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Featured, Local News

High School juniors, seniors take part in National Job Shadow Day

The event is on the same day as Groundhog Day and gives students a chance to get an up close look at potential careers
Allie Martin,

FULTON, Miss. (WCBI) – While Punxsutawney Phil reportedly saw his shadow on this groundhog day, it was a different type of shadowing for some local high school students. Seniors and juniors in Itawamba County schools spent their day as part of “National Groundhog Job Shadow Day.” A group of Itawamba County high school seniors got a change of scenery, trading…

Garbage Delay
Local News

Columbus leaders look at options for city garbage removal

Eric Lampkin,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Recent pick-up problems have Columbus leaders looking at all options for garbage removal in the city. At a work session today, the City Council got an idea of how much it might cost if they decided to get the city itself back into the trash pick-up business. The mayor and council members heard a proposal from…

speaker jackson capitol state mississippi
State News

Mississippi legislature shoots down Medicaid expansion bills

Joey Barnes,

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – Another legislative session, another year where many Medicaid expansion bills die on both the House and Senate floors. According to a report by Mississippi Today, neither committee chair from the House or Senate debated over the nearly two dozen bills that would provide health care coverage for poor working Mississippians. The article states that State Health…

Columbus City Hall
Local News

Columbus business meets with city council to discuss police radios

Eric Lampkin,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – After the Columbus City Council approved a contract for police radios, a local company said “hold the phone”. The Council recently approved a lease plan through a statewide contractor out of Jackson that would allow Columbus Police to operate on the MS-WIN statewide emergency network. When Columbus-based Teletec found out, they asked to meet with the…

crime police cruiser patrol
Crime, Local News

Noxubee County deputies search for suspect of December shooting

Joey Barnes,

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A shooting on Highway 45 left Noxubee County deputies asking for help to find the gunman. The gunfire happened near the Septic Tank Shop back on December 1. Investigators said someone inside a small grey vehicle started shooting at a red Dodge Charger. There were minor injuries. If you have any information about this shooting,…

Capture
Featured, Local News

Ever-shifting workforce makes way for the rise of entrepreneurs

Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Working hard or hardly working is the question for our ever-shifting workforce. One business owner sees the shift as part of a greater awakening. 2021 was the beginning of the great resignation, and still, in 2023, employers are looking for workers to fill empty positions. And Columbus businessman Joe Baldwin said some workers are working for…

W School Meeting Pkg
Featured, Local News

CMSD plans to host community meeting for input on modified calendar

Ansley Perkins,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – After much discussion at its meetings, the Board of Trustees of the Columbus Municipal School district is inviting parents and the community to add their input about a proposed modified school calendar. The 2023-2024 school year could look different for Columbus City Schools. And the school board wants to know what parents think. Columbus Municipal School…

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Featured, Local News

Tupelo Police officer honored at Crime Stoppers Awards Luncheon

Lt. Katarsha White has been active in community oriented policing for years
Allie Martin,

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s one of the most effective crime-fighting tools and today, Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi recognized those who help bring criminals to justice. Every week, Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi highlights a case police are trying to solve. Anyone with information is asked to call a tip line, and if the information leads to an arrest…

Sanitation
Local News

Local sorority chapter shows appreciation for sanitation workers

Eric Lampkin,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s one of those jobs that often gets overlooked, except when it’s not done. An area sorority took time today to change that. The Pi Iota Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta treated the Sanitation and Environmental Services workers in Starkville to lunch Wednesday to show their appreciation for the job they do every day. The…

Charlie Watkins Hearse
Local News

Columbus police lead funeral procession for former Chief Charlie Watkins

Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Funeral services for former Columbus Police Chief Charlie Watkins were held today. The procession went through downtown Columbus this afternoon on the way to Friendship Cemetery. Watkins served as police chief for 19 years and 26 total with the department. He was credited with hiring more officers, getting more vehicles, and improving equipment. Watkins leaves his…

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Featured, Local News

Oktibbeha County murder trial jury reaches not guilty verdict

Joey Barnes,

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A Starkville man is found not guilty of murder in Oktibbeha County. Johnny Harris was indicted in 2020. He was accused of killing Elbert Vaughn. The incident happened on Montgomery Street in June 2020 and Vaughn died about two months later. Jurors returned the not guilty verdict after a short deliberation. For 24/7 news and…

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Local News

Clay County Sheriff’s Office asks for help locating missing man

Joey Barnes,

CLAY COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A Clay County man was reported missing and your help is needed to locate him. Cedell Starks was last seen on January 12 in the Mantee and Woodland area. If you know where he may be or have seen him, contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at (662) 494-2896. For 24/7 news and updates, follow…

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Crime, Local News

Clay County man charged with attempted murder for stabbing girlfriend

Joey Barnes,

CLAY COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A Clay County man is accused of stabbing his longtime girlfriend. 36-year-old Amonty Young was charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, and taking a motor vehicle. Sheriff Eddie Scott said deputies were called to a home in the Tibbee community this past Sunday evening. The victim was stabbed several times and remains hospitalized in Columbus. Scott…

Crime
Crime, Local News

Starkville police investigate shooting at apartment complex

Mary Carroll Sullivan,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Starkville police are investigating a shooting at the Sand Hill Arms Apartment complex. One suspect is in custody. Police are not releasing additional information. Sand Hill Arms is located on Sand Road, just south of Louisville Street. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available. For 24/7 news and updates, follow us…

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Local News

Louisville police identify body found as Montevious Goss

Joey Barnes,

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Louisville police said the body found earlier this week is that of a teenager who had been reported missing. 16-year-old Montevious Goss was found by railroad workers near South Church Street and Railroad Avenue, in a wooded area. He had been reported missing on January 11. Goss was last seen waiting to go to school at…

Gsdp Gives Awards For Outstanding People, Groups Of Starkville Community
Local News

GSDP gives awards for outstanding people, groups of Starkville community

Mary Carroll Sullivan,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Congratulations to all of the people who work to make Starkville a great community. The Greater Starkville Development Partnership gave out awards to people and groups who have put in the extra effort. Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity took home the Starkville Main Street Association Partner of the Year. And former Mississippi State football great and current…

City Veto Pkg
Featured, Local News

Waggoner Engineering gets partially fired from city contract

Ansley Perkins,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The Columbus City Council partially fired its ARPA engineering firm and overrode Mayor Keith Gaskin’s veto. A lack of communication seemed to create confusion. Those were all questions asked by city leaders today. Now, Waggoner Engineering is completing some work but will not be able to help the city with its ARPA projects. Columbus Mayor Keith…

Calhoun Economic
Featured, Local News

Calhoun County tackles economic development with team sport mentality

The county recently celebrated the expansion of Albany Industries into a 55,000-square-foot former lift chair plant
Allie Martin,

CALHOUN CITY, Miss. (WCBI) – A business expansion in Calhoun County is another example of a public-private partnership that is producing jobs for local residents. Albany Industries opened its Calhoun City plant in early January, and business has been brisk. The stationary furniture maker already had plants in New Albany and Pontotoc but needed more manufacturing and storage space. “We…

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State News

Bill designed to compensate volunteer firefighters is on House floor

Joey Barnes,

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – Over half of Mississippi’s firefighters respond to calls and risk their lives voluntarily. Now, there is legislation on the House floor designed to compensate volunteer firemen and women to stay with their respective departments. House Bill 521 authorizes the Mississippi Insurance Department to a “Length of Service Award Program” or LOSAP. The program will provide financial…