Local fire chiefs warn house fires can still happen in any season

House fires seem to occur more often during the winter months, but that does not mean they stop when summer rolls in.

NORTH MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Housefires are usually associated with the colder months, but they also happen as temperatures heat up. Chief Duane Hughes in Columbus and Chief Guyvester Dobbs in Aberdeen agreed that most fires that happen in the winter are electrical, but summer months can come from a lack of being aware. House fires seem to occur more often…

Smoke from wildfires can be harmful to one’s health

Dr. Harry Holliday recommends limiting time outside, especially for those who have underlying health conditions.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – If you’ve been outside, you may have noticed a hazy and smoky sky. Smoke from wildfires in eastern Canada has moved south, and too much exposure can be harmful to one’s health. At least 16 states have issued air quality advisories. Dr. Harry Holliday, a pulmonologist at OCH Regional Medical Center, said it can do more…

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…

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,…

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…