Tupelo’s Salvation Army feeds thousand for Thanksgiving

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI)- Thousands of people across the region did not miss a traditional Thanksgiving meal thanks to the Tupelo Salvation Army and an army of volunteers. More than 3,000 traditional Thanksgiving lunches were served by volunteers during the Salvation Army’s annual outreach. The community center was open for those wanting to dine in. People could also drive up and…

A Tupelo-based church feeds inmates and jail staff for Thanksgiving

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI)- Inmates in area jails, along with jail staff enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal, thanks to a Tupelo-based ministry. Nine-year-old Will Bryant spent part of his Thanksgiving morning in the kitchen at Harrisburg Baptist Church, “working very hard opening cans using a big can opener.” “Was it hard work?” asked Allie Martin. “Not that hard, I went to…

West Point business starts a new Thanksgiving tradition

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) – Thanksgiving was a little sweeter in West Point. Local business Ice Cream Island opened its doors Thursday to offer free food and fellowship. Owner Donesia Shelton says this is their way to give back to the people who support their business and to help those in the community. “Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on…

Macon woman wins 2019 Toyota Highlander in United Way raffle

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Kimberly Cotton of Macon has another reason to be thankful during this holiday. She’s the winner of an SUV. Cotton’s name was drawn last week in the United Way of Lowndes and Noxubee Counties raffle. The prize: a 2019 Toyota Highlander. Cotton went by the United Way office today to finish up the final paperwork…

Starkville church hosts Thanksgiving service, turkey giveaway

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – A Starkville church is giving thanks by giving to others. Peter’s Rock Church hosted its annual Community Thanksgiving Day Service and Turkey Giveaway this morning. More than 200 people gathered in the sanctuary for music and words of inspiration. After the service, church members distributed free turkeys to everyone who attended. They say it’s their way…

Volunteers help the Salvation Army prepare Thanksgiving lunch

More than three thousand will be fed on Thanksgiving Day

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – At one table, members of the Hopkins family were cutting pieces of cherry pie, at another Tupelo High School students were putting individual desserts into boxes, and at another, Leigh Ann Lesley, of Romie’s was helping organize the room, while also preparing sweet treats for the Thanksgiving lunch. Lesley, and her friend, Kashauna Pittman, a teacher…

Law enforcement steps up road, highway patrols for Thanksgiving

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – If you think you’ve been seeing more law enforcement on the road, you’re right. The Thanksgiving Holiday Enforcement Period started at 6 o’clock this morning. The Highway Patrol, local police departments, and Sheriff’s offices are stepping up patrols on the roads and highways. It’s not just Thanksgiving travelers, there are a couple of big-time college football games…

United Furniture driver faces grand larceny charges for taking furniture

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A truck driver for United Furniture is facing charges for allegedly taking furniture from his freight. Monroe County deputies responded to a call around 7 o’clock Tuesday night about items being removed from a United Furniture truck. Deputies responded to the scene and found 37-year-old Audrey Garth, the driver of the truck. He was arrested…

Man drives stolen car from Webster County to Texas before arrested

WEBSTER COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A man stole a car in Webster County and drove to Texas. That’s where Webster County Sheriff David Gore said they found him. Kenneth Flemings was charged with the larceny taking of a motor vehicle. It happened in the Clarkson community last week. Webster County investigators worked with the police in Dalhart, Texas to recover…

Employers are now looking for their new employees after plant closes

NORTH MISSISSIPPI (WCBI)-  After Hundreds of employees with United furniture lost their job overnight, many are now wondering where to go and what to do next. Jobs in the area are now reaching out to those who are looking for their next employer and some businesses are even hiring on the spot. Community Development Foundation Maury Giachelli Director of Existing…

United Furniture Industries lays off all employees days before Thanksgiving

The move comes just days before Thanksgiving as the company faced mounting debt

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – More than 2,500 people across northeast Mississippi woke up to find out they are out of a job. United Furniture Industries made the announcement through a memo. For months now, sources in the furniture industry have been talking about warning signs from United Furniture Industries, which owns Lane Furniture. According to sources, the company was facing…

MDOT looking to hire ahead of Christmas holiday

ABERDEEN, Miss. (WCBI)- As jobs are taken away before the Thanksgiving holiday, MDOT is looking to hire starting in December. The state’s department of transportation is hosting a job fair on December 7th at 51757 Highway 25 South in Aberdeen. The fair will take place from 8 a.m. to noon. MDOT is looking for its northeastern district which covers Winston…

Trial date set for former Noxubee County Sheriff Terry Grassaree

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – A trial date has been set for former Noxubee County Sheriff Terry Grassaree. Last week, a Federal Grand Jury returned indictments charging Grassaree and former Deputy Vance Phillips with receiving bribes. The two men are accused of using facilities in interstate commerce, in this case, the internet, and a cellphone, for the purpose of committing bribery….

Timeline, history of United Furniture in north Mississippi

BELDEN, Miss. (WCBI) – United Furniture has been part of north Mississippi for nearly 40 years, first as Comfort Furniture and in 2000, merging with Parkhill Furniture, and United Chair to create United Furniture. By December 2008, United Furniture received the exclusive licensing agreement as the U.S. manufacturer of Simmons Upholstery. In November 2017, United Furniture Industries and Heritage Home…

Annual Lee Home Bake Sale had assortments of baked goods today

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – You might call it a “Black Tuesday” bake sale. Every year, folks line up early for the Lee Home Bake Sale in Columbus. The annual fundraiser benefits the upkeep of the Stephen D. Lee home on 7th Street North. There was a variety of made-from-scratch cookies, pies, candies, rolls, jellies, and relishes – all great addition…

Columbus Police arrest teenage suspect after an alleged shooting incident

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus police arrested a teenager for allegedly shooting a gun into a home. Law enforcement said the incident happened around 1 p.m. Monday in the 1500 block of 4th Street South. 18-year-old Isaac Harris was arrested and charged with Shooting into a Dwelling. If anyone has any additional information on this incident, contact the Golden triangle…

MSU hosts Thanksgiving luncheon for Starkville area first responders

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Mississippi State University kicks off Thanksgiving by saying “thanks” to those who keep the area safe. The University hosted a Thanksgiving luncheon with all the fixings a couple of days early for Starkville area First Responders. MSU President Mark Keenum and city officials, including Vice Mayor Roy Perkins, served up the lunches. Keenum wanted to recognize…