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.
Violence on the rise in the Five States, early data suggests new arrivals are responsible
By Adam Parvey
The new partial subsidization of moving costs into the Five States has resulted in an expected population boom. In a disturbing trend, however, many new residents have been involved in violent and unprovoked attacks. “In the past, when some folks were able to access the Five States at no cost to themselves, we saw a similar trend,” said Valentine Sheriff Curtis Malloy. Lawmen from across the Five States have echoed these concerns. In many cases, fists fights and shootouts are started by a new resident firing on cowpokes who have been in the Five States for a long time. Long time residents are concerned that a new normal is coming, where mistrust among cowpokes is so high everyone will start firing first in fear that they will be fired on anyway. Though one resident I spoke to was not concerned at all. “I reckon they’ll get used to how things work in the Five States,” they said, “being new, they lack the resources and experience of many cowpokes. That put’s them at the disadvantage.”
Another cowpoke remarked that, “a green cowpoke fired on me, but missed. They found themselves hogtied in mud while me and my friend kicked the shit out of them.” The cowpoke went on to explain that once untied the attacker grabbed his hat and ran off. To help combat this rise in violence, bounties will be issued in lower increments for professional bounty hunters to pursue. The BHTC announced this change in hopes of gaining some good publicity, stating that legalizing the capture or killing of lower level offenders will persuade would be criminals to take a different path.
Mass execution of lawmen at Del Lobo Rock
By Wylie Frey
Authorities were dismayed to find nearly a dozen lawmen dead near Del Lobo Rock. Each victim was bound at the ankles and wrists. The bodies were found all in a line next to each other, fallen over on their faces with a bullet hole in the back of their head. “They were likely placed on their knees, then executed like goddamn criminals,” a New Austin Ranger said, “Criminals treating lawmen like criminals! What is this world coming to?” The discovery was made by a hunter who had tracked a Gabbro Horned Ram to the area. The hunter never found the ram, but did notice several tracks of scavenger animals, “more than you’d expect to see,” he said. His curiosity got the better of him and he followed the scavenger tracks and forgot about the ram. What he found sent shivers down his spine.
He described dozens of animals picking at human bodies. He fired his gun to scare the animals off, before himself riding off to Armadillo to notify authorities. By the time the authorities arrived, the animals had returned and chewed up more of the corpses. However, the damage to the bodies did not hide the gunshot wounds and obvious execution that took place. No motive is known, however, my source stated that investigators are working on the assumption that the execution was a sign that the Del Lobo gang was ready to directly challenge law enforcement. The U.S. military has offered to send more troops to the region, however, state officials are skeptical of federal troops occupying the state again.
WANTED!
Investigators: Travel the Five States and report on what is going on.
Writers: Write the stories investigators find!
Photographers:
To take photographs to be used in the Herald.
Can also do all three!
Man killed after failed attempted robbery
By Alois Burditt
A man rode into Tumbleweed and pulled his gun out on a passerby, demanding the passerby part with their money. The would be thief seemed to not be too observant, as the passerby was actually one of several dozen Tumbleweed deputies. “You know, if the sheriff and his deputies left, the population of Tumbleweed would probably decline by half or more!” a resident said, remarking how you cannot walk five feet without bumping into a lawman in Tumbleweed. The thief learned this as their last lesson before they were killed when another deputy drew their pistol and shot the thief. The body was taken into the desert to be eaten by animals.
Bounty hunter learns from mistake, eschews bounty wagon on Mount Hagen
By Delphia Atwood
A bounty hunter recently headed up to Mount Hagen to captured a gang of six wanted men, as they had done in the past. However, they recalled that incident and opted for a different tactic. “I recently pursued a gang of six up Mount Hagen, killed three, captured two, one ran away,” they remarked, “but these wagons just ain’t for that accursed mountain and I crashed the damn thing coming down.” While many bounty hunters admit to ignoring such bounties, this man felt responsible to finish what he started. “With my last loss fresh in my mind, I took a different tactic,” he said. He scaled Mount Hagen on his faithful steed and crept into the camp before charging in on the six wanted men.
