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.
“Beggar of the Five States” seeks out holiday generosity
By Adam Parvey
Many have claimed to see the near mythical Beggar of the Five States. An old, malnourished man, is said to be seen seeking warmth near campfires and asking for what folks can spare. While some cowpokes have chased the Beggar off, many have said they did offer the man food. “I ain’t got a whole lot but more than enough just for me,” one traveler explained, “and a bit of company ain’t so bad.” Many have said they believe the Beggar to be a spirit type entity that tests cowpokes out in the wilderness. “I saw him once, gave him some meat, but there is no way that many could have survived as he was,” one witness said, “no meat on his bones, no clothes, no way to keep warm in the snow, so I think he’s a spirit that roams these wild parts testing the morality of folks.” While this explanation may seem fanciful, other stories do give it some weight.
“I ain’t ashamed to say, but I shot that man in his chest with a shotgun,” one cowpoke said, “it was a mercy killing, food would have just prolonged his suffering to I ended him and moved camp.” The cowpoke, who had been quite stern in demeaner, suddenly looked as if a chill came down his spine. “Days later, I saw him again, alive,” the cowpoke said, “and he acted as if we’d never met, as if I’d never met him.” The cowpoke admitted to shooting the Beggar again and has not seen him since. However, many others have reported interacting with the Beggar and among those witnesses, more than a few admitted to killing the old man. Yet, he continues to be seen.
This mystery of the Beggar of the Five States may never be solved. But if he is a test of morality, those cruel folks better hope the results are never revealed.
Arrested Mexican Soldier quietly transported back to Mexico
By Jose Chavez
Though there has been no official report, a source of mine has confirmed that Mexican soldier arrested by a bounty hunter last week was transported back to Mexico. Neither the U.S. nor the Mexican government are commenting on the transfer. Sheriff Sam Freeman did offer a comment. “I can’t tell you if they took him to Mexico, but U.S. agents did show up to take him,” Sheriff Freeman said, “they had official transfer papers, better to take him off my hands anyway.”
The transfer papers mentioned taking the prisoner to Sisika, where he would be placed under special protection. Though there were no notes indicating why special protection was required and Sisika authorities do not comment on specific cases. What the diplomatic repercussion of this situation will be remain to be seen.
WANTED!
Investigators: Travel the Five States and report on what is going on.
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Photographers:
To take photographs to be used in the Herald.
Can also do all three!
Heavy snowfall isolates rural residents
By Jane Duran
The rugged and unforgiving mountains of Ambarino are not for the faint of heart, and this winter, they are proving even more treacherous than usual. A brutal snowstorm has descended on the region, leaving many isolated in the remote wilderness. As the blizzards rage on, those who call the Ambarino wilderness home have found themselves cut off from the rest of the civilization, with supplies dwindling and communications severed. In fact, if it was not for brave cowpokes willing to ride into the snowstorm, we would have no idea at all what life was like in the wildest parts of the state.
A growing number of reports indicate that the region’s wildlife, particularly mountain lions and wolves, have become more aggressive, likely driven by hunger in the deepening cold. These creatures, usually elusive, have been seen prowling near homesteads and along hunting trails, posing a threat to both settlers and those brave enough to venture into the wilderness. “It’s harder to hunt when the animals are this wild,” said Thomas Grant, a trapper from the northern ridge. “They’re desperate, and so are we.” With food running low, the people of Ambarino are turning to each other for help, creating uneasy alliances as they work together to weather the storm.
Rising tide of crime
By Odell Clifton
West Elizabeth, the land of opportunity and untamed wilderness, has recently become the backdrop for a troubling surge in criminal activity. Law enforcement has struggled to maintain control as a new breed of outlaw appears to be organizing along the borders of the Great Plains. Reports from locals near Blackwater and surrounding areas indicate a steady increase in robberies, cattle rustling, and the unsettling rise of organized gang movements. Authorities, particularly those in Blackwater, are on high alert as they try to contain the violence before it spills further into the surrounding regions. While the gang activity seems to be coming from an unknown location in Tall Trees, Thieves’ Landing is being investigated as the primary port being used to supply the gang.
