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…

Soggy start to the new workweek

SUMMARY: Keep the umbrella and rain gear on standby for the next few days because widespread rain and storm chances will continue the first half of the workweek. Several more inches could add up, leading to some flooding issues as time goes by. Rain chances will decrease mid to late week but it will be seasonably warm & humid. MONDAY:…

Four people injured after an early morning shooting in Starkville

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Four people were injured after a shooting that happened Sunday morning in the gravel parking lot behind Coconuts Convenience Store and the Catholic Church at 601 University Dr. Police say that this incident was not random and all people involved knew each other. Cotton district residents are hoping that police can put an end to the…

Hotels are filling up rooms again after having a slow year

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- This time last year, it was easy to find a hotel room during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, it’s hard to find a place to stay; especially the case with more events, such as post-season baseball in Starkville. Last year several businesses including hotels saw few people coming in their doors. “The hotel industry was…

Community officials host an event in efforts to cease youth violence

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- “It’s Time to Talk” was the message Starkville NAACP officials wanted to get to the community after seeing numbers surge in youth violence. Now, these leaders want peace and change. Kids and their families were dared to be different, and community leaders believe they have given today’s youth to spark a positive change. The youth is the…

Mule Day brings a sense of normalcy to the Gordo community

GORDO, Ala. (WCBI) – The beginning of summer means festival season. Across the country, fairs and festivals are finally being held after cancellations last year. “I love being able to talk to everybody, seeing people I haven’t seen in a long time,” Anna Grace Lindsey, Mule Day vendor and participant, said. The 33rd annual Mule Day festival is a staple…

Very wet and stormy week ahead

SUMMARY: Tonight we will see a continuation of rain and storm chances. For Sunday, a pretty much guaranteed rainy day across the area, with clouds keeping our temps below average. Sunday night we remain warm and muggy, only dipping down to around 70 degrees. High rain chances with daily showers and storms continue through at least Wednesday, with highs staying…