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Local News

Mississippi blood service officials have seen more donors despite a blood shortage

Mississippi Blood Service came to Columbus; the team travels all over the magnolia state
Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Shortages are not limited to just your grocery store. Blood shortages have become an issue as of late and people that collect donations want communities to give if they’re able to. Mississippi Blood Service came to Columbus; the team travels all over the magnolia state and encourages people to donate if they’re willing and able to because…

Michael Anthony Jordan
Crime, Local News

Aliceville man charged by for shooting accident in November

Joey Barnes,

ALICEVILLE, Ala. (WCBI) – An Aliceville, Alabama man turns himself in this morning to Columbus Police for a shooting incident back in November. Columbus Police say Michael Anthony Jordan is charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault in connection to a shooting incident on November 27th in the Bluecutt and Post Office area. On the night of the incident, a…

Cdc Mask
Local News

Lowndes County employees to receive sick leave if diagnosed with COVID-19

Eric Lampkin,

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The changing landscape of the COVID Pandemic has private and public employers pivoting on sick leave policies. The Omicron variant, while more contagious, is causing less severe illness. That prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to update its quarantine and masking guidance. Lowndes County is following suit. Vaccinated County employees who contracted COVID…

Msu Softball Pic 3
Featured, Local News

Mississippi State Softball team helps United Way pack donation boxes for local teachers on MLK Day

Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Members of the Mississippi State Softball team spent their Martin Luther King Jr. Day by partnering with the United Way of Lowndes and Noxubee to pack donations for local teachers. It’s part of United Way’s “Tools for School” campaign. “MLK Day, a day of service that, instead of treating it as a day off, it’s a…

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Local News

Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations spark change in local cities

January 17  is a day set aside to remember the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
Joey Barnes,

EUPORA, Miss. (WCBI)- January 17  is a day set aside to remember the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr; observances were held in many towns and cities across the area. Above all Dr. Martin Luther King Jr wanted to see a change, and the folks in Eupora carried on his work to bring about that change. “I…

Mlk
Local News

Starkville community members work to keep MLK Jr’s dream alive

Ansley Perkins,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Serving others is one facet of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Monday, Starkville residents rolled up their sleeves to make their community a better place. “I think Martin Luther King just valued his life on giving back to the better man,” said MSU student Cameron Mayers. “Everything he did was for us to be together…

Blood Drive
Local News

WCBI partnering with Mississippi Blood Service for blood drive

Aundrea Self,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The American Red Cross calls it a national blood crisis. Last week the organization reported its -quote “worst blood shortage in over a decade.” To help fill an urgent need, WCBI is partnering with Mississippi Blood Services for a blood drive. The organization will be parked in front of the WCBI building in downtown Columbus tomorrow…

Covid Test
Coronavirus Information, Featured, Local News

Several health departments offering COVID-19 testing five days a week

Joey Barnes,

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Several health department locations are offering free COVID-19 testing five days a week. The Mississippi State Department of Health is offering testing at its sites in Lafayette, Lee, Lowndes, Neshoba, and Noxubee Counties. Clay has testing every day except for Thursday. Days and times vary at other health department locations in the area. In addition, every home…

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Featured, Local News

A homecoming seven decades in the making

Remains of Pfc. Jimmy Rowland, killed during the Korean War, are finally brought back to his hometown for burial
Allie Martin,

BALDWYN, MISS. (WCBI) – It is a homecoming more than seven decades in the making.  The remains of a soldier from Baldwyn, killed in the Korean War, are finally back home. The family of Private First Class Jimmy Rowland never gave up hope that one day, they would be able to give their loved one the honor he deserves. “When I…

Fires And Flames
Featured, Local News

An 89-year-old-woman dies in Lee county house fire

Joey Barnes,

LEE COUNTY,Miss. (WCBI)- The Lee County coroner’s office investigating a death by house fire. Coroner Carolyn Green says the incident happened Saturday night on County Road  201  Blue Springs near the Lee and Union County line. 89-year-old Evelyn Hutcheson died of smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Categories: Featured, Local News Tags: carolyn green, house fire,…

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Featured, Local News

Families in Winston County caught a glimpse of snow

Folks in Winston County got about three inches of snow and people were out enjoying it while they could
Joey Barnes,

WINSTON COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- Folks in Winston County caught a glimpse of snow Sunday morning. White flurries falling to the ground isn’t something you see each winter in the Magnolia State; so for residents in Noxapater, they made it a day to remember. As dozens headed to to the Dollar General; the store clerks said  customers had one thing on…

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Local News

Starkville AKA chapter dedicates tree and marker

Aundrea Self,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The Starkville Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is planting a lasting symbol of its service to the community. The group celebrated the national organization’s 114th Founders’ Day Saturday by planting a Live Oak at J.L. King Park. During the ceremony, sorority members also placed a special dedication marker that will remain at the site….

