Examining methods for ending juvenile crime ahead of Starkville’s expected deal with the Lowndes Co. Detention Center

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – On September 7th, the Starkville Board of Alderman voted to approve an interlocal agreement with the Lowndes County Juvenile Detention Center to reserve two beds to house any youth offenders from Starkville. The hope is that the partnership can be part of the solution to the area’s problems with violent crime involving young people. “Violence and…

Starkville Ward 1 Alderman is starting a Go Fund Me for unvaccinated city employees

An additional insurance fee for unvaccinated workers has one alderman taking financial matters into his own hands

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- In a week that saw more than 12,000 new Covid-19 diagnoses, last week, the city of Starkville agreed to new policies for their employees. Masks have been required for some time in city buildings, now the Board of Aldermen voted to require unvaccinated workers to use their sick leave if they test positive for Covid 19 and…

Artist Puts Finishing Touches On Nettleton Mural

NETTLETON, MISS. (WCBI) – It has taken more than two years, but a wall in Nettleton will soon feature an artistic history of the Monroe County town. To most folks, the mural on the brick wall of the Dorothy J Lowe Memorial Library looks finished,  but to the artist, there are still a few details to work on. Tony Bullard began the mural, showcasing…

Representative Trent Kelly met with constituents in Webster County

EUPORA, Miss. (WCBI) – First District U.S. Representative Trent Kelly meets with constituents in Webster County today. The Congressman held a meet and greet with community leaders in Eupora to talk about what is going on in Washington as well as to find out what constituents back home are concerned with. We asked him about COVID vaccinations and a proposal…

The Golden Triangle Planning and Development District is celebrating 50 years in service

But the service that longtime director Rudy Johnson is most proud of is the District's commitment to the area's senior citizens.

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – An area economic development and civic improvement agency hit a major milestone. The Golden Triangle Planning and Development District is celebrating 50 years in service. GTPDD covers a 7 county area, handling a variety of services from billing for smaller utility companies to grant-writing help for local governments, and loans for small businesses. But the…

Area campgrounds are being repaired from early summer flooding

Areas along the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway experienced some unusual summer flooding in 2021

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Areas along the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway experienced some unusual summer flooding in 2021. After barges broke loose in early June, water began to make its way to several campsites and even people’s homes. Even though the waters have receded, the damage remains. The operations manager of the Tenn-Tom Waterway, Justin Murphree,  said one thing that made this…

Dollars and Sense: Budgeting Your Money

Vice President Regions' Tupelo Division Ashley Mclellan gives us tip on how to budget our money in order to reach our financial goals

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI)- From paycheck to paycheck it’s important to keep track of our money. This is how you take care of priorities, meet financial goals, and prepare for emergencies. “Literally write down every little thing you spend money on,” says Senior Vice President and Market Executive of Regions Ashley Mclellan. Whether that’s going to buy pens, going to the…

Doctors are now recommending pregnant women get vaccinated

Now that the FDA has approved the Pfizer vaccine, OB-GYNs are recommending expecting mothers get vaccinated.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Doctors and medical professionals are recommending pregnant women to get vaccinated. Women and expecting mothers have been asking the same question across the country – should they get vaccinated? As COVID cases continue to rise in Mississippi, the decision is becoming more crucial. Now that the FDA has approved the Pfizer vaccine, OB-GYNs are recommending expecting…

Starkville Aldermen have begun negotiations with Sports Facility Management

The City of Starkville may soon be outsourcing some of its recreation activities.

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The City of Starkville may soon be outsourcing some of its recreation activities. Last week, Starkville Aldermen voted to begin negotiations with Sports Facility Management to take over the management of all the city’s parks. Sports Facility Management is already managing Starkville’s new Cornerstone Park and coordinating with Starkville Parks and Recreation. City leaders think the…

Daily rain chances this week, watching TS Nicholas

SUMMARY: Tropical Storm Nicholas formed Sunday in the Gulf and could increase rain chances for the Southeast later in the week. Temperatures look to stay generally below average through the next seven days. MONDAY: Expect a mix of sun and clouds through the day, with more clouds moving in late in the day. Scattered showers and possibly a few thunderstorms are possible…

Members of the west point wellness center remember 9/11

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- The West Point Wellness Center remembers 911. Members of the West Point fire department and community members walked up Hamblin Stadium, which covers 2,071 steps. It’s the height of the World Trade Center. Folks of all ages paid their respects to those who lost their lives. Tags: 9/11, Clay County, memorial service, West Point

Lowndes county master gardeners hold community butterfly bonanza

Folks were able to see all kinds of butterflies at the Riverwalk Butterfly Garden. 