A fight ensued, but the bounty hunter managed to knock all six men out. “I’ve been in my share of barroom brawls, mind you,” he said. He then explained that he hogtied the men, ensured they were still unconscious and then one by one rode them down the mount on his horse. “It took a bit of time, and I was worried they may escape, but where would they go? They were on a fucking mountain, it’s down the cliff and death or down the path and running back into me.” As he rode down the mounaint with the final target, he noticed the prison wagon driver prepping to leave. “I rode harder, determined to get the last bastard to the prison wagon,” they said. Unfortunately, the prison wagon did not see him coming and took off. “I was disappointed in not getting my full payment, but I just left the bastard in the snow, still hogtied. What else was I to do?”
Artemas Mallicoat arrives in Blackwater, survives sniping attempt
By Daisy Fairman
Special Agent Artemas Mallicoat of the Bureau of Internal Revenue was nearly assassinated this week. Agent Mallicoat is believed to be the favorite to lead the Bureau, though progress in officially naming a new leader has been slow. Many have suggested the position is cursed, citing the recent history of Bureau leaders being killed. The Bureau kept Mallicoat’s visit quiet, though it appears that somehow information leaked, as the visit was cut short soon after Mallicoat’s arrival. The Bureau would not comment on the possibility of a turncoat within their own ranks. Though it is unconfirmed, it is believed the attempted assassination was done by the Great Plains Sniper. The Sniper has had a focus on taking out revenue agents and has killed former heads of the Bureau. At the time of the shooting, Mallicoat was visiting the Chief of the Blackwater Police and only avoided being killed by accident.
“Well, I was a bit nervous talking to the man out in the open, you see,” Police Chief Oswald Dunbar said. As Agent Mallicoat handed Chief Dunbar his card, Chief Dunbar dropped it. Agent Mallicoat then bent down to pick it up just as the shot was fired. The bullet went over Agent Mallicoat and into the window of the police department. Other agents and local lawmen quickly ushered Mallicoat into the police department and out of the view from further shots. “The shot came from Flat Iron Lake, the Sniper must have staged a boat out there in preparation for this shooting,” Chief Dunbar said. Blackwater police quickly armed themselves with their own sniper rifles while assisting Bureau agents in getting a boat prepared to go after the Sniper. However, it appears the Sniper quickly began their retreat after the first shot because they were not found. Boats landing on the shore of the lake were approached by lawmen, however none of boats had a weapon capable of firing such a shot. “We suspect the Sniper got to shore before we got word out, or we did in fact search the Sniper’s boat but he ditched his weapon in the lake,” Chief Dunbar said. Many are calling Agent Mallicoat a wizard for his survival. “I know some may think its just a coincidence, but he bent down at the exact time he needed to in order to survive, a second sooner or later and he would be dead,” a witness said.
Del Lobo Resurgence?
By Nick McCrary
After months of set backs, the Del Lobo gang appears to be flexing its muscle once again. After losing both Alfred and Jorge Montez to Marshal Tom Davies’ war against the Del Lobo, the gang struggled to show its power beyond New Austin. While it is known that at least one part of the gang still holes up in Ambarino, it has been believed that the Ambarino Del Lobos were cut off from the main gang. However, reported Del Lobo activity in Big Valley suggests that the Ambarino gang is no longer isolated. It also suggests that the Del Lobo gang no long sees a reason to remain in a defensive posture in New Austin. It is believed that the Montez’ cousin, Carmela Montez, nicknamed La Muñeca, is now leading the gang. Authorities are concerned because they claim that when a new leader takes over, they must flex their power to earn the rest of the gang’s respect. A bounty has been issued for Carmela Montez’ capture and until she is brought to justice, authorities recommend caution in the popular hunting region.
