Horse theft in Cholla Springs
By Wylie Frey
A farmhand out of Ridgewood Farm had his prize horse stolen this week. The hand is described as a sensible man and a hard worker. He had saved his money and had a good relationship with the Tumbleweed Stable owner, such that he was able to afford a recently imported spotted tricolor Norfolk Roadster. While on a leisurely ride with other farm hands, a group of cowpokes attacked them. The hand on the Roadster was hit, but not killed. Two others were not so lucky; one died immediately after being shot in the head while the other bled out as a result of his wounds.

The posse made off with the horses, including the Norfolk Roadster. The hand has put out a bounty for the men responsible, offering double reward for the safe return of his horse. He wished for his name to remain unknown at this time.

Men behind the Bacchus Bridge disaster brought to justice
By Alois Burddit
Quite some time ago a train derailed over the Bacchus Bridge, causing dozens of people to fall to their death. It was later discovered that six men believed to have died in that accident were not only alive, but orchestrated the event. Labeled the Bacchus Bridge Deserters, the men became wanted by authorities in several states. It is speculated that the men were attempting to flee debtors by faking their death.

Five of the six men were brought to justice by a group of bounty hunters. The sixth man was not with them when the bounty hunters assaulted the group. According to one of the deserters, the sixth man left the group for Saint Denis weeks ago. Further investigation revealed that the sixth man was killed in Saint Denis in part of a triple murder attributed to the Smoking Gun. The remaining five will face trial in federal court.

Large bear spotted south of Waipiti
By Jane Duran
A warning has been issued about a large and aggressive bear just south of the Wapiti Reservation. Explorers are being advised to not enter the area unless they are armed with a large caliber weapon and prepared to kill the beast. Skilled hunters willing to hunt the predator will be paid by Ambarino resident Hamish Sinclair.

Collector expedition into the Grizzlies proves fruitful
By Caylen V. Hornby
A group of enterprising collectors put their resources together and completed a successful expedition in the Grizzlies. The group was looking for rare collectibles, the types sought by the traveling gypsy Madam Nazar. “Folks underestimate the Grizzlies. They die out here or are forced to flee, leaving things behind. Tragic, yes. But should we just let their lost treasures remain lost?” said the leader of the group. The expedition started in the abandoned town of Colter. Here the expedition made camp and also found many valuables.

“The buildings were not in great shape, but they kept the snow off us. And most of the buildings contained hidden treasures,” said the leader. In Colter, the group found a coin and an alcohol bottle. After resting for the night, they started early the next morning. Each member of the expedition traveling with their own map that marked locations where valuables may be. “I was going to go up there alone, but I ain’t much of a wilderness man. Barely a collector even!” admitted one man. The group spent over a week in the Grizzlies, working diligently in whiteout conditions, as Christmas cheer spread across the Five States and forgot about them. “I don’t regret it, got me some treasures and some friends.” said the novice collector as he smiled.

Do you explore every nook and cranny in the Five States? Good with a typewriter and a camera? You might have what it takes to write for the Five States Herald. Apply today!
Write about what most interests you and have your work read by hundreds of Five States residents!

Dakota river packed; Steelhead faces extinction says scientist
By Mickey Z (Freelancer)
In a combined bid of desperation from hunters seeking relief from the current lack of game and general professional fishermen, the Dakota river has been completely crowded for days. We’ve even heard of shootouts over particularly lucrative catches.
During my personal investigation I came across a rather odd fellow named “Dr. MacDougall” by Bard’s Crossing, who claimed he was there for the anthropological value of the event.

A quick interview lead to this statement.
“I haven’t a [EXPLETIVE REMOVED] clue as to why these people are all fishing here. But I can guarantee at this rate the Steelhead Trout will be fished to extinction no later than 1901.”
Of course good readers, I would be negligent if I didn’t at least mention this man offered me to partake of his cocaine. In the opinion of this humble reporter,  the man may have lost his facilities.

Failed wagon theft
By Nick McCrary
A cowpoke making their way in the Five States as a wholesale trader of animal skins and assorted materials is glad they enlisted shotgun messengers for his recent delivery. “I had quite the ways to go. Had to pass through an entire state, in fact,” said the trader. “Had to get a shipment to Riggs Station and knew there were risks. ” The cowpoke hired a posse of three, paying them over $300 each. Passing through the Hennigan’s Stead, the group met serious resistance.

A posse of cowpokes rushed the group, however they were dispatched. Soon afterwards, though, more came riding hard in their direction. “Must’ve been a deep posse, they kept coming and coming.” Choosing to avoid Thieves Landing and steer clear of Blackwater, the group opted to cross at Montana Ford. It was a difficult task to do while under fire, but kept the trade group far away from other areas outlaws are known to frequent. They were pursued through into Tall Trees, however, two of the escorts rode off on their own horses to occupy the attackers in the dense forest of Tall Trees. The trader continued on with their sole shotgun messenger and arrived with no other issues. “It just seemed like an endless stream of fellers and, in my panic, I swear they were the same fellers over and over. But that’s impossible, right?”

Bloodshed stains the white snow in Blackwater
By Odell Clifton
Two more locals found dead in their homes near Blackwater. They were slaughtered in broad daylight. The bloodshed comes as many in Blackwater were celebrating Christmas activities. They were stunned to find young Samantha and Tabitha Millport brutally butchered on their own front porch.

It appears there was an initial struggle, but it didn’t last long as the assailant struck the poor women down with what is believed to be a hacksaw. No suspects have been identified at this time but police have begun calling them the Hacksaw Slasher. If you have seen anything suspicious or have any information on the evil individual behind this all, we implore you to step forward and contact the authorities.

