North Mississippi Health Services announces workforce changes, layoffs

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Citing a “dramatic shift occurring within healthcare”, North Mississippi Health Services has announced changes to its workforce. Unfortunately, those workforce changes are going to include layoffs. NMHS leaders said the hospital system has experienced financial losses over the past year, and they expect those losses to grow. North Mississippi cites several factors contributing to those losses including…

Former Starkville teacher indicted on federal child pornography charges

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – A former Starkville teacher has been indicted on federal child pornography charges in Georgia. Michael Allen Dendy who now lives in Milledgeville, Georgia was charged with five counts of production of child pornography, seven counts of distribution, eight counts of receiving, and one count of possession of child pornography. The indictment alleged that Dendy enticed minors…

Police release new information about arrest of man at Starkville hotel

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – There is new information on the arrest of a man at a Starkville hotel. 27-year-old Jamarquis Jackson, of West Point, was charged with displaying a deadly weapon, disorderly conduct, and a concealed carry charge. State law does not allow you to commit a crime while having a concealed carry weapon. Jackson remains in the Oktibbeha County…

MHP troopers respond to multi-vehicle crash on Highway 82

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – An accident involving several vehicles brought traffic to a stop on Highway 82 in Lowndes County Thursday morning. It happened shortly after 8 a.m. in the eastbound lane just after the Macon/Meridian exit. Our crew saw at least four vehicles off the road. One was a van from Springhill Baptist Church in Starkville. At least…

Columbus city councilman connected to armed robbery investigation

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A Columbus city councilman is connected to an armed robbery investigation but has not been charged. Police Chief Joseph Daughtry told WCBI Ward 4 Councilman Pierre Beard was outside of Waffle House on June 25 when two people were robbed at gunpoint. Quavis Betts was charged with armed robbery. Police have talked to Beard as part…

Local camp inspires next generation of entrepreneurs

A camp in Starkville is getting the next generation of entrepreneurs ready to take those first steps. 

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Entrepreneurs in Mississippi may soon be getting assistance to get their businesses off the ground. The Mississippi Development Authority approved up to $86 million to help small businesses. The State Small Business Credit Initiative will operate four programs to support Mississippi small businesses and startups. A camp in Starkville that is getting the next generation of…

Columbus downtown debates: Proposed policy to adopt ‘Red Cup District’

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus residents and business owners are weighing in on a proposed ordinance that would loosen restrictions on taking alcoholic beverages between restaurants and bars downtown. The plan is sparking both support and concern in the community. Business owners see the proposal as a way to increase foot traffic, but some city residents think that more people…

Columbus city leaders meet to discuss garbage pick-up, costs

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – City leaders in Columbus met to discuss garbage pick-up and costs. People are used to getting their trash picked up twice a week. At the meeting, options were discussed for the city to get 90-gallon cans for residents or not, as well as if trash would be picked up once or twice a week. Right now,…

Two people in Starkville face prostitution charge

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Two people in Starkville are facing a prostitution charge. Jasmine Morris and Jamarkius Andrews were booked into the Oktibbeha County jail. A Starkville police spokesperson said officers were first called about a disturbance. After investigating, police found out the argument was over a payment. The prostitution charge was considered a misdemeanor. For 24/7 news and updates,…

Area kids to learn importance of money managing at Lemonade Day event

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Young entrepreneurs are getting ready to sell fresh glasses of lemonade with a side of ambition. Lemonade Day gives kids their first taste of building a business and many are even able to receive micro-loans from Cadence Bank to get started and learn the importance of managing your finances. Participants will be setting up shop…

North Mississippi school gets healthy donation for promoting wellness

FULTON, Miss. (WCBI) – A north Mississippi high school got a healthy donation to promote wellness on campus. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation of Mississippi announced today that Itawamba Agricultural High School in Fulton is this year’s winner of the Healthy School Award. IAHS earned the title “Healthy School” for its work in developing school health and wellness…

MUW prepares for upcoming semester with orientation sessions

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Getting used to a new school can be a challenge at any age, even if you’re a college student. Mississippi University for Women has been holding orientation sessions all Summer. Wednesday was set aside for transfer students coming in from community colleges and other universities. These incoming students spent the day learning about housing, student life,…

Sex offender in Oktibbeha County accused of having child pornography

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A convicted sex offender in Oktibbeha County was accused of having child pornography. Bond has not been set for Adam Naramore. Local, state, and federal agencies are investigating the Maben man. He was charged in Oktibbeha County after an incident in Cordele, Georgia. The Mississippi Sex Offender Registry shows Naramore was convicted on 25 counts…

Prehistoric visitors touch down in Louisville at Winston County Library

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – An extinct species touched down in Louisville. Dinosaurs of all kinds made a guest appearance at the Winston County Library in Louisville. The Mississippi Regional Library System teamed up with Magic Mr. Nick and the Dinosaur Crew and held three shows. One in Carthage, one in Kosciusko, and ended the day in Louisville. Roughly 60 kids…

City of Columbus attempts to expand its borders again

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus is attempting to expand its borders again. The last time the Columbus City Council proposed annexation, it deadlocked and ultimately failed. Two Columbus councilmen said the city needs to move past its current borders to attract more economic development. Vice Mayor and Ward 2 city councilman, Joseph Mickens, said adding more territory will lead to…

Domestic Violence: How abuse inside the home can impact children

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – More than a third of men and women in Mississippi have been domestic violence victims. Most suffer in silence, and for many families, the abuse trickles down to the youngest members. Dorothy Sanders has seen domestic violence’s effects on a family. For almost three decades, she has worked to provide help for abuse victims. Sanders said…

Oxford man arrested on witness intimidation charge

OXFORD, Miss. (WCBI) – An Oxford man was accused of not knowing when to leave well enough alone. Last week, we reported Brandon Beckerdite’s arrest on Cyberstalking charges. He made bond for that arrest, but a protection order was put in place to keep him from contact with the victim. Saturday, Oxford Police were called about a man in violation…

Noxubee County deputies give update on missing person case

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Noxubee County deputies gave an update on one missing person case and ask for help in two other investigations. Lucy Townsend hasn’t been seen since July 2015 while walking down Highway 14, near Mashulaville. It was a route she took every day while in the community. Investigators told WCBI they believe foul play was involved…

Tupelo police make arrest in string of armed robberies

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Tupelo police made an arrest in a string of armed robberies in the city’s center. On Saturday, officers responded to three reported armed robberies in the Mid-Town area of Tupelo. Robbery victims were able to give officers a good description of the suspect and the property that was stolen. A short time later, officers attempted to…

Lt. Gov. candidate Chris McDaniel makes campaign stop in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Republican Lieutenant Governor candidate Chris McDaniel made a campaign stop in Columbus. McDaniel spoke to the monthly meeting of the Lowndes County Republican Women. He is running in the Republican primary against incumbent Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann. McDaniel laid out his plans of what he would do if he is elected. “The first thing we’re going…