History of Labor Day, what it means for citizens

Rooted labor activism of the late 1800's, union leaders were pushing to receive recognition by the federal government for their contributions.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Labor Day is a federally recognized holiday observed every first Monday of September. For many people, the occasion is celebrated as a long weekend in which they may get together with family or simply lounge around the house. Chris Rego, a science teacher at Starkville High School, shared why Labor Day is special to him. “It’s…

3rd annual ‘Change Fest’ brings skateboarders to Tupelo

Some downtown Tupelo streets were closed this weekend, as skateboarders showed their skills during "Change Fest."

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – Some downtown Tupelo streets were closed this weekend, as skateboarders showed their skills during “Change Fest.” The third annual “Change Fest” brought in some of the top skateboarders from across the nation, taking part in competitions, all on the streets of downtown Tupelo. Local skateboarding enthusiasts were also out in full force. Local artists, businesses, and…

Lee Co. Deputies investigate Sunday morning shooting

LEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – At around 8:30 a.m., on Sunday, Sept.1, Lee County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call about someone possibly being shot through the hand on County Road 231. When Deputies arrived, they found evidence of a struggle and made contact with Steven Carpenter. Carpenter was the only person present and due to being injured, he was…

Sunday afternoon fire destroys home in Lowndes County

Lowndes County Volunteer Fire District 3 responded and was able to get it under control around 5:15 p.m.

LOWNDES, COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A Sunday afternoon fire destroys a home on Woodbridge Place near New Hope. The fire broke out around noon. Lowndes County Volunteer Fire District 3 responded and was able to get it under control around 5:15 p.m. There were no injuries or fatalities. The owner was not home. The owner says he received a call…

Man arrested in Coffeeville for numerous violent felonies

COFFEEVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – A man is captured for numerous violent felonies including murder, 2 counts of 1st-degree domestic assault, 1st-degree criminal mischief, and theft by unlawful taking. On July 22, in Jefferson County, Kentucky, one male victim and two female victims were shot after an argument took place. The alleged shooter is 34-year-old Desmond Shaw who then fled the…

Columbus PD search for wanted person

On Friday, August 30, a Felony Warrant was signed for Areiona Natwan Williams.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – On Friday, August 30, a Felony Warrant was signed for Areiona Natwan Williams. Williams is wanted by the Columbus Police Department on multiple counts of Intimidating a Witness. If you have any information on the whereabouts of Areiona Williams please call 911, The Columbus Police Department at (662) 244-3500, or Crime Stoppers at (662) 494-0109. For…

Columbus PD makes 3 arrests in auto burglary case

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – On Saturday, Aug. 31, around 4:25 a.m., Officers with The Columbus Police Department responded to the 2200 Block of Shannon Avenue about an Auto Burglary. Officers spoke with the victim, who said that she saw a man in her vehicle under her car porch. Around 4:30 a.m., Columbus PD received another call in the same area…

Prairie Arts Festival hosts over 200 vendors

The 46th annual Prairie Arts Festival in historic downtown West Point included local art for sale, food, rides, face painting, and more.

WEST POINT, Miss. (WCBI) – The Prairie Arts Festival took place this weekend in historic downtown West Point. The Growth Alliance hosted the festival and is the main event of Prairie Arts Weekend which included a 5K run, book sale, live music, Juried Arts Contest, 2 Mules at the Museum, and the Mossy Oak Car Show. Lisa Klutts, the director…

Official says volunteer firefighters needed across state

MISSISSIPPI (WCBI) – Most towns and cities rely on paid, professional departments to answer fire and emergency calls. However, in rural areas and smaller towns, those emergencies are handled by groups of dedicated volunteers. And as Oktibbeha County Fire Coordinator, Patrick Warner, tells us, they have to balance their service with other obligations. “You know they have to leave their job…

Local chapter of sorority participates in national giveaway

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – With school in full effect, the community is still giving back to the youth as much as they can. The Nu Theta Sigma Alumni Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. held its third annual school supply giveaway. Operation Big Bookbag is a national project for all sorority chapters to give the youth free school supplies….

Bus crash in Warren County leaves 7 people dead, others injured

The crash is under investigation by MHP and the Commercial Transportation Enforcement Division.

BOVINA, Miss. (WCBI) – A crash involving a passenger bus in Warren County killed seven passengers early Saturday morning. The Mississippi Highway Patrol reports the crash occurred on Interstate 20 near Bovina around 12:40 a.m. Troopers said a 2018 Volvo commercial passenger bus was traveling westbound on I-20 when the vehicle left the roadway and overturned. CBS affiliate, WJTV, reports…

Fire at Lowndes Co. Jail sends 2 inmates and 3 deputies to BMH

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigations Detectives are investigating the case.

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A Friday night fire at the Lowndes County Jail sends two inmates and three deputies to the hospital. Sheriff Eddie Hawkins tells WCBI it’s believed the fire was started by an inmate. Columbus Fire and Rescue responded quickly. There was no major structural damage, but there was some smoke damage. The fire has temporarily displaced…

Amory set for first home game on new field and in new stadium

Community rallied around the high school after a tornado destroyed the football stadium in March of 2023

AMORY, MISS. (WCBI) – As students were taking photos on the new football field, Director of Operations Coty Cox was making sure everything was in place for the first home game in the new Panther Stadium. “I think us being able to rebound as quickly as we did is a testimony to Amory as a whole, it is not just…

Life after Katrina: Starting life in Starkville

19 years ago, Paul Piccard was in British Columbia working, while a storm was forming near his home and family in Liberty Mississippi, which is close to Baton Rouge. 

19 years ago, Paul Piccard was in British Columbia working, while a storm was forming near his home and family in Liberty Mississippi, which is close to Baton Rouge.