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Local News

State lawmakers are excited about new bills passed in Mississippi

The 2022 legislative session wrapped last week with two major accomplishments
Joey Barnes,

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI)- The 2022 legislative session wrapped last week with two major accomplishments: the passage of the largest pay raise for teachers in Mississippi history and legalizing medical marijuana. Mississippi held its legislative session from January through April 2022, and while the spotlight was often on high profile legislation, like medical marijuana and teacher pay, there were also…

Mcrea
Local News

State Treasurer David McRae spoke to Rotary about unclaimed property

Eric Lampkin,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – What would you do with a few extra bucks? That was one of the topics of conversation when State Treasurer David McRae made a stop in Columbus Tuesday. Among the many responsibilities of the Treasurer’s office is handling unclaimed money and property in the state. According to McRae, the average Mississippian has $2,100 in unclaimed property….

911
Local News

April is National Public Safety Telecommunications Week

Eric Lampkin,

CHICKASAW COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The phone line is a lifeline between the community and law enforcement, firefighters, and EMTs. And this week is set aside to honor those who make those connections. The second week of April is set aside as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. It’s a time to highlight the work of 911 operators and dispatchers –…

Joey Mays
Crime, Local News

Noxubee County man accused of breaking into a church

Joey Barnes,

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A Noxubee County man is accused of breaking into a church. A grand jury recently returned the indictment against Joey Mays. He’s also facing burglary of a dwelling, grand larceny, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon charge. Mays was arrested earlier this year in Kemper County, where he’s charged with several crimes….

Kenneth Scott Cooper
Local News

Traffic stop leads to drug arrest in Webster County

Joey Barnes,

WEBSTER COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A traffic stop leads to a drug arrest Sunday evening in Webster County. Around 5:30, Eupora Police with assistance from a Webster County K-9 Unit pulled over Kenneth Scott Cooper. Cooper allegedly had methamphetamine in his possession and was arrested. Cooper is sitting in the Webster County Jail waiting for a bond hearing. Categories: Local…

Blayde Grayson
Local News, State News

Mississippi Death Row inmate wants to appeal his case

Eric Lampkin,

PARCHMAN, Miss. (WCBI) – A Mississippi Death Row inmate has a change of heart. Blayde Nathaniel Grayson has told a judge he wants to continue appealing his case. This is a reversal from what Grayson said just a few months ago. In December, shortly after the state carried out the execution of David Neal Cox, Grayson sent a note to…

Wcbi Default
Featured, Local News

Check out the winners of Tupelo’s 7th annual Bud and Burgers

Joey Barnes,

TUPELO,Miss. (WCBI)- Winners of Tupelo’s 7th Annual Bud and Burgers: Community Bank takes home the trophy in first place. Ken Jetter Restaurant Supply follows in second. Simmer Down is third place. Simmer Down also takes home Best of Show. People’s Choice award goes to Maria’s Catering Service. Judges scored on creativity, taste, and appearance by blind entry. This year, the…

Kid Egg
Local News

The Junior Auxiliary hosts an Easter Egg Hunt for the community

Ansley Perkins,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) -The Junior Auxiliary in Starkville had an Easter egg hunt this weekend at the J.L. King Park and invited all kids in the community to come and have some fun in the sun. It’s Easter time and you can’t have Easter without a good ole fashion Easter egg hunt. This year the Junior Auxiliary in Starkville has…

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Local News

Tupelo shooting leaves 21-year-old man dead

Joey Barnes,

TUPELO,Miss. (WCBI)- The Lee County Coroner’s office along with Tupelo Police are investigating a Friday night shooting. TPD responded to a call on Hodges Drive around 10 p.m. 21-year-old Raybric Mims of Tupelo was found dead at the scene. Reportedly, there was a disturbance just before the gunfire. His body is being sent to Pearl for an autopsy. Call Tupelo…

