Columbus mayor awards two people for doing positive community work

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The City of Columbus shines a light on two people making a difference in the community. Today, Mayor Keith Gaskins awarded Lieutenant Rhonda Sanders and Dr. Julie Cooley Parker with the Earnest Brown Good Change award. This award is granted to those in the city of Columbus who do good work to help the community strive….

Interlocal agreement in Shuqualak provides law enforcement protection

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Noxubee County town of Shuqualak will now have a dedicated law enforcement presence again. County and town leaders have entered into an interlocal agreement that will allow the Sheriff’s Office to officially answer calls in Shuqualak town limits and will enable a deputy to serve as Town Marshal. The agreement will help Shuqualak and…

Lee County E-911 operator gets award for life-saving efforts during call

Caller also recognized for remaining calm and performing CPR on her boyfriend

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A 911 operator and a young mother were recognized by Lee County E-911 for their life-saving actions. It was back on November 11 that Nakkitas Scales called 911 when she discovered that her boyfriend was unresponsive. 911 operator Amber Moody answered the call, giving CPR instructions to Scales, as paramedics were dispatched. Scales performed CPR as…

Noxubee County shows appreciation for two retiring judges

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Noxubee County showed its appreciation to retiring judges Lee S. Coleman and Lee Howard. Both served the Mississippi 16th Judicial District. Coleman served for 12 years and Howard served for 32 and a half years. During the retiring ceremony, Judge Lee Howard swore in his son to fill his shoes starting January 1. For 24/7…

Former employee smashes Cracker Barrel windows in Tupelo

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – A former employee faces charges for going to town on the Old Country Store. Tupelo Police were called to a disturbance at the Cracker Barrel on Cross Creek Drive Wednesday night. When officers arrived, they found that several of the restaurant’s windows had been broken, and an employee’s vehicle had been vandalized. Employees were able to…

Mississippi University for Women extends name change process

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The process is continuing but Mississippi University for Women will not be changing its name this next year. President Nora Miller provided an update on the name change process. She says more than 500 people were selected to work in 11 focus groups on the proposal but only 94 participated. So, the plan is to regroup…

MEMA reports damage assessments from tornado outbreak

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – We learn new information today on the impact of this week’s tornado outbreak in Mississippi. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said 75 homes were damaged across the state. That number is expected to increase. Four injuries have been reported. Right now, Clarke County and Sharkey Counties appear to have the most homes damaged, with at least 19….

Chickasaw County deputies search for man cashing fake payroll check

CHICKASAW COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Chickasaw County deputies are asking for help finding someone that has reportedly been passing bogus checks. Sheriff James Meyers said this man cashed a fraudulent payroll check at the Food Shop in Houlka. The incident happened yesterday. Investigators said the unidentified suspect was driving a silver car. If you have any information call the Chickasaw…

Columbus police are looking for the driver of a hit and run incident

In late November Derrick Seals was hit by a vehicle and killed

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- In late November, Derrick Seals was hit by a vehicle and killed. The driver left the scene without calling for help or checking on Seals. Investigators with the Columbus Police Department have been searching for the person behind the wheel. Now they believe they may have identified the vehicle and they need your help to find it….

FRC receives donations from Walmart to help families this Christmas

Unexpected donation provides clothes for thousands of people in the region

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Christmas will be brighter for many people thanks to an unexpected donation from retail giant Walmart, and the Family Resource Center of North Mississippi. Late last week, the Family Resource Center got a call from Walmart. “Was able to donate all the summer apparel, clothing for children and adults,” said FRC Program Director Shelia Davis. Staff…

It’s been a long time: Historic clock back downtown Winona

WINONA, Miss. (WCBI) – Some residents in Winona say it’s about time. A clock that once stood in the Montgomery County Courthouse is now standing tall once again in downtown. It has taken over 10 years, but thanks to the help of citizens, FedEx, and Senator Lydia Chassional, the courthouse clock has found a new home in its old hometown….

WCBI will host final day for blood drive with Vitalant on Friday

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – In the season of giving, Vitalant and generous donors helped kick off a blood drive today. Vitalant opened its mobile unit doors in front of WCBI studios. The blood drive began at noon and wrapped up at 5 p.m. Folks giving blood said this is the perfect opportunity to support their community. “Well, people always need…

BMH-GT gets national recognition for quality of patient care

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Baptist Memorial Hospital Golden Triangle is getting national recognition for taking care of its patients. The hospital has been recognized as a top performer in the Bernard A. Birnbaum Quality Leadership Ranking administered by Vizient. Vizient is a national service that compares the quality of patient care in 650 hospitals across the country. Baptist was ranked…