BREAKING: Emergency crews on-scene at plane crash at Tupelo Regional Airport

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Emergency crews responded to the Tupelo Regional Airport around 8:30 AM for a reported plane crash.  Details are few at this time, but eyewitnesses report that it appeared to be a twin turboprop, civilian aircraft.  At this time the identity of the pilot and the presence of passengers is unknown. WCBI’s Kealy Shields was able to…

Newest Habitat home is first of its kind for Tupelo and Mississippi

Tupelo's newest Habitat for Humanity home is built using the ICF construction method

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – The dedication of a new Habitat for Humanity Home is always a special occasion, but the latest home built in Tupelo is a first for that city and the state. When Lena Ashby received the keys to her new house, it was the end of a four-year journey. “You have to put in 300 sweat equity…

Investigators say how communities can help solve cases

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – With recent shootings in the area, law enforcement is working within the community to piece together who is involved. Sometimes communication is lost between residents in the area and investigators. Investigators in Lousiville said that sometimes their biggest asset is the community because they are the eyes and ears of their area. Captain of Investigations, Mike…

Area pregnancy service provider wants to make resources accessible

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – There have been recent horrific events played out in Macon, Columbus, and Booneville, involving expecting mothers and their newborns. Some maternal service providers in our area believe if more people are aware of the support available, there would be fewer tragic outcomes. WCBI met with organizers of the Life Choices Pregnancy Care Centers to learn how…

Community prayer kicks off ‘Wear Orange Weekend’ in West Point

The City of West Point will host its second annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day Prayer in Sally Kate Winters Park this evening at 6 p.m.

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) – June 2 is National Gun Violence Awareness Day to kick off “Wear Orange Weekend”. The City of West Point will host its second annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day Prayer in Sally Kate Winters Park Friday evening at 6 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange to honor the victims of gun violence. Prayer Coordinator…

Columbus leaders urge public to not be afraid to report crimes

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Numerous shootings in the city of Columbus over the past weeks have people in the community speaking out. Since last Friday, at least six people have been injured and one person killed in shootings in the city. And there have been other shots fired calls that did not result in injuries, including one late Thursday afternoon….

Macon police remind community of fireworks ban in city limits

MACON, Miss. (WCBI) – Macon police want to remind the community not to shoot fireworks in city limits. On May 16, police banned fireworks from being sold, distributed, or using fireworks within the town. If anyone is caught, they can face a fine of up to $500 or be put in jail for up to 30 days. For 24/7 news…

Louisville police arrest man for allegedly breaking into business

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Louisville police made an arrest after a break-in at a car wash. LaPatrick Holmes was charged with burglary of a business. Investigators said the theft happened on Tuesday at Squeaky Clean Car Wash. Holmes was also a suspect in another business burglary. He remains in jail on a hold from the State Department of Corrections for…

OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville will outsource EMS service

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – OCH Regional Medical Center is outsourcing its EMS service. MedStat will take over EMS in the county beginning July 1. OCH has not announced a reason for the change. However, in its announcement, the hospital said it will “continue to find solutions for excellent EMS care while minimizing ever-rising costs of operation including labor, equipment…

Pontotoc man arrested on Aggravated Stalking charges

What started as a threat turned into a stalking arrest for a Pontotoc man

OXFORD, Miss. (WCBI) – What started as a threat turned into a stalking arrest for a Pontotoc man. Clinton Chilcutt was charged with Aggravated Stalking. Oxford police received the threat report last Wednesday. Officers stopped a vehicle Chilcutt was inside on West Jackson Avenue, and he was arrested. Chilcutt’s bond was set at $40,000. For 24/7 news and updates, follow…

Lee County investigators release new details in homicide case

LEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Lee County investigators released new details in a homicide investigation. Sheriff Jim Johnson said 70-year-old Randy Price was shot at his County Road 1303 home. Price was found at about 8:30 Sunday morning on his front porch. Evidence at the scene and Price were both taken to the state crime lab. Johnson is asking for…

One person injured, suspect in custody after shooting in Tupelo

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Less than 24 hours after a shooting, Tupelo police have arrested a suspect. 65-year-old Martin Parham has been charged with aggravated assault. The gunfire happened on Lumpkin Avenue on Thursday at about 5 p.m. The victim had been shot multiple times. Tupelo police investigators said the man who was shot is stable at North Mississippi Medical…

NEMCC raises funds for musical teaching tool through ’88 Keys Campaign’

The campaign is raising money for a Steinway Spirio Grand Piano

BOONEVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Helping students reach their full potential is the goal at any university or community college. At Northeast Mississippi Community College, a campaign is underway to raise money to buy a musical instrument that has the potential to take the Fine Arts program to a whole new level. Dr. Ray Harris has been at NEMCC for 35…

Home away from home: Some people choose new way to vacation

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – As the summer season kicks off, some families may be looking for a different kind of vacation. Staycations, or extended vacations, are gaining popularity. What once started off as a burger shack on the banks of a fishing hole, evolved into a nationally known vacation spot for travelers across the country. The Lake Tiak-O’Khata resort now…

Crews finish last of repairs to dams in Columbus and Bevill

Two years ago, heavy rain caused barges to break loose at Bevill Lock and Dam in Alabama and Stennis Lock and Dam in Columbus, causing damage at both sites.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Two years ago, heavy rain caused barges to break loose at Bevill Lock and Dam in Alabama and Stennis Lock and Dam in Columbus, causing damage at both sites. Crews have now finished the last of the repairs. Operations Manager Justin Murphree said now the dam will be stronger than ever. “The water flowing around the…

Mississippi leads in STI cases; One clinic hopes to change that

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi leads the nation in the number of sexually transmitted infections cases. And one local clinic is looking to raise awareness and decrease stigma by following the crowd. The STI rate has increased by 1,000%, with more cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Five Horizons Health Services Chief  Jamil Dawson Operating Officer said these numbers are…

Lieutenant Governor travels across area to campaign for 2nd term in office

FULTON, Miss. (WCBI) – Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann is crisscrossing the area making his case for a second term. Lieutenant Governor Hosemann stopped at the offices of the Itawamba County Development Council this afternoon to talk with voters. Hosemann said during the past four years, he has led efforts to downsize state government and has paid down more than $500…

Longtime family-run business honored with prestigious industry award

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – An 85-year-old family-run business in Columbus was honored with a prestigious industry award. Waters Truck and Tractor was named the 2022 North American Truck Dealer of the Year by International Truck. The award recognized the top truck dealer for their annual sales, customer service, and community involvement. Waters Truck & Tractor Co., Inc. operates seven locations…

Lowndes County Supervisors win appeal against school district

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors won its appeal against the school district. At issue is what is considered new property after a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem tax agreement ends. In 2020, the county leaders excluded $3.3 million of ad valorem taxes from the district’s request. A Chancery Judge sided with the schools, agreeing that…