City Council to have a forensic audit done of Columbus’ finances

They interviewed representatives from a firm that is being considered to conduct a forensic audit of Columbus' books.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – It was a key theme in Columbus Mayor Keith Gaskin’s campaign, getting a full understanding of the city’s finances. City leaders take one step closer to that today. They interviewed representatives from a firm that is being considered to conduct a forensic audit of Columbus’ books. Gaskin’s goal is to have 2 firms make their pitches…

Businesses are hiring and people are ready to get back into the workforce

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Businesses are looking to hire again, and people who have been out of the workforce for a while are looking to get back in. While that may sound like a recipe for success for local employers and job recruiters, some new trends are emerging. Many returning workers are being more selective about the jobs that they…

You could soon be paying to park in downtown Starkville with your phone

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – You could soon be paying to park in downtown Starkville with your phone. Aldermen will consider advertising for a paid parking solution at tonight’s meeting. The areas under consideration are from Montgomery Street at University Drive to campus, and to Russell, Lampkin Streets, Maxwell, Paige, and Adkerson Way. Mayor Lynn Spruill says the city will not…

Federal money may soon be used to put more police officers on the streets

Aldermen are considering using American Rescue Plan Act funds to help hire two police officers.

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Some federal money could put more police on Starkville streets. Aldermen are considering using American Rescue Plan Act funds to help hire two police officers. Towns across the country are finding it increasingly difficult to find police applicants. Those same cities must also watch their budget. Starkville police say believe using this money is a win…

Several law enforcement agencies are experiencing a shortage of qualified officers

ABERDEEN, Miss. (WCBI) – Some area cities are finding it tougher to keep the streets safe. Across North Mississippi, several law enforcement agencies are experiencing a shortage of qualified officers. Smaller departments have always faced challenges hiring and keeping officers, usually because forces in larger neighboring cities could offer better pay and benefits. Now, those larger departments are also having…

A man is dead after a horrific crash in Lowndes County

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A man is dead after a horrific crash in Lowndes County. The accident happened on Highway 45 Alternate about one o’clock Monday afternoon. State troopers say it appears the SUV collided with the back of an 18-wheeler. Traffic was backed up for at least an hour while crews cleared the scene. The Mississippi Highway Patrol…

Columbus police are searching for a gunman involved in early morning shooting

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Two people escape serious injury after being shot early this morning. Now, Columbus police are looking for a gunman. The shooting happened at 18th Street and 7th Avenue North, just after midnight. Police Chief Fred Shelton says a female victim and her boyfriend had been arguing most of the day. She called her cousin to come…

Annunciation Catholic School is celebrating International Day of Peace with pinwheels

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Annunciation Catholic School is celebrating International Day of Peace with pinwheels. Students created pinwheels and wrote their thoughts about war, peace, and tolerance on them. They spent Monday morning planting their creations on the school lawn. Students and staff hope the spinning pinwheels will spread thoughts and feelings about peace throughout the community and the country…

New Houston Police Chief has big goals for the department

HOUSTON, MISS. (WCBI) – One of Chief Adam Harmon’s top priorities when he began his new role July first, was to upgrade the police department headquarters, which hasn’t seen any renovations in 20 years. Harmon is third-generation law enforcement and served with the Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Department for 23 years before applying for the chief’s job.  He is the first appointed…

Tupelo teacher gets a surprise as her husband returns from deployment

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – It was a tearful reunion for a teacher at Tupelo’s Early Childhood Education Center, as her husband surprises her with an early homecoming. Navy Petty Officer Seth Dover was a guest of honor during a morning assembly at ECEC.  His wife, Talana, who is a special education teacher, thought her husband wouldn’t be home until December. Students…