Puxico men arrested in copper wire theft ring

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Three Puxico residents were arrested in connection with a copper-stealing ring that spanned several counties. Brand Reynolds, Timothy Hart and Charley Reynolds were in Stoddard County Jail on Thursday on four counts of felony property damage. Bond for Brandy Reynolds was set at $35,000 cash only, and bond for Timothy Hart and Charley Reynolds was set at $50,000 cash only each. Stoddard County Sheriff Carl Hefner said there have been reports of numerous thefts of copper wire from center pivot irrigation systems in Stoddard County and surrounding areas. Hefner said with copper bringing in prices of up to $3 a pound from salvage yards, thefts have increased. Hefner estimated that 10,000 feet of copper wire has been stolen off irrigation systems in Stoddard County.

-- Dexter Daily Statesman