Solider
Featured, Local News

An American hero is laid to rest after more than seven decades

Allie Martin,

BALDWYN,Miss. (WCBI)- An American hero is laid to rest, more than seven decades after making the ultimate sacrifice for his nation. Private First Class Jimmy Rowland was killed in July of 1950 during the Korean War, but his remains weren’t positively identified until last year. After more than seventy years, Private First Class Jimmy Rowland is getting a funeral, with…

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Featured, Local News

Mississippi Highway Patrol Troop G is recruiting more force to the team

Joey Barnes,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- Mississippi Highway Patrol is recruiting more force to its team. Troop G in Starkville held a meet and greet with potential officers Saturday morning. “To answer any questions that they may have before deciding to you know potentially come over and change career paths and potentially become a part of the MHP department,” said sergeant Derrick Beckom….

Teacher Pay Pic
Featured, Local News

Columbus Municipal School District: House bill for teacher pay is major step for the future of Mississippi education

Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus Municipal School District administrators are praising the passage of the Mississippi House of Representatives bill that would increase teacher pay. House Bill 530 would create the “Strategically Accelerating the Recruitment and Retention of Teachers (START) Act” designed to raise teacher salaries statewide. Columbus Municipal School District Superintendent Dr. Cherie Labat calls it a much-needed step…

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Local News

Deputies test breathalyzing at local bar happy hour

The two entities got deputies trained with the breathalyzers over at Zachary's
Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Lowndes County officials and residents are taking a step in trying to keep the community safer. Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department received a grant through 4- County Electric Power Association to get more breathalyzer tests for deputies. The two entities got deputies trained with the breathalyzers over at Zachary’s; for people to know how much alcohol is too much…

Msu Covid Test
Local News

MSU gives students and employees free COVID-19 tests

Ansley Perkins,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi State University held a testing site on campus for their students and employees. MSU’s classes start back on January 18th and they are trying to avoid the spread of COVID-19. The testing site is available on January 13 and 14th outside of the Newell-Grissom building on MSU’s campus. Medical officials on campus say they are…

crime
Crime, Local News

Cason Water and Monroe Co. Sheriff’s Dept. searching for theft

Ansley Perkins,

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Cason Water and the Monroe County Sheriff’s office are searching for the suspect involved in stealing equipment. The Clay Hill facility was broken into last night. The theft got away with a catalytic converter, and all tools and equipment were taken from there shop. Cason Water wants customers to know that the water was not…

Muw Construction
Local News

MUW cooking up construction on new culinary department

Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Almost three decades after being the first school in Mississippi with a bachelor of science degree program in culinary, Mississippi University of Women expands its kitchen. The W will relocate its culinary department from Shattuck Hall to a new 40,000 square foot facility. The department will have multiple kitchens and state-of-the-art equipment. The new site will…

Mlk
Local News

Noxubee County Martin Luther King Jr. ceremony cancelled

Joey Barnes,

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Noxubee County will not have a Martin Luther King Jr. ceremony this year. As the number of COVID-19 cases climbed, the Noxubee County branch of the NAACP decided to cancel the annual memorial service. The parade was also canceled this year. The group says these decisions were made to help keep the community safe and…

Cajmion Johnson
Crime, Local News

Tupelo beauty supply robbery suspect denied bond

Eric Lampkin,

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A robbery suspect in Tupelo won’t be going anywhere any time soon. A Tupelo Municipal Court Judge has denied bond for 18-year-old Cajmion Johnson. Johnson is accused of robbing Nabor Beauty Supply on South Gloster Street in Tupelo Wednesday night. Working on a tip from an area resident Police located Johnson at the Town House Motel…

Eupora Fire
Local News

Firefighters investigating morning house fire in Eupora

Joey Barnes,

EUPORA, Miss. (WCBI) – Firefighters are still investigating a morning house fire in Eupora. The blaze happened about 8 AM in the 1,300 block of Adams Avenue. Firemen saw smoke coming from the roof when they arrived. They say the unique brick structure of the house home held in heat, making it hard to extinguish. The owner was not home…

Winteralert
Featured, Local News, Weather

Winter storm on the way

Isaac Williams,

SUMMARY: After a mild and dry Friday, rain will begin to move by Saturday afternoon. A powerful area of low pressure will move through the south Saturday night and Sunday, drawing in cold air and changing the rain to snow for many locations during the day Sunday. Accumulating snow looks likely for much of the area! Any snow will melt…