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Local News

Catfish in the alley brought more than good food to the friendly city

Fresh fried catfish lingered through the streets of Columbus early Saturday morning
Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Fresh fried catfish lingered through the streets of Columbus early Saturday morning, and it wasn’t long before folks followed the scent to the downtown area. Catfish in the Alley is historical event for the friendly city. In the late 19th Century African Americans socialized, shared meals, and brought economic opportunities. Howlin Wolf, Bukka White, and Big Joe…

Fires And Flames
Featured, Local News

Firefighters investigating house fire in Columbus

Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS,Miss. (WCBI)- Firefighters are investigating a house fire in Columbus. Battalion Chief Todd Graham says the homeowners weren’t home when the blaze started. It happened around 1 p.m. on 93 Jasmine Street. When firefighters got to the home, the back side of the structure was already involved. No injures are reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Categories:…

Easter
Featured, Local News

Area chuches team up to host Easter festival in New Hope

Kiddos even got their picture taken with Peter Cottontail. 
Joey Barnes,

LOWNDES COUNTY,Miss. (WCBI)- The Easter Bunny hopped all the way to Lowndes County Saturday morning. Area churches partnered to host an Easter Fair at the New Hope Community Center. Games, food, and a petting zoo were provided for families. Of course, kids participated in an Easter egg hunt. Kiddos even got their picture taken with Peter Cottontail. Organizers say this…

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Local News

MSU leaders encourage students to stay in the state after graduation

Recent research shows that many college graduates leave the state for jobs and money and a better quality of life
Joey Barnes,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- 50 % of Mississippi’s college graduates leave the state as soon as they get their diploma, according to the Mississippi State Auditor’s office study on brain drain. While that doesn’t come as a surprise to college instructors; at MSU, Student Advisors and mentors are working to keep growing businesses closer to home. Students at Mississippi State University…

Gaskinnn Cam
Local News

Mayor Gaskin calls a veto on insurance camera

Ansley Perkins,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Tuesday night the Columbus city council voted to contract with the Securix company to install cameras designed to look for uninsured drivers. Mayor Keith Gaskin and Ward 2 Councilman Joseph Mickens have expressed concerns about the service. Mickens was the lone no vote. Today Mayor Keith Gaskin vetoed the move. Mayor Gaskin said he believes the…

Golden Egg Pic
Featured, Local News

Two lucky women in Alabama win golden egg hunt in Carrollton

Carrollton's Gold Egg Search brought crowds to the city square for a week-long scavenger hunt.
Joey Barnes,

CARROLLTON,Ala. (WCBI)- Two lucky women in Alabama are starting their weekend $700  richer. Carrollton’s Gold Egg Search brought crowds to the city square for a week-long scavenger hunt. Some have their heads up to the sky and others are combing through grass in search for a treasure. ” They say it’s simple, but I’ve been out here a couple of…

Bbq And Blues
Local News

Barbecue and Blues kicks off the weekend in Columbus

Eric Lampkin,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The weekend gets a jump-start in Columbus this afternoon. A lunchtime crowd was treated to a hearty helping of Barbecue and Blues at the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center downtown. It’s all part of the 3 Day Catfish in the Alley celebration. Some folks came for the pulled pork – others were on hand for the tasty…

Muw Basketball
Local News

MUW host 1971 Women’s Basketball Championship team

Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Homecoming at Mississippi University for Women means it’s reunion time for everyone. Including the 1971 women’s basketball national championship team. Players like Dot Easterwood Murphy reminisce on the journey to bringing home the school’s first title. Murphy told WCBI what she takes away from that championship moment over five decades ago. Head coach Jill Upton says…

Muw
Local News

MUW alums welcome back to campus for spring homecoming

Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – For the first time since 2019 Mississippi University for Women is welcoming alums back to campus for Spring Homecoming. The weekend-long celebration started yesterday and runs through the weekend. One of the highlights every year is the recognition of the “Golden Girls”. Those are the alumnae celebrating the 50th anniversary of their graduation. This year it’s…