Articles by Abigail Sipe Rochester
AI, genetics, other advanced computing at MSU to be enhanced by $45M expansion
“I call it the ‘Giant Calculator,’ and that’s an oversimplification, because it’s a tool that helps any kind of research,” Mike Navicky said Wednesday of Mississippi State University’s supercomputing center.
Teenager turns himself in for shooting into an automobile
A teenager turned himself in Monday afternoon on a charge of shooting into an automobile, according to Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office officials.
Art program aims to help seniors feel less invisible
For Nelle Elam, art is not just a hobby, but a passion she has carried with her for almost 90 years. Now, she is starting a free art hour for seniors to help those over 65 years old feel seen.
Marshall Ramsey draws cartoons to make people think
Marshall Ramsey’s cartoons always seem to get a reaction, whether they are based on sports, politics or national disasters. But more than anything, Ramsey hopes they make people think.
Food pantry program revived as ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’
Starkville Strong has revived its Pantry Hours program under the new name “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”
Man charged with burglary of realty company, restaurant, doughnut shop
A Starkville man has been arrested and charged with three counts of commercial burglary.
‘Snip and Spay Clinic’ one of humane society’s expansion projects
An Oktibbeha County Humane Society expansion under construction will bolster the organization’s spay/neuter and animal transportation services.
Starkville needs ‘skin in the game’ to use safe room for pickleball
If Starkville wants to have pickleball in the county’s safe room, the city will have to pay for it.
Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market celebrates Grand Opening for season
Liz Paine, owner of Trinity Bottom Farm and Columbus native, picks a fresh batch of cabbages, broccoli, radishes and carrots from a tunnel house in her yard on Friday afternoon. By Saturday morning, she is selling it at the Grand Opening for the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market.
Future of Felix Long site awaits feds, funding
Fran Brock remembers the mold.
The county coordinator for the Oktibbeha County Extension Service spent eight years working in the 73-year-old former Felix Long Memorial Hospital building downtown before county leaders moved her office last May, along with Human Services and several others, to a more adequate home on Lynn Lane — one that thankfully has heating and air conditioning.
Cat found drowned, wrapped in plastic
A local woman faces a felony animal cruelty charge for allegedly drowning a cat.
Phelps leads opponent in sheriff’s race fundraising
The latest campaign finance report for Democratic sheriff candidate John Rice includes a $1,471 contribution from another country.
Downtown water, sewer upgrades starting this month
A $2.5 million project to upgrade downtown water and sewer lines will soon be underway.
Usage still biggest question as Moncrief pool set to reopen
Moncrief Pool is celebrating its grand reopening for the summer. But the future of the pool is uncertain unless turnout numbers are higher than they were last year.
Nixon gets 40 years for second-degree murder
Dustin Nixon was sentenced Tuesday to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, according to records.
Former SHS teacher indicted for touching a minor
A former Starkville High School teacher has been indicted for touching a minor with lustful purposes.
Nixon found guilty of second-degree murder
STARKVILLE— An Oktibbeha County Circuit Court jury found Dustin Nixon guilty of second-degree murder on Friday evening. The jury deliberated for about an hour before
Trend of minors with handguns troubling law enforcement
Two customers walk into a McDonald’s in Columbus in February with handguns in their waistbands. One of them is only 15 years old. A bystander calls 911, and the pair leaves in police custody.
Mistrial declared in murder case after jury hangs on verdict
he first-degree murder trial of Aviante Jordan ended in a mistrial Thursday night due to a hung jury.
New plate designer learned she won from friend’s text
Leah Frances Eaton didn’t know she had won the contest to design the new 2024 standard license plate for the state of Mississippi until a friend sent her a picture of a press release.
Chain’s life in the water leads to a lap around Key West
July 19, 2025
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