Allegedly corrupt lawman killed, possible connection to fugitive Jessica LeClerk
By Donna Deshner
Lawman J.R. Ichabod was killed this week in Smithfield’s saloon by a lone gunman. Ichabod has faced criticism of being corrupt and fabricating evidence to make himself appear as a more effective lawman. Early witness reports were inconsistent, with several folks confirmed at the saloon even refusing to discuss the shooting. It is likely that Ichabod’s status as a lawman discouraged witnesses from speaking up and potentially upsetting Ichabod’s well connected allies. What was known was that a man walked into Smithfield’s saloon and went directly to the bar. Some witnesses claim the man stared down Ichabod, who was sitting at the poker table. All the witnesses agree that words were then exchanged between the man at the bar and Ichabod, though who initiated the conversation is unclear. Some witnesses say the man’s stare down started it all, others say the Ichabod began yelling obscenities. The barkeep refused to be questioned, noting that it is best if he stays out of his customers’ business.
The man who did the shooting sent a correspondence directly to the Herald to explain his side of things. I was then able to verify various details of the letter by comparing it to witness accounts and returning to Valentine for further witness testimony. The shooter is a man called James the Racoon. According to him, he was at Smithfield’s to enjoy a drink. He did see and stare at Ichabod, viewing him as an enemy of sorts as a result of his corruption. However, James was very clear that he did not kill Ichabod as a result of his corruption. “I killed him for soiling the air with his words about Philip. I loved that man, he was as a brother to me,” James wrote. The Philip referenced is the late Philip LeClerk, whose surviving widow Jessica is currently on the run as a fugitive for the murder of Amos Lancing. This is consistent with witness reports of the LeClerks being referenced. One witness stated that Ichabod called out to James the Racoon, saying, “Well, if it isn’t Madam LeClerk’s pet varmint!”
This seemed to be a claim that James was one of the folks responsible for assisting Mrs. LeClerk on her path of revenge, that left Teddy Brown dead as well as Mr. Lancing. Of the late Mr. LeClerk, James wrote, “When a good man dies, a wife loses a husband, a mother loses a son, a daughter loses a father. When Philip LeClerk died, I lost a family membr and the world lost a hero.” He went on to state that he is so confident in the justification of the shooting that he will not hold any witness accountable for giving their testimony. However, James said that the hunt for those who wronged Mr. Philip LeClerk is far from over, despite Amos Lancing being long dead. James also confirmed to be in continued correspondence with Mrs. Jessica LeClerk, though did not reveal her present location. He did, however, claim that Amos himself was merely a puppet and that the real mastermind is still at large. He made a claim to who this person was, however, I am reluctant to print such an unconfirmed claim at this time. However, the letter from James the Racoon will be held safely and should the confirmation ever be proven, we at the Herald will be able to confirm that James was right.
Rhodes Bank Still Shattered by Robber
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax (Lead Correspondent)
For ten solid years, the bank of Rhodes had a sterling reputation. It was rated one of the safest banks in the western United States. Since its construction in 1855, very few criminal incidents have occurred. There had been drunken brawls in front of it, sure, but there were never any reports of embezzlement or mishandled money. It was robbed only once, by Black Belle in 1888, and only partially at that.
That sterling record was sadly broken this month when Gene Finley, also known as “Beau,” robbed the place thoroughly. The bank manager, Albert Cleburne, could only watch as a small army of mercenaries held the bank up. After calling Finley a pretty boy coward, Cleburne was even more horrified to see photographers lined up to take the so-called outlaw’s picture.
Finley and his paid thugs have since been taken care of, but the bank’s troubles still remain. Many people want their money back, which was never returned. Wealthy patrons have taken their money elsewhere as well. It’s unlikely the Rhodes bank will die out, but it seems its closest rival in Saint-Denis will become far more robust in the near future, despite suffering more embarrassing incidents.
As Saint-Denis society girl and prestigious bounty hunter Elizabeth Cotton told us, the world of banking is even more cutthroat than the world of bank robbers.
Gunfight in Saint Denis over deceased bounty target
By Aloysius Levron
A wanted man was spotted just within the Saint Denis city limits this week, sparking a gunfight that lasted several minutes. A pair of bounty hunters were in pursuit of the man when he was killed in a matter that may have been unrelated to the bounty on the cowpoke’s head. “I saw the man fist fightin’ with some other fellers, seem to be a bit friendly when the man took a severe strike to the jaw and collapsed,” a witness stated. A medical examination after the man’s body was turned into the police revealed the man likely died as a result of that strike to the head. When asked about the bounty hunters, the witness replied, “well, two folks came up and grabbed the man’s dead body and the others raised their guns and were quickly shot dead.” One of the bounty hunters stored the corpse on their horse and rode to the police station as cowpokes joined the gun fight. The second bounty hunter took cover and fired on the other cowpokes, keeping them at bay until the target was turned in.
