Early Morning Tornado Damages Homes In Monroe County

HATLEY, MISS. (WCBI) – A tornado causes damage throughout Monroe County early this morning. Jim McCreary was watching from what was left of his deck, as friends were cutting and clearing downed trees on his property. Around 2 Wednesday morning, McCreary and his wife, along with their dog, Little Bit, were all awake, as the storm blew through. “We was…

COVID-19 has pushed churches to alter Easter Sunday services

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Easter Sunday is slowly approaching and for a second year, churches will have to proceed with caution. The ongoing pandemic has pushed them to alter their services once again. Church services have been different for about a year now; even with one of the biggest holidays of the year quickly approaching local pastors are hopeful for the…

Jersey Mike’s Sub shop donating proceeds from sales to MSU T.K Martin Center

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – A sandwich shop in Starkville is raising money for an organization that serves individuals with disabilities. Jersey Mike’s Subs is donating proceeds from sales all day today to the Mississippi State’s T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability. Throughout the month, patrons could also make donations at the restaurant’s register or through its mobile application. Jersey…

Turning windy and colder Wednesday

WEDNESDAY: Rain and storms mainly during the morning with drier conditions returning by the afternoon. Highs in the 60s early with afternoon temperatures tumbling back into the 50s and 40s. Strong NW winds develop between 15 and 25 mph. Some gusts could be over 30 mph. WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Clearing skies, breezy, and much colder. Lows in the mid to low…

Buffalo Bills’ Leslie Frazier makes surprise donation to Boys & Girls Club, hopes to inspire kids in his hometown of Columbus

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – NFL coach, Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer, and favorite son of Columbus Leslie Frazier continues to give back to his hometown. Friday, Frazier surprised the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Golden Triangle with yet another generous donation. “I used to sit down and watch WCBI and see who some of the heroes who were in…

Rain & storm chances return for midweek

SUMMARY: A cold front will push through Tuesday night into Wednesday. We still remain under a Level 1 Risk for some strong to possible severe storms for later on this evening into Wednesday morning. The main threats are still looking to be heavy rain/flooding, gusty winds and hail. The tornado risk remains low but we’ll watch it! Sunny, cool, and…

Area Business Owners Say It’s Tough To Find Employees

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – It’s a common problem facing a lot of small businesses, there are a lot of positions open, but sometimes it’s not always easy keeping employees on the job. Although he owns Pizza Doctor, Jesse Bandre doesn’t usually work behind the counter, unless it’s a necessity, like it was during Monday’s lunch rush. Bandre was helping train…

Columbus is hosting a job fair for the surrounding areas

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- People are struggling to make ends meet. When businesses closed a year ago, it meant unemployment for many people or reduced hours. Some people have been relying on government assistance, but that doesn’t allow for extra income. The last year has been tough for workers and for employers, but now the city of Columbus wants local people…

Habitat for Humanity and MSU welcome family into new Maroon Edition home after pandemic delayed construction for months

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Monday morning, Starkville’s Habitat for Humanity and Mississippi State University held a dedication ceremony for the 12th Maroon Edition House. Each year, MSU partners with Habitat for Humanity to help provide housing for local families. Chadrick Robinson, his wife Santana Turnipseed and their children were set to move into one of those homes in December of…

A sunny Monday before storms return midweek

SUMMARY: Enjoy the sunshine & clear blue skies as we begin the new workweek for your Monday because showers & storm chances will return midweek. Some storms could be on the strong side. Looking cooler, but pleasant for the end of the workweek with temperatures warming up into the Easter holiday weekend. MONDAY: After a clear and chilly start. expect…

A nice Friday ahead followed by more storm chances this weekend

SUMMARY: After an active weather day yesterday, we’ll get a break from it with lots of sunshine for your Friday before shower & storm chances return for the weekend. The beginning of the workweek looks to be A-OK before another chance of storms midweek, so we’ll remain in an unsettled weather pattern for a while. FRIDAY: Enjoy today’s weather for your…

Homeowners invest in at-home storm shelters

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- During severe weather, staying safe is a top priority. It seems with more rain and thunder moving in our area, folks are investing in their storm shelters to have a secure place. And being aware of how quickly an event can develop can potentially save your life. Before flowers bloom in the springtime, you’ll likely see…

Stimulus Money Expected To Be Boost For ‘New 2 U’ Consignment Sale

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Businesses across the region are reporting strong sales as spring approaches. Many believe the $1,400  stimulus checks are helping drive that boosts in business. Kara Webb is a consignor and volunteer at “New 2 U Kids Sale” She says crowds are large, despite the weather, and sales are strong. “I know for me, yesterday was a…

EMA directors prepare in advance for severe weather

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) Emergency management directors have a lot on their plates when storms start rolling in. EMA coordinates with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and road crews to prepare for what might happen in their communities. Those meetings are to make sure everyone is on the same and ready to respond. The COVID-19 pandemic has made many of those…

A high risk for severe weather on Thursday

SUMMARY: Storm chances will continue during the day as now we are under a Level 5 Risk. The greatest risk of severe weather will be from early Thursday afternoon into the early evening.  All modes of severe weather, including tornadoes, are likely. Stay weather aware and once again get your severe weather safety plans ready. Stay tuned! THURSDAY:  Widespread rain…

A fatal shooting left two dead and two wounded

ALICEVILLE, Ala. (WCBI)- A high school senior and another man are shot to death in Aliceville, Alabama on the night of Tuesday, March 23, 2021. The hunt continues for a killer and law enforcement is trying to figure out exactly what happened. It was an emotional day as family members of the victims came to the scene on the west…