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Featured, Local News

Plans moving along for the Chickasaw Heritage Center

The 36 million dollar project will be built off of the Natchez Trace Parkway in Tupelo
Allie Martin,

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Plans are moving along for a project that will help tell the story of the Chickasaw Nation. For a wreath-laying ceremony at the Piominko statue at Fairkpark, there was Choctaw social dancing and hymns. The ceremony provided a look into the traditions and customs of the Chickasaw Nation.  Their history and story will be highlighted at the…

Safe Place
Local News

Safe Places signs help youths find help when in danger

Safe Place signs mark businesses who have received training from Sally Kate Winters on children running away from dangerous situations.
Joey Barnes,

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The yellow signs on the outside of some buildings means a little more than some might think. Fire Station one isn’t just another fire station – it’s also a safe place for kids who find themselves in tough situations. Assistant Chief Duane Hughes said having this designation is an honor. “Fire stations in Columbus and…

Chickasaw county
Local News

Chickasaw Co. Sheriff’s Office getting unplanned equipment upgrades

Eric Lampkin,

CHICKASAW COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Office is getting some unplanned equipment upgrades. A recent lightning strike caused significant damage to security equipment in the county jail, knocking out cameras, computers, and the central control board. Most of those systems have been repaired or replaced. The Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors approved a new control board last…

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Crime, Local News

Second suspect involved in Noxubee Co. murder case has been arrested

Joey Barnes,

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A second suspect involved in a Noxubee County murder case has been arrested. The Noxubee County Sheriff’s Department charged Demarcus Freeman with Accessory After the Fact for the shooting death of 40-year-old Montrell Burrage. Freeman’s bond is set at 150,000 dollars. Ramsey Langford has already been arrested and charged with murder after being accused of…

stolen car suspect
Local News

Investigators searching for suspect involved in car break in

Aundrea Self,

SALTILLO, Miss. (WCBI) – Investigators hope someone will recognize this suspect who broke into a truck at the sportsplex in Saltillo. These are images from a surveillance video captured at the WK Webb Sports Complex last Thursday. The suspect was caught on camera riding a bicycle and then trying to break into a truck parked at the sportsplex. An eyewitness…

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Local News

McDonald’s restaurants thanking educators with a free meal

Aundrea Self,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – McDonald’s restaurants are saying “thank you” to educators with a free meal. Participating locations will provide free breakfast to teachers, administrators, and school staff throughout the week. Educators will get their “Thank You Meals” in a classic Happy Meal box. They will include a breakfast sandwich, hash browns, and a beverage of their choice. O’Ferrall Management…

dustin swopes
Crime, Local News

Montgomery County man will spend the next 20 years in prison

Aundrea Self,

WINONA, Miss. (WCBI) – A Montgomery County man will spend the next 20 years in prison after pleading guilty in a human trafficking case. 41-year-old Dustin Swopes of Kilmichael pled guilty last week to charges of statutory rape and child exploitation. He was sentenced to 20 years and 5 years probation. He will also be registered as a sex offender….

Tevin Hammond
Featured, Local News

Tupelo police arrest a second suspect in connection to a shooting

Joey Barnes,

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI)- Tupelo Police arrest a second suspect in connection to a shooting on Carnation Street. 27-year-old Tevin Hammond, of Prairie Mississippi, is charged with attempted aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Both suspects have been interviewed. Tupelo Municipal Court Judge Allen set bond at one million dollars. Preliminary information indicates the second suspect was acting in self-defense. Call…

East M Color Ai
Local News

Emcc workforce and community services division offer more programs

Joey Barnes,

SCOOBA, Miss. (WCBI)- EMCC’s Workforce and Community Services Division offers more programs on the Scooba campus. Courses include studies in Electrical Technology and Heavy Civil Construction. Students who complete the Electrical Technology program will be awarded a certificate and will learn to install, maintain and troubleshoot electrical systems. After completion of the program, students can attend the Communiversity to earn…

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Local News

Wings Over Winston fills skies in Louisville

In a small town, like Louisville, Wings Over Winston drew in crowds
Joey Barnes,

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- The air show didn’t go on in 2020, because of precautions surrounding the pandemic. As planes left the runway, hundreds watched the airshow unfold. In a small town, like Louisville, Wings Over Winston drew in crowds from around the community. “To me, it’s really beautiful and it’s great to see that this many people actually came out…

