Video: Top Stories of 2013

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NORTHEAST, Miss. (WCBI)- 2013 began with big changes in education. Lawmakers merged some of Northeast Mississippi’s major school districts.

It also meant turnover in city governments with more than a dozen new mayors elected in May and June, as well as Starkville city administrator Lynn Spruill being ousted in July.

In December, the police dynasty of Starkville Chief David Lindley and MSU Chief Georgia Lindley forced into retirement by controversy.

Industry and jobs also were big issues for local and state leaders. From Natron in Louisville to Jackson Furniture in Mantachie to C Spire in Starkville, a rebounding economy was big news. But none were bigger than Yokohama Tire’s decision to make a $2 billion investment in West Point over the next 10 years.

The summer brought heartache in Lowndes County near Magby Creek with the drowning of two young boys.

November also brought a major tragedy involving children when three kids died in a house fire in Vardaman.

The summer also brought extreme weather when an EF-3 ravaged Noxubee County. Dozens of homes were damaged, but thankfully no one was killed.

Scandal made up most of the summer. Authorities went back and forth trying to figure out who sent the ricin-laced letters to President Obama, Sen. Roger Wicker and Lee County Judge Sadie Holland. Kevin Curtis was arrested then released after authorities learned James Dutschke allegedly set him up.

And who could forget the pride felt in Starkville when the Diamond DAWGS won their way to Omaha. They eventually lost to UCLA, ending their season as second in the nation.

Columbus School District had a shake-up when leaders fired Superintendent Martha Liddell.

A mother’s grief brought the Aberdeen community together as they searched endlessly for Teresa Ewing. Her body was later found in September. Teresa’s murder remains unsolved.

3 different departments, 3 men killed in the line of duty. Eupora Police Officer Keith Crenshaw lost his life while putting down a spike strip, Union County Deputy Clinton Frazier was killed while trying to pursue a driver and Tupelo Sgt. Gale Stauffer was killed trying to apprehend a robber.

While we may have witnessed many highs and lows, one story did touch our hearts, the birth of 4 beautiful babies in Tupelo.