Salvation Army in Columbus welcomes new leader

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Salvation Army in Columbus is welcoming a new leader. Captain Thomas Johnson is coming to Columbus from Lafayette, Louisiana. He will be over many different aspects of the Salvation Army, from the Family Store to the church. He wants to make the community more aware of all the different aspects of the charity, specifically the church….

Fraudsters leave victims without disaster relief funds

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Fraud is a real issue that affects real people. And taking advantage of someone affected by a disaster is worse. Roughly two weeks ago, we reported to you about a Tennessee couple accused of scamming their way into disaster funds in Amory. The arrest came after the real homeowners took matters into their own hands….

Disabled Marine camps out in Tupelo mall food court to help wounded vets

'7 Days for the Troops' raises money for track chairs for disabled veterans

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Most people enjoy a trip to the mall, but a local veteran is spending an entire week camped in the food court at the Mall at Barnes Crossing. If you’re in the food court at the Mall at Barnes Crossing between now and July 1, you might get the honor of helping raise money for disabled…

Incoming freshman take first steps toward campus life at MSU

Orientation sessions are starting to wind down, but many students' journeys are just beginning.

MISSISSIPPI STATE, Miss. (WCBI) – Annabelle Paxton is a third-generation student at Mississippi State. She is following in her family’s footsteps. “My parents came here in the 1980s; they met here and later got married. And my grandfather actually played baseball here in the 1940s,” said Paxton. Paxton is an orientation leader, showing future students around campus. Her goal is…

Mississippi University for Women nursing programs rank top in the state

COLUMBUS, Miss (WCBI) – Mississippi University for Women is earning high marks as three of its nursing programs are named number one in the state. The Associate Degree in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs were recognized for excellence. The ranking is based on several factors, such as overall retention,…

World War II vet celebrates 100th birthday in Kosciusko

ATTALA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) –  A World War II veteran celebrated 100 years of life. Roy D. Fuqua celebrated his 100th birthday on June 24 at the VA nursing home in Kosciusko, Miss. where he lives. His birthday was June 26. He served in the Army in World War II. He retired from the A&P Grocery Store and went to…

Monroe County EPA warns customers about using Cash App to pay bills

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Monroe County Electric Power Association is warning customers about using Cash App to pay their bills. Customers who have used the app to pay their bills are receiving a message that doubles the amount they charged. These messages are not from the power association. Anyone who has received such messages will need to take…

Pickensville police chief dies in Aliceville, foul play not suspected

PICKENS COUNTY, Ala. (WCBI) – The Pickensville, Alabama police chief has died and now a death investigation is underway. Kendrick Barnes died Monday in Aliceville. Pickens County Coroner Chad Harless and District Attorney Andy Hamlin referred questions to the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation. Sources told WCBI foul play is not suspected in the investigation. Barnes was the only officer…

Reward grows as family searches for missing Noxubee County man

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The reward for information about a missing Noxubee County man is growing. Kenneth Reed has not been seen since February 22 in Shuqualak. His family is offering more than seven thousand dollars for information on his whereabouts. Now, the district attorney’s office and Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers are teaming up to offer up to a…

Local utility companies work to clean up after strong storms

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Strong storms hit parts of the viewing area Sunday night. Several power outages were reported in the Golden Triangle along with fallen trees. The workweek started early for crews at Starkville Utilities and 4-County Electric Power Association. Sunday night’s storms took down powerlines, branches, and trees in New Hope and Starkville. “We really do see…

Teen dies in vehicle crash on Highway 366 in Tishomingo

TISHOMINGO, Miss. (WCBI) – The Mississippi Highway Patrol is investigating a vehicle crash that took the life of a teenager. MHP responded to the fatal crash around 6:51 a.m. on Highway 366 in Tishomingo. Law enforcement said a vehicle driven by Ashton Rojas of Dennis, Mississippi was traveling west of Highway 366. The vehicle left the road, striking several trees….

Law enforcement puts on Junior Police Academy camp in Clay County

CLAY COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Over 40 children from across Clay County are getting a behind-the-scenes look at law enforcement. The West Point Police Department and Clay County Sheriff’s Office are teaming up to host the Junior Police Academy this week. Children ages eight through 17 are learning what it takes to become a law enforcement officer. They learned how…

Charges released for man in Millport, Alabama pursuit case

MILLPORT, Ala. (WCBI) – We now know the charges a man is facing after running from law enforcement in West Alabama. The pursuit ended in a crash on Highway 96, just outside of Millport, on Saturday afternoon. 45-year-old Steven Melton was charged with possession of meth and paraphernalia, along with attempting to elude, criminal littering, and tampering with evidence. Police…

Mississippi receives $1.2B to use for adding broadband infrastructure

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Mississippi is one step closer to internet access even in the most remote areas of the state. The state of Mississippi is receiving $1.2 billion to be used towards adding the foundation for broadband. The Department of Commerce for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program is investing $42.45 billion towards broadband development across the country. Senator…

Participants in the biggest fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Mississippi have been announced

Ten participants in this year's Dance Like the Stars were introduced in Tupelo earlier this week

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Participants in the biggest fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs of North Mississippi have been announced. Ten participants in this year’s Dance Like the Stars were introduced in Tupelo earlier this week. The dancers are local celebrities and community leaders who are representing Tupelo, New Albany, Ripley, and Oxford. Participants are required to fundraise and…

A West Alabama pursuit ends in a crash

The crash took place on Highway 96, just outside of Millport

MILLPORT, Ala. (WCBI) – A West Alabama pursuit goes through two counties and ends in a crash. The crash took place on Highway 96, just outside of Millport on June 24. Gordo, Carrollton, Pickens County Sherriff’s Department, and ALEA Alabama State Troopers were coming to assist and arrived shortly after the incident Reform and Millport was also in the chase….

Aberdeen resident is recognized for his work preserving historic properties

The award was presented during the recent Mississippi Main Street awards gala and recognizes Dwight Stevens efforts to preserve historic commercial and residential buildings in Aberdeen.

ABERDEEN, Miss. (WCBI) – A longtime Aberdeen resident and businessman is recognized for his work preserving historic properties in that city. He is also known as the “Mississippi Main Street Hero.” The award was presented during the recent Mississippi Main Street awards gala and recognizes Dwight Stevens efforts to preserve historic commercial and residential buildings in Aberdeen. He started ‘Save Aberdeen…