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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.
Bison spotted in the Great Plains for the first time in months
By Adam Parvey
For the better part of a year animal populations have fluctuated significantly across the Five States. As hunters and a growing human population put stress on animal populations, leaders in the Five States struggled to boost local animal populations by introducing new animals into the Five States. For some animals, the strategy has worked out well. All kinds of deer for instance, can be seen nearly anywhere in the Five States. The bison population, however, could not be boosted in this way so easily. To understand why, it should be understood that the bison of the Five States are considered “plains bison.” This species is related to the other North American bison, the “wood bison,” however, they are still two distinct subspecies of the animal.
“We actually acquired a number of bison from Canada. None of us were experts on the bison so we were quite surprised when these bison showed up and looked nothing like what we expected,” admitted one of the businessmen who make up the Bureau for Hurdling a Tarrying Congress (BHTC). Wood bison have smaller heads, and taller, more distinctive shoulder humps. Though not experts in animal biology, the members of the BHTC realized introducing this type of bison into the Five States would radically alter how bison look. Their goal was to revitalize local species, not replace them.
The BHTC cannot explain this sudden resurgence in the bison population. “We never found a secure means of bringing in more plains bison,” the representative said. “Best explanation I’ve heard is that the bison expanded their migratory area to find areas where people aren’t. Certainly the bison did not just appear out of nowhere.” West Elizabeth authorities cannot explain the growth in population either. One of the most outlandish claims came from a man who said, “they fixed the coding, the gods, you know ’em, right? The gods of Rocks and Stars fixed the code to bring the bison back from extinction. I can see the code! I can see it!” Of course, this man is known to have been out of his mind for at least a year, after he claimed to have been abducted by “men from space.”
Whatever has brought back the bison, most folks across the region are happy. “It’s another thing to hunt,” said one hunter. “I love bison meat,” said another. It seems the near extinction of the bison will do nothing to deter hunters from hunting.
Wagon stoppage at Benedict Pass
By Alois Burditt
Wagon traffic near Benedict Pass resulted in a fatal shooting. A witness reported several wagons approached a crossroads at the same time, none of them wanting to relent to the others. As a result, the wagon drivers began arguing and shouting at each other. One of the wagons was a stagecoach carrying several passengers. One of those passengers exited the coach and approached one of the other wagons. Witnesses say this is when the violence started. The coach passenger was shot long before he could reach the other wagon. He had no weapon on him. I spoke to one of the other wagon driver, who said the man who came out of the coach was, “cursin’ and waving his hands about and saying how he was gonna make him move.” The wagon driver may have felt threatened and fired. Unfortunately, we will not know what he thought before pulling the trigger because he was shot promptly after by the stage coach driver. “I jumped in my wagon and took cover behind my goods,” said one of the surviving drivers. The shootout did not last long, Two of the wagon drivers hid, one was killed, and the other proceeded forward.
The passenger who was shot survived, having been shot in the arm. Once the stage coach was out of sight, the other drivers left as well, “I waited a spell before popping my head out and seeing the last other fella leave. Then I left.” It seems that a miscommunication cost one man his life and another a serious injury. Authorities in New Austin are not investigating as nobody has pressed charges.
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Several cowpokes head to O’Creagh’s Run to visit local resident
By Jane Duran
Many cowpokes traveled to O’Creagh’s Run this week. It was not to hunt or fish, but to visit with local resident Hamish Sinclair. “I didn’t know any of them, but it was sure nice of those kind folks to visit,” Hamish said. Many cowpokes said they missed Hamish and thought they would never see him again, so when they found out he was hanging out at his cabin with jobs for folks, they had to visit. “I have noticed when folks come visit to see if I have jobs, they often speak to me as if they already know me. A bit odd, but just figured the Five States to be a friendly place,” Hamish explained further. The increased foot traffic into the region did send many of the wild animals into hiding, something Hamish wishes did not happen. It also drew some unsavory types who were looking to cause wanton violence in the area. However, the good folks outnumbered the bad folks and sent them packing before they caused too much trouble.
