Sikeston man killed in shooting

Sikeston man dies from apparent gunshot wound

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston man was killed by an apparent gunshot wound early Saturday morning, and a suspect was in custody. Drew Juden, Sikeston Department of Public Safety director, reported that officers found Roger Winfield lying in the front yard of 707 Taylor St. about 1:30 a.m. Robert Eldridge of Sikeston was still at the scene when police arrived. Neighbors reportedly heard an argument coming from outside the residence, followed by a gunshot, according to a news release from the Sikeston Department of Public Safety. Eldridge was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action. He is being held at the Scott County Jail. His bond is set at $500,000.

McCaskill to hold town hall meeting in Cape

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill will end a series of town hall meetings, held around the state to discuss veterans health care issues, with three events Friday in Southeast Missouri. McCaskill will finish the visits at 4 p.m. Friday at VFW Post 3838, 1049 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. At noon she will be at the VFW Post 5443 in Kennett, and at 1:30 p.m. she will be at the American Legion Post 153 in Poplar Bluff at 1:30 p.m. McCaskill is asking veterans and their families to attend the meetings to talk about their experiences, both good and bad, with the Department of Veterans Affairs health care and benefits programs. On Friday, McCaskill released a report on staff tours of Missouri VA facilities that she said showed most are in good to excellent condition. But long waiting lists for appointments and lack of access to specialty care are problems, McCaskill said in her report.

Eakins descendants have annual reunion today

Descendants of Scott and Carolina Achtermann Eakins will gather from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at Capaha Park Shelter No. 1, Cape Girardeau, for their annual family reunion. A potluck meal will be served at noon. Bring a covered dish, eating utensils and lawn chairs. Children of Scott and Carolina Eakins are Effie Eakins (Benjamin H.) Kinder, Minnie Eakins, Rosie Eakins, Robert Eakins (Mary Louise Deimund), Edward Scott Eakins (Lovey Anna Jackson and Zelma Summers), Louis Eakins, Dydema May Eakins (Joseph) Lape, Mary Annie Eakins (Greer A.) Huckstep and Maude Mabel Eakins (Otto H.) Deimund. Scott Eakins is the son of James Ervin Eakins and Louisa Ervin. Scott and Caroline Eakins were from the Gordonville area and several family members are buried in the Niemann Cemetery, also known as the Benton-Kinder Cemetery, at 472 County Road 231, Gordonville. Scott Eakins was born Jan. 8, 1854, and Johanna Maria Carolina Achtermann was born Feb. 3, 1852. For more information, contact Monola Senn at (573) 264-4542 or Bill Hennecke at 335-1825. Bring old pictures and information for the family tree.

-- From staff reports