Examining security at small airports after Tupelo plane theft

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Saturday’s incident involving the stolen plane in Tupelo has raised concerns about security measures at smaller airports. A former member of the National Transportation Safety Board told the Associated Press on Saturday that the “vulnerability of small airports” has “worried security experts for years.” “Although that airplane is a small airplane, it carries about 400 gallons…

Lightning delay during Mississippi State football game sends fans flocking to Starkville restaurants

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – While the more than 2-hour lightning delay during Mississippi State’s game against Memphis was not fun for fans, but it did provide a boost to local restaurants. “During the rain delay, people were leaving the game steadily and they were sitting here looking, walking around looking for somewhere to eat, probably last-minute before they go out…

Columbus considering budgeting for 55 officers as a way to increase pay for police department

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – One of the topics of discussion during the city of Columbus’s recent town hall meeting involved possible ways to increase pay for police officers. One of those strategies involves budgeting for 55 officers instead of 70. Columbus Mayor Keith Gaskin says that they have set aside enough money to fund 55 officers at an increased wage…

Labor Day shopping could mean early Christmas shopping

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Some who have the day off are spending it taking advantage of Labor Day sales and getting a headstart on Christmas shopping. A new nationwide survey found that 56% of Americans plan on taking advantage of big weekends like Labor Day and Black Friday to cut back on costs. One reason: is inflation. 27% of the respondents…

First Responders speak on how they deal with mental health problems

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Being a first responder can lead to traumatic situations that can linger for months First responders with years of experience tend to understand the importance of mental health. When an emergency occurs first responders are the first ones on the scene. And sometimes, what they see can challenge them mentally. “It’s tough on a first responder….

Chaos in the skies: Negotiator helps man who stole plane safely ground it

Chaos in the skies: Negotiator helps man who stole plane safely ground it

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI)- Investigators say Cory Patterson, 29, from Tupelo, is the man who was in the cockpit of an aircraft he wasn’t authorized to fly. Patterson faces charges of Grand Larceny and making terroristic threats. Tupelo Police Chief John Quaka says Patterson will likely face federal charges. The FAA and Mississippi Homeland Security were part of the massive investigation….

Pilot okay after landing in north Mississippi field

Pilot okay after landing in north Mississippi field

NORTH MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – ***UPDATE*** The suspect in a Tupelo plane landing is Cory Patterson. He is being charged with grand larceny and making terroristic threats. He worked at Tupelo Aviation. We will continue to bring you the latest news on this ongoing investigation.   Tupelo police say the pilot of a King Air 90 (twin-turboprop) aircraft crashed into a…

Mississippi sheriff’s offices receive thousands of donated water bottles to send to Jackson as water crisis continues

VARDAMAN, Miss. (WCBI) – Water donations for Jackson are pouring into sheriff’s offices across the state after a call to action by Calhoun County Sheriff Greg Pollan, president of the Mississippi Sheriff’s Association. “The Vardaman Fire Department, Mounce Supermarket (are assisting), TNT in Bruce gave a pallet, Tedford’s True Value in Bruce gave a pallet,” Sheriff Pollan says. The Calhoun…

A long time book store is adding new inventory but taking one item out

Campus Book Mart in Starkville had a grand re-opening on Friday

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- Campus Book Mart in Starkville had a grand re-opening on Friday, September 2, 2022; but there’s one thing missing from the book mart inventory, books. “We’ve noticed through the industry you know internet has kind of taken over the world and so we’ve been seeing a decline.. with the university going to the bulldog bundle this year…

Students prepare to cheer their team on for the first game of the year

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Grab your jersey and your clear bag. College football starts tomorrow and people at Mississippi State University are already reserving their tailgating spots. Kick-off is still a day away, but Bulldog spirit is already on display all around the MSU campus. Some freshmen were there to celebrate their very first tailgate while seniors are soaking up…

Golden Triangle Waste Services asking for patience while trucks are down

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Golden Triangle Waste Services is asking for patience, as the number of its trucks dwindles. The business is down to seven working trucks, which is nearly half its fleet. Parts for the broken vehicles are becoming hard to find, along with employee shortages have compounded some delays. The company says it ordered a new truck…

Eric Crosswhite launches movie watchlist on WCBI Sunrise

Eric Crosswhite launches movie watchlist on WCBI Sunrise

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- In a new weekly segment, Sunrise anchor Eric Crosswhite, will share some fresh movie recommendations from all categories. First up — something for the whole family — A Goofy Movie. “In my opinion, eclipsed by everybody’s love for Toy Story in 1995, this film fashioned Disney’s old school type animation. Nostalgic of Disney channel in the 90s….

Columbus shooting suspect racking up charges in 2 cities

STARKVILLE & COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The list of charges continue to grow for a suspect in a Wednesday afternoon shooting in Columbus. CAMERON JONES Around 5:00 P.M. Thursday Starkville Police reported that 17-year-old Cameron Jones had been arrested Jones is the third suspect involved in a Wednesday shooting incident in the 800 block of Hemlock Street in Columbus… Later…

North Mississippi Medical Center revamping support group for cancer patients to reach more people

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – North Mississippi Medical Center’s Cancer Care in Tupelo is working to revamp its support group for cancer patients. Known as the Cancer Journey, the group is open to current patients, their family members, caregivers and cancer survivors. “Some of the patients that attend this support group are facing end of life, and it helps to share…

Preparing families in Oktibbeha County for disasters

    OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – When disaster strikes, having a plan in place can help you and your family stay safe. During National Preparedness Month, an organization in Oktibbeha County is helping families prepare for any emergency. Have a plan. That’s the plea from the staff and volunteers at OSERVS in Oktibbeha County. The executive director of the organization…

A Tuesday night shooting leaves one Clay County man and another injured

A Clay County family is grieving and in shock, after three relatives were involved in a shooting

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)-  A Clay County family is grieving and in shock, after three relatives were involved in a shooting. One is dead, one is seriously injured, and police say the third family member was the shooter. It’s difficult enough when a family member is the victim of a violent crime, but the tragedy is compounded when the person…

Cold case solved with surprise confession from pastor

Monroe County sheriff says former drug addict, who is now a pastor, wanted to clear his conscience

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A three-year-old missing person case may be wrapped up after a surprise confession. Monroe County Sheriff Kevin Crook has been in law enforcement for more than twenty years, and he’s seen a lot.  But Tuesday, was a first. “James Eric Crisp walked into my office, of his own free will, and confessed to having killed…

Starkville police capture Columbus shooting suspect

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Starkville Police have captured a Columbus Shooting suspect who has been hiding over the last 24 hours. Around 5 pm today, SPD reported that 16-year-old Cameron Jones had been arrested. Jones is the third suspect involved in a Wednesday shooting incident in the 800 block of Hemlock Street in Columbus. Investigators say Jones was one of…

State Senator Chuck Younger gives legislative update

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s about 5 months until the start of Mississippi’s legislative session, but lawmakers are already busy planning. State Senator Chuck Younger gave an update on what lawmakers accomplished this year, and what could be on tap in January. The state’s roads and bridges have been a recurring issue. Younger says that lottery money has helped, but…