Shipment of moonshine confiscated by Revenue Agents
By Daisy Fairman
The Federal Bureau of Internal Revenue saw a rare success this week. A bootlegger tried to sneak passed a checkpoint with a wagon full of moonshine, but they were caught. The inspecting agent saw the moonshine, but continued walking around the wagon as if he had not noticed. As he got nearer to the bootlegger driving the wagon, he pulled out his gun and shot the man. “We are past arrests,” the agent said. “At this point, it’s war. They’ve killed our people and our leader, we’ll kill them too.” Local law enforcement did not approve. The Blackwater Police deparment believes that lethal force was applied unjustly. The Strawberry lawmen agree, however the Strawberry Mayor approved of the Bureau’s actions. It is unknown if the bootlegger killed was working as part of a larger operation, or if they were a solo operator.
Brutal murder in Tall Trees
By Nick McCrary
A man was found dead near a wagon, several arrows in his body as well as many lacerations and broken bones. “The man was probably shot while driving his wagon, likely fell off it,” said an investigator from Blackwater Police Department. “Once he fell off the wagon, well, it went downhill from there.” The man was hit with a blunt object and with what was likely a tomahawk several times. The investigator said much of the damage may have occurred after the man died. The wagon was empty and horses were not attached to the wagon. “The ambushers probably stole them. Some folks in these parts don’t ever come into town so they have to steal to survive. That includes stealing horses.”
Police Chief Oswald Dunbar promised to increase patrols of the Great Plains and Tall Trees regions. “Civilizing a land is not easy, but progress will not be stopped,” Chief Dunbar said. The patrols will be made up of no less than three policeman. Additionally, every policeman will carry on their person a high pitched whistle to be use if attacked. “My men are of course nervous, but they are steadfast in their duty to protect the good people of Southern West Elizabeth,” announced Chief Dunbar.
The impossible becomes reality in Valentine
By Emery Cosberry
Valentine is one town most cowpokes in the Five States are well acquainted with. From its variety of services; including a general store, a stable, and two saloons; to its central location, Valentine has likely attracted everyone to it at one point or another. Late this week over a dozen cowpokes representing several different posses converged on Valentine for their own reasons. Hardened bounty hunters, deal making traders, adventurous collectors, wily outlaws, and more all doing their business in Valentine at the same time. The townsfolk were on edge as a result. “When non locals arrive, well, they often bring trouble,” said Sheriff Curtis Malloy. “I keep the store open, but I keep a shotgun handy,” said Jacob Worth, who runs the general store. Tension grew ever tighter as three cowpokes walked into Smithfield’s Saloon. The pianist continued playing while the saloon patrons suddenly quieted. The three cowpokes eyed the room and each other, each with a hand near their pistol. Then the impossible happened.
The three relaxed, moved their hands away from their guns and headed to the bar to drink. All over the town folks waved, nodded, and tipped their hats. “I heard lots of whistling back and forth,” said one resident, “which is better than hearing bullets fly back and forth.” Over at the towns second saloon, Keane’s, folks peacefully played five finger fillet and even bought each other rounds of drinks. At Worth’s General Store, cowpokes purchased new clothing items and then walked down the main road showing off their new threads. After a few hours everyone went their own way, leaving the locals and lots of money behind.
Outlaws hide out at Downes Ranch, bounty hunters clear it out
By Van R. Seldon
A ranch outside of Valentine owned by Mr. Thomas Downs had been beset by outlaws and bandits, led by a wanted man. The gang took up residence there midweek. Sheriff Malloy in Valentine put up a bounty poster for the wanted man. “I thought of sending some of my deputies, but there are a lot of folks that need protection here. Bounty hunters were the appropriate tool for the job.” Valentine is a town passed through by bounty hunters frequently, so it did not take long for a group of bounty hunters to take the job. They headed over to Downes ranch and the gunfighting started. “I heard the gunshots,” said one resident. They were on their guard, but no violence came to the town.
About an hour later the posse of bounty hunters returned with their target, alive and hogtied. Mr. Downes was forced to pay locals to help clean up the mess. “This is gonna set me back real good,” said Mr. Downes, who had a terrible cough while I spoke with him. Downes said he was thinking of taking a loan to pay for more ranch hands who have experience shooting a gun.
Woman Arrested in Rhodes for Disturbing the Peace
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax (Lead Correspondent)
Eleanor Atkinson was arrested Monday morning by Sheriff Grey and his deputies. What crime did this woman commit? Smoking in the middle of the town. Atkinson had bought some premium cigarettes for her husband and had innocently decided to try some herself. Unfortunately, instead of smoking them at home, she did it while standing close to the post office. Several concerned citizens noticed and complained to Sheriff Grey, who promptly dragged her into a cell. Grey had this to say when asked if arresting a young woman over the minor penalty of disturbing the peace was justified.
