Lowndes Co. Emergency Management and other agencies worked together to create a response plan

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – In an emergency, it’s important that everyone responding is on the same page. That was the idea behind a planning session today. Lowndes County Emergency Management and other area agencies came together to coordinate their response plans before they put them to the test next month. Columbus Fire and Rescue, Columbus Police, Baptist Golden Triangle,…

MHP encourages parents and guardians to teach good driving habits to their kids

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Good driving starts young. That was one of the messages from the Mississippi Highway Patrol today. MHP’s Director of Public Affairs, Major John Poulos spoke to business and community leaders in Columbus today. Poulos stressed the importance of seatbelt use and avoiding distractions while driving, especially texting and driving. He had a sobering message for the…

MSDH is reporting 111 new deaths from COVID-19

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) The Mississippi State Department of Health is reporting 111 new deaths from COVID-19. That is the highest number from a one-day report since the pandemic started. Those deaths did occur over a matter of weeks. Many of the death certificates are just now being identified by the health department. MSDH is also reporting 3,291 new cases. 1,655…

More than 1,000 medical workers are coming to help hospitals across Miss.

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) – More than 1,000 medical workers are beginning to help patients in hospitals across Mississippi. Governor Tate Reeves says the state awarded four contracts to bring those workers here. More than 800 nurses are included in those numbers. 61 hospitals across the state, including nine from the WCBI viewing area, made the request. Level one and two…

Crimestoppers Offers Reward In Murder Of Well Known Amory Resident

AMORY, MISS. (WCBI) –  Amory’s police chief is hoping a reward from Crimestoppers will prompt someone to come forward with information that will put the person who murdered a senior citizen behind bars. The reward offered in the Judy Baxter case is $9,999. Amory Police Chief Ronnie Bowen says the large reward is made available in certain cases, and there’s…

West Point greenwave fans still have high hopes for their team

Whether it be the NFL, college, or high school; football in Mississippi is a pretty big deal

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI)- Whether it be the NFL, college, or high school; football in Mississippi is a pretty big deal. That is especially true for one of the top football teams in the area the West Point Greenwave. The team has to forfeit their first two games because of COVID -19, but the community still felt they’ll come out…

Wednesday will be hot again, but rain returns to the forecast

SUMMARY: Showers and thunderstorms are possible the rest of the evening, with localized flooding in the strongest storms. Rain chances will decrease as we reach the weekend, but temperatures will be on the increase to start the work week. WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy and hot again with high temperatures in the mid-90s. A stray afternoon shower or thunderstorm is possible. Chance of…

In the Kitchen with 1028 with Mo Jams BBQ

WCBI STUDIO, Miss. (WCBI) – In the Kitchen with Chef JJ from 1028 with Mo Jams BBQ. He whipped up some alfredo pasta that had the studio smelling glorious. You don’t want to miss tasting their food. They are located at 2524 Main St, Columbus, MS 39701. Categories: Local News, News Team

West Point animal hospital can’t get more ivermectin because too many people are taking anti-parasite drug for COVID-19

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) – Dr. Karen Emerson with Emerson Animal Hospital in West Point says they haven’t been able to order ivermectin for two weeks because people are improperly using it to treat COVID-19. “Not only are you hurting animals, getting the medication they need by you buying it and taking it,” she says. “You’re also harming yourself with…

Noxubee County is joining a list of people requiring masks inside county owned buildings

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Noxubee County joins a growing list requiring masks inside county-owned buildings. Supervisors say a spike in COVID-19 cases in the county and state were behind the move. A number of counties and cities have already made the move. The mask mandate is for employees and visitors conducting business. This order is in effect until further…

Two tornadoes went through Tishomingo County

TISHOMINGO COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A weekend tornado in Tishomingo County was actually two tornadoes. The National Weather Service in Memphis has been on the ground surveying the damage in the area. This afternoon they announced that 2 tornadoes hit. The first was an E-F – 1 with peak winds of around 105 miles per hour hit Iuka causing damage…

The town of Weir is in search of a new mayor

A town with no leader is what the town of Weir is going through

WEIR, Miss. (WCBI)- A town with no leader is what the town of Weir is going through right now. There hasn’t been a mayor in office for the town since June, but city officials are working to get someone in the seat. The town is missing a key figure in the office; after the former mayor didn’t redo the paperwork…

City officials hope to end the cycle of drug activity after major bust

Sheriff's and District Attorney's offices hope to end the cycle of drug activity after drug sweep

