Lowndes County now holds valuation of over $1 billion

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Last year property in Lowndes County was valued at $980 million. That value has now gone over $1 billion. But what does that mean? Just about 10 years ago the value of the property on the Lowndes County tax rolls was $532 million. Today, that number has almost doubled. The County’s value is now $1.46…

With recent layoffs many are looking for jobs and they may be in the GTR

GOLDEN TRIANGLE (WCBI) – Recent large-scale layoffs in North Mississippi have former workers looking for answers and, more importantly, jobs. Experts on workforce development talked about the outlook in the Golden Triangle. Layoffs like those at United Furniture and Tiffin have shocked long-term employees. What they may not realize is that the next job could be just a short drive…

Amory PD conducts search operation connected to 2021 murder case

AMORY, Miss. (WCBI) – A cold case investigation is heating up in Amory. Amory PD posted on Facebook about increasing police presence on Highland Drive near 12th Avenue North for a search operation. 12th Avenue North is where the murder of Judy Baxter, an elderly woman, took place in August 2021. Amory Police said they are searching two properties in…

Golden Egg made appearance in Columbus Tuesday morning

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The Golden Egg made its arrival in Columbus this morning. Bulldog fans got to bask in the glory as egg bowl champions and take pictures with the historic trophy. The Tennessee Williams Welcome Center was the last stop on the 2022 Golden Egg tour. If you missed it, maybe there will be more opportunities to come…

Two people take stand in Lowndes County murder trial

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A murder trial continues in Lowndes County. Lowndes County EMA Director Cindy Lawrence and a former Columbus police officer took the stand in the murder trial involving Terry Macon. Terry Macon Macon is charged with First Degree Murder in the October 2021 shooting death of Deadrian Buckhalter. CPD said Macon and Buckhalter got into an…

South Side Elementary students decorate Christmas story trees

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) – T’was the night before Christmas, and all through the halls, South Side Elementary decorated trees with ornament balls. But the magic lies in the story of the trees. Each class read and learned about a different Christmas book and was challenged to create a tree based on the story. “We wanted every kid to be involved…

Child accidentally shoots sibling; toddler in serious, but stable condition

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A two-year-old Monroe County boy is in serious, but stable condition at UAB Hospital following an accidental shooting. Monroe County deputies responded to the shooting call around noon on Sunday in the Lackey community. Sheriff Kevin Crook said the child was accidentally shot by his older sibling, also a toddler. Crook said there were adults…

Lowndes County murder trial begins opening statements

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A murder trial is underway in Lowndes County. A jury was seated late this afternoon, and opening arguments began in the trial of Terry Macon. Macon is charged with First Degree Murder in the October 2021 shooting death of Deadrian Buckhalter. Columbus Police said the two men got into an argument on 22nd Avenue North…

LCBS approves county workers to haul away tree, yard debris

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Lowndes County will be able to help homeowners who suffered tornado damage dispose of some of their debris. Much of the damage from last Tuesday’s tornado happened along Highway 12, which is a state-maintained highway, and an area where Lowndes County road crews normally don’t pick up limbs and other tree and yard debris. Under…

Supervisors approve raise for some Lowndes County elected officials

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Some Lowndes County elected officials will be seeing a little extra in their checks come January. Supervisors approved a $2,000-a-year raise for Justice Court Judges, the County Attorney, and themselves. Lowndes County has surpassed $1 billion in property valuation. State law sets a minimum and maximum pay for certain elected officials in counties based on…

Mississippi University for Women held 2022 December commencement

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – It was graduation day on Friday for students at Mississippi University for Women. Some students said that they’re glad to be done with undergraduate school, but the academic journey continues. “I’m just glad to be through and get my bachelor’s degree. I’ve already signed up to get my master’s degree and I start that in January…

Local organization lends helping hand to families affected by tornado

The Lions Club International

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss (WCBI) – More than 35 homes in Lowndes County suffered damage from Tuesday night’s storm. After the devastating tornado that hit Tuesday night, Steens residents are processing what’s left. And now that their power is restored, the clean-up is in full gear. Many Lowndes County residents are shaken-up and some are feeling forgotten. “No one has come,…

MSU’s Egg Bowl Trophy is coming to Columbus on December 6

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Football Fans, especially MSU Bulldog Fans, listen up. Here’s your chance to see the Egg Bowl Trophy up close and personal. The Golden Egg’s statewide tour is coming to Columbus. Tuesday, December 6 the Egg Bowl trophy will be on display at the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center on Main Street in Columbus from 11:30 a.m. until…

As online shoppers prepare for packages, so do porch pirates

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – If you plan to Christmas shop from your computer screen, you need to make sure you’re the one picking up your delivery. Porch pirates are licking their chops, hoping to swipe valuable packages from your home. While online shopping may be more convenient, don’t let these grinches steal your packages or holiday spirit. With porch pirates…

Louisville police ask for public’s help identifying burglary suspect

LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Louisville Police are asking for the public’s help to find a burglary suspect. The man was caught on security video in the moments before the break-in of a business. If you recognize this person or have any information on this case, call the Louisville Police Department at 662-773-3511 or Winston County CrimeStoppers at 662-773-9999. For 24/7…

Lowndes County EMA works to get rain tarps for damaged roofs

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The recovery stage from Tuesday night’s storm continues. With rain expected in the forecast, the Lowndes County EMA wants to make sure homeowners are dry. A request was made to the state to receive large tarps to cover people’s roofs. The local EMA is trying to give out as many tarps as it can. “That’s…

MEMA reports increase in number of damaged structures

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – We are learning more about the damage tornadoes left behind this week in Mississippi. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is reporting 29 homes in Lowndes County, along with one public building that were damaged. That public building is the volunteer fire department. Six homes in Choctaw County and one in Oktibbeha were damaged. Storms also left destruction…