Mission Statement:
To endeavor to bring to all residents of the Five States the most current and important news from across the entire Five States region. Never yellow, the Five States Herald vows to serve only the people of the Five States, from New Austin to Lemoyne, free of charge now and forever.
Are bounty hunters just vigilantes?
By Frederick Vannesse
A discussion across the wider United States has reached the Five States. Bounty hunters have been part of the legal systems for hundreds of years. Where outlaws are able to escape and avoid the clutches of the law, bounty hunters have arrived to bring them to justice. Several rights activists say that bounty hunters are just a way to get around respecting the rights of the accused. “People accused of a crime have Constitutional rights,” said one activist, “rights that bounty hunters do no concern themselves with.” Congress has spoken on the issue, reiterating that bounty hunters are largely a states’ rights issue. “If states wish to have bounty hunters, then that is their choice,” said a joint declaration from both chambers of Congress, “states should be warned, however, that while they may not have obligations to respect Constitutional rights, crossing state lines means Constitutional rights must be guaranteed.”
None of the state governments of the Five States have responded to the U.S. Congress and its statement. It seems to indicate that bounty hunters are free to work within states to arrest those accused of breaking state laws. However, states may be in a grey area if bounty hunters cross state lines. The statement from Congress did not say bounty hunters could not cross state lines to retrieve an outlaw, only that a Constitutional rights guarantee may exist that limits bounty hunter actions if they are acting on behalf of the government. Many are calling for a banning of bounty hunters altogether, saying civilized society no longer needs such “ruffians” who are protected by the law itself.
Gunfight on train puts many in danger
By Jose Chavez
Travelers in New Austin were in for a shock when two different gangs of outlaws fought for control of the train. According to witnesses, it started when four outlaws rode up to the train and promptly boarded. The outlaws told riders to stay calm and did not attempt to rob them. Instead, the outlaws talked amongst themselves. “They were talking about a schedule, who would drive first and who would protect the train,” a passenger said, “and two headed toward the front of the train.” The train driver was relieved of the train and took cover in one of the train’s cars. Soon after, however, another group of outlaws boarded the train. “There was a lot of arguing,” another witness said, “it was something about who the train belonged to and who would get to drive it.” The two groups largely ignored the passengers as they fought each other.
Gunshots went flying back and forth for several minutes. Eventually the first group to board the train was killed by the attacking group. The outlaws drove the train without stop before eventually abandoning the train in the middle of the desert. The driver was drive the train into the next station where a report of the attack was made.
Woman found dead at the bottom of Ambarino mountains
By Jane Duran
A fisherman found the body of a dead woman this week. They had been setting up to fish when they saw a few birds gathered nearby. He walked over to investigate and found a woman’s body. The fisherman, a seasoned outdoorsman, said the body was damaged by scavenger animals but showed no signs of being attacked. Nearby, an elephant rifle was spotted partially submerged in the water. “These elephant rifles are known for their kick,” the fisherman said, “the kick probably knocked her over and sent her down the mountain side.” The woman’s body was brought to Valentine, where she was identified by family. The family requested her name be kept anonymous for now as they plan to sue the manufacture of the elephant rifle for kicking to hard.
Parade of horses takes place in Blackwater
By Odell Clifton
A parade of horses started in a very impromptu fashion this week. Several cowpokes arrived in Blackwater to visit the local stable. The stable of Blackwater is well known for quality horses and quality supplies. Several folks needed to upgrade their gear, with some purchasing new saddles and others new bags or even bed rolls. Riders then decided to show off their newly purchased items by walking their horses around Blackwater. Naturally, the cowpokes fell into line and started following each other.
“I have never seen anything like it,” said one resident, “just folks walking their horses peacefully.” Residents lined up on the sidewalks and watched the parade, enjoying the neighing horses and their fancy saddles. Word seemed to spread of the unplanned parade and more folks arrived. All day people arrived and joined the parade as others left. By the end of the day, the parade was at least a dozen cowpokes deep. The parade ended when several locals brought homemade food out for participants to enjoy.
Carmody Dell’s bulls killed
By Emery Cosberry
Mr. Bob Crawford reported that all of his bulls were killed by outlaws this week. He woke up to the sounds of gunshots but at first, did not think anything of it. “Gunshots are normal around here, lots of fertile hunting grounds,” Mr. Crawford said, “but then I looked out the window and saw my bulls all dead and a couple fellas skinning them!” Mr. Crawford said he ran outside with his repeating rifle firing in their general direction. Mr. Crawford exchanged a few shots with the outlaws before they retreated north into the Cumberland Forest. It did not take long for Mr. Crawford to take stock of the carnage. He traveled to Valentine and filed a report.
“We would really like to help Mr. Crawford,” Sheriff Malloy said, “but his physical description of the attackers was lacking, and in fact, based on what he said the attackers could have been literally anyone.” Mr. Crawford returned home and with the help of several Valentine farmhands cleaned up the carnage on his ranch. He spent the remainder of he day on his porch, rifle in hand, protecting his chickens.
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A Most Peculiar Vessel in Saint-Denis!
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax – Lead Correspondent
It will come as no surprise, that mariners in Saint-Denis have been on edge lately. Ghost ships, mysterious deaths, sea monsters, it’s a lot to take in. So when a ship that doesn’t resemble anything this century, it’s sure to turn some heads.
This morning, the SS Columbia docked in Saint-Denis harbor. Just about anyone with sea legs looked at the vessel in wondering awe. It carried a dynamo that powered the ship’s electrical lights, yet it came with massive sails in the forward and aft sections. It’s a steamship, but it’s also called a brig, a term that conjures up the Fighting Age of Sail.
It’s passing onto California and only briefly stopped to resupply. Photographers spend all day taking pictures, sketch artists drew it, and average citizens just look onward. It wasn’t haunted or magical, and yet you might forget that from the tone of ship gazers.
It left port by the afternoon and probably won’t return anytime soon, if ever. But the impact it left? That shall truly defy time itself, much like its design. A mixture of our future, and our past, all carefully built. There’s a metaphor in there somewhere for the Five States, and perhaps we as a whole.
Collectible traders targeted by thieves early last week
By Ivy Seager
Last week was much like every other, though it started rough for those who trade in rare collectibles. For unknown reasons, owners of these rare items were attacked and robbed all over the Five States. “The first report wasn’t all that alarming, just a rich folk who was robbed of something he shouldn’t have been carrying anyway,” said Chief of Police Benjamin Lambert, “but then the reports wouldn’t stop and we realized there was some trend going on.” Chief Lambert reached out via Telegraph to the Rhodes Sheriff Station, which confirmed similar reports being made there. Items like rare tarot cards, jewelry, coins, and even antique bottles of alcohol.
It is unclear why collectible traders were suddenly targeted. However, what is known is that the targets were only people carrying the items on their person. No homes were broken into. “It did seem odd to me that these were all robberies and no break ins,” said Sheriff Malloy of Valentine, “a robbery can go wrong really quickly.” Sheriff Malloy explained that robbery has a risk: that the target may be armed. That risk also comes with fewer potential items to steal. A person can only carry a few items but many of these collectors have more items in their homes. Targeting homes would suggest a high demand for these goods. Targeting people directly might be a sign of something more nefarious going on. Either way, the reports suddenly stopped by Monday morning.
The Five States Herald 