Two people injured after building collapse in Macon

MACON, Miss. (WCBI) – Two people are in the hospital with severe injuries after a building collapses on them. Macon Police Chief Davine Beck tells WCBI the individuals were in the Macon City Drugstore when the wall caved in around 5 pm this evening. Both victims were taken to the hospital for treatment. Their condition is unknown at this time….

Tupelo Furniture Market is underway, with some changes

Optimism prevails at first market in two years

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – The bi-annual Tupelo Furniture Market is underway for the first time since 2020 and there are some changes. “We did a smaller version of the big furniture market, ” said V.M. Cleveland, founder of the Market. The Winter Furniture Market is scaled down, running from Wednesday through Friday. Last year, supply chain disruptions meant longer shipping…

Electrical crews prepare for possible severe weather damage

Time is critical during power outages.

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- Heavy rain and strong wind gusts can be a recipe for disaster. The aftermath of a severe storm can leave downed power lines, broken poles, and fallen trees—a mix that usually leaves folks in the dark. Time is critical during power outages. It could be minutes to hours, depending on the damage. That’s why crews prepare…

Columbus Police review gun safety after accidental shooting into restaurant

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus Police say the man who accidentally fired his gun outside the Mi Hacienda restaurant Wednesday night has come forward. Police Chief Fred Shelton says that 22-year-old Justin Bishop is charged with shooting into a dwelling after his handgun went off and sent a bullet inside the restaurant. Chief Shelton says the incident demonstrates how vital…

MSU makes sure that students are safe during severe weather

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Education is important at Mississippi State University but there is also a strong focus on safety. And Mississippi State University wants to make sure its students have all the information they need to stay safe in case the weather turns severe. Chief Communication Officer Sid Salter says safety on and off campus is addressed even before…

Attorney Richard Schwartz opens new office in Tupelo

Well known personal injury lawyer says it will take some time to clear backlog of court cases

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – A well-known Mississippi attorney says it will take some time to clear a backlog of cases in the court system statewide. Richard Schwartz and Associates cut the ribbon on their new offices in Tupelo.  The offices are located in Fairpark West, a new office building developed in the Fairpark District. Schwartz, whose firm handles personal injury…

Charges upgraded in Columbus homicide investigation

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Charges are upgraded in a Columbus homicide investigation and the suspect is denied bond. 45-year-old James Overstreet is now charged with murder and aggravated assault. He was denied bond this morning in court. Overstreet remains in the Lowndes County jail. Investigators say there was a fight outside of Legends bar on Sunday night. Officers were called…

EMCC host Black History Month celebration program

EMCC, Miss. (WCBI) – East Mississippi Community College is carrying the tradition of building brighter futures by recognizing the heroic efforts of years past. Wednesday EMCC hosted a Black History Month celebration program. The event featured musical performances and guest speakers. Dr. Dantwan Smith, a cardiology fellow at the University of Mississippi Medical Center was a guest speaker and talks…

Columbus City Council approves money for new street signs

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Those purchases you’ve been making online could soon be a sign. The Columbus city council approves using internet sales tax money to buy new street signs. 20,000 dollars worth of damaged and worn signs will be replaced. Internet sales tax can be used for street improvements. No word on when the replacement will begin.   Categories:…

Florists say they stay busy even after Valentine’s Day

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Valentine’s Day is over but a florist’s job is never done In the days after Valentine’s Day, it’s not unusual to see bare shelves at your local florist. Even though the rush is over, Wanda Baldwin at Noweta’s Green Thumb in Columbus says there’s still plenty of work to do. “We have a steady business always…

West Point teen arrested for brandishing gun during high school fight

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A 19-year-old is facing a felony charge after pulling out a gun during a fight outside New Hope High School. Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins acknowledges that things could’ve gone from bad to so much worse when 19-year-old Perry Marrow allegedly reached for his weapon during an incident after a high school basketball game on February…

Bruce residents to decide fate of beer and light wine referendum

If approved, beer and light wine could be sold inside the town limits

BRUCE, MISS. (WCBI) – Voters in one Calhoun County town will soon get to decide whether or not beer and light wine will be sold in convenience stores and restaurants. Bruce is known as the town where money grows in trees, because of the Weyerhaeuser Lumber Mill.  But Mayor Rudy Pope says the town is losing out on potential tax money…

The State of Mississippi is under a Red Flag Notice

Chickasaw County, Miss (WCBI) – The National Weather Service put Mississippi under a Red Flag Notice as of this morning. Outdoor burning is discouraged due to the extremely dry conditions. Firefighters, especially in rural areas have been busy putting out blazes that have gotten out of control “It was just something that turned into a simple gonna burn some leaves…

Experts want to see two realms improve during Black History Month

NORTH, Miss. (WCBI)- We’re halfway through Black History Month and so far plenty of light has been shed on many folks in communities; however these days Black History month isn’t only about history. People are trying to spread awareness and information to help the African American community today. Mental health and financial literacy are just two areas that experts and community…

Lowndes County supervisors honor a long-time firefighter

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Lowndes County supervisors honor a long-time firefighter that passed away. County leaders passed a resolution this morning to remember Wayne Doyle. He was a volunteer firefighter for 40 years. The Lowndes County native was also the District 3 Fire Chief. Doyle recently passed away after a battle with COVID-19. Categories: Local News

County Road Manager Ronnie Burns retiring after 27 years of service

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Lowndes County Supervisors have just a few months to replace a department head with decades of experience. After 27 years with the Road Department and over a decade as County Road Manager, Ronnie Burns is retiring. Supervisors accepted his letter of retirement at today’s meeting. Board President Trip Hairston praised Burns’ dedication to the job…

Main Street in Starkville could be in for a makeover

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Main Street in Starkville could be in for a makeover. The Board of Aldermen is considering a proposal for a redesign and redevelopment plan for the busy thoroughfare. The design firm Kimley-Horn Associates is presenting a proposal tonight for the changes. The redesign would include adding shade structures and extra lighting. It would also include widening…

City Councilman Pierre Beard charges dismissed

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Charges against Ward 4 City Councilman Pierre Beard are dismissed. Beard had an appearance in Lowndes County Justice Court Tuesday afternoon. He was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence. The alleged victim and the officer that wrote the report did not show up at court today. That’s when Judge Ron Cooke dismissed the charges with prejudice. You…