Murder indictment for man accused of killing his wife

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A man accused of killing his wife is indicted for murder. A Lowndes County grand jury recently returned the indictment against Wayne Frasier. He was arrested shortly after the December 2021 shooting. 55-year-old Natalie Ryan-Fraser was visiting her husband, Wayne Frasier, at his Caledonia apartment at the time of the shooting. Deputies took Wayne Frasier into…

From storm damage to recovery

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- You can never be too prepared, especially during tornado and hurricane seasons. The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) named the first week of May “National Hurricane Preparedness Week” for Mississippi and other hurricane-prone regions around the country. In less than a month, we’ll be saying goodbye to tornado season and hello to hurricane season. “People sometimes think…

Murder and Accessory indictments handed down in December shooting

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A Lowndes County Grand Jury hands down 2 indictments in a December homicide in Columbus Heights. Monta Deshun Harris and Tommy Earl Dora, Junior both face charges in the shooting death of 22 year old Lamaceo Smith on December 21st 2021. Harris, the accused trigger man in the shooting, is charged with Murder, and Dora is…

Choctaw County High School gets $100K TVA grant for energy upgrades and better learning environment

ACKERMAN, Miss. (WCBI) – Monday, the Choctaw County School District held an event to celebrate receiving a $100, 000 Learning Environment Grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority. The money will go towards energy upgrades and improved learning environments for the students at Choctaw County High School. “The idea behind the pilot program was to invest into schools, so schools can…

Two indicted for Capital Murder in Northside shooting

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Two people are indicted in connection with a Columbus capital murder case. Korey Harris and Keylon Stubbs are both charged with capital murder after a grand jury returned the indictment. The duo is accused of killing 67-year-old Eddie Lee Gandy in June 2021. At the time, Police Chief Fred Shelton says officers were called to Gandy’s…

Victim identified – Suspect arrested in Starkville shooting

  STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The name of this weekend’s homicide victim is released, as the alleged shooter awaits extradition to Starkville. Arti Brown was arrested Saturday May 7th on Interstate 20/59 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama after a brief chase. He was expected to go before a judge Monday to begin the process of being brought back to Oktibbeha County….

Tupelo country club hosts Tom Evans memorial Kentucky derby party

TUPELO,Miss. (WCBI)- Outrageous hats and colorful sport coats were in style at a popular fundraiser this weekend in Tupelo. The Tupelo Country Club hosted the “Tom Evans Memorial Kentucky Derby Party.” Guests could bet on their favorite horse in the big race, with monopoly money. There was also a silent auction, and all proceeds from the annual event go to…

Mother- daughter duo celebrate mother’s day serving up meals

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Mother’s Day recognizes those who themselves working together and serving other families of the community. It’s Mother’s Day weekend and people celebrate the hard-working women in their lives. Just down Main Street in Columbus, you’ll find a mother-daughter duo, serving up tasty meals at the Café on Main. Becky Cox said she may be working on…

Johnson twins find music and creative passion through artistic talents

The twins' mother figured out a way to help her boys become verbal, through music

CHICKASAW COUNTY, MISS. (WCBI) – Twin brothers from Chickasaw County are making a name for themselves by writing and producing their own music. Whether they’re at band practice,  or in choir, Kirk and Kirklyn Johnson are right at home whenever they are making music. And when the twins get home after school, the music continues, with sister Lasarah, and their…

The Market Street Festival brings a blast from the past to the city of Columbus

The 26th annual Market Street festival kicked off Friday.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- The 26th annual Market Street festival kicked off with an 80’s style concert on Friday. Saturday, hundreds fill Main Street to purchase handmade good, eat good cuisines, and listen to live music. For some vendors, it was a new experience. “Being a first time vendor versus a spectator I get to experience new clientele and witness the…

Gumtree Art Festival is back with added attractions

This year's event also features a wine festival

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – One of the longest-running art festivals is back in North Mississippi, with some added attractions. Clay Thurston spent most of his day setting up his booth on Broadway, where he will be displaying and selling his wildlife photography.  This is his first time at the Gumtree Festival. “I’ve had several friends who have done it, I…

The Cottrell Street Festival teaches a piece of history to people in the town

Many people know the Market Street Festival in Columbus kicked off, on Friday, but there's also a Festival in West Point

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- Many people know the Market Street Festival in Columbus kicked off, on Friday, but there’s also a Festival in West Point and it’s not the Prairie Arts. Cottrell Street is one of the most historic streets in the city and leaders wanted to spread some of the history to those who don’t know much about it….

Tourism is increasing and money spent increasing in Mississippi

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Tourism is growing in Mississippi and so is the amount of money being spent in the state. This is National Tourism Week. The Mississippi Development Authority recently released a report about the top destinations and economic impact to the Hospitality State. Starkville, Oxford, Tupelo, and Philadelphia rank in the top 12. Columbus was also recognized for its…

EMCC students celebrate graduation day with family and friends

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Hundreds of parents, family and friends gathered today to celebrate EMCC Golden Triangle graduates. Two ceremonies took place to celebrate those graduating. The Academic graduates walked across the stage at 10 this morning and the career technical graduates walked at 2 this afternoon. Congratulations graduates. Categories: Local News

Oktibbeha County man has pleaded guilty to aggravated assault

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – An Oktibbeha County man has pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. De’Anthony Carpenter was originally charged with the attempted murder of Laviticus Bell. Carpenter was charged with shooting Bell in the stomach during an altercation in January of 2020. Carpenter was sentenced to 15 years with the Department of Corrections, with 10 years of that suspended….

Oktibbeha County deputies make arrest in shooting and armed robbery

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Oktibbeha County deputies make an arrest in a shooting and armed robbery. Asheem Harris is charged with armed robbery. Investigators tell WCBI that deputies were called to 21 Apartments on the night of April 25th for gunfire. A victim was found and later flown to a Memphis hospital, where he remains. A juvenile has also…

Tupelo Police searching for suspected Zapata’s robber

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Tupelo Police are searching for a suspected restaurant robber. Around 10:15 Thursday night police were called to a robbery at Zapata’s restaurant in the 2400 block of West Main Street. Witnesses told officers that a man wearing a hoodie had attempted to rob the business. They also reported that the suspect had fired at least one…

Starkville woman charged with attempted murder and burglary

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – A 19-year-old Starkville woman has been charged with attempted murder and burglary. Starkville Police investigators arrested She’Lia Hall early Friday morning. Detectives believe she broke into an apartment at 625 South Montgomery Street. That’s the Block Apartments. Investigators believe Hall came back to the apartment in the early morning hours, returning and firing shots. They believe…

Former MSU employee charged with credit card fraud and burglary

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – A former employee at Mississippi State is charged with 15 counts of credit card fraud, and 3 counts of burglary. The Mississippi State Police Department investigated allegations that Gregory Lowery entered a university office after normal operating hours, took a credit card without permission, and made unauthorized charges. MSU’s Chief Communications Officer, Sid Salter said, “MSU…

East Webster High School teacher has spent nearly 20 years training up next generation of educators

MABEN, Miss. (WCBI) – National Teacher Appreciation Week is a time to celebrate the time and effort of so many who invest in the education of children in Mississippi and across the country. Teachers like Lavelle McAlpin at East Webster High School. Teaching for almost 20 years, McAlpin has influenced several generations of students, several of whom now work side by…