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.
Has death taken the month off?
By Adam Parvey
The month of October always brings strange occurrences, but now many are claiming it has put a stopper in death. Folks have been killed only to pop right back up as if nothing had happened. “I was out hunting, minding my own business, when I heard a loud shot,” one hunter said, “I don’t know how I knew, but I knew I was dead and then suddenly I was standing outside of Valentine.” The hunter said they immediately went to Smithfield’s Saloon, requiring several drinks after such an experience. They are not the only one, either. “I killed a man, who deserved it,” said one woman, “I watched his lifeless body until it stopped moving and then I get attacked from behind and it’s the man I just killed!” Some have suggested that Death, the Grim Reaper himself, has taken the month off. However, one group of people says this is not unusual at all. “Death and Respawning is part of the natural way of things, “said Gregoria Haskins, an Avatar of the Respawners religions group, “what is unnatural is that folks are noticing it.”
Miss Haskins explained that everyone dies and rejoins the world. The vast majority of folks do not realize it is happening, however. “It is difficult to understand, certainly,” Miss Haskins said, “but our memories, sort of, disengage from what we knew to accept what we now see.” The process means people are living and being reborn, or respawned, into this world. They remember everything but dying, almost as if they just had a bad hangover. “Something is weird, presently, however,” Miss Haskins admits, “far too many people are realizing what is happening.” Miss Haskins explained that those who realize the death and respawn cycle are typically rare and eventually find the Respawners. The Respawners are a religious group who have long maintained that death is an illusion that few can see and those that do are able experience a complete life by understanding the limitations of the world and how to get around them.
“I am troubled that so many can see through the cycle,” Miss Haskins said, “I wonder how it will impact life in the Five States.”
Armadillo attacked by supernatural threat
By Jose Chavez
The town that fortune forgot came under an attack from alleged supernatural forces this week. “These men, they were masked and powerful,” said shopkeeper and Armadillo resident Herbert Moon, “I’ve seen the likes of them before, but what interest do they have in Armadillo?” Deputies and townsfolk were losing the defensive battle until four cowpokes showed up to organize the defense. “These fellas were good shooters,” said one resident, “and they seemed to be able to steal the powers of those attackers.” At different times, the defenders were reported as gaining powers themselves to fend off the town.
The town was successfully defended, however, there were several deaths. “In a town like Armadillo, where the population is already small, a few deaths is a big deal, “said Sheriff Palmer. New Austin Rangers dismissed the reports, saying supernatural attackers do not exist.
Federal agents join the Executioner investigation
By Jane Duran
The Ambarino Rangers have received federal assistance in their ongoing investigation into the Executioner. The Ambarino Rangers did not request help, however once it was confirmed that victims were taken from multiple states, the federal government was obligated to get involved. “The evidence suggests a single killer, the so called Executioner, with victims across multiple states,” said Special Agent Rice Philips, “that puts this investigation into the federal domain, the Ambarino Rangers certainly aren’t doing their best.” Special Agent Philips says the investigation will not be limited to Ambarino.
“While the bodies have all, so far, been dumped in Ambarino, the victims are being taken from other states,” Special Agent Philips said, “so we will put agents in all five states of the region.” The expansion of the investigation should put the Executioner on his heels, as it will make it difficult to operate with agents on the look out for him. The agents do not have a physical description but abductions cannot go unnoticed forever with more eyes than ever watching.
Early trick or treaters commit a robbery
By Odell Clifton
A family was robbed this week by a group of young masked men. “I opened the door to, what appeared to be teenagers in masks shouting trick or treat,” said Corrie Lindner, “and though it wasn’t Halloween, I thought it was quite cute.” Mrs. Lindner turned around to find something to give them when they rushed into the home. Mrs. Lindner’s husband Fulton responded to the noise but one of the masked attackers pulled out a gun. The couple’s child was in their room at the time. “I had a rifle in the other room, but didn’t want to put my family at risk,” said Mr. Lindner, “so we cooperated and simply let them take what they wanted, out lives are more important than stuff.”
The robbers took several valuables, including jewelry, money, and a few rare collectibles. Blackwater Police investigated but without a description of what the attackers look like it is unlikely they will be found.
Man Who Killed Buffalo Regrets Decision!
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax (Lead Correspondent)
It’s no secret that the buffalo that used to roam this world has essentially been killed off, violently gunned down by hunters for various reasons, increasingly unethical as time passes. Most of these people got paid and returned to another job no worse for wear. Rarely did they ever sit and ponder exactly what they had done not just to nature but to the continent itself. Frank Mayer is one of those few.
