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…

West point teens face capital murder charge: Understanding bond process

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- Prosecutors and investigators are still building the case involving four teenage suspects charged with capital murder. The teens are accused of killing 41-year-old Mikel Craven in Clay County. All four remain in the Clay County Detention Center. For juvenile cases, a judge will not only review the type of charge. They will also review any other…

WTHS wins top honors in the state for its weekly newscast

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Students in the broadcast journalism class at Tupelo High School are celebrating after winning big at a recent statewide competition. Every week, students, staff, and teachers at Tupelo High School tune in for the latest broadcast from WTHS. The newscast is produced by students in the broadcast journalism class.  Katrina Berry Ivy has taught that class…

Store Shelves are bare due to lack of baby formula

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Since the pandemic, shortages of various products and even certain foods have been more frequent. Recently, eggs and chicken have been in short supply. Now the baby formula is getting hard to find. Parents are now looking to people in the community to help them find what they need to feed their babies. For the past…

Dozens gathered in downtown Starkville to observe National Day of Prayer

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Dozens gathered in downtown Starkville to observe a community-wide observance of the National Day of Prayer. It was held at First Presbyterian Church. The multi-denominational service included prayers from several members of the community. Organizers focused on praying for the nation, the city of Starkville, military personnel, schools, and families. The National Day of Prayer is…

Alleged attempt to steal a vehicle leads to a felony charge

PRENTISS COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – An alleged attempt to steal someone’s vehicle leads to a felony charge and a hefty bond. The Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department says on May 2nd, Brian Michael of Corinth is accused of driving off with a Chevy truck on County Road 1021. The suspect didn’t get far. The sheriff’s deputies caught the suspect and returned…

Columbus community joined the nation in day of prayer

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The Columbus community joined the rest of the nation to gather in prayer and praise. Hundreds gathered for the national day of prayer. Organizers say the event, which featured the choir from the Columbus Christian Academy, recognizes the importance of taking the time to honor the Lord. “We certainly need prayer in our nation right now….

Monroe County and Aberdeen residents gather for day of prayer

ABERDEEN, Miss. (WCBI) – Residents in Aberdeen and Monroe County gathered at the courthouse to pray for their community, county, and country. Mayor Charles Scott, Police Chief Quinell Shumpert, and Sheriff Kevin Crook joined area church leaders in the annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. Local ministers said prayers for the city – the country, and for World…

Park Mobile begins in June and paid spots are now marked

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Drivers in Starkville have a few more weeks to enjoy free parking Downtown. And the city is taking that time to better identify which areas will be pay-to-park come June. City workers are painting the paid spaces green, and they have ordered larger signs to better mark those areas. Park Mobile paid parking went into effect…

Free Tupelo health clinic for uninsured workers getting major upgrade to serve more patients

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A Tupelo health clinic that has spent 30 years providing free medical care for Lee County residents is being torn down. But only because a new and improved facility is taking its place. Since 1992, Antone Tannehill Good Samaritan Health Services has provided free medical, dental and pharmacy services for working Lee County residents who can’t…