Slideshow: Top local news stories of the week (October 31 - November 6)

KSDK -- NewsChannel 5 presents the Top Local Stories of the Week, as selected by KSDK.com readers.

1. Friends say victim tried to leave boyfriend before grisly murder
Franklin County prosecutor Bob Parks announced there has been an arrest in connection to the killing of a woman found dead in an apartment complex trash bin. Authorities believe Vernell J. Loggins Jr. stabbed his girlfriend at the apartment they shared and then discarded her body in a trash can just a few feet away. Read more by clicking here.

2. Missing 13-year-old Granite City girl found
The Madison County Sheriff's Department said a missing 13-year-old Granite City girl was found Monday morning and she was safe. Read more by clicking here.

3. St. Louis County smoking ban approved
St. Louis County voters have passed a smoking ban that will have a far reaching affect for businesses in both the county and St. Louis City. Read more by clicking here.

4. Man clincally dead for nearly 40 minutes still alive thanks to amazing procedure
You may have heard stories of people who've fallen through ice on frozen lakes and lived, despite being under water for minutes or hours. The cold water slowed their metabolism allowing them to survive. Read more by clicking here.

5. Three-year-old killed after accidental shooting
A three-year-old girl shot in the head while walking in her yard has died. That's according to the Gasconade County Sheriff's Department. Read more by clicking here.

6. Kidnapper of Baby Abby speaks on national television
It's been three years since she slashed a young mother's throat, and stole her newborn baby. Now, the woman responsible, Shannon Torrez, is speaking out for the first time on national television. Read more by clicking here.

7. Teacher suspended for controversial assignment returns to class
The high school teacher suspended for giving students a controversial reading assignment returns to class today. Read more by clicking here.

8. Authorities recover missing remains of murdered woman
The Franklin County prosecutor's office said investigators have recovered the missing remains of a woman found dead inside a trash can outside an apartment complex. Read more by clicking here.

9. West County man accused of robbing same Dairy Queen three times
A Maryland Heights man is charged with robbing the same Dairy Queen three times. Read more by clicking here.

10. St. Peters man busted for allegedly selling LSD
MA St. Peters man is charged with trying to sell LSD to an undercover police officer. Read more by clicking here.

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