Aerrr
Featured, Local News

Columbus art walk brings in local vendors to showcase crafts

Sidewalks were lined with paintings, homemade gifts, and singers performed for the crowds.
Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)-If you were in Downtown Columbus you most likely saw dozens of craft and music vendors for Art Walk. The Columbus Arts Council and Columbus Main Street partnered to host the event featuring local artists in the community. Sidewalks were lined with paintings, homemade gifts, and singers performed for the crowds. Both groups said this is one way…

United Way
Featured, Local News

United way of Lowndes and Noxubee counties work to provide assistance

Their mission extends beyond putting hot meals on tables. They're helping with household necessities.
Joey Barnes,

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- Social service organizations are still feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The United Way of Lowndes and Noxubee counties is working hard to assist families by stocking shelves and partnering with area agencies. “2020 was a complete shutdown. Everything was taken completely off,” said Executive Director Renee Sanders. From canceled events to limited resources–assisting families…

Columbus Police
Featured, Local News

Columbus police department to host faith and blue weekend

Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS,Miss. (WCBI)- The Columbus Police Department is taking a faith-based approach to connecting with the community. The department is hosting “Faith and Blue Weekend.” The nation-wide event features with activities in communities to build connections between officers and and the people they serve and protect. The weekend kicks off tonight with a vigil where members of the department and the…
Featured, Local News

Air Force releases report on fatal February crash

The mishap happened the evening of February 19th during a routine training mission.
Aundrea Self,

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (WCBI) – The Air Force has released details on the cause of the crash that killed two Columbus Air Force Base pilots this past February. Instructor pilot Scot Ames , Jr, 24 and Renshi Uesaki, 25, a student pilot from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force were killed when their T-38 Talon went down right outside…

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Featured, Local News

Mississippi University for Women holds mental health awareness event to connect students with healthcare professionals

Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, the Mississippi University for Women held a special event Thursday to help educate students and staff about the help that is available to them on campus and throughout Columbus. “We all miss our normal and we have no idea what normal will be again,” says Dr. Deb Wells, the…

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Featured, Local News

A West Point High School student faces attempted murder charges

Hill reportedly walked up to the car and quickly stabbed the victim with a hunting knife.
Joey Barnes,

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- Police say a West Point High School student faces attempted murder charges after allegedly stabbing another teenager. 16-year-old Austin Hill was arrested and as an adult. The victim in the incident is not a student of West Point High School. But the two did know each other. A leading question to the investigation is, why did…

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Featured, Local News, Top Story

Books, photos, letters found inside 1972 time capsule opened in celebration of Columbus bicentennial

Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – With a few swings of a hammer, the time capsule that had lain buried underneath Columbus for nearly 50 years was opened in celebration of the Friendly City’s 200-year anniversary on Wednesday. “We were planning on opening it 49 years later and now it’s 49 years later,” says Earl Martin, the former Sears manager who came…

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Featured, Local News

Students, parents and teachers take part in “National Walk To School Day’

The event promotes physical fitness for all ages
Allie Martin,

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Tupelo High School cheerleaders helped get parents, students and teachers pumped up for “National Walk To School Day.” Joyner Elementary was the only school in Tupelo that was able to take part in the event, because the school is located in the historic Joyner neighborhood, with easy walking access to the school. The event is sponsored…

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Local News

Lowndes Co. Sheriff’s Dept. hosting a drive-thru vaccine clinic

A drive-thru vaccination clinic will be held at the agency's office on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on Saturday.
Joey Barnes,

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – This weekend the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department will step up to protect in a new way. A drive-thru vaccination clinic will be held at the agency’s office on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on Saturday. Moderna and Pfizer vaccines will be available for those that are eligible. You can also get a booster shot if…

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Local News

An Oktibbeha County house caught on fire

Firefighters saw that roof of the house was collapsing
Joey Barnes,

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss.(WCBI)- The home was on Lisa Lane, right outside of Starkville city limits. No one was in the house or injured. The cause of the fire as of Wednesday, October 6, 2021, was unknown. Firefighters saw that roof of the house was collapsing and had to go from an offensive approach to a defensive. Even with a limited…