Mississippi lawmakers begin 2023 legislative session

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – The Mississippi Legislature gaveled in for the 2023 session this morning in Jackson. Today was the first day of work in the 90-day session. Lawmakers were expected to discuss how to spend the state’s $1 billion surplus. Tax breaks, along with tax rebates will all be on the table. The Republican majority said it wants to…

Shifts in population lead LCBS to approve new voting district map

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Just in time for what is likely to be a busy election season, Lowndes County Supervisors approved a new district map. District lines had to be redrawn due to population shifts in the 2020 Census. Districts One and Two lost people, while Districts Four and Five gained voters. District Three remained relatively unchanged. Lowndes County…

Missing teen investigation leads to arrest of man and his mother

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A missing teenager investigation led to the arrest of a man and his mother in Lowndes County. 23-year-old Elijah Trout and his mother, 52-year-old Roberta Hutchinson, are both charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Trout is also charged with statutory rape. Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said the family of a 15-year-old reported her…

MDOT shares road construction plans for upcoming year

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – MDOT shared several road construction projects happening throughout the year. One of those included an overlay project on State Route 25 in Itawamba and Monroe Counties. It is a $6.5 million project to overlay the roadway from State Route 6 in Monroe County to Interstate 22 in Itawamba County. That is just one overlay project. Others are…

Two people die in crashes during holiday enforcement period, MHP reports

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – The Mississippi Highway Patrol said two people died in crashes during the New Year Holiday enforcement period. The crashes happened in Neshoba and Yalobusha Counties. Troopers also made 164 DUI arrests. More than 8,000 citations were written. In all, troopers responded to 203 accidents. Here is the official MHP accident report. For 24/7 news and updates, follow…

Tips to take while working on your New Year’s Resolution

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- We are 2 days into 2023 and you may have set a few personal goals for the New Year. For many people that includes plans to get… or stay… fit. New year’s resolutions are common to have and a common resolution is to get into shape. Beth Jeffers owner of The Fitness Factor in Columbus says getting…

Local vet says things to remember when becoming a pet owner

WEST POINT, Ms (WCBI) – Furry friends found new homes this holiday season. Having a new pet is exciting, remember there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with it. A local veterinarian says the importance of taking your animals for checkups. Whether they have four legs, scales, or wings, remember, your pet needs love and care. West Point veterinarian, Dr….

Webster County Sheriff’s Office asks for meat donations

WEBSTER COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Webster County Sheriff’s Office is looking to offer their inmates quality food within their food budget. They are asking for venison and pork donations. Sheriff David Gore said a meat donation from your day of hunting or deep freezer along with the community garden run by Webster County saves money for the jail and…

Columbus police search for suspect still in handcuffs, barefoot

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus police spend the afternoon searching for a suspect that ran off with handcuffs on and his shoes off. Officers were first called to Lehmberg Road about an accident. While investigating the crash, police learned the suspect had a stolen gun. The man, whose identity has not been released, broke away from officers as he was…

Local businesswoman celebrates four decades of serving community

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A local businesswoman is celebrating four decades of serving her community. Brenda Martin, a West Lowndes graduate, has owned and operated M & M Tax Services in Columbus which she opened up in 1982. Martin said she’s proud of the milestone but more so, proud of serving the public in other ways. She organized toy drives…

Three children missing from Pontotoc County found safe

RIPLEY COUNTY, Mo. (WCBI) – Here is an update to a story we have been following. Three children who were reported missing in Pontotoc County have been located safe in Missouri. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation issued an Endangered/Missing Child Alert for Hazelie Payne, Eden Payne, and Willow Payne Wednesday afternoon. The parents, Chelsey and Austin Payne, were accused of…

Woman accused of stealing decorations faces petit larceny charges

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The woman accused of being Lowndes County’s Grinch is sacking up more charges. In addition to her drug charge, April Denise Simmons is now facing three petit larceny charges. Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said several owners of the stolen Christmas decorations have come forward. A doorbell camera caught who investigators believe is Simmons taking a tree…

LCBS recognize Extension Agent for his work with county farmers

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Supervisors recognized long-time Lowndes County Extension Agent Reid Nevins for his work with county farmers. The Board approved a resolution commending Nevins on a job well done. Nevins worked with farmers, farm operations, and community members to provide ongoing education about agriculture. For 24/7 news and updates, follow us on Facebook and Twitter Categories: Local News

Starkville police investigate shooting that left one person injured

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – One person is injured in a Starkville shooting. The gunfire happened Thursday night near the intersection of Reed Road and Orchard Lane. Starkville police said an argument led to the gunfire but they had no further details. The extent of the victim’s injury was not known this morning. No arrest has been made. If you have…

Local firework store gears up for New Year’s Eve rush

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The year is winding down, which means the sky will soon be lit up with fireworks. Orbit Fireworks is the go-to store for many pyrotechnics fans in the Columbus area. And the staff there said even though prices may go up, demand hasn’t fizzled out. There are two days left until the new year, and while…