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Featured, Local News

Lowndes co. recovery group repairs 85 homes damaged in 2019 tornado

Families were left with little or nothing and those memories seemed to fade away.
Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss.(WCBI)- When a deadly EF-3 tornado touched down in Columbus three years ago, it left a trail of destruction. It also left several families without a place to call home. Out of that rubble rose a group dedicated to helping neighbors. Community Recovery of Lowndes County has been working tirelessly to restore impacted homes, businesses, and properties. ” You’re…

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Local News

WCBI and SDR partnered together to host job fair

Ansley Perkins,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – WCBI partnered with Steel Dust Recycling to host a job fair in Columbus. The fair started at 10:00 and lasted until 1 o’clock this afternoon. “I feel like these are the type of places and opportunities that you go to put your name out there and get yourself in the system everybody gets a chance equally…

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lifestyle, Local News, News Team, Regional

“Move To Learn” visits Earl Nash Elementary to improve academics

Joey Barnes,

MACON, Miss. (WCBI)- Organizations in Mississippi continue working to keep students on the move in order to improve their academics. A decade ago, ‘The Bower Foundation’ partnered with the Mississippi Department of Education to launch the Move To Learn campaign across the state. Initially, a campaign highlighting schools’ ability to incorporate physical activities into its day, “Move To Learn” now…

Donta Kirby
Crime, Local News

Lowndes County murder trial could go to the jury tomorrow

Joey Barnes,

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A Lowndes County murder trial could go to the jury tomorrow. Donta Kirby is facing a first degree murder charge. Testimony started yesterday in Lowndes County Circuit Court. Kirby is accused of shooting and killing Lorenze Halthon Jr. Halthon’s body was found on Burns Road in July 2020. Kirby was later stopped by a state…

crime
Crime, Local News

Former Booneville police officer will spend a year in federal prison

Joey Barnes,

BOONEVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – A former Booneville police officer will spend more than a year in federal prison. 34-year-old Dustin Rambo pleaded guilty to four counts of depriving individuals of rights while acting under the color of the law as a law enforcement officer. He also pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements to a federal agent. The…

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Local News

Emergency management agencies encourage safety during severe weather

Severe weather can strike at anytime and anywhere
Joey Barnes,

CLAY AND WEBSTER COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- Severe weather can strike at anytime and anywhere. A message that local emergency management officials continue to stress is to be weather aware. Getting the word out to their communities is sometimes their biggest struggle. Whether it’s ice, flooding, or tornados; severe weather is a danger, no matter what season it is. When it…

Sykes Murder Image
Crime, Featured, Local News

Vernon man found guilty of murdering ex-wife who disappeared in 2015

Joey Barnes,

VERNON, Ala. (WCBI) – Tuesday, a jury in Lamar County Circuit Court found Brandon Sykes guilty on three counts of capital murder in connection with the death of his ex-wife. While investigators still haven’t found her body, the district attorney believed there was enough evidence to take the case to trial. Sykes was found guilty of capital murder committed during…

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Featured, Local News

Macon drugstore reopens days after building collapse so residents get their medication

Joey Barnes,

MACON, Miss. (WCBI) – Monday, City Drugstore in Macon was open again, just days after the building collapsed on employees Thursday. “Because of our patients,” says owner and pharmacist Bill Bell. “We had to be back up and running as soon as possible.” The back of the building was unaffected by the partial collapse, they are operating out of their…

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Local News

Death rates in Lowndes County have risen over the years

Just two months into the year, Lowndes County has seen an unusually high number of deaths
Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Just two months into the year, Lowndes County has seen an unusually high number of deaths. The coroner’s office has worked 168 deaths so far. Greg Merchant has seen a lot of death in his time as coroner in Lowndes County, but the numbers he’s seen so early in the year are staggering. The death rate is…

Stamp For Posting
Local News

MSU professor’s artwork is featured on U.S. stamp

Aundrea Self,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – A Mississippi State University professor’s artwork could end up in your mailbox. Alex Bostic is an art professor at MSU. The United States Postal Service commissioned him to do the artwork for its Edmonia Lewis Commemorative Forever stamp, the 45th in the Black Heritage Series. Lewis was the first African American and Native American sculptor to…

