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.
Lockburn released as case against bounty hunter falters
By Adam Parvey
After weeks of controversy, crowded streets, and mounting public pressure, Saint Denis police have released bounty hunter Tom Lockburn from custody. Chief Benjamin Lambert announced that the case surrounding the reported death of outlaw Cecil Buck had weakened substantially in recent days. “Witnesses have recanted their statements, several men have come in claiming to have killed Cecil Buck themselves,” the Chief said, “and others have come saying they are his alibi, offering stories of gambling or drinking with Mr. Lockburn.” The announcement was met with cheers from the large gathering that has effectively occupied the roads surrounding police headquarters for weeks. Wagons remained unable to pass through portions of the district as supporters celebrated the decision. Lockburn himself reportedly departed without public comment, maintaining the silence that has characterized much of the affair since his arrest.
The unusual flood of testimony has left authorities with little confidence that a conviction could be secured, though officials stopped short of declaring the bounty hunter innocent. Outside the station, however, many citizens appeared to have already reached their own conclusions. “I don’t know if he killed Cecil Buck, but if he did, he is a hero,” one protestor told the Herald. “Killing an innocent dog… well, no moral man can abide such a thing.” That sentiment continues to resonate among large segments of the public, many of whom regard Buck’s alleged mistreatment and killing of a dog as a crime deserving frontier justice. Critics, meanwhile, warn that popular support should not replace the rule of law. Yet with witnesses changing their stories, self-proclaimed confessors appearing in unexpected numbers, and alibi claims arriving from every corner of the territory, the case that once threatened to send one of the frontier’s most recognizable bounty hunters to prison appears to have collapsed under the weight of its own contradictions.
Sealed church intruder sparks fresh Armadillo rumors
By Jose Chavez
A mysterious break-in at Armadillo’s long sealed church has become the chief topic of conversation throughout the struggling town after a local cowpoke reportedly slipped inside the boarded structure before authorities quickly resealed it. According to the trespasser, the church’s interior appeared strangely incomplete, with the pews drawing particular attention. “The pews had this strange appearance, as if they were not quite finished,” the cowpoke said. “In truth, I couldn’t quite make out why it looked so strange.” No photographs or sketches of the interior have surfaced, and local authorities have declined all requests for comment regarding the incident. The lack of explanation has fueled widespread speculation, with townsfolk debating whether the unusual appearance was the result of neglect, unfinished construction, lingering effects of the town’s troubles, or something far stranger. As stories continue to circulate through saloons and along dusty streets, the church remains sealed, and whatever the intruder saw inside remains a matter of rumor rather than fact.
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Mountain wager ends in tragedy for avid huntress
By Jane Duran
Friends across the frontier are mourning the death of Clara Mae Hensley, a woman remembered as both an enthusiastic hunter and an impulsive gatherer whose adventures often dictated the pace of any journey she joined. “She would see a wild animal and be given to hunting it,” one friend said, “but she was never wasteful and would harvest the kill right there.” Those who knew her said the habit was admirable in principle but exhausting in practice, as wagon trains and riding parties were frequently halted while Hensley pursued deer, rabbits, birds, or any other creature unfortunate enough to cross her path. The reputation eventually inspired a challenge among friends: that she spend twenty-four hours without killing a single animal. According to companions, Hensley immediately recognized the difficulty of the task and devised what she believed was a foolproof solution: traveling deep into the snowy heights of Ambarino, where wildlife was scarce and temptation even scarcer.
The gamble proved fatal. While the isolated mountain country offered few animals to test her resolve, it subjected her instead to the relentless cold for which the region is notorious. Friends searching for her after she failed to return discovered Hensley seated at the base of a mountain slope, motionless and cold to the touch. The sight left companions devastated, many now expressing regret for what had begun as harmless teasing among friends. Several remarked bitterly that had she remained in more hospitable country, she likely would have failed the challenge within an hour and returned home laughing about it. Instead, the wager intended to curb a troublesome habit has become a solemn reminder that the wilderness often punishes even the most carefully laid plans.
Another challenge refused as Blackwater’s Trick Shooter faces growing skepticism
By Daisy Fairman
The mysterious marksman known throughout Blackwater for his trick shooting skills continues to attract crowds, though some observers say the legend surrounding him has begun to fade. Earlier reports described feats that seemed almost impossible, including shooting fruit from volunteers’ heads and, more recently, striking arrows out of the air before they could reach the ground. Such demonstrations have led some admirers to whisper that the shooter possesses abilities beyond those of ordinary men. Yet alongside the admiration has come a growing chorus of doubters, many of whom point to the marksman’s repeated refusal to accept public challenges. Most residents have been willing to excuse his rejection of duels, which often end with a funeral, but a new incident this week has proven more difficult for supporters to explain away.
