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.
Trade booming in the Five States!
By Adam Parvey
The recent snowstorm brought trade in the Five States to a crawl. While the snow cover hindered outlaws, it was a larger hinderance on traders. “A few outlaws on horses can manage the snow much better than traders driving heavy wagons,” one trader said, “hell, our crashing made it easier for the outlaws still on the prowl.” Many traders resorted to delivering their goods to local areas, reducing the likelihood of crashing by taking shorter trips. The storm has finally let up and the snow has melted away. Traders were eager to get their supplies to distant markets.
Those markets, having experienced a drought of goods, we eager to reward traders with higher prices. Most local saloons had fewer hired guns hanging around than usual. “We often have a few folks here just waiting for work,” said a bartender, “but they are all working, none left to wait around.” The hired guns helped ensure that goods would reach their destination. Traders, shotgun messengers, and distant communities have all been celebrating the resurgence in trade. Market observers remarked that trade levels are higher than they were before the storm, but are expected to even out in the coming weeks.
Whistleblower exposes depth of US knowledge of Mexican army integration with Del Lobo gang!
By Jose Chavez
For months the US has accused the Mexican military of providing arms and other supplies to the Del Lobo gang. The Mexican government has denied this claims. Weeks ago, however, the link between the Del Lobo gang and the Mexican military grew stronger when a Mexican soldier was arrested with a Del Lobo gang member by a bounty hunter. The soldier was quietly returned to the Mexican army. A whistleblower came forward, saying this was the last straw. Asking to remain anonymous, he reported high level information about this connection between the Mexican government and Del Lobo gang. “There is no allegation and denial, that’s for the press,” my source said, “it is actually known, the Mexicans have admitted it, but truth is, it’s a rogue element of the army.”
This sheds new light on the story. A part of the Mexican military has allegedly been acting on its own accord, providing supplies to destabilize the US. The Mexican government is allegedly cooperating with the US in the investigation. Some in the US are not sure about the rogue angle. “Some colleagues believe that the Mexican government is very much in the know,” they said, “they think the rogue thing is just a way of playing dumb and keeping the resources flowing.” I followed up with official inquiries, but the US government denied all of these claims.
Has the Executioner returned?
By Jane Duran
Last week I reported on a body found beneath the frozen Lake Isabella. Temperatures increased enough that the body was able to be retrieved. The deceased was identified Ed Blount, a resident of Blackwater. Mr. Blount was as a regular at the Blackwater Saloon where he often spent the night gambling. Mrs. Blount reported her husband missing two weeks ago. Police say that initially, they believed Mr. Blount fled the town to avoid gambling debts. Witnesses reported seeing him leave with an unknown man. The man was described as well to do and so one witnessed assumed it was a job offer. “Ed was always looking for ways to make a quick buck you see,” a witness said, “decent man, but couldn’t not gamble anything he earned.” However, the gambling was not his only vice, noted at least one other witness, who asked to remain anonymous.
“Ed was a filthy cheat, his poor wife at home watching their children all alone,” she said, “I can’t tell you how I know, but, you can trust me.” Investigators initially believed this was unrelated, until the cause of death was determined. “The man was shot in the back of the head,” an investigator said, “and combined with the claim of infidelity, this could be another victim of the Executioner.” The Executioner was a serial killer, believed to be a woman, who targeted men who cheated on their spouses. Emmaline Haven was accused of being the Executioner, was ruled not guilty in her trial. Authorities immediately sought Mrs. Haven, only to find that she has been out of the Five States since her release. “We cannot say where she is due to privacy concerns,” an investigator said, “but I can tell you that we verified she is not in the Five States.” This means that if this is an Executioner related murder, that not only are they still out there but they are once again active.
Train robbery stopped by passenger
By Odell Clifton
A daring train robbery was thwarted late yesterday evening near Diablo Ridge, thanks to the quick thinking of a passenger and the swift action of lawmen riding by. The train, having traveled from Annesburg on its way to Valentine, was ambushed by a group of masked bandits as it passed through Diablo Ridge.
