Goodyear gives thanks to Cooper Tire employees with rides on iconic blimp

Goodyear wanted to show its appreciation to team members who have worked hard in the aftermath of April's tornado

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – It has been four months since a tornado caused serious damage to the Tupelo Cooper Tire Plant and the owners are thanking employees with a special treat. The iconic Goodyear Blimp is in Tupelo. When pilot Jay Perdue learned he was bringing the Goodyear Blimp to Tupelo as a way to thank employees at the Cooper…

Southeastern conference officials ready to start season

Changes are coming to nearly every conference in college football

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Changes are coming to nearly every conference in college football. Next season, the SEC will be growing to include Texas and Oklahoma. Some of the biggest conferences are making significant changes over the next couple of years. The Southeastern Conference will be welcoming Texas and Oklahoma at the end of the 2023-2024 season. S.E.C replay official…

Monroe County School District offers new Teacher Academy program

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A school district’s goal is to prepare its students for the future, whether that’s college or the workforce. The Monroe County School District is partnering with William Carey University for those inspired to transition from student to teacher. Students who complete the new teacher Academy program are eligible to receive full tuition and a scholarship…

Lisa Martin named new executive director of Tupelo Community Theatre

Martin says she was mentored for the role by Tom Booth, who passed away in January

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – The new leader of the Tupelo Community Theater said she has been preparing for this role for years. For Lisa Martin, taking on the role of executive director of the Tupelo Community Theater is a homecoming of sorts. “We volunteer at the theater, have so for 20 years. My husband and I both have. We actually met…

Paper versus touchscreen is the question surrounding voting

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Paper versus touchscreen was the question when it came to voting procedures. Oktibbeha Circuit Clerk Tony Rook had the answer. “We found that most individuals want paper. They want to be able to put their hands on paper. The paper ballot we use is very similar to a scantron so everybody’s familiar with it. Everybody’s…

Back to school: Things students need to remember when leaving home

With returning students, many things easily be forgotten. Some simple tasks and reminders can put everyone at peace of mind, and for parents to have peace of mind their child is safe.

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Classes at Mississippi State University start next week and many students will be jumping into a whole new time in their lives. For many of the students, it may be their first time leaving the nest. Even with returning students, many things easily be forgotten. Some simple tasks and reminders can put everyone at peace of…

Explained: What are Primary Elections, how do they work?

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – It’s primary election day. Election officials said turnout is typically low for primary elections, and that could be because the primary process can be a confusing one. It’s decision day for party primaries in state and county-wide races. The primary election narrows the field to just one candidate in each party. What that means for votes is…

Golden Triangle Development LINK plans to expand office

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The business of attracting business in the Golden Triangle has been good, and the Golden Triangle Development LINK planning an expansion. The LINK’s new offices will be at the Golden Triangle Regional Airport, putting them closer to the industries they’ve been working with over the years. Site selection is a big part of Golden Triangle Development…

Tupelo’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist champ sets sights on Memphis

Jesse Aron will represent Elvis' birthplace during Elvis Week at Graceland

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – This week marks the beginning of a celebration honoring the life and legacy of Elvis Presley. One of the highlights of Elvis Week in Memphis is the Ultimate Tribute Artist competition, where a grand champion will be crowned. The singer’s birthplace has a strong track record in the contest, and this year’s Tupelo ETA has been…

Rain soaks boxes but not spirits as MUW students move onto campus

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – This is the ideal move-in day at the Mississippi University for Women: sunny and hot with a slight breeze. Instead, this is what students experienced moving in at the W today. With gloomy weather making its debut for the week, Director of Housing and Residence Life, Andrew Moneymaker, encouraged students to be patient. “Especially today with…

Increasing numbers: Women continue to rise in manufacturing industry

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI) – They are caregivers, entrepreneurs, and bosses, and you see them in increasing numbers in manufacturing settings. According to the U.S. Census and Bureau data, about 30% of women make up the manufacturing industry. From production line workers to engineers, and managers, women are finding a place in the field. Senior Supervisor in Mixing at Yokohama,…

County governments prepare for Primary Election Day

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Candidates have been on the campaign trail for months, and your TV and radio have been buzzing with ads. It’s an election year in Mississippi. Statewide and County offices are on the ballot, and August 8 is the first real test. Lowndes County Circuit Clerk Teresa Barksdale said the county is kicking election preparation into high gear….

Mississippi State band camp is back and larger this year

It's time to crank up the tunes for band students at Mississippi State

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s time to crank up the tunes for band students at Mississippi State. Band camp kicked off Monday for the Bulldogs and goes on all week. Just like the Bulldogs Football team, the Famous Maroon Band has to put in time on the practice field before they hit Davis Wade Stadium for the first time on…