“The gunfight continued on, but thankfully they moved outside of the city,” a Saint Denis lawman confirmed. The bounty hunters reportedly headed southwest out of Saint Denis, pausing long enough to hold back the attackers. Witnesses confirmed the attackers had been from the same group of cowpokes fist fighting in the streets just before the bounty hunters arrived. However, the police were unable to confirm a connection between the deceased bounty target and his fellow deceased fist fighters.
Notorious Addison Wye Reported in Five States
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax (Lead Correspondent)
It’s hard to say who is the number one targeted outlaw for the BHTCs elite bounty hunters. One could make a strong argument that it’s Carmela Montez, the current boss of the Del Lobos. Or, of course, Five State classic Myra Rose Hart. But there’s one name that is almost certainly near the top, Addison Wye.
Wye is quite the hated man in both lawman and outlaw circles. Wye, for the last ten years, was the warden of the infamous Siska Penitentiary. He ruled it with an iron fist, leading to numerous complaints from inmates of deplorable living conditions; some even died from ill-treatment. Wye also employed two previous wardens, Frank Fitzpatrick as his head guard, and Edmund Connolly as his assistant.
Wye was warden until six months ago when he suddenly left his position alongside his two head cronies. Also missing was a couple thousand dollars. Not long after, the federal government caught wind that he was the leader of a gang calling themselves the Jailbreakers. Wye has become the number one prison escape artist in the United States; using years of prison experience, he has broken out countless criminals of various backgrounds.
The motivation behind this enigmatic Englishman is unknown, but it is presumed to be monetary based. He has, without question, been paid more money in six months than ten years of legal work. He has been linked to at least 30 successful prison escapes, from New York to San Francisco.
It is not just the law hunting for him, however. Some criminals have issues trusting a former prison warden with a less than spotless record. Some have even proudly stated they would gut him like a fish. One of the last notable prisoners to serve under his watch was the Black Rose herself. It seems unlikely she won’t pass up an opportunity to get revenge on the warden who made her life hell prior to escaping.
I will say this, Addison Wye certainly is brave to return to the Five States. I have no doubt he will soon regret this decision; there is only one real question. Will the law catch him, or will the lawless catch him first.
Surgeon General argues for expanded medical corp before House Committee
By Frederick Vannesse
Surgeon General Sternberg of the army, argued that the current medial corps is insufficient. Moreover, he claimed that the medical corps have never been sufficient in any past engagement. This, he argued, had to change. The House is currently considering a bill that would expand the army fourfold. Surgeon General Sternberg believes this warrants an expansion of the army’s medical corps by at least threefold. Citing the recent war, Surgeon General Sterbgerg said the lack of experienced personnel in the medical corp is the primary problem. An expansion of the medical corps to increase the number experienced servicemen would enable more rapid responses to emergency situations. In short, the Surgeon General says expanding the medical corp will save lives. The House is expected to vote on the bill soon.
Treat of Paris signed, Spanish-American War officially ended, new American empire beginning?
By Ivy Seager
The Spanish-American War has finally come to an official end. Though Spain had surrendered, the treaty was still being negotiated. Spain loses nearly all its holdings in the Caribbean, however, those holdings are not suddenly free nations. The United States has acquired the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guarma as part of the treaty. While most are celebrating the official peace, many are still wondering what it means for the U.S. to be involved so heavily in what should be sovereign nations. Arguments that these colonized nations are not prepared to be independent won out, however, there is no confirmation that the people of the nations whose fate was being decided had any input. One source, commenting anonymously said, “were we ready when we won our independence? Hell no, we weren’t. We failed at our first attempt at governing but eventually got it right. Who are we to deny these folks their opportunity at failure and eventual success?”
The Five States Herald 