Mississippi Department of Transportation highlights statewide projects

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – The Mississippi Department of Transportation is highlighting projects across the state, as the year comes to a close. “Corridor V” in Itawamba County is one of those highlighted projects. The $81 million project will build a four-lane highway known as State Route 76. Completion of the Highway 49 project in Rankin County, work on the Highway 82…

House in Columbus catches fire; no injuries reported

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A house on the Columbus southside went up in flames this evening. The fire happened at 1314 13th Street South, at about 5 p.m. Fire Chief Duane Hughes said firefighters believed the home was abandoned. Heavy fire and water damage could be seen on the outside of the house. No injuries were reported. The cause of…

Non-profits are still receiving donations before the new year

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The end of the year is near and some people are taking care of last-minute business. Many people find this a good time to give back, making donations to non-profit organizations. Whether your new year’s goal was to volunteer or donate, some non-profits said there is still enough time to get that resolution done and your…

TVA investigates why rolling blackouts had to be implemented

TVA (WCBI) – The Tennessee Valley Authority is taking responsibility and investigating why it implemented rolling blackouts during a recent arctic blast that sent temperatures down to the single digits. TVA started asking local power companies to reduce power consumption this past Friday and Saturday. A system-wide power reduction of at least 5% was required each day. The utility corporation…

North Mississippi water treatment facilities change disinfectant

NORTH MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – A change in disinfectant for water treatment in North Mississippi may affect dialysis patients. A notice from the Northeast Mississippi Regional Water Supply District informed customers that chloramines will be used as a disinfectant beginning tomorrow. This change is of critical importance for customers who use home dialysis units. Free chlorine and chloramine can affect kidney…

Lee County Coroner identifies victim in fatal car crash Tuesday morning

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – The woman killed in a Tupelo car crash has been identified. Lee County Coroner Carolyn Green said 37-year-old Shoshuna Wesco, of Houston, died in the accident. The crash happened on Highway 178, east of Tupelo, yesterday morning. Wesco was driving one of the vehicles involved. State troopers are investigating the accident. For 24/7 news and updates,…

Columbus leaders have requests to ask at Mississippi Legislative session

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The 2023 session of the Mississippi Legislature starts next week, and Columbus leaders have a few things they would like to get before lawmakers. The mayor and city council, along with representatives from the Link, Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Columbus Main Street met with area lawmakers this morning to request action and funding on a…

Illegal to shoot fireworks in town limits of Shuqualak

SHUQUALAK, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s almost the new year and just about everyone is excited about it, however, the town of Shuqualak wants to remind you that it is illegal to shoot off fireworks within the town limits. The new ordinance, which was approved earlier this year, includes firing any type of firearms such as pistols and shotguns. Several other…

MBI issues Endangered, Missing Child Alert for three children

PONTOTOC, Miss. (PRESS RELEASE) – The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has issued an Endangered/Missing Child Alert for 7-year-old Hazelie G. Payne, Hazelie Payne 1-year-old Eden A. Payne, and 1-year-old Willow B. Payne of Belden, MS, in Pontotoc County. Hazelie G. Payne is described as a white female, four feet tall, weighing eighty-five pounds, with brown eyes and brown, shoulder-length hair….

One woman dies in car crash Tuesday morning in Tupelo

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A woman is dead after a three-car crash in Tupelo this morning. Lee County Coroner Carolyn Green said a 37-year-old woman died in the accident. The crash happened on Highway 178, east of Tupelo, at about 10 a.m. The victim was driving one of the vehicles involved. No names are being released at this time. State…

Mayor of Reform announces boil water notice among other water issues

REFORM, Ala. (WCBI) – Some residents in Pickens County have been without water since Friday. For those that do have water, a boil water notice is in effect until further notice. Mayor Melody Davis said residents may be experiencing low or no water pressure right now. That is due to low water tank levels. Davis is making bottled water available…

Joseph Daughtry has officially been sworn in as Columbus’ Police Chief

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The Daughtry era is underway in the Columbus Police Department. Joseph Daughtry was sworn in today at the Municipal Complex. Daughtry previously served as police chief for the Natchez Police Department and is currently the president of the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police. Daughtry said he hopes to help rebuild trust between the police department…

CPD advises hiding trash boxes so thieves can’t see what you got

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – You may have heard the saying: don’t let everyone know your business. That is especially true for boxes that held your Christmas gifts. Columbus police are encouraging people to get rid of a few items at a time, collapse the boxes, and put them inside the garbage bin. This helps make sure potential thieves won’t see…

Paula Drungole-Ellis continues role for 14th Chancery Court District

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Paula Drungole-Ellis’ swearing-in ceremony solidified her continued role as the Senior Judge for the 14th Chancery Court District. The ceremony took place at the Oktibbeha County Courthouse. Drungole-Ellis initially assumed the role in November 2018. The 14th District Court serves Oktibbeha, Lowndes, Clay, Noxubee, Chickasaw, and Webster Counties. For 24/7 news and updates, follow us…

Overnight fire at Shuqualak Lumber leaves major damage

SHUQUALAK, Miss. (WCBI) – An overnight fire caused major damage at a Noxubee County lumber operation. A kiln caught fire around 10:30 Monday night at the Planer Mill Division of Shuqualak Lumber. Two kilns were damaged in the blaze. The kilns are used to dry lumber before it is shipped. Early indications were that a faulty relay switch may have…

Man accused of assaulting, robbing elderly woman turned himself in

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A man accused of assaulting and stealing a woman’s money after a traffic crash turned himself in to police. 33-year-old Dimario Barry was charged with aggravated assault and robbery. Investigators said Barry and a 66-year-old woman were involved in a traffic accident in the 1700 block of 7th Avenue North back on December 15. Police told…