Local schools say technology is the future for learning and engagement

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)-The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the traditional norm of how students attend school. Whether your child learns virtually or on a hybrid schedule, there’s a model most schools are relying on to make it all a bit easier- technology. It’s been nearly a year since students were pulled from classrooms. With classes back in session, students have access…

MSU alumni show their appreciation for frontline workers

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Some Mississippi State Alumni are showing their appreciation to the frontline workers at OCH Regional Medical Center. The Oktibbeha county chapter of the MSU Alumni Association provided meals to the staff in the E-R, on the Covid floor, and in the ICU today. The group dropped off lunch and goodie bags for workers. Members say they…

Funeral homes have exceeded limitation during the pandemic

NORTH, Miss. (WCBI) – Many families in Mississippi find themselves planning the final services during a pandemic and covid complications have led to more deaths. It is never easy to say goodbye to a family member, but the people who are there to comfort families during times of grief say since March, they have seen an increase in services. “The…

African American Community Leaders Encourage People To Get Covid 19 Vaccine

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – The Mississippi State Department of Health is encouraging more African Americans to get vaccinated against Covid 19. So far, only 15 percent of covid 19 vaccines have gone to black people, although they account for 42 percent of deaths. Key members of the Black community in Northeast Mississippi are hoping to change that trend. Bishop Clarence…

Will you be getting the vaccination shot?

COLUMBUS, Miss (WCBI)- As the coronavirus vaccine is becoming more widely available; there are some things that still turn people’s heads; some believe taking it is the right thing to do while others think differently. There are many negative and positive outlooks on the vaccine and these folks weigh their opinion about getting the shot and if others should or…

ICC And MHP Join Forces As Part Of Recruitment Initiative

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Itawamba Community College students interested in a criminal justice degree will soon have an opportunity to take part in a recruitment program with the Mississippi Highway Patrol. ICC and MHP have partnered to allow students in the Criminal Justice program, to meet with an MHP recruiter and apply for the agency’s Preferred Candidate Program. To graduate…

2021 Tax questions that people have and haven’t asked

NORTH, Miss (WCBI)- It’s tax season again, and this year many people have a new challenge when it comes to filing a return. From unemployment to stimulus checks to working from home, local accountants want to make sure their clients are on the right track. It’s that time of year again as people plan to file their 2020 taxes, but…

Family asks for public’s help in search for Winston County mother of four missing since December

WINSTON COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Empty and without anything left to give. That’s how Jennie Sullivan says she feels as the search for her daughter drags on. “There are days when you feel there’s no hope left,” she said. “And then there’s days that you thought, ‘Well, maybe she is still alive and just can’t get to us.’” It’s almost…

MS educators planning to help students who fell behind during pandemic

WINSTON AND MONROE COUNTIES, Miss. (WCBI)- Learning in the classroom is vital for student achievement. Since the pandemic started, it’s challenging for some students to keep up with assignments and other tasks. On Thursday, the Mississippi Department of Education announced A-F accountability grades and assessments are suspended for schools and districts statewide for the 2020-2021 school year. Administrators are developing…

Judge To Rule On Contested Ward 1 Race In Aberdeen

ABERDEEN, MISS. (WCBI) – A special judge and a local election commission will decide whether a special election is needed in a contested alderman’s race in Aberdeen. In June, a runoff for the Ward 1 Alderman seat pitted Nicholas Holliday against Robert Devaull, both Democrats. Holliday was declared the winner and took office in July. However, Devaull contested the results,…

The Mega Millions Jackpot reaches one billion dollars

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – The Mega Millions jackpot reaches one billion dollars. The cash value is more than 739 Million dollars. If won, it would be the 2nd-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history and the 3rd-largest in U.S. lottery history. “I really wasn’t thinking. I just was trying my luck,” said Brodrick Glenn.  “Make sure my kids are straight forever.”…

Students and staff remember beloved Band Director

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) – Students and staff at West Point High School are remembering a beloved teacher. The school held a balloon release this afternoon in memory of the band director, Rickey Brown. He died last week. He is described as a mentor and friend to all of his students. Brown had served as band director at West Point…

Golden Triangle Regional Airport starts program to keep travelers healthy and safe

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Business owners want business travelers to feel safe in the Golden Triangle during a pandemic. 80 percent of the people that get off a plane at the Golden Triangle Regional Airport are business travelers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, that number has nosedived. Now, the airport, Delta Air Lines, car rental businesses, restaurants, and hotels have…

MS coroners experience autopsy backlog,delaying criminal investigations

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Miss. (WCBI)- For an investigation to be completed, state medical examiners must perform an autopsy. This report can distinguish the cause of death. However, some coroners say they’ve waited months, even years for the answers to their questions. While the chart continues to pile up, local coroners face the obstacle to keep investigations ongoing. Nearly 3 million people…