MEMA reports damage assessments from tornado outbreak

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – We learn new information today on the impact of this week’s tornado outbreak in Mississippi. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said 75 homes were damaged across the state. That number is expected to increase. Four injuries have been reported. Right now, Clarke County and Sharkey Counties appear to have the most homes damaged, with at least 19….

Chickasaw County deputies search for man cashing fake payroll check

CHICKASAW COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Chickasaw County deputies are asking for help finding someone that has reportedly been passing bogus checks. Sheriff James Meyers said this man cashed a fraudulent payroll check at the Food Shop in Houlka. The incident happened yesterday. Investigators said the unidentified suspect was driving a silver car. If you have any information call the Chickasaw…

Columbus police are looking for the driver of a hit and run incident

In late November Derrick Seals was hit by a vehicle and killed

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- In late November, Derrick Seals was hit by a vehicle and killed. The driver left the scene without calling for help or checking on Seals. Investigators with the Columbus Police Department have been searching for the person behind the wheel. Now they believe they may have identified the vehicle and they need your help to find it….

FRC receives donations from Walmart to help families this Christmas

Unexpected donation provides clothes for thousands of people in the region

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Christmas will be brighter for many people thanks to an unexpected donation from retail giant Walmart, and the Family Resource Center of North Mississippi. Late last week, the Family Resource Center got a call from Walmart. “Was able to donate all the summer apparel, clothing for children and adults,” said FRC Program Director Shelia Davis. Staff…

It’s been a long time: Historic clock back downtown Winona

WINONA, Miss. (WCBI) – Some residents in Winona say it’s about time. A clock that once stood in the Montgomery County Courthouse is now standing tall once again in downtown. It has taken over 10 years, but thanks to the help of citizens, FedEx, and Senator Lydia Chassional, the courthouse clock has found a new home in its old hometown….

WCBI will host final day for blood drive with Vitalant on Friday

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – In the season of giving, Vitalant and generous donors helped kick off a blood drive today. Vitalant opened its mobile unit doors in front of WCBI studios. The blood drive began at noon and wrapped up at 5 p.m. Folks giving blood said this is the perfect opportunity to support their community. “Well, people always need…

BMH-GT gets national recognition for quality of patient care

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Baptist Memorial Hospital Golden Triangle is getting national recognition for taking care of its patients. The hospital has been recognized as a top performer in the Bernard A. Birnbaum Quality Leadership Ranking administered by Vizient. Vizient is a national service that compares the quality of patient care in 650 hospitals across the country. Baptist was ranked…

Columbus mayor, city council held work session Thursday morning

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The mayor and city council in Columbus held a work session this morning. A couple of things on the agenda that were discussed were a noise ordinance and firework safety for the holidays, an issue with Sparklight customers, updates on garbage concerns, and the highly anticipated amphitheater. “We have had discussions about going ahead and having…

Baptist Memorial Hospital launches annual Christmas Window Wonderland

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s a window wonderland at Baptist Golden Triangle. All of the departments have decorated windows in the hospital’s annual window decorating contest, and you can help choose the winner. Photos of all the windows are posted on the hospital’s Facebook page. Organizers want you to pick your three favorite windows and hit “like” on each one….

Next to Nature (Seek App) – 12/14/2022

Winston Reed: Do you love plants and agriculture and you want to learn more about them? There’s an app for that. Did you discover a unique plant and you want to know if it’s poisonous, or do you just want to learn more about it? There’s an app for that. I’m your host, Winston Reed. This is your expert on…

Suspect in Tuesday night shooting death in custody in Lowndes County

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The man wanted in a Tuesday night shooting is in custody. Bobby Childs, Jr. turned himself into the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday evening. Bobby Childs, Jr. Deputies believe Childs pulled the trigger in a shooting that happened Tuesday night on Jess Lyons Road. Sheriff Eddie Hawkins says when deputies arrived they found 55-year-old Julius…

Leesa Gray’s best friend: “I want to be there for her”

Lisa Darracott says justice is finally being served after 22 years

ITAWAMBA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Family and friends of Leesa Gray said they have waited a long time for justice. Lisa Darracott vividly remembers her first day of Kindergarten, when she met Leesa Gray. “I remember clinging to my mom, not wanting her to leave and she kind of drug me over to this other girl and said, ‘look, there’s…

Long-serving board member of Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers retires

CLAY COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Today at the Clay County Courthouse elected law enforcement celebrated Billy Pickens’ retirement. Pickens was a part of the Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers Board for over 30 years. Sheriff Eddie Scott said Pickens held a lot of responsibility while on the job and helped build up the organization to what it is today. Scott said…

WCBI and Vitalant will host blood drive Thursday, Friday

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – In this season of giving, you can give someone the gift of life through a blood donation. WCBI will host a blood drive with “Vitalant” Thursday and Friday from noon to 5 p.m. Vitalant will be parked in front of the WCBI studios on 5th Street in downtown Columbus on both days. When you donate, you’ll…

Thomas Loden scheduled for execution later this evening, December 14

SUNFLOWER COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A north Mississippi man is set to become the second Death Row inmate executed in 10 years. Thomas Edwin “Eddie” Loden is scheduled to receive a lethal injection at Parchman this evening. Loden pleaded guilty to Capital Murder, Rape, and four counts of Sexual Battery in the death of 16-year-old Leesa Marie Gray. Loden kidnapped…

Grenada Police ask for public’s help locating missing man

GRENADA, Miss. (WCBI) – Grenada Police and the family of a missing man are asking for the public’s help in finding him. Corey Riley was last seen Sunday, December 4 at a home on Van Dorn Street in Grenada. According to his sister, Riley left the home at 2 p.m. to go to the store and hasn’t been seen since….

Lowndes County investigators identify suspect in murder case

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – We are learning new information about the deadly shooting in Lowndes County and the man wanted for murder. The victim has been identified as 55-year-old Julius Wilson. Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said deputies are looking for 21-year-old Bobby Childs Jr. Investigators believe he could be driving a grey or gold Ford Crown Victoria. The Mississippi license…

Lee County students get hands-on training, experience for their future

LEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Lee County high school students are getting hands-on training and experience for their future, all under one roof. The district’s “Career and Technical Center” opened one year ago, and the center is helping students envision their future career paths. Students in this Health Science class are learning how to check someone’s pulse and they’re doing…