ONE IN CUSTODY IN CONNECTION TO RIPLEY COUNTY HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION
Updating a story we have been following for you, one person is in custody in connection to a Ripley County homicide investigation.
According to Ripley County Sheriff Mike Barton, a white male is being held in the Ripley County Jail after a couple was found dead inside their rural Ripley County home on Saturday.
The victims have been identified as Eric and Kathryn Pudivitir.
According to Ripley County Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Michel, 19 year old Dillon Leroux, of Doniphan, has been arrested and charged with two counts of murder in the first degree, and armed criminal action as well as single counts of burglary 1st degree and unlawful use of a weapon.
Michel says that Lerous admitted to investigators that he entered the residence and shot the couple.
Sheriff Barton is thanking the agencies involved in the investigation, including the Ripley County Sheriff's Office, Doniphan Police Department/Dispatch, Ripley County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Ripley County Coroner's Office Ripley
County Circuit Clerk's Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol DDCC, and Doniphan Fire Department.
WARMING CENTERS REMAIN OPEN WHILE BELOW ZERO WIND CHILLS GRIP THE AREA
Continuing cold temperatures are proving to be a burden on many in our community.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, sub-zero wind chill readings are forecast through Wednesday morning. This morning, wind chill readings are ranging from negative five to negative 15 degrees across the area.
In Butler County the Bread Shed will be acting as an overnight warming center from 7 pm to 7 am this week when the temperatures get below 20 degrees.
The Butler County Health Department will serve as a warming center during the daytime hours.
The United Gospel Rescue Mission in Poplar Bluff is also open for men who need a place to stay during the cold weather.
RESIDENTS URGED TO KEEP PETS SAFE DURING COLD WEATHER
Area residents are being urged to keep their pets safe during our current cold spell.
While walking your dog, owners should never let their dogs off the leash on snow or ice, as dogs can easily become lost. Make sure your dog always wears ID tags.
Also remember to thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when they come in after being on sleet, snow or ice. The dog can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
Outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars during the winter as well. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.
Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts.
Cold Weather Tips for Pets:
The following guidelines will help you protect your companion animals when the mercury dips.
1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs, and wildlife.
2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.
3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm, dogs can easily become lost. Make sure your dog always wears ID tags.
4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog's legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.
6. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
7. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take them outdoors only to potty.
8. Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him, and his fur, in tip-top shape.
9. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information.
10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
POPLAR BLUFF KIWANIS CLUB ACCEPTING PAJAMAS DONATIONS FOR CHILDREN
The annual Pajama Rama donation drive is underway in Poplar Bluff.
The Kiwanis Club of Poplar Bluff is accepting new pajamas, underwear, and socks, for infants to adults. The Club will be distributing the items to children in foster care and those who otherwise might not have any pajamas this winter.
They are also running a Totes 2 Tots suitcase drive so that children in foster care will have something to carry their belongings in. New and nearly new suitcases, duffle bags, and backpacks are being accepted for the program.
You can drop off items at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, Whitworth Gift Chest Jewelers, The Poplar Bluff Library, and First Midwest Bank. Pajama Rama is scheduled to run through the end of January.
GLENNONVILLE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS TO HOST EVENT FOR ST JUDE
An area organization will be hosting a Chili Cook-Off this month to raise money for the kids at St. Jude.
The 2nd Annual Glennonville Knights of Columbus Chili Cook-Off has been scheduled for 4 to 7 pm on Saturday, January 27th.
You can buy a bowl for $10 and then vote for your favorite chili with donations. All vote proceeds will go toward St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The event will be held at the Glennonville Knights of Columbus Hall in Campbell. For more information, contact Steve Fieser at 573-778-5704.
TWO ARRESTED ON METH CHARGES IN WAYNE COUNTY
Two people were arrested on meth charges Sunday in Wayne County.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 36 year old Sara and Nicholas Daggs, both of Piedmont, were each taken into custody early Sunday morning on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine.
Both are also facing a charge of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.
Following the arrests, both subjects were transported to the Wayne County Jail.
