Keith Gaskin ahead of Robert Smith in Columbus mayoral race after final tally of affidavits with 53 outstanding absentee ballots

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The final tally from the city election commission Thursday has Keith Gaskin with the most votes at 2,907 in the race to become the next mayor of Columbus. Incumbent Robert Smith, Sr. has 2,867. There are currently 53 outstanding absentee ballots that were mailed on or before election day. “These numbers aren’t certified and there are…

Young Elvis fan hopes to break into the ranks of top tribute artists

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Fans of the King of Rock and Roll are in Tupelo from across the United States for that city’s festival honoring its most famous native son. And among the crowd, one teenage fan, who is following a dream to become a tribute artist honoring the original American idol. Seventeen-year-old Nevan Castaneda spent his first day at…

High waters at the Tenn-Tom Waterway are getting higher

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI) – A sunken barge is lodged against a dam in Columbus, creating more problems for people who live north of the dam. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says a barge broke loose and started going down the Tenn-Tom Waterway. It struck the Stennis Lock and Dam shortly after midnight. Now, it’s at the bottom of…

Columbus Mayoral Race Still Undecided

Affidavit votes are still being counted in the Columbus mayoral race. Stephen Pimpo reports from City Hall. Categories: Local News Tags: affidavit, Columbus, mayor, race, votes

Flash Flooding

A barge broke loose overnight and hit the Stennis Lock and Dam. Water is backing up north of the dam. Joey Barnes surveys the rising waters in a Clay County neighborhood. Categories: Local News Tags: local news flash flooding Tenn-Tom

More flash flooding, finally dry by Sunday

SUMMARY: We have seen nearly historic rainfall totals this week. Flash flooding has been widespread, especially over northern parts of our viewing area. Another day with persistent rain and cloud cover today, before rain chances begin to go back down on Friday and quickly drop off by the time we start next week. Highs in the mid 80s today and…

Calhoun Co. man found dead after fight with DJ at graduation party leads to massive brawl, father and son arrested

VARDAMAN, Miss. (WCBI) – A graduation party that ended in violence. A dead body found in a pond. A father and son arrested. An investigation on standby. That is what the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department is dealing with as they investigate the death of 25-year-old Heriberto Mata. “Tragedy. We use that word a lot,” says Calhoun County Sheriff Greg Pollan….

More than 60 autopsies are ahead of Calhoun County case

NORTH MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Sheriff Greg Pollan says there are more than 60 autopsies scheduled ahead of his case in Calhoun County. This means there will be a long delay in results. Lawmakers did approve six new death investigator positions at the Mississippi Crime Lab. Those investigators can testify in court when a doctor’s expertise isn’t needed to provide a…

Municipal election brought in several new faces

NORTH MISSISSIPPI, (WCBI)- New faces in high places is what many towns are seeing following the city elections. Several new mayors, city councilmen, and aldermen have been elected to lead their towns, and each of them said they plan to bring something new to their role in government. Some incumbents weren’t able to retain their seats as mayor; while others…

Summer camps are open and have reached capacity

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- Summer days were long last year. The pandemic shut down the in-person camps, bible school, and neighborhood activities, but COVID- 19 precautions have been lifted in the area. Field trips, fun, and games are what kids are enjoying now after having empty playgrounds last year because most families kept their kids in the house at the peak…

Another day of rain & storms for Tuesday

SUMMARY: Unsettled weather is here to stay for the rest of the workweek. Each day will present a chance of showers and storms, some of which may produce heavy rainfall, lightning and gusty winds. We’ve received anywhere between 1-4″ over the last 24 hours and an additional 1-2″ is in the forecast through Thursday. This could cause some flooding concerns,…

Electric bird scooters raise concerns throughout Starkville

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- You’ve probably seen them at some time or another in Starkville. Electric scooters are the talk of the town. The Bird Company is giving citizens a different way to reach their destination in the downtown area, but it seems one problem is safety.  The ride-share service is one way people are getting out and about this summer….

Columbus Challenger League has provided a place for individuals with disabilities to play baseball for more than 20 years

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Challenger League baseball games aren’t played with a state championship or super-regional appearance on the line, but they are every bit as important. “Children can come out and play and have fun in their own world,” says Jessica Walker, whose 10-year-old daughter plays in the league. Got another ⚾️ story for you today. This one is…

Mississippi schools looking to cut spending outside of the classroom

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Some Mississippi schools are working to cut spending outside the classroom and redirect money back into teachers’ salaries. Mississippi State Auditor Shad White’s office partnered with Columbus Municipal, Hinds County, and Starkville-Oktibehha school districts to examine their finances. With help from a third-party data firm and a list of recommendations, a report suggested around seven to…

Designated locations will make shopping from stranger’s safer

AMORY, Miss. (WCBI) – While buying items from Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist may get you the best deal, shoppers need to beware of the dangers that come with purchasing items from strangers. “With technology today, people are out here looking for the deal of the day,” Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said. Over the past year, online shopping has become…