Explained: What are Primary Elections, how do they work?

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – It’s primary election day. Election officials said turnout is typically low for primary elections, and that could be because the primary process can be a confusing one. It’s decision day for party primaries in state and county-wide races. The primary election narrows the field to just one candidate in each party. What that means for votes is…

Golden Triangle Development LINK plans to expand office

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The business of attracting business in the Golden Triangle has been good, and the Golden Triangle Development LINK planning an expansion. The LINK’s new offices will be at the Golden Triangle Regional Airport, putting them closer to the industries they’ve been working with over the years. Site selection is a big part of Golden Triangle Development…

Tupelo’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist champ sets sights on Memphis

Jesse Aron will represent Elvis' birthplace during Elvis Week at Graceland

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – This week marks the beginning of a celebration honoring the life and legacy of Elvis Presley. One of the highlights of Elvis Week in Memphis is the Ultimate Tribute Artist competition, where a grand champion will be crowned. The singer’s birthplace has a strong track record in the contest, and this year’s Tupelo ETA has been…

Rain soaks boxes but not spirits as MUW students move onto campus

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – This is the ideal move-in day at the Mississippi University for Women: sunny and hot with a slight breeze. Instead, this is what students experienced moving in at the W today. With gloomy weather making its debut for the week, Director of Housing and Residence Life, Andrew Moneymaker, encouraged students to be patient. “Especially today with…

Mississippi Governor candidate Brandon Presley makes stop in Starkville

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – While candidates across the state will be watching Tuesday night’s primary returns, one candidate for Governor is already focused on November. Brandon Presley was in Starkville visiting businesses and talking to residents while he kicked off the next phase of his campaign. Without an opponent in the primary, Presley has already been focusing his attention on…

Voter turnout starts steady at Columbus polling place

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The polls opened at 7 Tuesday morning for voters to cast their votes in statewide and county elections. Poll workers at the Lion Hills Center in Columbus told WCBI the turnout had been steady so far. By around 10 a.m., 275 people had voted. According to our statewide news partner WLBT, Lowndes County is one of…

Increasing numbers: Women continue to rise in manufacturing industry

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI) – They are caregivers, entrepreneurs, and bosses, and you see them in increasing numbers in manufacturing settings. According to the U.S. Census and Bureau data, about 30% of women make up the manufacturing industry. From production line workers to engineers, and managers, women are finding a place in the field. Senior Supervisor in Mixing at Yokohama,…

County governments prepare for Primary Election Day

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Candidates have been on the campaign trail for months, and your TV and radio have been buzzing with ads. It’s an election year in Mississippi. Statewide and County offices are on the ballot, and August 8 is the first real test. Lowndes County Circuit Clerk Teresa Barksdale said the county is kicking election preparation into high gear….

Mississippi State band camp is back and larger this year

It's time to crank up the tunes for band students at Mississippi State

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – It’s time to crank up the tunes for band students at Mississippi State. Band camp kicked off Monday for the Bulldogs and goes on all week. Just like the Bulldogs Football team, the Famous Maroon Band has to put in time on the practice field before they hit Davis Wade Stadium for the first time on…

Two-year narcotics investigation leads to drug bust in Choctaw County

CHOCTAW COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A two-year narcotics investigation resulted in a major drug bust in Choctaw County. 44-year-old Justin Brown was arrested at his home in Ackerman. Investigators allegedly found a felony amount of methamphetamine, powder Cocaine, crack cocaine, hydrocodone, and marijuana. Brown was charged with multiple felony drug charges along with possession of a firearm by a convicted…

4-County installing free guest Wi-Fi network at Lowndes County Sportsplex

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – You won’t have to leave your tech at home when you go to the Lowndes County Sportsplex. 4-County Electric Power Association is installing high-speed fiber internet at the county’s newest sports facility. The high-tech hook-up won’t just be for coaches and officials. 4-County is also setting up a free guest network that will be available…

Lowndes County Supervisors put out call for new recreation director

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors is putting out the “Help Wanted” sign. Supervisors approved forming a committee that will set qualifications and begin advertising for a new full-time Director of the Lowndes County Recreation Department. Tom Velek has been filling the position on an interim basis since the first of the year. He was…

Tree falls on vehicle in Chickasaw County killing 2 people, injuring 2 others

CHICKASAW COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A tree falling on a vehicle in Chickasaw County killed two people. The crash happened Sunday afternoon on Highway 8. Tavishea Harris was driving eastbound when the tree fell. 22-year-old passenger Aron Cordova Barriosand and 58-year-old passenger Annie Francis Harris both died at the scene. Tavishea Harris and 64-year-old passenger Estella Harris were injured. State…

Florida man to make appearance in Columbus court for sex crime charge

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A Florida man will make an appearance in a Columbus courtroom this week. 21-year-old Rylee Williams was charged with sexual battery and statutory rape of a minor. Columbus police said he was extradited to the city last week. Bond for Williams was set at $75,000. No information about the case was released. A preliminary hearing was…

Columbus woman gives back to local humane society

Vanessa Poteet jumped on the oppurtunity to give back to her community by helping them out.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The Columbus Lowndes Humane Society was in desperate need of cat food. Vanessa Poteet jumped on the opportunity to give back to her community by helping them out. She shared a post on a local Columbus Facebook page, and within 20 minutes she had around $210  in donations from the community. She grabbed every bag on…

Harrisburg Baptist Church host food giveaway

Clay Anthony serves as Missions Pastor and the event coordinator. He says the church conducts these food giveaways three times a year.

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Cars were lined up early on August 5 waiting for the Food Giveaway sponsored by Harrisburg Baptist Church in conjunction with the Mid-South Food Bank. Boxes were distributed to those who presented the proper ID. Clay Anthony serves as Missions Pastor and the event coordinator. He says the church conducts these food giveaways three times a…

Early soybean crop in Starkville looks good as it nears harvest

Mississippi’s 2.3 million acre soybean crop is looking strong late in its growing season.

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi’s 2.3 million acre soybean crop is looking strong late in its growing season. Soybeans are used in everyday products like food, and animal food, and they also have industrial benefits and alternative fuels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates 72% of the crop is in good or excellent condition. They estimate more than 96% of the…

Tractor accident claims the life of a Columbus man

64 year old Tim Andrews was moving dirt at his house in West Lowndes with a Massey Ferguson 135 tractor.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A Saturday morning accident claimed the life of a Columbus man. On August 5, 64-year-old Tim Andrews was moving dirt at his house in West Lowndes with a Massey Ferguson 135 tractor. The tractor rolled over and trapped him under it. Multiple emergency crews responded and removed Andrews from under the tractor. Lowndes County Coroner Greg…

Choctaw County Democratic Party Executive Committee sponsors rally to hear from candidates

Primary elections are quickly approaching

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Primary elections are quickly approaching, and the Choctaw County Democratic Party held a rally to make people aware of the candidates and motivate them to vote this election season. Hearing the candidates’ stances was one thing, but the chair of the county party, Dr. Nola Bryant, wants that interest to translate into action. “We have a…

West Point Junior Auxiliary hosts annual ‘Stuff the Bus’ fundraiser

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) – The West Point Junior Auxiliary will be hosting its annual “Stuff the Bus” fundraiser. Their goal is to partner with the community and provide school supplies to local children in need. The donations will be divided between the 11 West Point schools. Organization members asked that any and all donations be new items. “There is…