

North Mississippi man sentenced to federal prison for child pornography

Eric Lampkin,

OXFORD, Miss. (WCBI)- A North Mississippi man will spend 17 years in Federal prison for distributing child pornography. 39-year-old Jessie Edward Winters was sentenced in U.S. Federal Court in Oxford. The investigation began when the Department of Homeland Security acted on information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding someone using a mobile messaging app to distribute…

crime police cruiser patrol
Crime, Local News

Itawamba County man faces several felony charges

Eric Lampkin,

ITAWAMBA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – An Itawamba County man is facing several felony charges after leading deputies on a chase. Tuesday, Itawamba County deputies and agents from the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit went to serve a search warrant at a home on Hopewell Keys Road. Sammy Guy Sanders was sitting in his vehicle in the driveway. When agents made contact…

crime
Crime, Local News

Eupora police officer arrested, charged with domestic violence

Joey Barnes,

EUPORA, Miss. (WCBI) – A Eupora police officer was charged with domestic violence and is now on leave. Phillip Miller was arrested by the Webster County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday. He was released on a $2,000 bond. Sheriff David Gore said he turned the case over to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation to ensure there was no conflict of interest….