OCH partners with UMMC to study cardiovascular issues in rural areas

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Oktibbeha County residents get a chance to learn more about a multi-state healthcare study and possibly become participants in it. The University of Mississippi Medical Center is one of the regional medical centers participating in the nationwide Risk Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal or, RURAL, Study. OCH Regional Medical Center is working in partnership with UMMC…

Former Starkville city employee charged with misusing city’s gas card

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – A former Starkville city employee is accused of helping himself to some extra gasoline at the city’s expense. Marcus Smith was charged with felony embezzlement, meaning the amount was over $1,000. He worked in the sanitation department. Mayor Lynn Spruill said some irregularities were noticed by a diligent employee and an investigation was started. Starkville police…

Itawamba County deputies arrest man for burglarizing church parsonage

ITAWAMBA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Itawamba County deputies made an arrest in a church parsonage break-in. Austin Ashley was charged with burglary of a dwelling. Investigators said they were called to the Antioch Church property on December 8. The home is located next to the church. Several church items and the pastor’s personal belongings were taken. Deputies said some of…

MDOT will stop work needing lane closures until after holidays

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Road construction should not be to blame for your holiday travel plans. The Mississippi Department of Transportation will suspend interstate and four-lane highway construction during peak travel times. Work requiring lane closures will stop on December 24 and start again on January 2. This will allow for more people on the roadway and fewer delays for drivers….

Local faith-based organization gets funding from 4-County

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) – A local faith-based organization gets a much-needed financial boost. The Mission East is a faith-based non-profit organization that helps men overcome substance abuse. The Mission’s focus is helping men live a sober life, but it takes help from the community to make that a reality. With the help of 4-County, the organization will be able…

MEMA releases new damage report numbers from tornado outbreak

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency released new damage numbers for last week’s tornado outbreak. Statewide, 111 homes were damaged. Those numbers could change as the assessment process continues. Forest, Clarke, and Sharkey Counties were hardest hit, where more than 20 homes were damaged. Several roads, bridges, and buildings were damaged across the southern half of the state….

Columbus mayor awards two people for doing positive community work

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The City of Columbus shines a light on two people making a difference in the community. Today, Mayor Keith Gaskins awarded Lieutenant Rhonda Sanders and Dr. Julie Cooley Parker with the Earnest Brown Good Change award. This award is granted to those in the city of Columbus who do good work to help the community strive….

Interlocal agreement in Shuqualak provides law enforcement protection

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Noxubee County town of Shuqualak will now have a dedicated law enforcement presence again. County and town leaders have entered into an interlocal agreement that will allow the Sheriff’s Office to officially answer calls in Shuqualak town limits and will enable a deputy to serve as Town Marshal. The agreement will help Shuqualak and…

Lee County E-911 operator gets award for life-saving efforts during call

Caller also recognized for remaining calm and performing CPR on her boyfriend

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A 911 operator and a young mother were recognized by Lee County E-911 for their life-saving actions. It was back on November 11 that Nakkitas Scales called 911 when she discovered that her boyfriend was unresponsive. 911 operator Amber Moody answered the call, giving CPR instructions to Scales, as paramedics were dispatched. Scales performed CPR as…

Noxubee County shows appreciation for two retiring judges

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Noxubee County showed its appreciation to retiring judges Lee S. Coleman and Lee Howard. Both served the Mississippi 16th Judicial District. Coleman served for 12 years and Howard served for 32 and a half years. During the retiring ceremony, Judge Lee Howard swore in his son to fill his shoes starting January 1. For 24/7…

Former employee smashes Cracker Barrel windows in Tupelo

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A former employee faces charges for going to town on the Old Country Store. Tupelo Police were called to a disturbance at the Cracker Barrel on Cross Creek Drive Wednesday night. When officers arrived, they found that several of the restaurant’s windows had been broken, and an employee’s vehicle had been vandalized. Employees were able to…

Mississippi University for Women extends name change process

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The process is continuing but Mississippi University for Women will not be changing its name this next year. President Nora Miller provided an update on the name change process. She says more than 500 people were selected to work in 11 focus groups on the proposal but only 94 participated. So, the plan is to regroup…