New class graduates from NMLETC

Class B 76 graduated from the North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center. Twelve cadets graduated from the basic academy after living at the Tupelo academy through the week for the past three months.

TUPELO, Miss. (WCBI) – There will be twelve new police officers protecting and serving throughout our region. Class B 76 graduated from the North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center. Twelve cadets graduated from the basic academy after living at the Tupelo academy through the week for the past three months. The officers were taught the basics such as self-defense, firearms,…

Disabled Marine veteran spending one week on a tower to raise money for wounded heroes

7 Days for the Troops is helping two disabled veterans in Northeast Mississippi

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Since Sunday afternoon, Scott Burns has been on top of this 14   foot tower in the parking lot at the Mall at Barnes Crossing. Donations are taken in person, and via text or online and this year, all proceeds will help two local veterans. “One having a home re modification and the other trying to provide…

Voters questioning their stances on election after first debate

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – American voters have had an early chance to see the two major party candidates for President go head to head. The first Presidential Debate of 2024 was televised June 28, 2024. And, at least locally, many voters are not optimistic about the rest of this year’s campaign. The 90 minute presidential election was filled with confrontation between…

Noxubee County Public Library renovates its historic roof

History lies within books, and within the walls of the Noxubee County Public Library.

NOXUBEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – History lies within books, and within the walls of the Noxubee County Public Library. From its construction in 1907 until 1977 the building served as the Noxubee County Jail. Library Director Shameka Conner says in 1984 the county saw a better purpose for the building, and voted to relocate the library there. “They did do…

Downtown Columbus mural taking shape

Work is progressing on a downtown Columbus mural.

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Work continues to make improvements in downtown Columbus. A mural depicting Main Street’s appearance in 1905 is beginning to take shape across from Leadership Plaza. West Point artist Deborah Mansfield is using a postcard for inspiration, that will include trolleys just like Columbus once had. The mural will be 20 feet tall and 50 feet long….

The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, The W, and Columbus, a successful combination for more than 30 years

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – For more than 35 years some of the best and brightest high school juniors and seniors have called Columbus home for those last 2 years of school. Since 1987, The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science has been based on the Mississippi University for Women campus. The current administrations of both schools would like to keep…

Pressing Charges in Domestic Violence Cases

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION, Miss. (WCBI) – Statistics show a woman is beaten or assaulted every 9 seconds. Yet 80 to 90 percent of victims of domestic violence recant or ask to drop charges against the perpetrators. Local law professionals explain why this happens so often and the legal process after police get involved. “I think in that 80 percent, the…

Youth Court Judge says there is a dire need for foster homes

Some foster kids are sent hours away, due to lack of foster homes in Northeast Mississippi

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – Lee County Youth Court Judge Staci Bevill is in her second term, and there is one issue that continues to get worse. “We are in a crisis state that we need foster homes,” said Judge Staci Bevill. Judge Bevill says a majority of the cases where children need to be placed in foster care involve drug…

City of Sulligent works to expand its sewer system

For years, the city of Sulligent has worked to extend its sewer system as some of the septic systems in the area were failing. It's a pressing issue, especially for residents on the west side of town who are dealing with aging systems and soil issues in the area.

SULLIGENT, Ala. (WCBI) – Time, resources, and effort. That’s how one West Alabama town is working to improve its sewer system for residents. The city of Sulligent met earlier this week to discuss the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Citizens at the meeting have been dealing with issues with their wastewater and agreed this was a need for the area…

Groundbreaking ceremonies mark start of construction for Chickasaw Heritage Center

The 60 million dollar project will tell the history of the Chickasaws in their own words and from their perspective

TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – After decades of planning and fundraising, it was time to break ground for the Chickasaw Heritage Center. The 162 acre campus will feature an exhibit hall, theater, art gallery, administrative offices and playground.  There will also be a Chickasaw Village and other attractions, all with one main purpose. “It means we will be able to tell…

Columbus Hyundai explains how you can ride cooler

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)- June to August are the roughest times of the year for your vehicle. The extreme heat puts a lot of stress on the engine, and all other rubber pieces that are connected to it. That is why Making sure all fluid levels are good, and the air conditioner is working properly, has always been a summer routine…

New Laws for Mississippians on the Horizon

Columbus, Miss. (WCBI) – New Mississippi legislation will go into effect on July 1st. Here’s what you need to know. One of the most popular bills passed was House Bill 349. The law will ban trucks and SUVs with a lifted front fender more than 4 inches higher than the back fender, popularly known as squatted vehicles. Law enforcement and…