Passengers described the harrowing moment when the train came to an abrupt halt, and the outlaws boarded with guns drawn, demanding valuables. “They were organized, like wolves closing in on their prey,” said Edith Marlowe, a passenger traveling to Valentine. “But one man—he must’ve been a bounty hunter—pulled a pistol from his boot and fired back.” The unexpected resistance forced the gang into disarray, buying time for the conductor to sound the alarm with a piercing whistle that echoed through the valley.
State lawmen had been riding nearby heard the gunshots and the train whistle, responded swiftly. They intercepted the outlaws as they attempted to flee, capturing two while the rest escaped into the dense woods. Lawmen praised the passengers’ bravery but warned that the gang’s escapees remain a threat. “These hills aren’t safe yet,” he said, urging travelers to remain vigilant. Though the train resumed its journey, the incident has left passengers and locals alike wary, wondering if the peace of West Elizabeth is beginning to fray.
Many injuries but no deaths in saloon brawl
By Emery Cosberry
A lively evening turned chaotic at Smithfield’s Saloon last night when a heated dispute between two patrons erupted into an all-out brawl. The fracas, which involved at least a dozen men, left the saloon in disarray and several individuals nursing bruises and bloodied noses.
The trouble began when an argument over a card game spiraled out of control. Witnesses claim a ranch hand accused a traveling gambler of cheating, leading to harsh words and an ill-fated shove that knocked over a table. In moments, fists were flying, chairs were upended, and the once-friendly atmosphere descended into mayhem. “One minute I’m enjoying my whiskey, the next I’m dodging a flying bottle,” recounted one patron, who preferred to remain unnamed.
Though the brawl was intense, the arrival of Valentine’s sheriff and his deputies quickly restored order. Injuries were limited to cuts and bruises, with no lasting harm reported. The saloon keeper, visibly irate over the damage to his establishment, has vowed to bar the instigators permanently. “This is a place for good drink and better company,” he said, shaking his head at the shattered glass littering the floor. Despite the ruckus, regulars at Smithfield’s seem undeterred, with many already planning to return tonight, albeit with hopes for a quieter evening.
Saint-Denis Grocer to Retire!
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax – Lead Correspondent
A good grocer is someone you never forget. Saint-Denis has hundreds of grocers, mostly Italian but of various backgrounds and skill sets. Catherine Greene stands out among them all.
The famously stern grocer has worked her business for 27 years. She earned a reputation as a hard worker, often called The Raven because of her hair and perhaps demeanor. Many customers thought she was blunt and to the point; those who worked under her thought she was something of a slavedriver at times.
Yet upon announcing her retirement, many who have bought goods or worked with her have had nothing but kind words. Some may call this fearful compliments, but I think its something else. On some level, you must put the fear of god into those willing to buy or work with you, but never too much. You must be tough to sell in Saint-Denis, with many rivals and shady elements to contend with, you cannot be all kind and all trusting.
I interacted with this woman for many years, I have heard many rumors, bodies under the floorboards, strange meat being served. I doubt them all. Ms. Greene was not one who suffered fools, but she was a tender soul when time allowed. I think many residents, will miss her efficiency and skill.
Remnants of the Confederacy try to recruit new members to illegal militia
By Lucien Privitt
The Confederate States of America was a short lived nation made up of states rebelling against the United States of America. The Confederacy was brought to an end when the United States of America defeated them in the Civil War. Following the end of the Confederacy, the rebel states rejoined the Union and in the following years, slavery was abolished, citizenship was given to former slaves, and newly freed slaves were given the right to vote. Remnants of the Confederacy unhappy with the changes made to their way of life have persisted in rural pockets of the South. A Confederate militia was recently exposed in the Five States, as it attempted to expand membership in the region.
“I was invited to join a group of folks, a group that could provide protection and new ways to spend my time in the Five States,” one cowpoke said, “but I found out they saw themselves as a Confederate militia and wanted no part in it.” The militia downplays their connection to the Confederacy when recruiting, clearly recognizing that their ideas are not popular in the Five States. Federal authorities say that the Confederacy is not a recognized state and as a result, does not have an officially recognized army of militia. “Any action taken by a group claiming to be a militia of a defunct state will be treated as they ought to be,” one federal lawman said, “as a gang of outlaws.” Federal investigators are aware of the alleged militia but say its growth has been very slow. “Most folks don’t want to be associated with losers,” the lawman said, “maybe the militia should change its name.”
The Five States Herald 