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Featured, Local News

FRC receives donations from Walmart to help families this Christmas

Unexpected donation provides clothes for thousands of people in the region
Allie Martin,

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…

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Featured, Local News

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

Joey Barnes,

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….

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Local News

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

Joey Barnes,

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…

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Local News, State News

BMH-GT gets national recognition for quality of patient care

Eric Lampkin,

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…

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Local News

Columbus mayor, city council held work session Thursday morning

Joey Barnes,

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…

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Local News

Baptist Memorial Hospital launches annual Christmas Window Wonderland

Aundrea Self,

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….

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FEATURES-APP, Next to Nature

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

Joey Barnes,

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…

Lowndes County Investigators Have Suspect In Custody.
Crime, Local News

Suspect in Tuesday night shooting death in custody in Lowndes County

Eric Lampkin,

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…

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Featured, Local News

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

Lisa Darracott says justice is finally being served after 22 years
Allie Martin,

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…

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Local News

Long-serving board member of Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers retires

Ansley Perkins,

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…

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Local News

WCBI and Vitalant will host blood drive Thursday, Friday

Aundrea Self,

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…

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Crime, Featured, Local News

Thomas Loden scheduled for execution later this evening, December 14

Eric Lampkin,

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…

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Local News

Grenada Police ask for public’s help locating missing man

Eric Lampkin,

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….

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Crime, Local News

Lowndes County investigators identify suspect in murder case

Joey Barnes,

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…

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Featured, Local News

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

Allie Martin,

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…

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Local News

Fans in Columbus show outpouring support for Leach Family

Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Across Highway 82 in Columbus, there is an outpouring of support here for the Leach family and the MSU family. Coach Mike Leach made his impact on people in the friendly city and to many, he really was a friend. “Coach Leach has left a legacy that will be hard to beat. He was a man…

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Local News

Fans in Tupelo express their thoughts on Coach Leach

Allie Martin,

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – We spoke with people in Lee County to get their thoughts and feelings about the memory of Mike Leach. “I feel like they need to dedicate this game to him, because since he passed unexpectedly. It would be a good way to honor him and also give them a reason to go harder,” said Jayven Traylor…

Mike Leach Monitor Obit
Featured, Local News

SPECIAL REPORT: Remembering the legacy of Mike Leach

Ansley Perkins,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – WCBI Anchor Scott Martin and News Director Joey Barnes delivered the special report on the death of Mississippi State University’s head football coach, Mike Leach. Leach died Monday, December 12 at the age of 61. For 24/7 news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter Categories: Featured, Local News