Community donates money going toward equipment at WCSO

WINSTON COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Winston County Sheriff’s Office recently received $25,000 from businesses in the community to go toward important equipment. A few months ago the sheriff’s office added two new drones to their crew, these drones are able to fly in bad weather and fly higher than their first drone. The Winston County Sheriff’s Office said they…

Member of citizen oversight board seeks to reconstruct group

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – It has been more than seven years since a citizen oversight board for the Columbus Police Department was formed. But a change in administration, police chiefs, and the pandemic may have put a pause on regular meetings. Former Mayor Robert Smith and the City Council in December of 2015 voted to form a permanent committee. At…

Former Tupelo youth pastor faces more child sex crime charges

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A former Tupelo youth pastor is facing more child sex crime charges. 27-year-old Alexander Blackwelder is now facing two counts of sexual battery by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. In a press release, Sheriff Jim Johnson said Tupelo police turned over information to deputies from their investigation into Blackwell which led to the charges. TPD charged…

Man indicted in Clay County on child sex crime, spreading HIV

CLAY COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A man has been indicted in Clay County on a child sex crime and the spread of HIV. 31-year-old Demonta Cantrell is charged with possession of child pornography and exposure to HIV. Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott said Cantrell was arrested in Orlando, Florida, and was extradited to West Point. The indictment claimed he allegedly…

House Bill 995 looks to redefine rape in Mississippi

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A bill going through the Legislature could make it easier to prosecute rape cases in Mississippi. House Bill 995, authored by Representative Dana McLean of Columbus, would redefine the definition of rape. Current law still has antiquated language regarding the character of the victim and does not consider spousal rape. This is the second time McLean…

FUMC of Columbus members vote to leave United Methodist Church

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – One of Columbus’ oldest churches is making a historic change. At a church conference Sunday night, over 67% of the members present voted to leave the United Methodist Church. The split has been brought on by conflicting beliefs on how leadership in the denomination has interpreted and acted on church principles. Columbus First United Methodist Church…

Starkville leaders consider ordinance protecting damaged city property

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Starkville Aldermen will consider an ordinance requiring contractors to fix damage to city property. The Right-of-Way Protection Ordinance applies to above and below-ground infrastructure, such as sidewalks and water taps. This applies to damage done during the construction process that goes beyond normal wear and tear. Under the proposal, violators would have 30 days to make…

OIDI hosts panel discussion at MSU celebrating Women’s History Month

MISSISSIPPI STATE, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi State University’s Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion continues its celebration of Women’s History Month. Monday, OIDI hosted a panel discussion focused on empowering women. The panel featured five distinguished women from a variety of backgrounds sharing their life experiences. They also offered insights on how to encourage, promote, and support women from all…

City leaders expect to discuss stray dog controversy in Winona

WINONA, Miss. (WCBI) – Winona city leaders are expected to discuss its stray dog controversy. Four people are scheduled to talk to aldermen about the issue at the board’s Tuesday night meeting. City leaders said stray dogs are supposed to stay in the pound for 10 days. If the pups are not adopted, they are euthanized. The controversy stems from…

Columbus Soccer Complex brings love of soccer to adults

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – For five years now, the Columbus Soccer Organization has offered a soccer league to adults who never lost their love for the sport. “It’s a passion. It’s about continuing with that passion. That’s just it. The passion keeps you going,” said Williams. One of Colby Williams’s favorite hobbies in high school was soccer and his love…

Local radio personality celebrated for his dedication on air

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Stevenson Clark may be based in Memphis, but he’s heard worldwide on popgospelradio.com and he got his start in Monroe County. “As a singer, my family brought me up singing, I’ve been singing since I was five years old, I give all praise to God and to Pastor Denvil and Verdie Clark because they started this,”…

Youth mentoring program hosts car show in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Dozens of people at the American Legion were doing more than just revving up their engines. The “I Am Mentoring Program” along with the 2nd Look Corvette Club partnered Saturday to host a car show. Group members talked about how events like this help raise awareness for their mission. When he is off duty from his…

Amory Tractor Supply hosts season’s first farmers market

AMORY, Miss. (WCBI) – A slight chill in the air didn’t keep people in Amory from heading out to the first farmer’s market of the season. Vendors from all over Monroe County came out to show the community their craft. WCBI was at the farmers market and learned what inspired people to take their hobbies to the next level. Lynette…

Coffee company spreads the ‘Good News’, one cup at a time

My Brother's Cup funds mission work across the area, nation and world

FULTON, Miss. (WCBI) – A Northeast Mississippi-based coffee company is going strong and helping support mission work around the world. Kay Pittman remembered vividly her reaction when her husband Mike told her he was going to start roasting coffee and selling it. “I thought, ‘what are you thinking?’,” Pittman recalled. That was in 2010 and Mike Pittman’s job was about…

Dogs are being put down in an unusual way in Winona

Stray dogs are dying in Winona but not in the way that many would think

WINONA, Miss. (WCBI) – Stray dogs are dying in Winona but not in the way that many would think. City leaders said stray dogs are supposed to stay in the pound for 10 days and if they’re not adopted then they’re taken to a vet where they are euthanized. However, a new animal control officer is being accused of skipping…