“Holly Jolly Homeinvader brought to justice in Annesburg.”
By Mickey Z (Freelancer)
It has been reported to this paper that a Michael West of Saint Denis has been detained by a joint posse of Bureau of Internal Revenue agents and bounty hunters in the town of Van Horn. He surrendered peacefully upon the first order of the lawmen, and claims ignorance.
West caused chaos by robbing several of the mansions of Saint Denis DURING CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY while their owners were away for Christmas celebrations.

West is scheduled to be HUNG THIS FRIDAY at the ANNESBURG GALLOWS.

Bar room brawl erupts in Van Horn
By Van R. Seldon
Two cowpokes entered the Van Horn Saloon and started some trouble, leaving many injured but nobody dead. The saloon owner said the two cowpokes came in and started a heated discussion with another group. What this discussion was about, the saloon owner did not say, though I got the impression he knew more than he let on. Despite being outnumbered, the two cowpokes who started the fight gained the upper hand. Even the defeated group’s two large enforcers were unable to turn the tide. While large and intimidating, they proved too slow and were dispatched. The cowpokes quickly left at the saloon at the conclusion of the fight at the owners request.

Brief investigation clears Elysian Pool
By Van R. Seldon
Following complaints of poisoned fish and mangy animals around Elysian Pool, an investigation was conducted to determine the source. While the investigation did not yield a definitive source, it did rule out Elysian Pool itself and the nearby cave. “All known mines in the area have followed all proper safety protocols,” said the official in charge of the investigation. “It’s a sham, you realize that, right?” asked Annesburg resident Hayden Tidd. Due to the industrial nature of the town, Mr. Tidd travels elsewhere to fish. He has fished at the Elysian Pool and even investigated the nearby cave system. “There is no doubt that the mine is poisoning the pond. The investigators are either blind, lazy, or crooked,” said Mr. Tidd in frustration. The Herald will be launching its own investigation into Elysian Pool to get to the bottom of it.

Thief uses dog as theft companion
By Mathilde Orry
A fellow named Benny who lives in Rhodes reported that he was robbed by dog. By the time I arrived in Rhodes, two days after the theft, wild stories had already spread. Some claimed that the dog robber was literal, as if a dog-man robbed the poor sap. Others dismissed the man’s claims entirely as ramblings of a drunkard. However, a Rhodes deputy said such thefts were becoming increasingly common. “It is a new tactic,” said one of the deputies, “seems the usual highwaymen act ain’t so slick when most folks got a pistol on their hip.” This new tactic involves a well trained dog barking to get a traveler’s attention. Once they get the traveler’s attention, the dog darts off somewhere. Not all travelers follow, but those that do are then ambushed by thieves in waiting.

Many victims, like Benny, are caught unaware and give up, preferring to walk away with their lives. Others have been murdered trying to defend themselves. “On the rare occasion, they get caught,” said the deputy. “Feller will come in here talking about the story, only when it comes time to talk about the robbing, its a gunslinging story and the robbers are killed. No method is perfect.” Travelers are advised to exercise caution when veering onto less traveled paths.

Death of a Braithwaite farm hand is a message with multiple meanings
Ela Q. Asken
A farm hand was reported dead in the fields of Braithwaite Manor. Unique in this situation is the tense relationship between the Braithwaites and the Grays, the latter of which controls law enforcement in the area. As a result of the Braithwaites’ distrust of the Grays, they contacted the Herald directly about this murder, in no small part because of a note addressed to yours truly. The man was bound at the ankles and wrists and shot in the head. The Braithwaites were not forthcoming with information about the worker’s name or personal information, but they allowed me to investigate the immediate area.

As expected, I found the filter of a hand rolled cigarette on the floor. I was told that this filter was folded into the note addressed to me. They left it on the ground when it fell out of the note, indicating they must have read it before notifying us. Also in this note was another cigarette, this one store bought. It seemed like a clue and so I smelled it but did not smoke it, smoking is not a habit I particularly enjoy. I had smelled something like this recently, but I could not recall where. The note was equally as puzzling and read, ‘You were close once, do you remember? But now you couldn’t be further. Lemoyne is full of welchers but here I am done. Plenty of other states that need a visit from the Smoking Gun.’ The first message the Smoking Gun is sending is clear: he is still alive. Second, he has left Lemoyne behind, for now. Lastly, he is watching me as closely as I am watching him. If he thinks he hide from me or intimidate me, then he is severely underestimating Ela Q. Asken.

Leviticus Cornwall now controls majority of U.S. oil
By Adam Parvey
For the last several decades Leviticus Cornwall has had control of the oil and railroad industries. Owning the manufacturing and shipping end of the business has allowed Cornwall to sell his goods far lower than competitors. As a result, many former competing “oil barons” have joined with Cornwall and adopted his blue barrels, which according to Cornwall is a sign of quality at a fair price. However, there is growing concern now that Cornwall owns an effective monopoly in the oil industry. Economists predict that prices will rise or quality will drop and are recommending the government step in and break up Cornwall’s oil empire.

Small town sets history
By Ivy Seager
North Petherton, a town in Someset, England has become the first town to install acetylene lighting. This new type of lighting allows the town’s roads to remain illuminated without having electricity. Electricity is costly and therefore rare in most places in the world. As a result, acetylene lighting may be the future of illumination. However, some warn that using gas powered lighting all over the entire town is a recipe for disaster, as they are accessible to any random resident. For those with nefarious goals, it offers an easy tool for destruction. More likely than sabotage is the possibility of an accident. The world will certainly be watching the small town of North Petherton, but will they be looking into the future or into a potential disaster?

Previous Issue

Next Issue