Coronavirus Information, Featured, Local News

Starkville doctor explains why people who are fully vaccinated still need to wear masks and practice social distancing

Joey Barnes,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The Mississippi State Department of Health issued a reminder on Wednesday that people still should keep taking proper safety precautions even after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 7.5 percent of Mississippians have received at least one dose of the vaccine while 0.9 percent have gotten two.  “I…
Local News

Aberdeen Hosting Weekend Mardi Gras Celebration

Allie Martin,

ABERDEEN, MISS. (WCBI) – A Monroe County town is letting the good times roll. Aberdeen is hosting its Mardi Gras celebration this weekend. Merchants are excited and proceeds from festivities benefit two great causes. Kim Taylor has been busy decorating her coffee shop and cafe for Mardi Gras. “It gives us something to look forward to, ” Taylor said. Taylor…
Featured, Local News, Top Story

Acting mayor of Aberdeen says racism, toxic environment behind accusations from State Auditor’s Office

Joey Barnes,

ABERDEEN, Miss. (WCBI) – Ward 2 Alderwoman and acting mayor of Aberdeen Lady Garth spoke out Thursday on the accusations of misappropriation of public funds against herself and her fellow colleagues. Garth is a life-long Aberdeen resident and says the small town can be a toxic environment. She says the long-standing racial divide in the city is a contributing factor…
Local News

Black history lessons are being taught differently

Joey Barnes,

ABERDEEN, Miss (WCBI)- This school year is anything but traditional; so it stands to reason, celebrations of black history would be outside the box. One local school came up with a way to teach and reach their students. Around the state, Black History month won’t be celebrated the same, but the meaning is still alive and relevant. Aberdeen administrators are…

Coronavirus Information, Local News

Almost 20,000 second dose vaccine appointments have been made

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JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – More than a quarter of a million Mississippians have now been vaccinated. Governor Tate Reeves says more vaccinations are expected since this week will begin the first round of “second doses.” Right now, almost 20,000-second dose appointments have been made. Reeves says there may be a slight delay at drive-through sites because of the extra appointments….
Featured, Local News

A surge in food shortage leaves local churches lending a helping hand

Joey Barnes,

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss (WCBI)- Milk, meats, and vegetables are items that people typically don’t go without. However, the ongoing pandemic has left many relying on special events like food drives. Now more than ever, families and individuals have found themselves lacking daily nutrition. With fewer work hours people are having a hard time putting food on the table, but seeing…
Featured, Local News

Tupelo Voters Decide Fate Of Major Thoroughfare Program

Allie Martin,

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Voters in Tupelo are deciding whether to renew a program that sets aside money for street construction and repairs. The Major Thoroughfare program began thirty years ago and every five years, Tupelo residents decide whether they will renew the special tax levy that funds the program. Rhawinder Kaur has owned “Sam’s corner” convenience store for more…
Local News

New sewer project to begin soon in Starkville

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STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – A long-awaited sewer project will soon be underway in Starkville. Mayor Lynn Spruill says the project is for residents along Babylon Road on the west side of Starkville. That part of the city was annexed in 1998. The sewer project was supposed to begin within 5 years of the annexation, but that didn’t happen. Now, Starkville…
Featured, Local News, Weather

The sunshine is returning for our Tuesday

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SUMMARY: High pressure will allow the sunshine and some warmer winter temperatures to return to the region for our Tuesday and Wednesday. More rain though is likely late Thursday into Friday and maybe Saturday as our next cold front pushes through. We will continue to monitor the potential for a big blast of Arctic air by Sunday and next Monday….
Local News

Students are returning to the classroom after a virtual semester

Joey Barnes,

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss (WCBI)- Homework has taken on a new meaning this school year. Many families made the decision to keep their children home for the fall semester. It’s been a major adjustment, for students, transitioning to online learning. Now, many students want back in the schoolroom. The pandemic may have altered that in 2020, but 2021 seems to be…
Local News

36th annual Frostbite Race in full effect

Joey Barnes,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)-The 36th annual Frostbite Race took place this morning in Starkville and folks lined up to run different distances and compete against friends, family, and others in the community. “Starkville is just a great place to come and enjoy the weather and the comradery of races,” said participant Amber Mckenzie. Though the event is known as the Frostbite…

Featured, Local News

Crossroads sober living opens a new home for men

Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss (WCBI)-  Crossroads Sober Living Home is opening a facility to help those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse. The center will be used for fellowship, worship, and a transition into a sober living style. What was once a dark road, now has a light at the end of the tunnel. That’s the mission president Dusty Snider of Crossroads Sober…
Featured, Local News

Cypress Park apartment residents woke up to no water and no answer

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Some Columbus residents woke with no water this morning. It had been turned off. The only problem is they all say they’ve paid their bills. Earlier today, residents at Cypress Park tell me they couldn’t use the bathroom, they couldn’t cook, and they couldn’t even feed their children because. They had no water. They say the…

Local News

4-County Electric Power Association bringing internet to rural areas

Aundrea Self,

4-COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A multi-million dollar award will help 4-County Electric Power Association bring internet service to more customers in rural areas. The utility was awarded more than 35-million dollars from a Federal Communication Commission auction. 4-County will use the money to continue the rollout of its new “FASTnet” broadband service. Right now, “FASTnet” is rolling out broadband services…
Local News

Lowndes County Port Authority honors first board president

Joey Barnes,

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Lowndes County Port Authority honors its first board president. Port Access Extention Road will now be known as Henry Weiss Boulevard. Weiss was port authority for many years. He’s credited for going to Washington D.C. to get money from lawmakers to create the port. Port Director Will Sanders says the facility would not be…
Local News

Nettleton Police Chief Has Warning For Those Vandalizing Campaign Signs

Allie Martin,

NETTLETON, MISS. (WCBI) – The police chief in one Monroe County town has a stern warning for those who are vandalizing signs of political candidates. Nettleton Police Chief Gary Monaghan was driving through the intersection at Metts Road and Highway 145 when he noticed political signs, including his, had been hit by vandals. “We have been coming through, finding some…
Local News

Local schools say technology is the future for learning and engagement

Joey Barnes,

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)-The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the traditional norm of how students attend school. Whether your child learns virtually or on a hybrid schedule, there’s a model most schools are relying on to make it all a bit easier- technology. It’s been nearly a year since students were pulled from classrooms. With classes back in session, students have access…

Local News

MSU alumni show their appreciation for frontline workers

Aundrea Self,

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Some Mississippi State Alumni are showing their appreciation to the frontline workers at OCH Regional Medical Center. The Oktibbeha county chapter of the MSU Alumni Association provided meals to the staff in the E-R, on the Covid floor, and in the ICU today. The group dropped off lunch and goodie bags for workers. Members say they…