Articles by Abigail Sipe Rochester
Chance meeting in Costa Rica thrusts Columbus woman onto Paris runway
Longtime Columbus resident Renée Owen was sitting poolside in Costa Rica on a vacation she took with her husband David in May, resting with cucumbers on her eyes. When she looked up, she saw a woman crocheting while sitting in a nearby pool chair.
Brunswick stew, other Oktoc traditions set to return for 52nd year
Brunswick stew is about to be bubbling at the Oktoc Community Clubhouse once again.
New Hope High student arrested after gun found in car on campus
Two New Hope High school students were arrested Thursday on school property in separate incidents, one of which allegedly involved a 17-year-old possessing a gun on school grounds.
Repeat offender who escaped jail sentenced to 32 years
A Columbus man was sentenced to 32 years in prison Wednesday after pleading guilty to escaping the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center, attempting to steal a vehicle and cocaine charges.
Ask The Dispatch: What are the best ways to stay safe while trick-or-treating?
From dressing up in costumes to carving pumpkins, Halloween is a holiday steeped in traditions.
Four arrested during pre-Halloween sex offender compliance check
Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office conducted a two-day “Operation Trick or Treat” starting Wednesday in advance of the upcoming Halloween holiday, leading to four arrests for
From childhood poverty to red carpets and best-selling books
Working as a celebrity journalist between the late 1980s and the 2000s and interviewing some of the best-known movie stars on red carpets, Jeannette Walls
Authors, university honor Eudora Welty by sharing stories
Columbus is once again filled with authors sharing their stories, honoring the legacy of famous author and Mississippi University for Women alumna Eudora Welty.
Autism support group hosts sensory friendly fall festival
While hundreds of families filled Main Street for Pumpkinpalooza Thursday night, enjoying music, trick or treating, inflatable jumpers and more, another fall festival was going on just a few minutes away.
Stark Aerospace lands $61M missile canister contract with Navy
Lowndes County-based defense and aerospace provider Stark Aerospace was awarded a $61 million contract Monday to produce missile canisters for the Naval Sea Systems Command of the U.S. Navy.
Columbus man pleads guilty, sentenced to life for 2023 murder
A Columbus man was sentenced to life in prison Oct. 16 after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court.
Police to start Business Watch Initiative at Monday meeting
Columbus Police Department is preparing to give businesses a leg up against crime, while connecting with the community in a new way.
Haunted house opens Saturday at Columbus Fairgrounds
The dead are about to rise at the Columbus Fairgrounds once again.
Community Profile: From China to selling art at the Cotton District Arts Festival
Nine years ago, Dorrie Wu was growing up just a train ride away from Shanghai, China.
From classes and choir practice to the Miss MSU crown
Sarah Randolph woke up early on Thursday morning, too anxious to go back to sleep.
Permanent monument to Black WWI soldiers still to be discussed
With Veterans Day coming up in less than a month, city and county officials are once again planning to temporarily memorialize Black soldiers from Lowndes County who fought and died in World War I, while looking for a solution to memorialize them permanently.
LINK promises to ‘be more vocal’ on community issues
The Golden Triangle Development LINK is ready to become more vocal about city and county decisions that could impact the economy of the area.
20th Caledonia Days festival coming this weekend
Caledonia Days is on its way back to town this weekend, returning to Ola J. Pickett Park to celebrate its 20th year.
Noxubee native shares gardening inspiration from around the world
Growing up in Noxubee County, Marcia Weber knew that she wanted to travel the world and share gardens with others from an early age.
Report: Parks bring $12M in economic impact in FY 24
With Cornerstone Park officially opening a year ago, things are looking up for the Starkville Parks and Recreation Department.
