Columbus-Lowndes Public Library wants people to donate artifacts that document experience during COVID-19 pandemic

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – After living through history, the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System is starting to collect artifacts that document the pandemic experience in Lowndes County. “Never in my wildest dreams as an archivist did I envision living through a pandemic and having to document it,” says the library’s archivist Mona Vance-Ali. “But I mean, this is what we do….

Starkville Regional is expected to bring in large crowds

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on businesses last year, including those in Starkville. On Friday, June 4, 2021, Mississippi State hosts an NCAA Baseball Regional, and fans will be back in the stands. This means the tourism industry is looking at a big boost this weekend. America’s favorite pastime is expected to bring thousands to…

Lowndes Co. Sheriff’s Dept. hosting series of community meetings during June

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department is hearing concerns from the people it serves and protects. Sheriff Eddie Hawkins and his command staff will host three community meetings across the county this month. The first one is tonight at the New Hope Community Center. Deputies will be able to answer questions and address any issues people…

Columbus City Council has entered an agreement with Ring Doorbell for crime prevention

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The Columbus City Council enters an agreement with Ring Doorbell in an effort to help solve crimes. Ring provides a “Neighbors” program, where the folks around you can share information and videos. Users can download the “Neighbors by Ring” app or the “Ring” app and sign-up for the Neighbors Public Safety program. The Columbus Police and…

MS State Auditor spoke with Rotary about punishments for embezzlement

Mississippi’s state auditor says the state needs get tougher on people who embezzle money from the government. Shad White spoke to the Columbus Rotary today. He believes there needs to be tougher penalties for elected leaders and employees who steal from the people they serve. White’s office has investigated embezzlement cases in several cities and counties in the area including…

Summertime weather returns as we start June

REST OF TODAY: Highs in the mid to upper 80s with increased humidity.  A chance for some late day and evening showers and storms.  Winds SSE 5-10 mph. TUESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with a chance of some lingering showers or storms. Milder lows in the upper 60s. WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy with areas of rain and storms. Highs in the upper…

Monroe County SWAT Team Tackles ‘Murph’ Workout

AMORY, MISS. (WCBI) – The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department SWAT Team uses Memorial Day as a team-building exercise. 1529 Fitness was the site. The goal for the Monroe County SWAT Team was to finish the “Murph” Workout. “It’s a way to get out and kind of push yourself, and so we thought it would be good since we are in…

Sweet Peppers Deli observes Memorial Day by offering free meals

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- While Memorial Day is known to honor the lives of those who paid the ultimate price during service to the country. Sweet Peppers Deli invited veterans and first responders to come in for a free meal. Memorial Day was celebrated as the restaurant not remembered those we’ve lost, but also those currently still protecting our country and the…

Gold Star families reflect at Memorial Day observance

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – For many, Memorial Day means time off and the start of summer. For Gold Star families across the country, it means more. A Gold Star family is a family who has lost a loved one that was serving in the military. At the Oktibbeha County Courthouse, there’s a monument with the names of those from the…

Ole Miss Captain Tim Elko Defies Injury Odds

OXFORD, Miss. (WCBI) — On April 5th, in a midweek match-up against North Alabama, Ole Miss senior captain Tim Elko tore his ACL. Usually, that injury would bench any athlete for the remainder of the season. However, Elko isn’t just any athlete. “You hate to kind of start putting timelines on it,” Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco said following…

A fatal shooting leaves one dead, four people critically injured

ALICEVILLE, Ala. (WCBI)- A fatal shooting in Aliceville leaves one person dead and four others critically injured. An early morning shooting left the community and family members in tears. Uncertainty and sadness were some emotions that ran through Lessie Clark’s mind as she found out her brother was one of the victims of the early morning shooting in Aliceville. Clark…

Army veterans complete ruck in honor of fallen comrade

MACON, Miss. (WCBI) – Each year, graves of fallen soldiers are decorated on memorial day weekend. However, not many can say that they completed a ruck in honor of a fallen comrade. “The only bad thing about it is, forgetting someone that has died, especially in combat,” Army veteran, Sergeant Melvin Gatewood, said. Comrades of fallen Army national guard soldier…

Community members want to stop youth violence in West Point

WEST POINT, MISS. (WCBI)- Several towns in our area have seen a spike in crimes involving young people, and many of those crimes have been violent. A group in West Point gathered Saturday to talk about the problem and solutions. The group known as the Interdenominational Minister Alliance believes curving youth violence starts at home. Members said parents have to…

Gorgeous holiday weekend, Storms coming back late week

SUMMARY: A downright chilly night tonight across the area, 40s possible in the region. A beautiful and dry Sunday and Monday with temperatures rebounding. Humidity returns by Tuesday, with a slight chance of showers and storms Wednesday. Widespread showers and storms more likely Thursday and Friday. SATURDAY NIGHT: A very unusual forecast for a late May night. Lows in the…

One decision on the table: whether to mandate masks for students

LOWNDES COUNTY,Miss. (WCBI)- School is out for the summer, but work continues for administrators who are already preparing for the next school year. One decision on the table; whether to mandate masks for students and staff. Masks or no masks? With more people vaccinated and lower COVID-19 case numbers, administrators are deciding what will best serve students when they return…

Tupelo Elvis Fan Club Raises Money From Brick Statue Sales

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – The Tupelo Elvis Fan Club has added more bricks around a statue of the King of Rock and Roll that is a favorite photo opp for locals and tourists. The Elvis Fairpark Statue brick program allows fans to purchase bricks, and have them inscribed in honor or memory of someone. Those bricks are placed around the…

Brooksville residents will soon have access to WIFI through FastNet

BROOKSVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Brooksville residents will soon have access to wireless internet 4-County’s new broadband service FastNet is in the first phase of its rollout plan. The Brooksville Library is now the host of a free FastNet wifi hot spot and homes will soon have access. Those interested in the service for their homes can find more information on…

Continuance denied in Starkville capital murder trial

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A continuance is denied in a Starkville capital murder trial that involved a shooting inside of Walmart. Judge Lee Howard made the ruling in Lowndes County Circuit Court this morning. William Thomas Chisholm is accused of shooting and killing Shauna Witt in January 2018. Witt was shot at her optometry clinic at Starkville’s Walmart. Chisholm was…

Prairie Opportunity hosted their annual “Action Day” on Friday

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Knowing the resources in your community can be a saving grace. This is why Prairie Opportunity hosts its “Action Day” each year. The event allows agencies in the community to set up booths to let folks know about the services they provide. Prairie Opportunity provides case management to low-income families, elderly, and disabled populations. Organizers hope…

Columbus locals on high alert after string of purse snatchings

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Over the past week, four purse snatchings have occurred in the city of Columbus. “Probably going to just wait to go to town if I need, you know, groceries or whatever. I’ll just wait for my boyfriend to come with me cause I’m not going to risk anything, you know,” Columbus resident Addie Powell said. Addie…

Local cooking legend has a street named after her in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – A Columbus cooking legend is getting her own street. The coroner of 7th Avenue and 15th Street North was the site of this morning’s street dedication ceremony. Helen Karriem has operated “Helen’s Kitchen” for decades. The Southern soul food restaurant has been a staple in that north Columbus neighborhood. Today, the lady behind the dishes is…