COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s tough to think of a gift you want at 95 years old. Unless you’re Jean Woodruff. All she wanted is an opportunity to help and heal. Over nine decades of life and Woodruff’s goal is to help the most vulnerable: sick children. A conversation started with a friend, which led to a Facebook post, and…
TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – The All America City is looking to update its long-range plan to meet the community’s vision and goals. The first step for the Comprehensive Plan 2040 is the formation of a steering committee, made up of professionals who live or work in Tupelo. Once everyone has agreed to serve, the work will begin. “We want this…
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Cleaning out your air ducts probably doesn’t come to mind when thinking about spring cleaning. Fire Chief Duane Hughes said you need to do more than change out your monthly air filter to prevent a risk of fire. Dust and debris tend to collect in air ducts, which isn’t normally a cause for concern. But when heat…
LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – With the state’s largest economic development plan signed off on and breaking ground, the Golden Triangle Development Link is looking ahead to the next challenge. LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins delivered an update on progress at Aluminum Dynamics and what could be happening in the future. Higgins laid out a proposed timeline for the construction…
PRENTISS COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Prentiss County investigators arrested a Baldwyn man on child molestation charges. Last week, a Prentiss County Deputy took a report of inappropriate contact with a child. Sheriff’s Office investigators took over the case and interviewed the victim. The child’s parent filed charges based on the allegations and on evidence collected, and a warrant was issued…
WINSTON COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Winston County Sheriff’s Office recently received $25,000 from businesses in the community to go toward important equipment. A few months ago the sheriff’s office added two new drones to their crew, these drones are able to fly in bad weather and fly higher than their first drone. The Winston County Sheriff’s Office said they…
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – It has been more than seven years since a citizen oversight board for the Columbus Police Department was formed. But a change in administration, police chiefs, and the pandemic may have put a pause on regular meetings. Former Mayor Robert Smith and the City Council in December of 2015 voted to form a permanent committee. At…
STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Just after 11:30 a.m., fire crews were called to Auto-zone on Highway 12 for an SUV that caught fire. Flames engulfed the front of the SUV for five minutes before fire crews were able to put it out. A fire investigator told WCBI that it appeared that the fire started under the hood but is still…
TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A former Tupelo youth pastor is facing more child sex crime charges. 27-year-old Alexander Blackwelder is now facing two counts of sexual battery by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. In a press release, Sheriff Jim Johnson said Tupelo police turned over information to deputies from their investigation into Blackwell which led to the charges. TPD charged…
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Drugs like marijuana, fentanyl, and methamphetamine are illegal to have and if you’re caught with them, you’re likely to end up in court, but what happens to the drugs after the gavel hits the desk? Drug crimes are common across this part of the state, and when someone is arrested for possessing or trafficking, those drugs…
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A bill going through the Legislature could make it easier to prosecute rape cases in Mississippi. House Bill 995, authored by Representative Dana McLean of Columbus, would redefine the definition of rape. Current law still has antiquated language regarding the character of the victim and does not consider spousal rape. This is the second time McLean…
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – One of Columbus’ oldest churches is making a historic change. At a church conference Sunday night, over 67% of the members present voted to leave the United Methodist Church. The split has been brought on by conflicting beliefs on how leadership in the denomination has interpreted and acted on church principles. Columbus First United Methodist Church…
STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Starkville Aldermen will consider an ordinance requiring contractors to fix damage to city property. The Right-of-Way Protection Ordinance applies to above and below-ground infrastructure, such as sidewalks and water taps. This applies to damage done during the construction process that goes beyond normal wear and tear. Under the proposal, violators would have 30 days to make…
MISSISSIPPI STATE, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi State University’s Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion continues its celebration of Women’s History Month. Monday, OIDI hosted a panel discussion focused on empowering women. The panel featured five distinguished women from a variety of backgrounds sharing their life experiences. They also offered insights on how to encourage, promote, and support women from all…
MACON, Miss. (WCBI) – A Noxubee man will spend over a decade in prison for an apartment robbery. Antonio Roby pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison and will be on probation for five years after his release. The hold-up happened in February 2020 at Cambridge Manor Apartments. The robbery charge in the case…
WINONA, Miss. (WCBI) – Winona city leaders are expected to discuss its stray dog controversy. Four people are scheduled to talk to aldermen about the issue at the board’s Tuesday night meeting. City leaders said stray dogs are supposed to stay in the pound for 10 days. If the pups are not adopted, they are euthanized. The controversy stems from…
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – For five years now, the Columbus Soccer Organization has offered a soccer league to adults who never lost their love for the sport. “It’s a passion. It’s about continuing with that passion. That’s just it. The passion keeps you going,” said Williams. One of Colby Williams’s favorite hobbies in high school was soccer and his love…
EUPORA, Miss. (WCBI) – Easter started early for kids and families in Eupora. Saturday, March 18, the police department held a Funny Bunny Fun Day at the PD. The event had an easter egg hunt for kids aged one through nine. There was also an easter egg basket giveaway, gift cards were given out, and a chance for a couple…
Ever wondered what happens when the earth comes between the sun and moon? What about when the moon comes between the earth and the sun? Meteorologist Jackson Chastain has the details on eclipses in this week’s edition of Weather Whys! Categories: Featured, Featured Weather, Local News, Weather News, Weather Whys
TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Stevenson Clark may be based in Memphis, but he’s heard worldwide on popgospelradio.com and he got his start in Monroe County. “As a singer, my family brought me up singing, I’ve been singing since I was five years old, I give all praise to God and to Pastor Denvil and Verdie Clark because they started this,”…
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Dozens of people at the American Legion were doing more than just revving up their engines. The “I Am Mentoring Program” along with the 2nd Look Corvette Club partnered Saturday to host a car show. Group members talked about how events like this help raise awareness for their mission. When he is off duty from his…
AMORY, Miss. (WCBI) – A slight chill in the air didn’t keep people in Amory from heading out to the first farmer’s market of the season. Vendors from all over Monroe County came out to show the community their craft. WCBI was at the farmers market and learned what inspired people to take their hobbies to the next level. Lynette…