“I have no personal qualms with smoking, but ladies are strongly discouraged from such behavior. Folks who fancy themselves progressives may not see the problem, but we do things differently and correctly in the great state of Lemoyne!”
Atkinson is expected to either pay a fine of 25 dollars or spend a week in jail. Family and friends expect her to wait it out. Local suffragettes are already citing this as another example of inequality in Lemoyne. Members gladly point out how saloon girls can smoke while an upstanding woman is jailed for doing the same thing outside. Protests are planned for next Saturday and will last likely several days.
Feared Hungarian Killer Seen in Saint-Denis
By Sofia Kathleen Fairfax (Lead Correspondent)
Sándor Báthory Kardos has been spotted in Saint-Denis. Kardos is a former cavalry officer in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and claims to be related to the powerful Báthory family of the Middle Ages. Reports have been scattered, but most tend to describe a handsome mustached man in his mid-30s. The most commonly described detail is an enormous revolver being carried in a holster. This is the Gasser M1870, a gargantuan hand cannon weighing at least three pounds.
Kardos served in the emperor’s army with distinction for years, until it was discovered in 1889 that he was killing local women and shoving the remains in drums of alcohol. At least 20 people were confirmed killed with possibly more yet to be found. Instead of surrendering, Kardos began robbing stores across Hungary, before vanishing in 1890. It appears he may have booked passage to America.
While there is an outstanding reward for his capture offered by Emperor Franz Joseph himself, It will not be collected by any US government official. Nobody in the federal government sees much interest in extraditing a foreign mass murderer. Much like Morgan Knight, however, this does not technically stop concerned citizens and bounty hunters from trying. As of this writing, Kardos has not committed any crimes in Lemoyne, leading some to believe he has merely moved on from his past crimes. But does one ever truly deserve a chance at peace after causing so much pain? Only time will tell if any bounty hunters are willing to go after the Hungarian Eviscerator.
Law enforcement presence in Saint Denis expanded following assassination of Lemoyne governor
By Mathilde Orry
In the days following the violent assassination of Lemoyne Governor Murphy James, Saint Denis was in a full lockdown. That lockdown has since been lifted but the police presence has increased. Policeman are working longer shifts to ensure more eyes are on the streets. Some residents appreciate the extra police presence, others however see it as unnecessary. “This, um Rose Hart lady, she didn’t hurt nobody that didn’t already deserve it,” said a resident of Saint Denis. “As a good man, I know I have nothing to fear.” Despite the assassination and increased police presence, Saint Denis continues to operate day to day under a semblance of normalcy. Folks ride in, take jobs, go the saloon, shop, and eventually leave. There does not seem to be any signs for further escalation in the city itself. The area surrounding Saint Denis tells a different story.
The Lemoyne Raiders proudly supported Governor James and called his assassination a great tragedy. For the Lemoyne Raiders, a group of ex-confederates and their sympathizers, Governor James was a step back in the right direction. There was even evidence of a direct connection between Governor James and the Lemoyne Raiders and rumor had it, the Raiders often took out his political enemies. Now the Lemoyne Raiders are agitated and treating non-locals more hostile than before. Sheriff Gray in Rhodes also says the town itself is safe, despite Lemoyne Raiders being very prominent in the Scarlet Meadows region. The wild parts of the start are deemed by state authorities as slightly more dangerous than normal for non-Lemoyne residents.
Near fatal shooting at the Trans-Mississippi Exposition
By Frederick Vannesse
After opening last week, the Trans-Mississippi Exposition has been in full swing. People have come from across the county and across the world to get a view of authentic western life. One of the most popular attractions has been the Wild West Shows, where Indians show how they prepare for war and gunslingers impress the audience with trick shots. Unfortunately, during a trick shooting exhibition, tragedy happened. The gunslinger missed his target and accidentally shot a man in the audience. The man was hit in the shoulder and survived. According to witnesses the man was drunk before he was shot and seemed happy to be part of the show.
Unconfirmed reports indicate Spanish government preparing to concede to the U.S. to end the war
By Humphrey Harker
Official channels have denied the rumors, however, confidential sources have indicated that Spain is preparing to surrender to end the war. If this is true, Spain will likely need to relinquish much of its present territory. Sources within the U.S. government said that if Spain were to surrender and give up its territories, it has no interest in taking them over. “The U.S. government has said time and again that we support the independence of Spanish colonies. We have no interest in establishing an American Empire.”
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