Early soybean crop in Starkville looks good as it nears harvest

Mississippi’s 2.3 million acre soybean crop is looking strong late in its growing season.

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi’s 2.3 million acre soybean crop is looking strong late in its growing season. Soybeans are used in everyday products like food, and animal food, and they also have industrial benefits and alternative fuels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates 72% of the crop is in good or excellent condition. They estimate more than 96% of the…

Choctaw County Democratic Party Executive Committee sponsors rally to hear from candidates

Primary elections are quickly approaching

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Primary elections are quickly approaching, and the Choctaw County Democratic Party held a rally to make people aware of the candidates and motivate them to vote this election season. Hearing the candidates’ stances was one thing, but the chair of the county party, Dr. Nola Bryant, wants that interest to translate into action. “We have a…

Center for Violence Prevention will house victims advocate in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Victims of human trafficking have a newly designated advocate on their side. The Center for Violence Prevention in Jackson extended its services to Columbus with a Rapid Response team member to work directly with trafficking victims and local law enforcement. The Jackson Center responds to about 200 trafficking victims a year. Human Trafficking is the use…

Wife, mother, business woman finds time to help kids at Boys, Girls Clubs

Sierra Cannon is one of the celebrity dancers for "Dancing Like the Stars"

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Every week the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Mississippi provide safe programs for kids across the region. But they can’t do it without the support of the community, and this weekend, celebrities from across the region are showing their skills on the dance floor as part of “Dance Like the Stars”, the largest fundraiser for…

Columbus schools say they started year with fewer job openings

Dr. Stanley Ellis came in with a Mission to get Columbus Municipal School District to a B

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s not uncommon for there to be a few job vacancies in a school district at the beginning of the school year, but the Columbus Municipal School District started the school year with 26 unfilled slots last year. A year later things seem to be running more smoothly. Superintendent Dr. Stanley Ellis came in with a…

Troopers, city leaders break ground on MHP Troop G new headquarters

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s time for a change. That’s what Highway patrolmen of Troop G in Starkville have been saying for years. The building is the oldest in the state and the last to get up to new standards. Troopers and city leaders broke ground for the new headquarters. It was all smiles earlier for the groundbreaking ceremony….

Kountry Wine and Spirits makes history in Eupora as first liquor store

EUPORA, Miss. (WCBI) – For decades, Eupora has been a dry city in a dry county. That has changed. Kountry Wine and Spirits made history as the first package store in the town. Eupora Mayor Blake McMullan said he’s seen a boom in business and a rise in popularity since residents voted to lift the ban on alcohol. He expects…

Tupelo Superintendent gives musical welcome for first day back to school

Dr. Rob Picou says he wants to set the stage for a positive, fun year

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – The first day of school is a time of joy and anticipation, and it can also be stressful. That’s why Tupelo’s school superintendent hopped on a bus with a musical instrument to help get the school year started off on a positive note. As they boarded Bus 52 on the first day of school, students had…

Town of Artesia gears up to celebrate 25th annual Artesia Days

It is known as the small town that does big things.

ARTESIA, Miss. (WCBI) – Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Artesia Days is one of the largest small-town celebrations in the region. It is known as the small town that does big things. On a typical day, Artesia, Mississippi is a quiet town, but this week, organizers of Artesia Days are rolling out the red carpet to welcome visitors from near…