Mississippi University for Women held 2022 December commencement

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – It was graduation day on Friday for students at Mississippi University for Women. Some students said that they’re glad to be done with undergraduate school, but the academic journey continues. “I’m just glad to be through and get my bachelor’s degree. I’ve already signed up to get my master’s degree and I start that in January…

Local organization lends helping hand to families affected by tornado

The Lions Club International

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss (WCBI) – More than 35 homes in Lowndes County suffered damage from Tuesday night’s storm. After the devastating tornado that hit Tuesday night, Steens residents are processing what’s left. And now that their power is restored, the clean-up is in full gear. Many Lowndes County residents are shaken-up and some are feeling forgotten. “No one has come,…

MSU’s Egg Bowl Trophy is coming to Columbus on December 6

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Football Fans, especially MSU Bulldog Fans, listen up. Here’s your chance to see the Egg Bowl Trophy up close and personal. The Golden Egg’s statewide tour is coming to Columbus. Tuesday, December 6 the Egg Bowl trophy will be on display at the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center on Main Street in Columbus from 11:30 a.m. until…

As online shoppers prepare for packages, so do porch pirates

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – If you plan to Christmas shop from your computer screen, you need to make sure you’re the one picking up your delivery. Porch pirates are licking their chops, hoping to swipe valuable packages from your home. While online shopping may be more convenient, don’t let these grinches steal your packages or holiday spirit. With porch pirates…

Louisville police ask for public’s help identifying burglary suspect

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Louisville Police are asking for the public’s help to find a burglary suspect. The man was caught on security video in the moments before the break-in of a business. If you recognize this person or have any information on this case, call the Louisville Police Department at 662-773-3511 or Winston County CrimeStoppers at 662-773-9999. For 24/7…

Lowndes County EMA works to get rain tarps for damaged roofs

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The recovery stage from Tuesday night’s storm continues. With rain expected in the forecast, the Lowndes County EMA wants to make sure homeowners are dry. A request was made to the state to receive large tarps to cover people’s roofs. The local EMA is trying to give out as many tarps as it can. “That’s…

MEMA reports increase in number of damaged structures

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – We are learning more about the damage tornadoes left behind this week in Mississippi. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is reporting 29 homes in Lowndes County, along with one public building that were damaged. That public building is the volunteer fire department. Six homes in Choctaw County and one in Oktibbeha were damaged. Storms also left destruction…

Members with Mississippi State University showcased a new aircraft

The crew at the Raspet Flight Research Lab at Mississippi State University unveiled the Teros UAS

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- Mississippi State University is a leader in developing unmanned aircraft. On Thursday, the Raspet Flight Research Lab unveiled the result of years of research and development; its largest uncrewed aircraft to date. The crew at the Raspet Flight Research Lab at Mississippi State University unveiled the Teros UAS to members of the Starkville community Thursday morning. “The…

Community members are offering a helping hand after storm

After the storm, the real work begins

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- After the storm, the real work begins. Families affected by Tuesday night’s tornado are now in the clean-up stage. Families are shuffling through years of precious memories trying to salvage anything they can. Thanks to the help of some community volunteers, they won’t have to do it alone. Youth Pastor David Dees said this is not…

Local cities, counties, towns featured in ‘Christmas at the Mansion’

Northeast Mississippi well represented with annual decorations at historic residence

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – Northeast Mississippi children, artists, and adults are well represented at this year’s Christmas at the Governor’s Mansion. As soon as you walk into the foyer of the Governor’s Mansion, the Christmas greenery and the ornaments on the trees grab your attention. This year’s theme for “Christmas at the Mansion” was “A Mississippi Hometown Christmas”. First Lady…

Small plane makes emergency landing on Hwy 45 north of Aberdeen

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – An experimental plane made an unexpected landing in Monroe County today. The aircraft came to a stop on Highway 45, just north of Aberdeen, just before 11 a.m. Police Chief Quinell Shumpert said the pilot was not injured. The unidentified pilot from North Carolina told WCBI that he simply ran out of gas and had…

Timothy Herrington, Jr. has been released on bond

OXFORD, Miss. (WCBI) – Timothy Herrington, Jr. has been released on bond. It happened late this afternoon in Oxford. Herrington was charged in the death of Ole Miss student Jay Lee. Herrington was required to surrender his passport and wear an ankle monitor. His bond was paid at $250,000. Herrington was arrested in July. Lee’s body has never been found….

Local insurance agent says home, car insurance is different for everyone

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – You can never be too prepared when a disaster hits. However, you can ensure that you have home and vehicle insurance coverage. After the devastation from Tuesday night’s storm reflecting on your coverage plan is ideal. Angela Criddle of Shelter Insurance said that purchasing insurance is not a one size fits all method; however, this…

New Oktibbeha County court set to hear cases early next year

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – There is a new court and a new judge in Oktibbeha County. Lee Ann Turner was elected to preside over the newly-created county court during Tuesday’s runoff election. The court will handle all youth court cases and matters like eminent domain and eviction. Turner will also preside over cases transferred from chancery and circuit courts….

Columbus’ next police chief discusses plans for the department

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus’ next police chief was in town today meeting with city leaders and talking about his plans for the department. Joseph Daughtry, Sr. will have a lot on his plate when he takes over the department next month, but he said he is up for the challenge. Daughtry wants to see a renewed focus on community…

MEMA released new damage numbers from Tuesday’s tornado outbreak

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency released new damage numbers from this week’s tornado outbreak. Preliminary numbers show 20 homes were damaged in Lowndes County, six in Choctaw, and one in Oktibbeha Counties. At this time, MEMA knows of 47 homes across the state that were damaged. The National Weather Service confirmed eight tornadoes touched down…

Mississippi Mason shares new music on WCBI

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus’ own Mississippi Mason debuts his Christmas song, “Run, Run Rudolph.” The Arena Studios will be hosting Mississippi Mason LIVE on Stage in Columbus this Saturday. The show features Ethan Oswalt, Mississippi Mason, and his band The River Crew. There will also be a special appearance by piano player Thomas Sanders of Natchez, MS. Mason Honnoll…

People in Hamilton have to take a detour after road collapses

HAMILTON, Miss. (WCBI)- Tornadoes and high winds weren’t the only weather extremes last night. Those storm systems also brought heavy rains. And those rains have caused a major headache for residents and drivers around Hamilton. Last night’s rains caused a washout on Old Wolfe Road, forcing a detour for drivers and leaving a mess for the county’s Road Manager. After…