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Local News

Mississippi’s education system continues to show higher rankings in the classroom

The latest Quality Counts report the state ranks 35th in the nation for Kindergarten through 12th grade achievement.
Joey Barnes,

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Mississippi’s education system continues to show higher rankings in the classroom. The latest Quality Counts report the state ranks 35th in the nation for Kindergarten through 12th grade achievement. Mississippi’s overall grade was 70, which is comparable to the nation’s overall score of 76 out of 100. Figures show Mississippi ranked first in the nation for gains…

Rain Chances
Featured, Featured Weather, Local News, Weather

Rain chances increase in the next few days

Isaac Williams,

  SUMMARY: The remnant circulation of Nicholas continues to spin over the Lower MS Valley, and rain chances will accordingly increase across north MS and west AL in the next few days. THURSDAY: The sky stays generally cloudy today with just spotty rain expected – most places will likely stay dry. Daytime highs will reach the upper 70s to near 80 degrees….

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Local News

East Mississippi Community College is looking for apprenticeship partners

A $200,000 grant at East Mississippi Community College is expected to benefit local industries
Joey Barnes,

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss (WCBI)- A $200,000 grant at East Mississippi Community College is expected to benefit local industries. The school will use the money for training to improve the skills of workers already employed at manufacturing companies. An apprenticeship program at East Mississippi Community College will allow businesses to get their employees in-class training to improve or speed up their…

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Crime, Local News

Columbus Police are seeing an uptick in the number of car burglaries

In just the past couple of days, officers have responded to several burglaries in neighborhoods across the city.
Eric Lampkin,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus Police are seeing an uptick in the number of car burglaries. In just the past couple of days, officers have responded to several burglaries in neighborhoods across the city. Columbus Police Chief Fred Shelton says there are simple things people can do, like hiding valuables, or better yet, taking them inside, park in well-lit areas…

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Local News, News Team

The Amory School Board appoints their new interim-superintendent

When Ken Byars steps down as Amory's Superintendent September, Andy Cantrell will take over throughout the rest of the year
Joey Barnes,

AMORY, Miss. (WCBI)- The Amory School Board appointed a former Mississippi administrator to fill the role of interim superintendent. Andy Cantrell will step into the position from October 1st to December 31st. Cantrell will take over for Ken Byars who is stepping down on September 30th to pursue educational consulting in the private sector, according to the Associated Press. Cantrell…

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Local News

The Golden Triangle welcomes Main Street Directors from 3 states this week

Starkville is hosting this year's Destination Downtown.
Eric Lampkin,

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The Golden Triangle welcomes Main Street Directors from 3 states this week. Starkville is hosting this year’s Destination Downtown. It is the South’s premier downtown revitalization conference. Over 300 directors and members from Mississippi Main Street Association, Main Street Arkansas, and Louisiana Main Street are expected to attend the conference at The Mill. Today, participants…

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Local News

Lowndes County leaders agree to house some juvenile inmates from Starkville

The board of supervisors finalized the agreement with the Starkville Board of Alderman, Wednesday, September 15th.
Joey Barnes,

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Lowndes County leaders agree to house some juvenile inmates from Starkville. The board of supervisors finalized the agreement with the Starkville Board of Alderman, Wednesday, September 15th. Starkville will pay 125 dollars a day to reserve two beds at the Lowndes County Juvenile Detention Center. Mayor Lynn Spruill and some alderman started looking for more…

Naacp Shots
Featured, Local News

Oktibbeha County branch of NAACP brings free COVID-19 vaccine clinic to low-income area in Starkville

Joey Barnes,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Tuesday, the Oktibbeha County branch of the NAACP held a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Starkville. The clinic took place from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sandhill Apartment complex where medical professionals from Point City Drugs Pharmacy had about 200 doses of the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine on hand to administer….

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Crime, Featured, Local News, Top Story

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

Joey Barnes,

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…

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Local News

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
Joey Barnes,

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…

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Local News

Artist Puts Finishing Touches On Nettleton Mural

Allie Martin,

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…

Kelly
Local News

Representative Trent Kelly met with constituents in Webster County

Eric Lampkin,

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…

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Local News

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.
Eric Lampkin,

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…

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Local News

Area campgrounds are being repaired from early summer flooding

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

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…

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Featured, Local News, News Team

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
Joey Barnes,

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…

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Featured, Local News

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.
Joey Barnes,

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…

Stk Parks
Local News, Top Story

Starkville Aldermen have begun negotiations with Sports Facility Management

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

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…

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Featured, Featured Weather, Local News, Weather

Daily rain chances this week, watching TS Nicholas

Isaac Williams,

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…

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Members of the west point wellness center remember 9/11

Joey Barnes,

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

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Featured, Local News

Lowndes county master gardeners hold community butterfly bonanza

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

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….

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Local News

A Columbus organization hosts a suicide awareness 5K run

Suicide prevention is a big topic that can often be overlooked
Joey Barnes,

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…