Brothers make initial appearance in Federal Court for Jan. 6 charges

BLUE SPRINGS, Miss. (WCBI) – A pair of brothers from Blue Springs had their initial appearance in Federal Court on charges stemming from the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the United States Capitol. Toney and Ethan Bray face charges of Obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without authority, disorderly…

US Supreme Court denies Gunasekara’s injunction petition

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – The U.S. Supreme Court denied a Republican Northern District Public Service Commissioner hopeful from getting on the ballot. Amanda Gunasekara’s injunction petition was denied by the high court. The Mississippi Supreme Court had also disqualified Gunasekara. Local and state judges had ruled she did not meet the residency requirements to run for a spot on the PSC….

Columbus police investigate shooting at Smithville Apartments

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus police continue to investigate a Thursday night shooting. The gunfire happened at Smithville Apartments in the 600 block of Fifth Street South. A CPD spokesperson said there were no injuries or property damage reported in the shooting. No other information is being released at this time in the ongoing investigation. Investigators have not made an…

Brandon Presley runs unopposed in Democratic primary race for Governor

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley will not have a competitor in the Democratic primary for the Governor’s race. The Mississippi Supreme Court reversed a Hinds County Circuit Court’s decision allowing Bob Hickingbottom, a former Constitution Party candidate for governor, to be placed on the ballot because his petition for judicial review was not filed in…

Noxubee County set to receive biggest economic development in history

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Noxubee County is set to receive its biggest economic development in the county’s history. Huber Corporation is one of the largest family-owned businesses in the world, and they’re planning to branch out to Shuqualak, Mississippi. The mill will sit on 550 acres of land that will span across the Shuqualak community and the Noxubee County…

Violence traveling from social media world to real world

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Summer is not quite here, and violent crime is already on the rise. And an increasing number of cases have their beginnings as conflicts on social media. Social media is where it all begins. District Attorney Scott Colom said that people are turning online conflict into crimes IRL, In Real Life. And that’s leading to more…

NEMCC receives grant to bring latest technology to classrooms

Partnership with EON Reality will supply immersive technology for students

BOONEVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Northeast Mississippi Community College is bringing the latest technology to the classroom with the help of a $15 million grant. “The infusion of this type of technology into the classroom and beyond will be a game changer for our institution,” said Ford. That’s how NEMCC President Dr. Ricky Ford described the $15.9 million grant from EON…

Summer camps have started at the YMCA in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Summertime can mean a lot of downtime for children. Local universities and community organizations work to provide camps and other activities that are educational and fun. It’s not yet, officially, summer, but camp is in session. Kids are already participating in activities at the Columbus YMCA, and they’re exploring more than just fun and games. “We…

Starkville woman is dedicated to her role as caregiver for her dad

After her mother passed away, she continued as a caregiver role for her father, helping him navigate the stressful, emotional, and new life of living with dementia.

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Although they may be adults now, more and more children find themselves taking care of their parents. Candice Williams never dreamed she would be the caregiver to the people that gave her life and care growing up. After her mother passed away, she continued as a caregiver role for her father, helping him navigate the stressful,…

State’s high court upholds Oktibbeha County capital murder conviction

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The state’s high court upheld an Oktibbeha County capital murder conviction. A jury found Tommy Chisholm guilty in July 2021. He went inside of Dr. Shauna Witt’s optometry office, which was inside the Starkville Walmart, and shot her in January 2018. Chisholm was sentenced to life in prison. He appealed various aspects of the case….

SPD investigates bomb threat call made to Kroger in Starkville

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Starkville police continue to investigate a bomb threat at a grocery store. Officers were called to Kroger on Highway 12 at about 9 a.m. for the report of a bomb at the store. The area was closed down while the store was searched. Everything quickly reopened in about an hour. The investigation is continuing and no…

Monroe County jury finds man guilty of child sex crimes

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – An Amory man was found guilty of child sex crimes by a Monroe County jury. Cayce Jones was convicted of sexual battery and fondling of a child under the age of 14. Due to the nature of the offenses, Jones was ineligible for parole or early release. Jone was sentenced to 30 years in prison….

Delta State University’s newest president officially started June 1

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Delta State University’s newest president is officially on the job. Dr. Daniel J. Ennis took over the reins in Cleveland on June 1. Ennis comes to DSU from Coastal Carolina University, where he most recently served as provost. Ennis has said that he plans on getting the lay of the land before making any major policy decisions…

Tupelo pays tribute to Elvis Presley with annual festival

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – The annual festival paying tribute to the memory of Tupelo’s most famous native son is underway. The Tupelo Elvis Festival began Wednesday evening with a gala at the Cotton Mill. Past winners of the Elvis Tribute Artist competition took the stage for a full house. This is the 25th Tupelo Elvis Festival and host Tom Brown…

Man arrested for reportedly breaking into churches, stealing robes

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A man wearing a church robe and claiming to be Jesus was accused of breaking into two churches. 27-year-old Deshon O’Neal was charged with two counts of burglary and one count of disorderly conduct. Columbus police said officers were called to a hotel about a suspicious man on June 6. O’Neal was reportedly wearing a white…

Columbus City Council requires officers to commit 3 years on patrol

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus City Council took a vote on implementing a policy that would tackle low retention rates within the police department. The Columbus City Council is requiring its officers to make a three-year commitment to the Friendly City. Once the officer has been hired and gone through training, that officer must remain with the Columbus police department…

Boys, Girls Club begin summer program in all 5 locations

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – School may be out but the work is kicking into high gear for staff and volunteers with the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Mississippi. Kyion White has come full circle. Growing up, White was a member of the Boys and Girls Club, eventually becoming a junior staffer, then a program staff member. Now, he is…

New exhibit looks at early merchandising of Elvis Presley

The exhibit from the EP Blvd Pawn Shop also features Tupelo related Elvis items

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A new exhibit at the Tupelo Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum chronicles the early merchandising of the King of Rock n’ Roll. The exhibit is called “Mr. Presley, are you ready to fly?” based on the line in the Elvis movie from Colonel Tom Parker, played by Tom Hanks. Items in the exhibit are original from…

City council continues to finalize funding decisions for Propst Park

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Propst Park has been the topic of discussion among city council work sessions for months. The council continued to finalize decisions for funding renovations for the 70-year-old park. An intent resolution to issue the loan has yet to be adopted. The city will then have to advertise the intention to issue the loans proposed. A public…

Several counties starting, finishing roadwork projects worth millions

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Several counties in Mississippi are starting or finishing up roadwork projects that are each worth millions. The Mississippi Lottery is funding an $8.7 million mill project that stretches seven miles of US 82 in Webster County. It’s expected to be completed this summer. Work will soon begin on a $4 million lottery-funded project in Union County to…