Drug Raid
Local News

City officials hope to end the cycle of drug activity after major bust

Sheriff's and District Attorney's offices hope to end the cycle of drug activity after drug sweep
Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Lowndes County deputies have been working to slow drug activity across the county. They’re hoping a major drug sweep last Friday put a dent in it. “These people keep continuing to commit these types of crimes. And here in Lowndes County, we’re not going to tolerate it,” Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said. 25 people were arrested Friday…

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Local News

Miss Mississippi Volunteer Has Been Busy Since Winning The Crown

Allie Martin,

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – A 22-year-old Northeast Mississippi woman inspiring others with her story of overcoming obstacles to win top honors at a beauty pageant. There was no downtime for Rachel Shumaker, after she was crowned Miss Mississippi Volunteer. “I hit the ground on Sunday, July 11, I started that morning at six-thirty, haven’t stopped since,” Shumaker said. The Miss…

Warm
Featured, Local News, Weather

Typical August heat for the week ahead

Isaac Williams,

SUMMARY: The heat isn’t looking to go anywhere anytime soon. Highs will stay in the mid to even upper 90s for Tuesday and Wednesday, with slightly cooler weather for the latter part of the week and the upcoming weekend. Rain chances will be very low for Tuesday and Wednesday, with isolated storms Thursday and Friday, and scattered storms for the…

Iuka
Local News

Tornado aftermath brings community and region together for clean-up

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

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…
Featured, Local News

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. 
Joey Barnes,

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,…

Keith Harmon
Featured, Local News

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. 
Joey Barnes,

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…

Wcbi Background 2 696x435
Featured, Local News

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.
Joey Barnes,

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…

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Featured, Local News

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
Joey Barnes,

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…

Oxford Arrest 082121
Featured, Local News

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.
Joey Barnes,

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…

Camp 2

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
Joey Barnes,

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….

Satstorms
Featured, Local News, Weather

Stormy Saturday, heat builds this upcoming week

Isaac Williams,

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…

School Reporting 082021

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

Joey Barnes,

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…

Sheriff
Local News

Pollan leading state’s sheriffs

Aundrea Self,

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…

Lowndes Co Badge Thumbnail
Crime, Featured, Local News, News Team

25 people arrested in Lowndes County drug bust

A 15 month sting operation comes to an end
Joey Barnes,

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
Local News

Antibody treatment could help keep COVID patients out of the ICU

Winston Medical Center has admintered Monoclonal Regeneron Antibody treatments
Joey Barnes,

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…

Christian 5p Full
Featured, Local News, Weather

Another Stormy Saturday Ahead

Isaac Williams,

  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…

Headlines
Featured, Local News, Weather

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

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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…

Worth A Shot
Coronavirus Information, Featured, Local News, Top Story

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"
Joey Barnes,

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 Home Stats 081921
Coronavirus Information, Featured, Local News

Nursing homes push to vaccinate more staff members

Joey Barnes,

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…

Food Pantry
Local News

Mini pantries across Lowndes County helping families

Aundrea Self,

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…

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Featured, Local News, Weather

Stormy Friday Then Warmer Next Week

Isaac Williams,

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…