Tornado aftermath brings community and region together for clean-up

An unexpected tornado causes hundreds to help clean-up the city of Iuka.

IUKA, Miss. (WCBI) – An unexpected tornado hit Iuka Saturday night and it’s all hands on deck for clean-up and recovery. “It’s just like it just dropped down out of nowhere,” Iuka local, Eric Littlejohn said. Devastation and debris. After a tornado swept through Iuka’s downtown area Saturday evening, locals took no time to get to work helping folks in…

Powerball players can purchase tickets in the new Monday night drawing

If no one wins, the Monday night jackpot will go up to $293 million dollars. 

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI)- Are you feeling lucky? If so, put it to the test. Powerball players can purchase tickets in the new Monday night drawing starting August 23rd. And there’s a nice jackpot for winners. The jackpot for Saturday night’s Powerball drawing is set to $290 million dollars. It’s the 22nd draw for the current jackpot. If no one wins,…

A Batesville man faces first degree murder charges

24-year-old John Adams of Oxford died in North Mississippi Medical Center Tupelo from his injuries. 

LAFAYETTE, Miss. (WCBI)- The suspect in a deadly shooting faces first-degree murder charges. 19-year-old Keith Lamont Harmon Jr. of Batesville was taken into custody on August 21st. Officers went to the Links apartment complex after witnesses heard gunshots around 2a.m. The victim, 24-year-old John Adams of Oxford, died in North Mississippi Medical Center Tupelo from his injuries. Witnesses were able…

Homes and businesses damaged during a tornado in Iuka

Heavy rain and damaging winds left homes covered in debris, down powerlines, and trees in the roadways.

TISHOMINGO COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- Devastating news in Iuka as a tornado makes landfall around 6:12 p.m. Heavy rain and damaging winds left homes covered in debris, down powerlines, and trees in the roadways. Crews are working to clear areas. There’s also confirmed damage on Ash Street near Old Highway 25, Eastport Street, and Pearl Street. WCBI will have updated information…

Two Ole Miss students started a moving business in the midst of COVID-19

College move-in day can turn into a challenge when the boxes start to pile up

OXFORD, Miss. (WCBI)- Packing for a trip or vacation can be a hassle.  Two Ole Miss students started their own business to help the community. It’s common for college students to get a job at a restaurant or in retail just to make ends meet. Before even receiving their degrees, Tim Herrington and Tyson King had one simple idea that turned…

An Oxford man is dead in an early morning shooting

The Oxford Police Department went to the Links Apartments for reported gunfire around 2a.m.

OXFORD, Miss. (WCBI)- An Oxford man is dead in an early morning shooting. The Oxford Police Department went to the Links Apartments for reported gunfire around 2 a.m. A man was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi for treatment. He was then taken to North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, he later died from his injuries. After a vehicle description…

Scouts B.S.A. hosts Community Fun Day to gain participants

Scouts Boy Scouts of America hope to change the world through shaping children's character

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The Scouts Boy Scouts of America troops of east Mississippi hosted a Community Fun Day at Camp Seminole to showcase their organization. “I wouldn’t trade it or anything,” Daniel Grebner said. Daniel Grebner is an Eagle Scout in the Scouts Boy Scouts of America. After 10 years of participating in the program, he’s learned several tactics….

Stormy Saturday, heat builds this upcoming week

SUMMARY: Showers and storms once again likely for Saturday, with rain chances dropping for Sunday. The heat begins to build on Sunday and peaks by Tuesday in the upper 90s across the area as drier air looks to push in. Shower and storm chances will be very low on Monday and Tuesday. The storm chances return with a low chance…

MS schools are steadily climbing the charts with COVID-19 case numbers

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- It’s been a tough start for most schools in Mississippi as the Delta variant sweeps across campuses. State leaders are working to keep infections off school grounds. Statewide, schools are steadily climbing the charts with case numbers. Backpacks, books, and pens are essential in the classroom, but safety is a top priority. One by one, Coronavirus cases…

Pollan leading state’s sheriffs

CALHOUN COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- Calhoun County Shreriff Greg Pollan is settling into his role as head of the Mississippi Sheriffs’ Association. Sheriffs from all 82 counties voted and Pollan was selected at the group’s conference in June. The organization supports its members with professional development, meetings, and encourages legislative support for law enforcement. Pollan says he proud to lead his…

25 people arrested in Lowndes County drug bust

A 15 month sting operation comes to an end

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department arrest 25 suspects during a drug bust. Here is a press release of the investigation sent to WCBI by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department: Clean Sweep “Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office 527 MLK Jr. Drive South Columbus, MS 39701 Phone: 662-328-6788 Fax: 662-328-1136 Media Release from Sheriff Eddie Hawkins “Clean Sweep” Lowndes…

