Cadaretta Water Association announces boil water notice

NORTH MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – There’s a boil water notice in Calhoun and Grenada Counties. The Cadaretta Water Association said the alert came after a water line leak. Customers on Horsepen and James Roads are the only ones impacted by this boil water notice. Folks should bring water to a rolling boil before using it until further notice. For 24/7 news…

Stromboli’s Italian Eatery in Starkville closes its doors

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – A well-known eatery is closing after two decades. Stromboli’s has been located in downtown Starkville for 21 years and is now closing its doors. The community showed huge support for the Italian spot with lines that continued out to the street. Stromboli’s gave away free cookie dough bites with every order. The business will still offer…

Faith Haven provides safe haven for children in crisis

The nonprofit has lost some grants it relied on for day to day operations

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – For more than 40 years, a Tupelo-based nonprofit has been rescuing children who are caught in crisis situations. Faith Haven provides a compassionate setting for kids who have endured terrible ordeals, and while the need for their services is increasing, some of the funding has gone away. Jackie Smith came on board as executive director of…

Louisville woman arrested, accused of having sex with teenagers

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – A Louisville woman was accused of having sex with teenagers for two years, while allegedly using drugs and alcohol. Latika Davis was charged with sexual battery. Louisville police said the alleged incidents started in 2020 and continued through 2022. Investigator Mike Perkins said there are at least three victims but he believed there are more. Perkins…

Group of teens faces charges for crimes in multiple counties

MISSISSIPPI (WTOK) – A group of teens is facing charges in several counties after a multi-day crime spree. Louisville police said the four teens from there were arrested Wednesday afternoon with the help of state troopers. Our state-wide news partner WTOK reported the first incident happened Tuesday when a person was held at gunpoint and forced to withdraw money from…

Exchange Club of Columbus hosts annual Youth, ACE Awards ceremony

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Some Lowndes County high schoolers are recognized for their work and their leadership. The Exchange Club of Columbus hosted its annual Youth and ACE Awards ceremony on Thursday. The organization recognized teens that have overcome adversities and challenges while pursuing good grades and leadership. Students from five schools in the county took part in the…

One organization has need for more tornado relief volunteers

The American Red Cross

AMORY, Miss. (WCBI) – When disaster strikes, there is a critical need for volunteers to help in the recovery. And the American Red Cross is one organization that is always there to fill that need. But the organization has a need of its own: more volunteers. WCBI spoke with Red Cross Disaster Program Manager about the importance of volunteerism during…

Recovery, cleanup move ahead in Pontotoc County

Gov. Tate Reeves signed a State of Emergency for the county

PONTOTOC COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Although the damage is still evident, there has been a lot of progress in the four days since the tornado hit Pontotoc County. “We were rated at an EF2 tornado from county line to county line,” said Pontotoc County Emergency Management Director Allen Bain. Bain said preliminary assessments show about 115 structures, including homes, barns,…

FBI raid in Louisville leaves more questions than answers

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – An early morning FBI raid in Louisville rattled a quiet neighborhood. Witnesses reported seeing Louisville Police, the FBI, and a van identified as a bomb squad. Sources told WCBI this is part of an FBI task force operation. The reason for the raid is still unknown. The FBI has confirmed that one person was taken into…

Prosecution presents case in West Point murder trial

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) – A murder trial in West Point could be in the hands of a jury by Thursday morning. The prosecution presented its case against Octavius Collins early Wednesday. Then, his defense had its turn. Closing arguments began around 4 p.m. Collins was accused of killing 43-year-old James Roberson on Thanksgiving morning 2020. Investigators said the shooting…

MEMA releases statement on Individual Safe Room Program

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Almost 2,000 people applied for safe rooms since August. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency opened applications in 2022 for individual safe rooms. During the application process, FEMA has requested additional information from applicants. The state is waiting for FEMA to approve those safe room applications. If your application is approved, a MEMA representative will contact you by…

Shooting at townhouse complex in Starkville leaves one person dead

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Investigators have made an arrest in a fatal shooting incident from Tuesday night. Tyshawn Henley was charged with Capital Murder. Starkville police said there were reports of shots fired at Blake Court Townhouses at 1220 Louisville Street. That’s where police found 31-year-old Kirby Sherman. Sherman was pronounced dead at the scene by Oktibbeha County Medical Examiner…

Tupelo Mall at Barnes Crossing celebrates 33rd anniversary

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – For more than 30 years, Tupelo’s Mall at Barnes Crossing has had a huge economic impact, bringing jobs and shoppers to Lee County. The area’s regional mall is celebrating its 33rd anniversary and is looking to the future. It was 1991 when Jeff Snyder was put in charge of the security at the Mall at Barnes…