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.
New investments into the Five States not coming
By Adam Parvey
After weeks of rumors and months of hope from residents, it was finally announced that no new investments in the Five States are coming. In truth, rumors of new investments coming to the Five States had been building for years but were silenced recently. Most folks seemed to have given up hope when new rumors started a few weeks ago that investments and jobs were coming to the Five States. Hope was rekindled for many, though others remained guarded, “it’s all just talk until I see the investments and experience the new jobs,” said one resident. Leaders in the Five States finally put an end to the rumors, investments in the Five States were not coming. Instead, they announced the reissue of an old western themed board game: Red Dead.
The original Red Dead released 13 years ago and while it did not take the board game industry by storm it was well received by players. The game is unique, in that instead of pitting players against each other they work together to complete a task. Three “campaigns” were created for the game before it was discontinued from production. The first campaign sees players take on the roles of bounty hunter chasing outlaws along with subplots including avenging the deaths of murdered parents. This campaign was called the Revolver and received a modest response. The second campaign, Redemption, saw players take on the roles of former outlaws now conscripted by the law to hunt down their gang allies. Redemption was far more successful than Revolver, both critically and commercially. Redemption was so successful it spurred a direct sequel.
Redemption II saw players become members of the gang they previously hunted, as the sequel was in fact a prequel. It was noted among board game enthusiasts that Redemption II made it fun just to hangout at camp, gambling or chatting with allies, and called the game a masterpiece. While eager to learn more of the Red Dead world and live “wild west” fantasies they read about in books and see in the wild west shows, no further campaigns arrived. The powers that be in the Five States have convinced the game’s publisher to reissue the game, specifically the original Redemption campaign. The game’s publisher was very clear that this is simply a reissue, the game’s pieces and cards will not receive any updates. “We know many say they want new jobs, but we know what they really want,” said Harry Strauss, a former member of the BHTNC, “what they really want is an old board game, reissued in all of its dated glory, priced like a new board game experience.”
Some residents are excited about replaying the game. “I loved Redemption, and Revolver too, and of course Redemption II,” said one resident, “but I lost most of the pieces of my original game, so this will be great!” Others remain disappointed in the lack of economic development in the Five States with many giving up hope altogether.
New Austin Rangers have run with Tumbleweed sheriff
By Jose Chavez
State police in New Austin have always faced difficulty dealing with local law enforcement, but that difficult became full blown trouble this week. Four New Austin Rangers rode into Tumbleweed and according to witnesses, the tension was immediate. “Deputies usually roam around all friendly, most times,” said one witness, “but as soon as they saw the state police they seemed ready to pull out their guns.” The Rangers then decided to raise the tension when they walked into the saloon and sat at a table with a lone deputy, pushing him off the table. This resulted in a dozen deputies coming into the saloon to defend their friend. A fight nearly broke out until Sheriff Sam Freeman stepped into the saloon. Sheriff Freeman commands respect for his long illustrious career as a lawman so the Rangers stopped arguing, as did the deputies. Sheriff Freeman broke his silence by punching the leader of the Rangers and telling them to get out of his town. Witnesses say the Rangers fled and Sheriff Freeman bought a round of alcohol for his deputies.
Serial killer mocking investigators?
By Jane Duran
In the middle of an investigation, the serial killer investigators are now calling The Executioner, hides another body in Calumet Ravine. Exactly 25 bodies were found in Calumet Ravine over the last two weeks. Investigators were certain that they were finished and found everything hidden in the ravine. However, in the middle of the investigation another body was found. Given the investigators’ certainty and the lack of decomposition of the body, it is clear it was dumped recently. The body has been identified, however, that information is being kept secret at the moment. All we know is that the victim was a male in his late thirties and was killed by a gunshot wound to the back of the head. Investigators believe the body was dumped overnight. “We have patrols in the area, but it’s a large area,” said one investigator, “and it’s not impossible to find a lapse in the patrols, which won’t happen again.”
Patrols have been increased, including at night. Little else is known about the killer, but that they are still active suggests they are not shaken about being discovered. Investigators are hoping that the serial killer will make a mistake soon.
Man survives boar attack
By Odell Clifton
Robert Kreachbaum, a resident of Blackwater, was gathering herbs when he heard rustling in the brush. The rustling was followed by grunting and a loud squeal. “I saw it, the white faced boar,” Mr. Kreachbaum said, “if I were a man of action, might be I had time to move but I froze, ‘fraid that moment was going to be my last.” The white faced boar Mr. Kreachbaum described was likely the Wakpa boar, a rare type with a spotted coat and known for its distinctive white face. Mr. Kreachbaum has been kneeling down at the time and as he was petrified by fear, he had not moved. The boar gored him in his right leg. “The pain broke my shock, well replaced my frozen shock with a panic shock.” Mr. Kreachbaum described. The pain allowed him to think properly and right then he whistled for his horse.