Citizens living in Blackwater have expressed mounting fears, with many opting to lock their doors earlier each evening, wary of being caught in the crossfire of rising tensions. “It’s like the old days again, only worse,” said Ralph Dutton, a shopkeeper in Blackwater. “The streets don’t feel safe. You hear gunshots more often now, and it ain’t always the law doing the shooting.” Many residents have started taking matters into their own hands, with groups of vigilantes forming to protect their homes and businesses. While this shows the resilience of West Elizabeth’s people, it also points to the growing sense of lawlessness that is creeping into the region.
Gunfight down Lannahechee River
By Van R. Seldon
Panic erupted along the Lannahechee River this week as a group of outlaws aboard a steamboat unleashed a deadly barrage of gunfire on the unsuspecting townsfolk and lawmen in Annesburg. Eyewitnesses reported seeing black flags waving from the vessel as it drifted downriver, firing indiscriminately at anyone within range. The assailants, believed to be part of the infamous “Lannahechee Marauders,” caused widespread chaos, with local merchants scrambling for cover and a few residents injured in the crossfire. Despite the terror, law enforcement was unable to respond effectively due to the boat’s speed and their limited firepower.
As of now, the outlaws’ whereabouts remain unknown, with rumors suggesting they’ve retreated to the thick swamps further south. Authorities have vowed to increase patrols in the area, but many locals fear the Marauders will strike again. “They’ve made it clear they’re not afraid of the law,” said a federal agent, “If we’re going to stop them, it’s going to take more than just lawmen.” As the New Hanover coast braces for further violence, it’s clear that the river has become the latest battleground in the ongoing war between criminals and the law. The Steamboat was found, but it was abandoned and identified as stolen.
New bounty hunter celebrates getting his license
By Mathilde Orry
A cowpoke walked out of the Rhodes Sheriff Station jumping up and down shouting at the top of his lungs. “I’m a proper bounty hunter now!” they shouted, “no more odd jobs for me, just bounties and gold!” They made their way to the local saloon and paid for a round of alcohol for everyone. After a few drinks he started talking about how he earned money to pay for his Bounty Hunter’s License. “I took all kinds of odd jobs, cattle rustling, mail delivery, hunting,” the cowpoke got a little quiet at one point, “a fair few robberies, shakedowns, vandalism.” They seemed to not be too worried about lawmen hearing their admissions, despite there being two lawmen in the saloon. Though both of them were also drunk. Another patron was a bounty hunter who was in practice for several years offered his point of view.
“Let’s be honest, there’s few of us around who ain’t done something unlawful to make ends meet,” they said, “Lord knows I ain’t perfect, we ought to celebrate their success
Lost Newspaper Found!
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax – Lead Correspondent
I do hope I don’t come across as too egotistical when I say that a newspaper is quite valuable. I could spend this lovely evening discussing the greatness and importance of news from coast to coast and around the world. I could, but I have faith you, the reader, already understand this. Instead, how about the news of the past?
In the 1710s, you were lucky if the city you dwelled in, had a printing press. The island of Jamaica, had precisely one; it was used by a man named Robert Baldwin on behalf of the colonial governor. Baldwin set up a newspaper, the Weekly Jamaican Courant. He only lived for a few short years until his wife took over as editor of the paper, lasting over a decade. A female newspaper editor, imagine that. The paper died off in the 1750s, but by then, other papers had taken it over.
This newspaper unfortunately, hasn’t survived; what must have been hundreds of issues, appears to have been felled, by humidity, hurricanes, and human apathy. Until today at least, two issues of the paper were found in London of all places. Used to bind a book.
It makes one ponder, how will the future remember us? Will 200 years from now, these very pages have faded into nothingness? Or shall it be preserved, as were Mr. Franklin’s papers from the same century? It is not my place to know, only to wonder.
The Five States Herald 