State Of Region Sign
Local News, State News

SOCSD shares successes during State of the Region meeting

Allie Martin,

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Administrators with the Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District shared their stories of success during the State of the Region meeting. A panel discussion focusing on the “Starkville-Oktibbeha Story” looked at the unique innovations in the district, such as Partnership Middle School, Acadedmic Houses, Intersessions, and the school’s recently adopted modified calendar. Deputy Superintendent Christy Maulding said it’s…

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Crime, Local News

Man arrested on child abuse charge in Lafayette County

Joey Barnes,

LAFAYETTE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Multiple agencies helped Lafayette County deputies make an abuse arrest. 42-year-old Jerrelle Jordan of Abbeville was charged with child abuse. Investigators say to protect the children involved and the nature of the case no details would be released in the ongoing investigation. Family Crisis Services, CASA, Communicare, and Child Protective Services helped in the case….

Columbus City Hall 1
Local News

Columbus mayor breaks tie on landscaping proposal

Eric Lampkin,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus Mayor Keith Gaskin was playing the role of tie-breaker at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. But the end result was a return to the status quo. At issue was a proposal to maintain the areas around the exits on Highway 82. MDOT cuts them about twice a year. Columbus Public Works maintains them in between…

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Featured, Local News

Saltillo to get new fire station with help from county, state

Legislature gave one million dollars for new fire station
Allie Martin,

SALTILLO, Miss. (WCBI) – The fastest-growing city in Lee County will get a new fire station, and more than half the money is already pledged. The property markers are in place on one point two acres of land at the north end of the Turner Industrial Park. The parcel will be the site of a new fire station for the…

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Local News

Lowndes Young Leaders program holds graduation ceremony

MorrisAdmin,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Students throughout Lowndes County graduated from one of the top leadership programs in the state on Tuesday. Lowndes Young Leaders originated in 1999 and have made countless leaders since. Only 21 students made it through the competitive application and interview process this year. The members are exposed to local governments and million-dollar industries to gain hands-on…

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Crime, Local News

Trial begins in Oktibbeha County for teen charged with murder in 2019

Joey Barnes,

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Prosecutors are calling witnesses and experts to the stand in an Oktibbeha County murder trial involving a teenager. 16-year-old Aviante Jordan was charged with murder in connection to a fatal November 2019 shooting at Brookville Garden apartments in Starkville. The victim, 23-year-old Laterrence Dewon McCarter, was found dead at the scene. Investigators also arrested 30-year-old…

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Crime, Local News

Lee County woman arrested after child reportedly tests positive for drugs

Eric Lampkin,

LEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A Lee County woman was arrested after a child reportedly tested positive for drugs. Over the weekend, Tupelo Police arrested Jessica Shemitra Ivy on a warrant for two counts of Child Endangerment, Child Testing Positive for Controlled Substance. The warrant was issued after an investigation involving two juveniles that began in January. The investigation is…

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Crime, Local News

New Albany man charged with capital murder of 7-week-old child

Joey Barnes,

NEW ALBANY, Miss. (WCBI) – A New Albany man accused of killing a seven-week-old child is being held without bond. 26-year-old Arthur Eurek was charged with capital murder. New Albany Police Chief Chris Robertson said the investigation started on April 23. Child Protective Service notified Robertson’s officers about a child in Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, in Memphis, with head and…

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Featured, Local News

Water safety can help your children stay afloat this summer

MorrisAdmin,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – As temperatures rise and families head to pools, lakes, and beaches this summer, it’s important to keep water safety in mind. Knowing just enough to keep your head above water isn’t enough when it comes to water safety for our kids. Summer is just around the corner, so before your children make a splash, make sure…

Robert
Exclusive Content, Featured, Local News, State News

Friends, family reflect on life, legacy of former WCBI News Director

Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Long-time north Mississippi journalist and former WCBI News Director Robert Davidson passed away Sunday. He oversaw some of the largest stories to impact the region for 25 years. His greater impact may have been on the people who told those stories. Robert was more of a behind-the-scenes guy. He was a father and husband, a role…

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Crime, Local News

Jury selection begins for Oktibbeha County murder trial

Joey Barnes,

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Jury selection began in round two of an Oktibbeha County murder trial. James Dustin Nixon was charged with first-degree murder. In July of last year, Judge Jim Kitchens declared a mistrial. The decision came after learning the State Medical Examiner’s office had evidence that neither the defense nor the district attorney’s office had access to…

Stk Shooting Mugs
Crime, Local News

Starkville police make 3 arrests in Sunday night shooting at gas station

Joey Barnes,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Starkville Police have arrested three suspects connected to a gas station shooting from Sunday night. 17-year-old Coby Jones of Starkville has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault. The incident happened at the Sprint Mart at the intersection of Highway 182 and Old Mayhew Road. A bullet grazed a woman associated with the involved parties…

Lowndes Ema
Local News, State News

Lowndes County leaders explore options for more public storm shelters

Eric Lampkin,

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Lowndes County leaders are exploring options for emergency storm shelters in the western and southern areas of the county. Lowndes County Emergency Management Director Cindy Lawrence went before the Board of Supervisors with a proposal for 12 public storm shelters for Artesia, Crawford, and Plum Grove. Lawrence is considering applying to FEMA for funding for…

Zaza Ban Fullscreen
Local News

Noxubee County supervisors latest to pass ban on ZAZA

Joey Barnes,

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Noxubee County is the latest county to ban ZAZA. The board of supervisors approved the ordinance to take effect immediately. The city of Macon is included in this ban. Tianeptine is the technical name for the drug, which is sold as a supplement in convenience stores. Noxubee County Sheriff Tommy Roby said deputies will deliver…