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.
Men Still Remain Missing in Action 30 Years Later!
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax – Lead Correspondent
It’s a terrible thing, when a mother is told that her son has died on the field of battle. This happened hundreds of thousands of times during our Civil War. Over time, most remains were recovered and buried, but some never got that honor. Lost after a battle, killed in such a way that no remains survived, lost at sea, a fact of life. All we know, is that they never came home, and some family members occasionally wonder, what happened.
In the Five States, several battles, massacres, and surrenders were recorded. Many soldiers who lived in Saint-Denis, or who fought here, never returned home, and some weren’t even reported dead. This has led to a phenomenon where, even 30 years later, some families think their sons are still alive. Maybe they fled the battle and changed their identities. Perhaps they went crazy and roamed the countryside. Maybe they got married in secret. It’s all unlikely, and yet the belief remains. Locals across the state have been paid to find these missing-in-action soldiers, usually in good faith; occasionally, they turn out to be hucksters.
In a way, I pity these families, who could never move past the grief of the 1860s. But also, I admire the determination to never give up hope, even after most people would have grimly accepted the most tragic outcome.
Dispute between bounty hunter and town deputies nearly ends in bloodshed
By Jose Chavez
A bounty hunter brought in a living bounty and dropped him off with the deputies. However, between dropping the man very much alive on the ground and actually getting payment, the bounty died. The deputy then adjusted the amount and paid for the delivery of a dead bounty. “Bounty hunter didn’t take kindly to that, said he brought him in alive,” the deputy said, “but I was looking at a dead man, and that’s on the bounty hunter.” The target had been shot in the shoulder with a tracking arrow. “Some of these fancy bounty hunters like to fire arrows soaked in animal guts,” the deputy explained, “sniff ’em out or something, and they forget an arrow is still a deadly weapon.”
The target had bled profusely even before he was dropped off. The dispute ended peacefully Sheriff Sam Freeman stepped and offered to buy the bounty hunter a drink as a consolation. The bounty hunter accepted and got drunk on the Sheriff’s tab.
Executioner trial delayed
By Jane Duran
Mrs. Emmaline Haven was taken back into custody and her trial was delayed. Up until recently, Mrs. Haven had been released with orders to not leave the Five States and to not miss any court dates. This week, she walked into the courthouse and was promptly arrested. It was announced the new evidence had come to light, evidence that the judge found convincing enough to delay the hearing. “We asked that Mrs. Haven be arrested until we reconvene,” said the prosecutor, “because we believe the delay and new evidence being found would be enough for her to flee.” The state prosecutor team admitted their evidence was, “not the best,” and that is why Mrs. Haven was confident she would win her trial. The new evidence changes that comletely.
The details about this new evidence has were not revealed. The next trial is to be held in two weeks.
Blackwater gunfight leads to false arrest
By Odell Clifton
A traveler was arrested this week following a short gunfight in Blackwater. There were three people involved in the gunfight, two died. The survivor was promptly arrested by nearby police. The man quickly expressed his innocence, claiming self defense. “I was going to see the tailor when a man on horseback pulled a gun on me,” the survivor said, “I had no choice but to shoot back or die.” They explained that as soon as they took down the shooter, another shooter rode in on him. “I killed the second guy just as quick,” the man admitted. After his arrest and testimony, police officers spoke to witnesses. Once the story was corroborated, the man was released.
“We have to act quick to protect the city, you see,” said one policeman, “so we made the arrest, but we also ain’t for keeping folks just defending themselves.” The man was released. The bodies were loaded onto a departing ship, to dropped into the Flat Iron Lake.
Man wins strange reward and is shocked by Mr. Prizeman
By Frederick Vannesse
“I cannot explain to you the shock of killing a man who was attacking me and then having a coat thrown at me,” the man said, “but it happened and that Mr. Prizeman is lucky he didn’t get shot too.” The man explained that he was attacked while transporting goods and was forded to defend himself when he was attacked. “I defended myself, as is my legal right,” the man explained, “while I was transporting legitimate goods.” Mr. Prizeman was nearby when he heard the gunshots. “It is my job to reward people who meet certain conditions,” Mr. Prizeman said, “In this case, I was riding around looking for the next prize winner: someone with a gun so quick they could kill before be killed!” He rode toward the shots as soon as he heard them and witnessed the act of self defense.
“I tossed the coat to him and wished him well,” Mr. Prizeman said, “then I road toward the nearest town to ensure it was known to be self defense, and to avoid getting shot myself!” The winner remained shocked and unsure of the prize and the odd method of delivery. “I suppose it’s nice enough,” they said, “but the timing could have been better.”
Horse survives attempted killing, would be killer does not
By Donna Deshner
Horse killing is a serious crime in the Five States, punishable by death. Though often horse killers are brought down long before they can be brought to justice. Such was the case this week when a man attempted to killer a horse in Valentine. The horse’s owner was relaxing in Smithfield’s Saloon when he heard it cry out in pain. He immediately exited the saloon and ran into the man who attempted to kill the horse. The killer was shot in the chest with an explosive round, instantly killing him. Authorities surrounded the man but he dropped his rifle and ran to his horse, giving it medicine to stabalize his condition.
Witnesses confirmed that the dead man attempted to kill a horse and was not a victim. The horse was tended to by the stable hands in Valentine and made a complete recovery. The horse’s owner was not arrested and left the town the next day.
Violence breaks out in Saint Denis
By Emeline Vickroy
Saint Denis residents have had enough. They have been filing daily reports with the city police about violence all across the city. “This used to be a respectable city,” one resident said, “but now everywhere we you go there are violent ruffians about!” Saint Denis Chief of Police Benjamin Lambert has confirmed the rise in complaints. “We are not exactly certain why things have been escalating in our fair city,” Chief Lambert said, “but we are investigating and will work to tame the criminal element in Saint Denis.” Though the number of reports have increased, Saint Denis has always had a violent side to the city. The criminal underground is said to operate within Saint Denis, allegedly led by some of the well-to-do citizens. The crime is simply becoming more noticeable to the affluent in the city.
“I always stayed away from the Southeast part of the city, that’s where, the criminals are,” said one resident, “but it’s a problem now that they think they can bring their filth into our part of the city!” The reports include gunshots, assault, theft, and general ruckus. Chief Lambert announced a special task force of highly trained and experienced officers who will begin investigating the increase in violence and put down any violent breakouts.
Cowpoke disappointed when “glowing orb” is identified as mundane
By Lucien Privitt
For a short time there was excitement about a discovery made in the Five States. A man found a glowing orb, also described as a fiery ball, that he could not identify. “I thought it was from another world, like a star fallen from the sky,” said the cowpoke who found it, “or at least something rare.” Curious minds came to see the mysterious orb of fire and soon it was unexpectedly identified. Experts of many fields stared at the orb, but it was a hunter who identified it. “I saw it, I laughed, and I said to them ‘that’s a campfire ember still glowing,'” said the hunter, “it wasn’t anything special.” The crowd sighed in disbelief and the experts nodded in agreement. “Yes clearly this is just a campfire ember that failed to go out,” said one expert, “the real mystery is why is it still burning?”
The Five States Herald 