The boar turned around to gore him again, according to Mr. Kreachbaum, but he hopped onto his one good leg and managed to climb onto his horse. He rode fast into Blackwater, where a visiting doctor tended to his leg. “I was lucky, doc said,” Mr. Kreachbaum explained, “for one, doc ain’t always in town and for two, the damage was minimal.” Mr. Kreachbaum will not lose his leg, but is in for a longer recovery.
American Propaganda being Copied!!!
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax (Lead Correspondent)
It’s hardly a secret that the war with Spain was fought at home as much as it was in Cuba. Citizens read newspapers that claimed dubious things. The military used recruitment posters reminding the world of atrocities. The gallantry of our men was repeated time after time for all to hear. It was incredibly effective propaganda, and it was never going to be just an American trick.
In recent months, Germany has begun its own propaganda campaigns, against Britain, Russia, and especially France. Many have noted telltale signs that the Kaiser was watching us closely, with similar-style posters, newspapers, and slogans. We cannot tell if they will be as effective, but it is chilling, nonetheless.
This propaganda is not something we can just undo; what’s done is done. The world saw how we drummed up men to serve and continue fighting; why wouldn’t others repeat it? In several years, this propaganda will likely become even more compelling; perhaps even astute men and women will fall for it. What then, will prevent a great war from emerging, when every nation has the power to turn a pacifist violent?
Freak accident saves hunter
By Donna Deshner
A hunter was nearly ran over by a careless stagecoach driver as they skinned an animal. The hunter did not notice it, as they were quite busy. “I was skinning the animal when, well I saw a big shadow flying over me,” the hunter said. That shadow was a stagecoach. It was unclear if the driver lost control or had intended to run the hunter over. What is clear is that they hit a rock. The rock was partly hidden by the shadow cast by the hunter. The horses turned at the last minute when they saw the hunter, but the front wheel of the wagon hit the rock and went flying.
The driver was lightly injured but the horses had to be put down. Another passerby rode to the wagon and took the driver to Valentine to see the doctor. The hunter packed away the pelt and went on their way.
Train delays when dead body found between train and tracks
By Emeline Vickroy
Travelers were disappointed when trains were delayed for several hours after finding a dead body smashed into the tracks. Though the body was ripped apart, there was enough of their face to identify him as a dock worker. Friends of the victim said he was a hard worker and a good man. “He cared about folks, you know,” said an fellow dock worker, “always reporting on folks harming other poor folks ’round here.” Local police at the Saint Denis Police Station confirmed this statement, saying the victim was a well known reporter. “You can tell how much a man cares about his fellow citizens when they report their crimes,” said one policeman, “law and order is the highest value, you know.” Investigators are unsure if the death was an accident or intentional. “It is impossible to say, sadly, if he was pushed or not.” said one of the policeman investigating the case. The case was closed as a result of lack of evidence. When the train resumed operation, travelers rejoiced.
Grand Sailing Ships Days Numbered?
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax (Lead Correspondent)
There’s nothing more elegant than an ocean liner, a wondrous creation of iron and steel that goes from sea to sea with ease. They are the pride of various seafaring nations like Britain and France; the governments pump money into these ships. It’s all unsustainable and will eventually dry up one day.
The process of creation all centers on building the bigger ship. With each launch, they grow bigger, heavier, slower. Soon this will reach a zenith, a ship so big it cannot be used in most situations. Such a ship already existed once, the Great Eastern, a ship too big to dock with most ports. It was eventually scrapped after losing enough money; this will happen again.
This civilian naval race is the tip of the spear in a great naval show of force in Europe. Navies grow larger and deadlier; when they clash, few shall walk away. Such a war will undoubtedly reduce interest in sea travel; what joy is left on the open seas after seeing family and friends torn apart?
Lastly, humans cannot fly, but attempts are made each year. One day, someone will succeed, and then, what need will people have for ships if one can soar above the waters? They are beautiful, they are grand, and they are a dying breed, ocean liners. Love them for now, for you will regret not doing some one day.
American inventor makes mark on entirly dnew industry
By Frederick Vannesse
In 1890, William B. Purvis invented an improvement to fountain pens, regulating the flow of ink and allowing unused ink to flow back into the reservoir, It resulted in a smoother writing pen. Before his foray into inventing, Mr. Purvis helped slaves escape from the South. More recently, Mr. Purvis received 6 different patents for paper bags, improving their quality and cost. Showing that he is not yet done with inventions and helping improve society, Mr. Purvis has designed a new electric railway switch. The switch uses magnets to propel cars forward, which will make moving railway cars safer for workers. The switch is expected to be in use within the next three years.
New ‘miracle drug’ being tested
By Ivy Seager
German chemist Felix Hoffmann may have invented what some are calling a ‘miracle drug.’ The result of synthesizing salicylic acid with acetic acid, the substance has been found to have analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, the production for the substance can be done cheaply, making this new drug cost-effective. Testing is continuing and once its efficacy is confirmed, it will be available to the public. It is expected to be on the market by next year. It will be available in powder form.
The Five States Herald 