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…

Tupelo woman arrested for allegedly ramming her vehicle into another car

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A Tupelo woman was accused of ramming her vehicle into someone else’s car. 30-year-old Andria Pounds was charged with simple assault-domestic violence and felony malicious mischief. Tupelo police said they were called to Bryan Drive this past Friday about a possible hit-and-run crash. The other vehicle was damaged. TPD did not report any injuries. Bond for…

District Attorney Scott Colom’s fate for federal chair is undecided

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s been months since District Attorney Scott Colom’s nomination to the federal bench and now his confirmation hangs in the balance. On Tuesday, April 4, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith blocked Colom’s confirmation hearing by stating she would not return her “blue slip” in support of his nomination for the seat as a federal judge in…

Mississippi Eyewear, Starkville Police Dept. to host Coffee with a Cop

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Starkville and Oktibbeha County residents have a chance to meet with some of the folks who protect and serve the city. Mississippi Eyewear and the Starkville Police Department are hosting Coffee with a Cop Tuesday morning. People can enjoy a cup of coffee and a little conversation with SPD officers. The event will be at Mississippi…

Amory students set to return to school Tuesday, April 11

AMORY, Miss. (WCBI) – Students in Amory will return back to school Tuesday. The Facebook announcement by the city’s high school came weeks after tornadoes destroyed much of the community. Bus transportation is unavailable and students or parents are encouraged to contact Amory High School for alternate options. The phone lines may be tied up but an email address was…

Noxubee County man indicted for alleged assault on repo man

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A Noxubee County man will stand trial for an alleged assault on a repo man. Ladarius Tompkins has been indicted by a Noxubee County Grand Jury on a charge of Aggravated Assault. Tompkins was arrested last July. Sheriff Tommy Roby said a man working for a repossession firm was trying to recover a vehicle near…

Home Depot Foundation announces plans to up donation for storm victims

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – More help is coming for storm victims from a home improvement retailer. The Home Depot Foundation announced Monday morning that it’s increasing its commitment to $400,000 to support communities impacted by the recent tornadoes. Home Depot initially committed to donating $200,000 after the tornadoes hit the state at the end of March. So far, Home Depot has…

Road near Crawford will be closed Tuesday; No detours available

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A road closing in Lowndes County just east of Crawford may affect your morning commute on Tuesday. Tarlton Road from Highway 45 to Nick Hairston Road will be closed to traffic from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Crews will be replacing a culvert along that stretch of roadway. There will be no detours available. For…

A faith based in house residential program just expanded

Joseph Johnson came to God's House of Hope six months ago, battling alcohol abuse

NETTLETON, Miss. (WCBI)- Easter is a holiday that symbolizes sacrifice and new life and one Northeast Mississippi ministry is proof that prayer, sacrifice and faith lead to victories. Joseph Johnson came to God’s House of Hope six months ago, battling alcohol abuse, but six months later, Johnson said the intense Bible study and worship, coupled with a daily routine that…

Booneville police respond to a shots fired call that leaves a man dead

A Friday night shooting in Booneville leaves one man dead

BOONEVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)-A Friday night shooting in Booneville leaves one man dead. Booneville police chief Michael Ramey said the call came in at 11:10 p.m. and officers responded to shots fired call on the southeast side of the city. When officers arrived they saw a male that suffered from a gunshot wound. He later died. Ramey said they do have…

Two women found dead in Monroe County have been identified

WCBI reported this on Friday, but now the names have been released

HAMILTON, Miss. (WCBI)- A Friday afternoon shooting leaves two women dead in Monroe County. WCBI reported this on Friday, but now the names have been released. 24-year-old Jasmine Betts of Columbus and 25-year-old Drucilla Blevins of Hamilton both suffered gunshot wounds that lead to their deaths. When emergency personnel made it to the scene they saw both of the women…