Recently released state test scores show a significant drop in student performance

Test results show a more than 12-percent drop in math scores from 2019 and a 6.7 percent drop in English-language arts scores.

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Recently released state test scores show a significant drop in student performance – and the pandemic may be part of the problem. The Mississippi Department of Education today released results from the 2020-21 state tests. They show a more than 12% drop in math scores from 2019 and a 6.7% drop in ELA scores. MDE leaders say…

Wings Over Columbus is preparing for take-off in 2022

Lieutenant Colonel Rory Klepper briefed Columbus business and community leaders about the return of the popular airshow.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – After being grounded in 2020, Wings Over Columbus is preparing for take-off in 2022. Lieutenant Colonel Rory Klepper briefed Columbus business and community leaders about the return of the popular airshow. The 20-22 edition of Wings Over Columbus will be on March 26th and 27th. Klepper says they are planning a return to a traditional in-person…

Sweet potato farmers taking advantage of fall weather for harvesting

Demand is still good for the crop, which has long been the root of Calhoun County's farm economy.

CALHOUN COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Some folks think of this as Pumpkin Spice Season, but in Mississippi, it’s Sweet Potato Season. Sweet potato farmers across North Mississippi are taking advantage of the Fall-like weather to begin this year’s harvest. Demand is still good for the crop, which has long been the root of Calhoun County’s farm economy. But this year’s…

City Council to have a forensic audit done of Columbus’ finances

They interviewed representatives from a firm that is being considered to conduct a forensic audit of Columbus' books.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – It was a key theme in Columbus Mayor Keith Gaskin’s campaign, getting a full understanding of the city’s finances. City leaders take one step closer to that today. They interviewed representatives from a firm that is being considered to conduct a forensic audit of Columbus’ books. Gaskin’s goal is to have 2 firms make their pitches…

Businesses are hiring and people are ready to get back into the workforce

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Businesses are looking to hire again, and people who have been out of the workforce for a while are looking to get back in. While that may sound like a recipe for success for local employers and job recruiters, some new trends are emerging. Many returning workers are being more selective about the jobs that they…

You could soon be paying to park in downtown Starkville with your phone

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – You could soon be paying to park in downtown Starkville with your phone. Aldermen will consider advertising for a paid parking solution at tonight’s meeting. The areas under consideration are from Montgomery Street at University Drive to campus, and to Russell, Lampkin Streets, Maxwell, Paige, and Adkerson Way. Mayor Lynn Spruill says the city will not…

Federal money may soon be used to put more police officers on the streets

Aldermen are considering using American Rescue Plan Act funds to help hire two police officers.

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Some federal money could put more police on Starkville streets. Aldermen are considering using American Rescue Plan Act funds to help hire two police officers. Towns across the country are finding it increasingly difficult to find police applicants. Those same cities must also watch their budget. Starkville police say believe using this money is a win…

Several law enforcement agencies are experiencing a shortage of qualified officers

ABERDEEN, Miss. (WCBI) – Some area cities are finding it tougher to keep the streets safe. Across North Mississippi, several law enforcement agencies are experiencing a shortage of qualified officers. Smaller departments have always faced challenges hiring and keeping officers, usually because forces in larger neighboring cities could offer better pay and benefits. Now, those larger departments are also having…

A man is dead after a horrific crash in Lowndes County

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A man is dead after a horrific crash in Lowndes County. The accident happened on Highway 45 Alternate about one o’clock Monday afternoon. State troopers say it appears the SUV collided with the back of an 18-wheeler. Traffic was backed up for at least an hour while crews cleared the scene. The Mississippi Highway Patrol…