Tate Reeves
Local News, State News

Gov. Reeves issuing 2 executive orders supporting military families

Eric Lampkin,

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – Governor Tate Reeves did get some time in the office on this Presidents’ Day holiday. The Governor issues 2 executive orders today, supporting Mississippi’s military communities and families. The first establishes the Military Star Schools Program to help children in military families transition to new schools and provide additional support when a parent is deployed. It…

Loaves Fishes
Local News

Chick Fil A working with Loaves and Fishes to give away surplus food

Eric Lampkin,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – An area non-profit and a fast-food favorite team up to provide meals for those in need in Lowndes County. Chick-Fil-A in Columbus is donating its surplus food to Loaves and Fishes of Lowndes County. The restaurant made its first delivery today, donating chicken, chicken biscuits, fruit, and other items to the Columbus-based ministry. Loaves and Fishes…

City Drug
Featured, Local News

Macon city drugstore reopens days after building is damaged

Macon City Drug will be back up and running on Monday.  
Joey Barnes,

MACON,Miss.(WCBI)-  A Macon drugstore opens its doors just days after the building is damaged. Macon City Drug will be back up and running on Monday. The facility will use a storeroom behind the medal building on Lawrence Street until further notice. Also, there may be longer wait time to fill your prescription. Over-the-counter medications will not be available. Relocation plans have…

Food Canned Goods
Featured, Local News

A Monroe county ministry donates food boxes to community

Allie Martin,

MONROE COUNTY,Miss. (WCBI)- A Monroe County ministry is making a difference in the lives of many people in the region. “We’re in a hurting community and we’re trying to give back. ” That’s why one Saturday a month, volunteers with “Stand Firm” Ministries distribute boxes of food, to anyone in need. It’s just one outreach of the Monroe County based…

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Featured, Local News

Msu black alumni association hosts annual convention

The Mississippi State University Black Alumni Association held it's third Black Alumni Weekend
Joey Barnes,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- The Mississippi State University Black Alumni Association held it’s third Black Alumni Weekend. Festivities were back up and running after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The memo goes a long way for several officials and alumni taking part in Mississippi State Universities Black Alumni Weekend. Activities started on Thursday February 17, 2021  and will run…

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Local News

Columbus police make an effort to seize crime in city limits

Keeping the streets clean of crime is what law enforcement agencies try to do day in and out
Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Keeping the streets clean of crime is what law enforcement agencies try to do day in and out. For officials with Columbus Police Department; they’ve taken an extra step to try and do just that. In November 2021 Columbus Police Department came up with a plan that was found to be effective. “We put together what we…

Butler
Featured, Local News

Investment group improves neighborhoods by rehabbing distressed properties

Butler Holdings wants to give back to communities in many ways
Allie Martin,

SALTILLO, MISS. (WCBI) – A group of local investors and developers is making a difference in neighborhoods where they are working. Jubal and  Jeremy Butler are checking on a property they purchased a little more than one year ago. Butler Holdings renovated the entire complex, putting about ten thousand dollars in each unit.  Now, the 32 unit complex is a…

Debris Maconnn
Featured, Local News

Area agencies rescue two victims from collapsed building in Macon

Time is critical when a life is on the line.
Joey Barnes,

MACON, Miss. (WCBI)- We now know the names of the two people trapped in a building collapse in Macon last night. Macon Police tell WCBI Linda Grissom and Sheba Mickens were pinned under debris for nearly two hours. Time is critical when a life is on the line. And agencies from across the Golden Triangle quickly responded when they got…

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Featured, Local News

Plantersville to require license for dog owners

Each dog must be registered with the city
Allie Martin,

PLANTERSVILLE, MISS. (WCBI) – If you own a dog and live in Plantersville, you will need to get a license for your furry friend. The licenses are required for any dog over the age of six months.  Dog owners will need to go to the town hall, pay a two-dollar fee and register their pet. Each dog owner will get…

Hainsey Head Shot New
Local News

Mike Hainsey retiring from Golden Triangle Regional Airport

Aundrea Self,

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI) – After more than 19 years as executive director at the Golden Triangle Regional Airport, Mike Hainsey is retiring. Hainsey has been in the aviation field for more than 45 years, including his time at the airport and a career in the Air Force. GTR Airport has seen significant growth under Hainsey’s leadership. It added service…