During a gathering in Blackwater, another accomplished shooter reportedly challenged the man who has taken the moniker of “Trick” to a simple contest of speed and accuracy, proposing that the two race through town shooting designated targets, with the winner claiming the Trick’s prized revolver. Witnesses say the marksman initially dismissed the wager on the grounds that the challenger risked nothing of value. When the challenger responded by offering his home, his horse, and a bag filled with cash, the crowd expected the contest to proceed. Instead, Trick again declined and departed, leaving many spectators disappointed. “If he can shoot arrows out of the sky, surely he can hit a few bottles,” one attendee remarked afterward. While loyal followers insist the shooter has nothing left to prove, others have begun to wonder whether Blackwater’s most celebrated marksman is protecting a cherished revolver or a carefully cultivated reputation.
Bounties dry up across New Hanover after reward initiative
By Emery Cosberry
State officials in New Hanover are celebrating what appears to be a significant decline in criminal activity following a program that offered additional gold rewards on bounties issued within the state. Long regarded as one of the frontier’s busiest commercial regions, New Hanover’s livestock trade and steady flow of travelers have made it an attractive target for thieves, highwaymen, and rustlers. While the state’s growing towns and expanding rail connections encourage commerce, many roads still pass through unsettled country where outlaws can strike before slipping across state lines beyond the reach of state lawmen. Authorities now report that wanted notices have become far less common in recent weeks, with several offices stating that bounty boards that once overflowed with names now stand nearly empty.
The success has surprised some bounty hunters, many of whom initially believed the increased rewards would simply encourage more hunters to pursue an endless supply of fugitives. “I took advantage of the bonuses, sure,” one hunter told the Herald, “but the bounties never declined, they just kept coming.” Similar accounts were common throughout the early months of the program, as criminals appeared to be replaced almost as quickly as they were captured. Yet officials argue that the sustained pressure has finally begun to produce results, with fewer major crimes reported and fewer new warrants being issued. Whether the decline represents a lasting change or merely a temporary lull remains uncertain, but for the first time in many seasons, bounty hunters across New Hanover are finding themselves searching for work rather than fugitives.
Mystery of the “Alligator Fisher” leaves bayou riders unsettled
By Emeline Vickroy
Travelers arriving in Saint Denis from the marsh country have delivered accounts so unusual that even seasoned rivermen struggled to repeat them with a straight face. Several witnesses claimed to have observed a lone cowpoke perched upon a bridge railing deep in the bayou, holding a rope in one hand and a pistol in the other, while what appeared to be a human body dangled motionless from the line below. “The fella at the end of the rope wasn’t struggling or moving,” one rider said, “I think they were already dead.” Another witness stated that the scene made little sense until an enormous reptile surfaced beneath the bridge. “Took me awhile to figure out, but he was fishing for a ‘gator,” the man said. The rider reportedly remained at his post for some time before departing into the marshes, leaving startled observers to continue on toward the city.
Members of the Saint Denis police confirmed that reports regarding the incident were received, though officers maintained that the location lay beyond their practical jurisdiction. “Outside the city our authority is quite limited,” one policeman remarked. “The matter was reported to state authorities in a timely manner.” State officials, however, contend that notice did not reach them until the following day. An inquiry was nevertheless opened and concluded within short order after investigators failed to uncover evidence identifying the alleged “Alligator Fisher.” According to those familiar with the case, the only material trace discovered at the scene was the skinned carcass of a large alligator. With no suspect, no victim, and no witnesses able to provide a reliable description, the strange affair has joined the growing collection of bayou tales that linger somewhere between criminal report and frontier legend.
Asian Armor Found in Raid!
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax – Lead Correspondent
Local police in Saint-Denis received a tip-off late last night that illegal smuggling was taking place at a warehouse near the docks. After exchanging a few bullets, the smugglers were arrested, and the illicit cargo was recovered. Alongside an assortment of firearms and clothing was a most peculiar find.
Inside a shipping crate was a metallic and leather armor, from the helmet down to the boots. It was painted a faded red; ornate writing could be found on parts of the armor. No authorities knew what it was at first, but after some consulting with some academics, it is believed this is a remarkably preserved suit of samurai armor from Japan!
The age is not currently known; it’s potentially centuries old and lacking the sword, but it is a beautiful example of Japanese craftsmanship and skill. As of this writing, nobody has been identified as the original owner, and the smugglers seem genuinely to have no idea what it is.
For now, the armor is planned to be sold at auction; all funds will go to support renovations for the Quincy Harris Memorial Hall for homeless veterans.
The Five States Herald 