Area youth court, DA’s office plan to collaborate to curb youth crime

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A collaboration between the court system and the district attorney’s office could help curb youth crime. The 16th Circuit District Attorney’s Office and Oktibbeha County Youth Court are working together to apply for a federal grant. The money would be used to enhance and expand juvenile crime prevention initiatives. Some of those include early intervention…

Lowndes Co. Road Manager goes before board to discuss paving projects

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Lowndes County Road Manager is trying to make visits to county community centers a little smoother. Mike Aldridge went before the Board of Supervisors to discuss paving projects at three of the county’s community centers. The Road Department budget for this year included paving the parking lots at New Hope, Crawford, and Concord. Right…

MEMA reports at least 100 damaged structures after storms in Moss Point

MOSS POINT, Miss. (WXXV) – Damage assessments continue across Mississippi, as severe weather has battered the state for days. In Moss Point, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said at least 100 structures were damaged. This includes homes, businesses, churches, and schools. Six people were injured. Now, city leaders there in the Gulf Coast town are coordinating relief efforts with state…

Local fire chief, coordinator retires after 40 years of service

OKOLONA, Miss. (WCBI) – A local fire chief is getting ready to hang up his helmet after 40 years of service. Terry Tucker pulled double duty as Okolona’s Fire Chief and Fire Coordinator for Monroe County. The longtime firefighter has seen many changes during his time of service, but he’s grateful to have served his community. “I just really wanted…

State historic marker unveiled at old B.L. Moor High School

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A state historic marker was unveiled at a well-known former African-American high school in Oktibbeha County. The marker was dedicated outside of the old B.L. Moor High School. This marked the culmination of a 55-year legacy celebration weekend. The school was closed in 2013. Artifacts and collectibles are being donated to the Oktibbeha Museum Society….

Large hail damage has two companies busy with claims

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Strong winds and hail blew into Lowndes and Noxubee Counties, Friday afternoon, and left behind damage to people’s property. “We have not seen a lot of storms recently that had a hail of that size and that significance. And not only was it significant-size hail but it came down for 10 or 15 minutes, from what…

City of Columbus celebrates Juneteenth with tailgate party

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus got in on the action this Juneteenth holiday. This is the 26th anniversary of the city celebrating Juneteenth. Organizers set held a tailgate party over at the Roger Short Soccer Complex. People set up their tents, grills, and coolers. Companies, churches, and other organizations are involved in the festivities. The event began at 4 p.m….

Starkville students celebrate identity, heritage with art

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Freedom Day observances are still underway in the Magnolia state. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, marks the day of emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Students in Starkville have been using their talents to illustrate the end of slavery and the promise of freedom. Director of Starkville Arts Council, Mary Switzer said…

Jasper County takes heavy hit from Sunday night storms

JASPER COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – One person is dead and nearly two dozen others were injured as a tornado roared through Jasper County. The heaviest hit area appears to be near the town of Louin. That’s where the fatality was reported, along with the injuries. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency released this drone video this afternoon, as assessments were being…

Jackson area sees dangerous storms roll through Sunday

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – The Jackson metro area saw dangerous storms roll through Sunday night. This is video from Rankin County where damage was reported around Florence and Pelahatchie. Tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings stretched on for hours along the I-20 corridor last night. Cooling stations are open in Jackson, as thousands remain without power after days of storms. These…

MDHS makes replacement SNAP benefits available for some after storms

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Some area SNAP recipients may be eligible for replacement benefits due to recent storms. The Mississippi Department of Human Services is making replacement benefits available for SNAP recipients who experienced a power outage of more than six hours due to recent storms in the area. Those who think they may qualify need to apply through the Mississippi…

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signs grocery tax cut into law

Alabama shoppers are expected to see a slight decrease in their grocery bills starting in September.

VERNON, Ala. (WCBI) – Alabama shoppers are expected to see a slight decrease in their grocery bills starting in September. Governor Kay Ivey announced on Thursday she had signed House Bill 479, which will reduce the Alabama grocery tax into law. The bill will reduce the tax on food items from 4% to 3% and has the possibility to be…

Mississippi’s unemployment rate hit a new record low

Governor Tate Reeves says this is because the state is making record investments in Mississippians and creating thousands of high-paying jobs around the state.

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi’s unemployment rate hit a new record low for the third consecutive month. The month of May’s 3.2% unemployment rate marks the third consecutive month that Mississippi set a new record low. Governor Tate Reeves says this is because the state is making record investments in Mississippians and creating thousands of high-paying jobs around the state….

The first Black land-grant university held a fundraising event in Tupelo

Founded in 1871, Alcorn State is the second state-supported school in Mississippi.

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – The first Black land-grant university in the nation held a fundraising event in Tupelo on June 17. Alcorn State University held its second annual walk, Run and Roll 5K Race for Scholars, at Fair Park to raise money for scholarships for students from Northeast Mississippi. Founded in 1871, Alcorn State is the second state-supported school in…

Columbus woman is facing charges in Tupelo for allegedly trying to deposit fraudulent checks

Her bond was set at $10,000

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Jaronica Jackson of Columbus is facing charges in Tupelo for allegedly trying to deposit fraudulent checks. Jackson, 24, i9s charged with False Pretense. Tupelo Police served the warrant Thursday, June 15. The alleged crime happened in 2022 when investigators say Jackson deposited fraudulent checks at a bank in Tupelo. Her bond was set at $10,000. The…

Local artist looks to carry on legacy of classic country singer

Over Jessica Horton's music career, she has taken on several roles, but many know her for her similar looks and vocals to Patsy Cline.

VERNON, Ala. (WCBI) – Over Jessica Horton’s music career, she has taken on several roles, but many know her for her similar looks and vocals to Patsy Cline. Horton gave radio listeners a blast from the past Saturday morning as she performed some of the country artist’s biggest hits. Horton will tell you she’s loved Patsy Cline since she was…

Award winning Elvis Tribute Artist is also a veteran of the Broadway stage

Pat Dunn uses his theatrical training when he takes the stage as Elvis

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – The Tupelo Elvis Festival is in the books and one of the highlights were performances from some of the worlds top Elvis Tribute Artists. There were many champions from past contests on stage, but one performer is also at home on Broadway, in some top roles. Pat Dunn is well known in the world of Elvis…