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- The Lowndes County Master Gardeners have their Butterfly Bonanza. Folks were able to see all kinds of butterflies at the Riverwalk Butterfly Garden. Visitors got information about what type of plants attract butterflies to gardens, lifecycles, and why butterflies are vital in the environment. President Nancy Reeves says it’s good to see people take an interest….

A Columbus organization hosts a suicide awareness 5K run

Suicide prevention is a big topic that can often be overlooked

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)-  Suicide prevention day is recognized each year on September 10. Organizations in Columbus raised awareness of suicide by hosting a suicide awareness walk. Suicide prevention is a big topic that can often be overlooked, but agencies like Contact Help Line raise awareness and save lives. “Mental illness is a huge problem but we want to minimize that…

Starkville Fire Department climb 110 flights in honor of 9/11

On September 11, 2001, 343 firemen gave the ultimate sacrifice. Starkville FD honored those lives.

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The Starkville Fire Department climbed Davis Wade Stadium to honor the firemen who climbed 110 floors to save others. “Don’t ever forget,” Sergeant Michael Edwards said. Just 20 years ago, on September 11, 2001, 343 firemen gave the ultimate sacrifice. In honor of them, Firefighters like Anna Beth Robertson walked up 110 flights of stairs to…

The city of Aberdeen is remembering those who died during the terrorist attacks of 9/11

ABERDEEN, Miss. (WCBI) – The city of Aberdeen is remembering those who died during the terrorist attacks. More than two dozen people gathered in front of city hall for the annual 9/11 service. The Aberdeen High School J-ROTC presented the colors and guests performed songs and read poems. Mayor Charlie Scott spoke to the crowd about the importance of remembering…

Mississippi University for Women remembers the September 11th terrorist attack Friday morning.

MUW, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi University for Women remembers the September 11th terrorist attack on Friday morning. The Clock Tower rang at four different times to mark the four planes that were used as weapons, crashing at four different locations. The school’s soccer team will mark the 20th anniversary with a moment of silence at tomorrow’s game. MSMS will host…

Locals remember 9/11 by volunteering in their community

National Day of Service and Remembrance had locals giving back to honor those who gave it all on 9/11/01.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – September 11th is a day for remembering both those who lost their lives and gave their lives to save others. And people across the country are remembering while giving back to their own community. “Volunteers, you’re the backbone of the community,” United Way Director for Lowndes County, Renee Sanders said. In 2009, the day was officially…

Future police officers took time this morning to honor the memory of those who were killed on September 11th

Cadets in Class B 68 at the North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center took part in a memorial stair climb at Robins Field in Tupelo.

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Future police officers took time this morning to honor the memory of those who were killed in the terror attacks of September 11th, 2001. Cadets in Class B 68 at the North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center took part in a memorial stair climb at Robins Field in Tupelo. Instructors had calculated the number of rounds…

Local physicians try and raise awareness of need for hearing protection for hunters

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – A physician’s office in Tupelo is trying to raise awareness of the importance of hearing protection for hunters and gun enthusiasts. ENT Physicians is also giving away a set of “Phantom Sound Gear”, a hearing protection device doctors say is good for hunters, or anyone who shoots firearms. Doctor Mont Berry wears hearing aids, because of…

1 Injured in Thursday Night Shooting

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A shooting on Columbus’s Northside sends at least one person to the hospital. Columbus Police and ambulance crews from BMH Golden Triangle were called to reported shooting in the 1500 block of 22nd Street North around 8:30 Thursday night. The investigation is ongoing, but a witness on the scene tells WCBI that one person was taken…

How the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department tracks the area’s high number of convicted sex offenders

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – On Tuesday, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department announced the arrest of five convicted sex offenders within the last 30 days. “I don’t see many repeat offenders as far as what the original offense was, (that) they come back out and re-offend,” says Lt. Tony Cooper. “Most of the ones I see are the ones that fail…

Macon police to start neighborhood watch program

There are a few steps you can take to if you see unusual activity in your neighborhood.

MACON, Miss. (WCBI)- Keep the community safe. The Macon Police Department is getting an extra set of eyes to help stop crime. A Neighborhood Watch Program will start next week. Call, identify and describe. Those are a few steps you can take to if you see unusual activity in your neighborhood. Officers said most people don’t realize they’re witnessing the…