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Lowndes County deputies have been working to slow drug activity across the county. They’re hoping a major drug sweep last Friday put a dent in it. “These people keep continuing to commit these types of crimes. And here in Lowndes County, we’re not going to tolerate it,” Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said. 25 people were arrested Friday…

Miss Mississippi Volunteer Has Been Busy Since Winning The Crown

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – A 22-year-old Northeast Mississippi woman inspiring others with her story of overcoming obstacles to win top honors at a beauty pageant. There was no downtime for Rachel Shumaker, after she was crowned Miss Mississippi Volunteer. “I hit the ground on Sunday, July 11, I started that morning at six-thirty, haven’t stopped since,” Shumaker said. The Miss…

Typical August heat for the week ahead

SUMMARY: The heat isn’t looking to go anywhere anytime soon. Highs will stay in the mid to even upper 90s for Tuesday and Wednesday, with slightly cooler weather for the latter part of the week and the upcoming weekend. Rain chances will be very low for Tuesday and Wednesday, with isolated storms Thursday and Friday, and scattered storms for the…

Tornado aftermath brings community and region together for clean-up

An unexpected tornado causes hundreds to help clean-up the city of Iuka.

IUKA, Miss. (WCBI) – An unexpected tornado hit Iuka Saturday night and it’s all hands on deck for clean-up and recovery. “It’s just like it just dropped down out of nowhere,” Iuka local, Eric Littlejohn said. Devastation and debris. After a tornado swept through Iuka’s downtown area Saturday evening, locals took no time to get to work helping folks in…

Powerball players can purchase tickets in the new Monday night drawing

If no one wins, the Monday night jackpot will go up to $293 million dollars. 

JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI)- Are you feeling lucky? If so, put it to the test. Powerball players can purchase tickets in the new Monday night drawing starting August 23rd. And there’s a nice jackpot for winners. The jackpot for Saturday night’s Powerball drawing is set to $290 million dollars. It’s the 22nd draw for the current jackpot. If no one wins,…

A Batesville man faces first degree murder charges

24-year-old John Adams of Oxford died in North Mississippi Medical Center Tupelo from his injuries. 

LAFAYETTE, Miss. (WCBI)- The suspect in a deadly shooting faces first-degree murder charges. 19-year-old Keith Lamont Harmon Jr. of Batesville was taken into custody on August 21st. Officers went to the Links apartment complex after witnesses heard gunshots around 2a.m. The victim, 24-year-old John Adams of Oxford, died in North Mississippi Medical Center Tupelo from his injuries. Witnesses were able…

Homes and businesses damaged during a tornado in Iuka

Heavy rain and damaging winds left homes covered in debris, down powerlines, and trees in the roadways.

TISHOMINGO COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI)- Devastating news in Iuka as a tornado makes landfall around 6:12 p.m. Heavy rain and damaging winds left homes covered in debris, down powerlines, and trees in the roadways. Crews are working to clear areas. There’s also confirmed damage on Ash Street near Old Highway 25, Eastport Street, and Pearl Street. WCBI will have updated information…

Two Ole Miss students started a moving business in the midst of COVID-19

College move-in day can turn into a challenge when the boxes start to pile up

OXFORD, Miss. (WCBI)- Packing for a trip or vacation can be a hassle.  Two Ole Miss students started their own business to help the community. It’s common for college students to get a job at a restaurant or in retail just to make ends meet. Before even receiving their degrees, Tim Herrington and Tyson King had one simple idea that turned…

An Oxford man is dead in an early morning shooting

The Oxford Police Department went to the Links Apartments for reported gunfire around 2a.m.

OXFORD, Miss. (WCBI)- An Oxford man is dead in an early morning shooting. The Oxford Police Department went to the Links Apartments for reported gunfire around 2 a.m. A man was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi for treatment. He was then taken to North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, he later died from his injuries. After a vehicle description…

Scouts B.S.A. hosts Community Fun Day to gain participants

Scouts Boy Scouts of America hope to change the world through shaping children's character

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – The Scouts Boy Scouts of America troops of east Mississippi hosted a Community Fun Day at Camp Seminole to showcase their organization. “I wouldn’t trade it or anything,” Daniel Grebner said. Daniel Grebner is an Eagle Scout in the Scouts Boy Scouts of America. After 10 years of participating in the program, he’s learned several tactics….