Mayer was born about 48 years ago; he claims to have worked about every job under God’s green Earth, from bartender to drummer boy. It’s his time in the 1870s that draws the most interest. He claimed to be among the most experienced buffalo hunters alive, having killed hundreds, if not thousands.
He stopped only when he ran out of targets. A man like that usually is content with his actions; Mayer isn’t. In recent months, he has written openly about being aware he had been paid to send the animal into extinction; the pay had been terrible, the hours long, the reward not worth it. He takes responsibility for the hardship his actions have done to numerous local tribes.
It’s a creature comfort; knowing the man who killed everything and might doom you to starvation is sorry. Would you accept such outward condolences? If I stood where Mayer was, I would say no.
Robbery in the Heartlands
By Emery Cosberry
A hunter was robbed by a posse of outlaws after a successful hunt. The hunter had prepared for hours, setting up bait and waiting patiently. Their patience paid off as plenty of deer showed up and the hunter killed each one with a perfect shot. “I was about to round up my kills,” the hunter said, “when some fellas showed up and started shooting at me.” While they do not know the exact number of attackers, there was at least three. “Two of them just kept shooting me,” the hunter said, “I had to hide behind my wagon, while another was stealing prey!” The hunter took a few shots back but they could not fight off the attackers.
After several minutes, the attackers stopped firing and rode away. “After awhile I came out of my hiding spot and looked around,” the hunter explained, “they were all gone, the outlaws and the animals I bagged.” Discouraged, the hunter packed up and set up camp. The next day they reported the crime in Valentine, but the authorities had little to go on and so while a case was opened, it is unlikely to be solved.
Missing man found dead
By Mathilde Orry
A local Lemoyne man was reported as missing early in the week. A family member said he had gone out into the bayou to hunt and did not come home that night. She reported him as missing the next day. Authorities quickly assumed the man was another victim of The Executioner, however, his friends disputed this. “I read in the ‘paper that the Executioner kills cheaters, and he ain’t no cheater,” said one of their friends. Days later the matter was resolved when the missing man was found dead in the bayou.
There were no signs of foul play and the investigation suggested he was killed by the animals he was hunting. “He was killed by a ‘gator, no doubt,” said a Lemoyne lawman, “‘gator grabbed his legs and jostled him around until he was dead.” The alligator was not the only attacker, however. “But there were deep, fresh gouges from a cougar on his shoulders and a deep bite on his neck,” the lawman said. The death was ruled an unfortunate accident.
Remains From Forgotten Battle Still being Found!
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax (Lead Correspondent)
In the woods outside of Richmond lay a battlefield forgotten by time. Twisted trees and hollowed-out Earth still remain. Church bells can be heard at dawn and dusk; it conceals the ghosts that walk these lands. The grass here was once stained with the blood of youth; it’s now all a moldy brown.
This was not a famous battlefield; it did not begin the Civil War, nor did it reach a high tide like Gettysburg. It is a passed-over field near a dusty crossroad that few remember. It was called Cold Harbor after a local tavern, as ironic a name as one could find, for water was not close, and the temperature was always hot.
In 1864, thousands died here, in brutal pointless charges that merely wasted bullets, soil, and life. Walking these lands, you will find remnants of those who fought. Bodies are still found to this day, bleached skulls and rattled bones of loved ones lost to time. A bounty of sorts is still in service; retrieve those dead, and people still do. Rarely are they identified anymore; if they are buried, none can say. It all stands as a reminder, that it wasn’t long ago that this entire nation was at war. We try to bury that memory, but like a half-buried skeleton, it still remains.
Crowds head to the Yerkes Observatory one year after its dedication
By Frederick Vannesse
The Yerkes Observatory is the largest refraction telescope in the world with a 40 inch diameter. While there are larger reflection based telescopes, refraction telescopes offer a clearer image. The quality of images provided by the Yerkes Observatory telescope is expected to expand knowledge of, as well as interest in, astronomy. Yerkes Observatory ha already become a must visit destination for many v travelers. “I couldn’t believe I was looking into the cosmos,” said one visitor, “and according to the guide, I was looking into the past!”
London’s first automobile dealership opens today!
By Ivy Seager
Automobile ownership is still low, but may very well expand soon. To buy an automobile, one must travel to the manufacturer. That may change with the first automobile dealership opening in London. The London Automobile Dealership offers a central location for consumers to buy a vehicle. Easier access to automobiles may be all that is needed to increase the popularity of the new transportation innovation. “Increased access will increase demand, which will ultimately encourage a larger production supply,” said a spokesman for the dealership, “which will drive prices down and further increase demand! What a time to be alive!”
The Five States Herald 