Monroe County School District works to combat spread of COVID-19

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Even though we may not be seeing as many cases, COVID-19 has not gone away. And with the beginning of a new school year, numbers are beginning to climb again. That has some school districts reviewing and reviving their precautions to avoid the outbreaks and shutdowns we’ve seen in the past. Monroe County schools just…

Starkville Strong organization aims to define homelessness within the city

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – A local organization believes the stigma around homelessness is preventing a large sum of people from receiving financial and housing assistance. Many times there is a stereotype of homelessness, but in actuality, it goes much deeper than that. Starkville Strong is a nonprofit organization here in Starkville to help those who need it. The federal government…

District 6 State Senator says he wants to focus on healthcare reform

Sen. McMahan says Medicaid fraud is costing Mississippi taxpayers millions

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – District 6 State Senator Chad McMahan said he is ready to continue working for his constituents, now that a heated campaign is behind him. McMahan won a third term after defeating challenger Lauren Smith in the Republican Primary Tuesday. Without an opponent on the Democratic ticket, McMahan has his goals lined up for the next term…

Local personal trainer made his way home after learning from bigger cities

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Home is where the heart is and where a local fitness trainer wanted to help encourage healthy habits. Hillard Smith III was born and raised in Louisville. He always knew he wanted to help make a difference in some small way in his hometown. After graduating from Mississippi State University with a degree in Kinesiology, he…

Eupora’s first Chainsaw Festival is making waves in surrounding areas

EUPORA, Miss. (WCBI) – Eupora is coming out of the woodwork, quite literally. The city is chipping away at old traditions and is carving a path for new economic growth and artistic expression. The chainsaws may be loud but the artwork is well worth the noise. Eupora’s first Chainsaw Festival is making waves in the surrounding areas. Janet Cook, a…

Goodyear gives thanks to Cooper Tire employees with rides on iconic blimp

Goodyear wanted to show its appreciation to team members who have worked hard in the aftermath of April's tornado

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – It has been four months since a tornado caused serious damage to the Tupelo Cooper Tire Plant and the owners are thanking employees with a special treat. The iconic Goodyear Blimp is in Tupelo. When pilot Jay Perdue learned he was bringing the Goodyear Blimp to Tupelo as a way to thank employees at the Cooper…

Southeastern conference officials ready to start season

Changes are coming to nearly every conference in college football

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Changes are coming to nearly every conference in college football. Next season, the SEC will be growing to include Texas and Oklahoma. Some of the biggest conferences are making significant changes over the next couple of years. The Southeastern Conference will be welcoming Texas and Oklahoma at the end of the 2023-2024 season. S.E.C replay official…

Monroe County School District offers new Teacher Academy program

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A school district’s goal is to prepare its students for the future, whether that’s college or the workforce. The Monroe County School District is partnering with William Carey University for those inspired to transition from student to teacher. Students who complete the new teacher Academy program are eligible to receive full tuition and a scholarship…

Lisa Martin named new executive director of Tupelo Community Theatre

Martin says she was mentored for the role by Tom Booth, who passed away in January

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – The new leader of the Tupelo Community Theater said she has been preparing for this role for years. For Lisa Martin, taking on the role of executive director of the Tupelo Community Theater is a homecoming of sorts. “We volunteer at the theater, have so for 20 years. My husband and I both have. We actually met…

Paper versus touchscreen is the question surrounding voting

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Paper versus touchscreen was the question when it came to voting procedures. Oktibbeha Circuit Clerk Tony Rook had the answer. “We found that most individuals want paper. They want to be able to put their hands on paper. The paper ballot we use is very similar to a scantron so everybody’s familiar with it. Everybody’s…

Back to school: Things students need to remember when leaving home

With returning students, many things easily be forgotten. Some simple tasks and reminders can put everyone at peace of mind, and for parents to have peace of mind their child is safe.

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Classes at Mississippi State University start next week and many students will be jumping into a whole new time in their lives. For many of the students, it may be their first time leaving the nest. Even with returning students, many things easily be forgotten. Some simple tasks and reminders can put everyone at peace of…