Parade celebrates, shows appreciation for 911 dispatchers in Lowndes Co.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus was in full gear for Telecommunicators Appreciation Week. When emergencies happen, these dispatchers are the first on the line. 911 dispatchers were celebrated for their hard work and dedication to answering one phone call at a time. First responders and family were in attendance at the Lowndes County Emergency Service Department. The event took several…

Homicide investigation in Oktibbeha Co. underway

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- Wcbi received new details about a death investigation in Oktibbeha County that was first reported Wednesday afternoon. The sheriff’s office is working on a homicide investigation after one person is found dead. Deputies arrived at Teagarden Lane, a trailer park community, around 4:00 Wednesday afternoon. A suspect has been arrested. Neighbors and witnesses tell WCBI that…

Residents gear up for the next phase of storm recovery

AMORY, Miss. (WCBI) – Recovery from a disaster doesn’t happen overnight. There are several stages. Amory residents have been focused on clean-up. Now, they’re examining what’s left, and what it’s going to take to rebuild. Those who have been through this before say it’s going to take a lot of two resources, patience, and time. “People are finding out that…

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians utilizes land for casino in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Beginning next year, drivers traveling Highway 25 through Winston County are going to have a new and unique roadside stop. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is beginning construction of the Louisville Travel Plaza, but this isn’t just another truck stop. As you make the drive down Highway 25 you may start seeing some new construction…

Law enforcement sees trend of crimes being committed on social media

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Crimes being played out on social media are becoming more common. It happened in Louisville, Kentucky, Memphis, and even here in Columbus. People are being killed with a virtual audience watching. Mass shootings and frightening moments are all captured on a cell phone now. Mental health expert Veronica Harrison said many people pulling the trigger want…

Tornado victims may be eligible for Small Business Administration Loans

Owning a small business isn't a requirement for an SBA Disaster Assistance Loan

PONTOTOC COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – When most people hear Small Business Administration, they naturally think of business loans. But the SBA is also there in the aftermath of disasters providing loans for homeowners and renters to rebuild or replace belongings. And you don’t have to be a small business owner to qualify. Tornado victims applying for assistance from FEMA may…

Starkville police make another arrest in shooting investigation

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Starkville police made another arrest in a recent shooting. 18-year-old Marcus Bell Jr. was charged with aggravated assault. In a news release, SPD said Bell was arrested after being treated for a gunshot wound. The shooting happened at the Sprint Mart on Highway 182 and Old Mayhew Road. Investigators believed an argument led to the gunfire….

More students than expected head back to school in Amory

AMORY, Miss. (WCBI) – As the recovery process continues in places like Amory and Winona, sometimes it’s the return of everyday things that can have a surprising impact. This week Amory students headed back to school. The March 24 tornado that hit the town did significant damage to Amory High School’s athletic facilities. Those were so badly damaged that the…

Noxubee County grand jury indicts woman on child sex crimes

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – There’s new information in a child sex crimes case in Noxubee County. Lashundra King A Noxubee County grand jury indicted Lashundra King. She was charged with statutory rape and accessory after the fact. No court date has been set. Her co-defendant, Jataquist Morris, was indicted on statutory rape, grand larceny, fondling, and attempted sexual battery…

Eight Days of Hope continues tornado recovery work in Amory

Rapid Response Team has helped clear limbs and debris from hundreds of homes

AMORY, Miss. (WCBI) – It has been more than two weeks since a deadly tornado hit Monroe County, but the work from a Pontotoc County-based ministry continues. Don Dabney may be more than 30 feet up in a bucket cutting limbs, but there’s no place he would rather be. “God has called me here,” Dabney said. Dabney is the Rapid…

Mississippi State University hosts research showcase

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The future is bright here in the Magnolia State. Mississippi State University was showing off its advanced research and academic discoveries with a showcase that included more than a dozen interactive displays. As research week on campus just kicked off, WCBI was at the event to explore the different inventions and the minds behind these creations….

West Lowndes Elementary students, staff sending supplies to Rolling Fork

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Students and staff at West Lowndes Elementary School are sending support and supplies to tornado victims miles away from home. The school recently launched its “Helping Hands for Rolling Fork” donation drive. They’re collecting non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, toiletries, diapers, and other personal needs. Rolling Fork was struck by a tornado in late March,…

Mississippi communities continue work towards tornado recovery

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – It’s been two and a half weeks since Mississippi was first battered by tornadoes. Now, the real recovery is beginning. Twisters brought devastation to the state on March 24, including in Winona and Amory. Just a week later Tupelo and Pontotoc were hit. Federal assistance is available to most who were impacted. The Mississippi Emergency Management is…

New stretch of highway opens in Itawamba County

ITAWAMBA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A new Mississippi highway is open for travel. State Route 76, also referred to as “Corridor V”, is located in Itawamba County. The nine-mile four-lane highway connects State Route 25 to State Route 23. The placement of the new travel landmark is designed to create accessible travel ways for goods and the supply chain that…

Aberdeen school hosts ribbon cutting on new playground

ABERDEEN, Miss. (WCBI) – Some Aberdeen students will take a break from class with a new playground. A ribbon cutting was held Tuesday morning at Aberdeen Elementary and Belle-Shivers Middle for the areas. The schools held fundraisers for the remodel. Educators wanted a place where students had new equipment, including sensory equipment, and shade. They believe this new space will…

Tishomingo County deputies search for missing woman

TISHOMINGO COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Tishomingo County deputies are asking for help to find a missing woman. 36-year-old Summer Monroe of Tishomingo has not been seen since March 28. At that time, she was walking east down Highway 30. Monroe is about 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 120 pounds. She has several tattoos, including one on her…

Miss. Governor signs bill to lower license plate price for disabled veterans

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Disabled veterans in Mississippi will soon have cheaper license plates. Veterans must have a 100% permanent service-connected disability or at least 70% nonpermanent service-connected disability. The Veterans’ Administration or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs sets those percentages. For those who qualify, you can purchase two vehicle license plates for $1 each. Governor Tate Reeves signed the bill…