Aberdeen begins its four day Mardi Gras celebration

Proceeds will help renovate historic buildings in Aberdeen

ABERDEEN, MISS. (WCBI) – A Monroe County town is decked out in purple, green, and gold, as Mardi Gras celebrations are underway. Shelly Bowen was putting her newest merchandise on display at “The Blue Owl.”  Bowen is expecting Mardi Gras to bring big crowds to Aberdeen, and that’s always good for business. “We are looking forward to customers coming in…

Three suspects charged with capital murder in Lee County case

Sheriff Jim Johnson says suspects broke in to home to steal drugs and cash

LEE COUNTY, MISS. (WCBI) – Three people are behind bars, charged with capital murder in connection with the December shooting death of a Lee County man. 28-year-old Gavin Jeffers of West Point, 21-year-old Christopher Clayton of Fulton, and 29-year-old Shanery Hampton of Macon are charged in connection with the murder of Justin Mayfield. On December 22nd, Lee County Sheriff’s deputies…

Columbus approved for $1 million grant to upgrade 5th Street, improve pedestrian safety

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Friday, the City of Columbus announced that they have been approved for more than one million dollars in grant money to make upgrades along 5th Street in Downtown Columbus. The Mississippi Department of Transportation grant will go towards improving pedestrian safety from 5th Avenue to 9th Avenue by adding sidewalks and walkways. City Engineer Kevin Stafford says…

Man indicted for capital murder returned to Mississippi

CALHOUN COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A man indicted for capital murder in Calhoun County is returned to Mississippi. Sheriff Greg Pollan says 24-year-old Ricco Simmons fled the area to Detroit, Michigan shortly after September 2020. Simmons was arrested for grand theft auto in Michigan back in 2020 and returned to Calhoun County this morning. He’s charged in connection with the…

West Point man is arrested in connection with a Tupelo shooting

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A West Point man is arrested in connection with a Tupelo shooting. 24-year-old Tyler Hannah is charged with attempted murder. The shooting happened early Sunday morning in the 1300 block of Mitchell Road. Tupelo police found a man at an apartment with multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators believe Hannah and the victim knew each other before the…

A local restaurant looks to celebrate its four decades of service!

Harvey's will celebrate 40 years and will have a nice treat to show its gratitude to customers.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- A local restaurant has nearly made it to four decades of serving customers. Harvey’s will celebrate 40 years on Wednesday February 2, 2022, and will have a nice treat to show its gratitude to customers. 40 years later and Harvey’s continues to serve diners a “difference they can taste.” That’s the mantra the restaurant mixes into every…

Mississippi State students speak out after social media post about shooting black person

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Several Mississippi State students were upset to learn that someone claiming to be from one of the school’s fraternities made a social media post about shooting an African American male. “I don’t want to look back years from now and see my degree from Mississippi State and be like, ‘Yeah, that’s the school that had the…

Kona Ice is serving sweet treats to the Golden Triangle

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Today’s spring-like temperatures have given us spring fever. The staff here at WCBI and some of our downtown neighbors enjoyed some cool, refreshing treats from Kona Ice. The truck was parked outside our studios for several hours today, serving its popular fruity mixes – and a few new flavors. The owner says they load up and…

Amory Railroad Festival is back on track

AMORY, Miss. (WCBI) – Apple Fritter Lovers rejoice! After being derailed by COVID for the past 2 years, the Amory Railroad Festival is back on track. Mark your calendars for April 7th through the 10th. Amory Aldermen approved the plans for the 2022 Railroad Festival at their last meeting. COVID-19 forced the cancellation of both the 2020 and 2021 editions…

Mississippi State University mask requirement in effect until further notice

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – If you’re planning a visit to the MSU campus, be sure to take your mask. Mississippi State’s COVID-19 Task Force met Monday to reevaluate the University’s mask requirement. The group decided that given the continuing Omicron surge, masks will be still be required in all University buildings. The mask requirement applies to all students, faculty, staff,…

Sex offender accused of multiple sexual offenses against a minor arrested, wanted in Lee and Webster counties

EUPORA, Miss. (WCBI) – Wednesday, the U.S. Marshal Service arrested a registered sex offender wanted on multiple charges in both Webster and Lee counties. Keeping tabs on registered sex offenders living in their jurisdiction is something the Webster County Sheriff’s Department takes very seriously. “When Sheriff (David) Gore took office, he pulled me in his office and he told me…

Columbus leaders asked to consider city marshal position

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus leaders are being asked to consider a new position, city marshal. Multiple sources tell WCBI that a letter was drafted by the city attorney on behalf of Mayor Keith Gaskin. The letter reportedly tells the city council it will consider a city marshal position during tomorrow night’s city council meeting. That discussion is expected to…

‘Blessing Box’ donations in West Point serves a variety of people in need

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- “Take what you need; Leave what you can,” that’s the message behind the blessing box located at the First United Methodist Church in West Point. Kicked off in December and designed by church members, the donation box is stocked with everyday needs from food, hygiene, diapers, cleaning supplies, and more. Director of Family Ministries, Stacy Hays,…

Lowndes Co. Supervisors hear a progress report from the Horne Group

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Lowndes County leaders are moving ahead on spending plans for the county’s share of American Rescue Plan Act money. Supervisors hear a progress report from the Horne Group today. The Board contracted with the firm to help the county determine what projects will qualify for ARPA funding and how best to get those projects done….

Mississippi hospitals need more nurses to fill multiple vacancies

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi hospitals have faced all sorts of shortages during the COVID Pandemic, but this could be the worst. The state’s hospitals need more nurses. According to a report in the Clarion Ledger, there are nearly 3,000 registered nurse vacancies statewide. And that is straining hospital staff already stressed under the pressure of the continuing pandemic. Earlier…

One man is in the hospital following a Tupelo shooting

The shooting remains under investigation. 

TUPELO,Miss. (WCBI)- Tupelo Police are investigating an early morning shooting that left one person hurt. Around 4:30 Sunday morning, Tupelo Police were called to an apartment complex at the 1300 block of Mitchell Road. Officers found a man with gunshots wounds. He was taken to the North Mississippi Medical Center ER. He’s in critical condition. The shooting remains under investigation….

Crime Stoppers provides a valuable tool for the police

Impact of Crime Stoppers seen during recent awards luncheon

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – A non profit that allows citizens to provide valuable information to law enforcement agencies to fight crime is having a big impact. Every week, Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi asks the public to provide information on a felony crime. Since Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi began in the early 1990s, it has received 1,018 , resulting in…

Columbus police are looking for more officers to join their staff

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Columbus police are looking for more officers to join their staff. On Saturday they held a career day for folks that want to help their city. Columbus police do all they can to protect and serve the city, but there’s strength in numbers when it comes to doing the job and right now those numbers aren’t sufficient….

Floral shops are feeling the pinch as their busiest season approaches

If you haven't put in an order for your Valentine, now is the time

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Count Valentine’s Day as another victim of nationwide supply chain issues. Floral shops are feeling the pinch as their busiest season approaches. And that could mean trouble for the last-minute shoppers. If you haven’t put in an order for your Valentine, now is the time. Options for your sweetheart may be slim. “We have been receiving some…

Fire officials give tips to avoid house fires

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – While the weather gets colder it is important that homeowners are staying safe while staying warm. It’s cold outside. And that has people looking for ways to stay warm inside. In that search for warmth, some people are forgetting about safety. This January alone, there have already been 2 deaths related to fires caused by space…