Antibody treatment could help keep COVID patients out of the ICU

Winston Medical Center has admintered Monoclonal Regeneron Antibody treatments

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – A positive test COVID-19 doesn’t mean hospitalization for every patient with a new treatment. “I don’t know that it kept me out of the hospital, but I’d rather not take that chance and find out,” Matt Woodward said. Matt Woodward is an employee at Winston Medical Center in Louisville. After testing positive for COVID, he chose…

Another Stormy Saturday Ahead

  SATURDAY: Scattered showers and thunderstorms will be possible at any point through the day. A few storms could contain frequent lightning and gusty winds during the afternoon. Highs will range from the upper-80s to the low-90s. Chance of rain: 60%. SATURDAY NIGHT: Scattered showers and thunderstorms will give way to a mostly cloudy sky overnight. Overnight lows in the…

A couple more rainy days; Drying out but heating up next week

SUMMARY: We will continue seeing widespread chances of showers & storms as we end of the workweek into the weekend. The summer heat and humidity will be making a comeback this weekend into next week as we dry out. Highs will be in the 90s with heat indices likely 100+ degrees. Take precautions to stay cool and hydrated! FRIDAY: It’s…

NMHS forms coalition for COVID-19 vaccination for area physicians to share vaccine facts and the personal toll the pandemic has taken on them

"You're worth a shot"

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – The COVID-19 pandemic continues to take an emotional and physical toll on doctors and nurses in Mississippi as the state’s number of cases rise and its vaccination rate remains low. “It is tragic for us to hear (patients) say before they pass, ‘if only I’d been vaccinated,’” says North Mississippi Health Services Chief Medical Officer Dr….

Nursing homes push to vaccinate more staff members

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Nursing homes continue to work tirelessly to protect patients. The surge in Coronavirus numbers is pushing facilities to vaccinate staff members. One facility here in Columbus is approaching complete vaccination to keep workers and patients safe. 180 is the number of COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities across Mississippi. There’s been a total of 266 cases in…

Mini pantries across Lowndes County helping families

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A Lowndes County charity is helping feed families in need. The Community Benefit Committee’s Blessed Boxes program  has 16 boxes throughout the county for people to leave non-perishable foods and other essentials. Anyone can stop by and take what they need for themselves or their families. Group members say they need the community’s help to keep…

Stormy Friday Then Warmer Next Week

SUMMARY: Showers and thunderstorms are possible the rest of the evening, with localized flooding in the strongest storms. Rain chances will decrease as we reach the weekend, but temperatures will be on the increase to start the work week. FRIDAY: Isolated showers and thunderstorms will become more numerous through the afternoon. Rain may be heavy at times with localized flooding…

Another unsettled rainy day ahead for our Thursday

  SUMMARY: We have been dealing with a few rounds of rain overnight and another round is moving in this Thursday morning. It’s just the beginning of another unsettled day across the region. We will continue seeing widespread chances of showers & storms as we end of the workweek. The summer heat and humidity will be making a comeback this…

Mississippi Highway Patrol reminding drivers to stop for buses

School buses are back on the roads; it's time to slow down

  STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – State troopers with the Mississippi Highway Patrol are asking drivers to slow down and follow the rules of the road – especially when it comes to buses. State law says you must stop for a school bus. It doesn’t matter which direction you are headed. If the bus is stopped, you need to stop as…

Scooters rolling again in Starkville

After a bumpy road Bird is back in Starkville

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – After hitting a few bumps in the road, Bird Scooters are back in Starkville. Earlier this Summer, the Starkville Board of Aldermen voted to ban scooters in the city. Mayor Lynn Spruill vetoed that move, and the outgoing Board voted to override that veto. Last month, the newly elected Board of Aldermen reinstated the city’s contract…

Fight erupts in the back of Columbus school bus that ends with eighth grade girl getting dragged out by her hair

Three students were arrested and suspended from school

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Monday, a fight broke out in the back of a Columbus school bus that ended with a girl being dragged out by her hair and three students being arrested. An Instagram video shows the fight that erupted on the bus as it drove down Bluecutt Road to bring students home from class. Jessica Mccaa says her…

Masks making a comeback in Columbus

Masking to be required in city-owned buildings

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Masks are back in place in all city owned buildings in Columbus. City council members voted for the mandate Tuesday night. Mayor Keith Gaskin says the council will discuss the possibility of returning to a city-wide mask ordinance when they meet on August 26th. Gaskin says there are a lot of opinions out there. He says…