Tow truck drivers talk about how dangerous their job can be

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Every job has its challenges and all businesses have rules to keep employees safe. But when it comes to towing services, their jobs can come with some unique hazards. When you see a tow truck, your first reaction is often to find out whose car is being taken. And tow truck drivers like Clay Stockman feel…

The town of Eupora anticipates a large crowd this weekend

Small towns thrive on their yearly festivals and annual events

EUPORA, Miss. (WCBI)- Small towns thrive on their yearly festivals and annual events. The big moments bring communities together, but even more, festivals can help bring economic traction to the town. City leaders in Eupora are hopeful to see large crowds and a big payoff this weekend. The town will host its second annual balloon festival where folks can ride…

Car hits ambulance that was traveling to the hospital

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Paramedics in Starkville needed a little extra help to make it to the hospital. An ambulance on a medical call was traveling south on North Jackson Street towards the hospital. Witnesses tell WCBI the driver of this black car didn’t yield to the ambulance, crashing into the emergency vehicle. The accident happened in the intersection of…

Sturgis South Motorcycle Rally is here and underway

STURGIS, Miss. (WCBI) – The preparations are paying off. The Sturgis South Motorcycle Rally is here! Bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the Southeast have begun rolling into Oktibbeha County. Registration, entertainment, and food actually kicked off last night, but there has been a steady stream of cycles today. One of the highlights of the weekend is this evening’s…

Law enforcement encourage hunters to keep an eye on their hunting gear

Hunting season isn't here yet, but some folks are eager to get things ready

WEBSTER COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- Hunting season isn’t here yet, but some folks are eager to get things ready, so they can take down their prey. Hunters often set up their camps well ahead of the season, but that can leave them open to being prey to thieves. In Webster County, they see several cases a year and want to offer…

West Point has received multiple bomb threats in two days

A poultry plant in West Point had to stop operation due to a bomb threat call

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- A poultry plant in West Point had to stop operation due to a bomb threat call. Police chief Avery Cook said it’s the third threat the department has received in the last 48 hours. On Tuesday, August 16, 2022,  one of the calls came to the police department saying there was a bomb in the building….

A car crash into Aberdeen home leaves family feeling grateful

ABERDEEN, Miss. (WCBI) – A man is facing charges after police say he crashed his car into a home in Aberdeen.  Police arrested Deondra Fields after an unusual incident early this morning. An Aberdeen woman got an alarming wake-up call early this morning. Officers were called to Matubba Street just after midnight for a possible home invasion. When they got…

City of Columbus is beginning its search for a new Police Chief

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The City of Columbus is beginning its search for a new Police Chief. At Tuesday night’s meeting, the City Council approved a job description, salary range, and a 10-person search committee to help select the best candidate. But another committee was also a topic of the Citizen Input portion of the meeting. Lavonne Harris asked the…

Sturgis South Rally coming back to Oktibbeha County

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – After a two-year hiatus, the rumble of motorcycle engines is returning to the streets of Sturgis. The Sturgis South Rally is back! And the bikers start rolling back into Oktibbeha County Thursday. A long weekend of music, food, vendors, and games for the kids – and the bikers starts Thursday and runs through Saturday. A…

The search is on for new police chief

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The search for a new police chief in the City of Columbus can officially begin. At Tuesday night’s meeting, the Columbus City Council approved a job description and a 10 person search committee to inform the process. Mayor Keith Gaskin, along with Councilmen Joseph Mickens, Stephen Jones, and Rusty Green are on the list, along with…

Restaurant officials are searching for employees

Some businesses are looking to replace summer workers who have headed back to school

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Labor shortages are still an issue around the country, and around the block. Some businesses are looking to replace summer workers who have headed back to school; while others still haven’t been able to get back up to pre-pandemic staffing. Zachary’s is just one of several restaurants trying to bring more people on board. Owner Doug Pellum…

CFB vote to change Nancy Carpenter’s contract

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The structure of the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau could soon look different. Through published reports and sources, WCBI has learned Nancy Carpenter’s contract to lead the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation was not renewed. The CVB board recently made that vote. Sources tell WCBI there was a contract extension offered to Carpenter to remain the executive…