Organizations in the area offer kids multiple places to come for the summer

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – School is out and parents are looking for activities to keep their kids busy this summer. There are places to go and to learn while having fun. Ron Thornton believes it’s how you entertain children in the summer that will help them grow. “It is important so they have something positive to get in. Not just…

MDOT wrapped up inaugural rural infrastructure summit

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – The Mississippi Department of Transportation wrapped up an inaugural rural infrastructure summit Friday afternoon. Panel discussions focused on maximizing local, state, and federal resources. Round table topics such as preparing rural Mississippi to connect with electric vehicles were also discussed. The goal is to convene infrastructure leadership to share information, knowledge, and resources that will help enhance…

Main Street in Starkville is being reimagined

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Main Street in Starkville is being reimagined with a new look. A study was presented today at the Starkville Board of Alderman’s work session. Consultants from Kimley Horn reviewed traffic flow and peak times when people were driving down Main Street. One proposal is to take out turning lanes on Main Street, which could help make…

Main Street organizations across the state to receive ARPA funding

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Mississippi Main Street organizations across the state will receive ARPA funding. 40 communities with a population of less than 25,000 people will receive $100,000. Eight communities with more than that population will get $125,000. The Mississippi Legislature appropriated the funds to Mississippi Main Street to be sent throughout the state. All of the money must be spent…

Sturgis South Bike Rally hitting the roads for first time in two years

STURGIS, Miss. (WCBI) – You’ll be able to hear the rumbling of thousands of bikes rolling into Sturgis again this year. The Sturgis South Bike Rally has been parked for the past two years. Now, organizers say it will return the Oktibbeha County town August 18th through the 20th. There will be rides, games, food, and live music. The festival…

Cities and counties looking to spend ARPA dollars

The federal funds must be spent on certain projects by 2026

LEE COUNTY, MISS. (WCBI) – Cities and counties throughout the region are facing decisions on how to spend millions of federal dollars. “Since I was with the state auditor’s office forty years ago, I’ve never seen this kind of money coming into counties and municipalities,” said Lee County Chancery Clerk Bill Benson. “It’s a once in a lifetime transfer of…

Oktibbeha County deputies make child sex crime arrest

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Oktibbeha County deputies make a child sex crime arrest. 35-year-old William Smith Jr. is charged with sexual battery. Investigators tell WCBI a report was made on Wednesday and that’s when Smith was arrested. Deputies say the alleged victim is under the age of 17. Smith remains in the Oktibbeha County jail on hold by the…

Columbus Police Department roof leaking into municipal complex

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The Columbus Police Department is looking to fill some gaps on the force and on the roof. Leaks have been happening for a while in the municipal complex. Garbage cans are sometimes used to catch all of the rainwater. Leaks are also reported at the complex that houses the Columbus police crime lab and other city…

Mississippi’s WIC program is helping participants get formula

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – During a national infant formula shortage, Mississippi’s WIC program is helping participants receive benefits. With no reserve of infant formula, the WIC program is adding infant formula products and package sizes to the approved products list. These products are available until August The Mississippi State Department of Health says these new options for WIC are helping meet…