Restaurant officials are searching for employees

Some businesses are looking to replace summer workers who have headed back to school

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Labor shortages are still an issue around the country, and around the block. Some businesses are looking to replace summer workers who have headed back to school; while others still haven’t been able to get back up to pre-pandemic staffing. Zachary’s is just one of several restaurants trying to bring more people on board. Owner Doug Pellum…

CFB vote to change Nancy Carpenter’s contract

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The structure of the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau could soon look different. Through published reports and sources, WCBI has learned Nancy Carpenter’s contract to lead the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation was not renewed. The CVB board recently made that vote. Sources tell WCBI there was a contract extension offered to Carpenter to remain the executive…

Oktibbeha County Supervisors exploring options for Felix Long Hospital

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Oktibbeha County Supervisors are exploring new options for an old county building. The old Felix Long Hospital sits near the heart of downtown Starkville, and Supervisors are considering potential uses for the property. One possibility on the table is demolition, but before they can do that they need to know what’s inside the building, including…

Columbus has a new interim police chief

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – There’s a new man in the Chief’s office at Columbus Police Department. Monday was Assistant Chief Doran Johnson’s day on the job as Interim Chief. Johnson will be running the department while the City Council and Mayor search for a permanent replacement for Chief Fred Shelton, whose last day on the job was Monday. Johnson’s long…

It’s important to remember that safety is always the top priority for students

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Students have begun their return to University campuses, and as they are checking off the last few items on their supply lists, many may be overlooking one back-to-school necessity – Safety. School is almost in session and students are picking up those last-minute items. Whether it’s your books, computer, or even a pencil. But don’t forget…

Lowndes County Board of Supervisors increasing pay for public defenders

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors is hoping a bump in pay will raise the bar for the County’s public defenders. Circuit Judge Jim Kitchens presented his case for improving pay for the attorneys assigned to handle cases for those defendants who may not be able to afford representation. Kitchens cited the necessity of the…