Family honors late veteran with “Independence Day” memorial

LaSandra Miller wins the Fourth of July Yard Decoration competition for Ward 2 in Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – While the Fourth of July is known for fireworks and grand celebrations, for one Columbus family, the holiday carries a much deeper meaning. Two years ago, life changed for the Miller family on Independence Day. What once was a day of celebration became a day of remembrance for their loved one Shern Miller — a husband, a…

CAFB hosts Freedom Fest 2026, celebrating America’s 250th

COLUMBUS, Miss., (WCBI) — Thousands came out to help Columbus Air Force Base celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in a big way. Land of the free, home of the brave! A large crowd was on hand to celebrate America’s 250th birthday at Columbus Air Force Base. The Fourth of July celebration, usually held at the Columbus Lock and Dam, changed locations…

Tips for keeping your pets cool this summer

COLUMBUS, Miss., (WCBI) — As the heat continues to swelter, it’s important to not only take care of yourselves but your pets as well. As the temperatures continue to climb, so do the chances of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, not only in people but in pets as well. Kim Hays with the Columbus – Lowndes Humane Society says it’s…

Hitting the Rodeo with style

CLAY COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – WCBI Anchor / Cowgirl, Kealy Shields, checks in with an Alabama couple who can help you get Rodeo-ready in one stop Categories: Local News Tags: Clay County Sheriff’s Rodeo, July 4th, rodeo

Firework safety for this Fourth of July

COLUMBUS, Miss., (WCBI) — As many celebrate America’s 250th birthday this year, we want to ensure that your safety is our highest priority. What better way than to celebrate the birthday of our nation than with fireworks. Although they’re very pretty and vibrant when they light up the night. When used incorrectly, fireworks can be dangerous. WCBI spoke with Columbus…

Miss Mississippi Teen Volunteer Josie Todd will leave her mark for future titleholders

TUPELO & THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI, MISS. (WCBI) –  It is  a busy week for Miss Mississippi Teen Volunteer Josie Todd.   She is involved in production numbers, encouraging pageant contestants and helping host the Miss Mississippi Volunteer Pageant. But Josie has had a full schedule the past year.   She won the title last July , and since then has been…

Staying safe in the Mississippi heat

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) -You don’t have to go far; in fact, all you have to do is open the door to know that the Summer heat is here. With high temperatures sitting in the upper 90s and the heat index in the triple digits, emergency responders and health professionals are warning about heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Family Nurse Practitioner…

Saddling up for the 2nd annual Clay County Sheriff’s Rodeo

Fun for the kids starts at 5, and the rodeo is hitting the ground running at 7:15

CLAY COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – For more than 150 years, professional rodeos have been one of the biggest spectator sports in the world. For Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott, it was something he grew up on. “The rodeo is a simpler past. I grew up going to rodeos, and there are not that many local rodeos. Some kids have never…

“Protect the House”: MS scientist writes storm survival guide

Dr. Jamese Sims releases her new book "Protect the House" to prepare vulnerable communities for unfortunate circumstances.

NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – A Mississippi native is on a mission to teach people how to “weather the storm.” And it starts with preparing before the lightning strikes or the temperature rises. “Weather Doesn’t Discriminate, but Impact Does.” That’s the subtitle and the heart of Mississippi native Dr. Jamese Sims’ new book “Protect the House.” “‘I had to protect the house,’…

MHP prepares for Independence weekend travel period

While the spirits are expected to be high this 4th of July, Flake says it's not worth a DUI.

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI)- The 4th of July is just days away, and many people are expected to hit the roads for the holiday weekend. To ensure drivers are safe, the Mississippi Highway Patrol will be out in full force patrolling the state’s highways. Mississippi Highway Patrol Troop G Public Affairs Officer Clay Flake says there are a few things drivers can do…