volume 5, issue 87
Thursday April 15-30, 1995 $1.10
Town Prices Too High Watchdog flags cost of living issue. > Page 2
Who Robbed Rob the Robot? Milk $2.48
Mysterious town robot once roaming, now gone missing. > Page 5
NEWCASTER TRUTH INVESTIGATION
ORGANIZED CRIME EMBEDDED IN TOWN
Erich Whitlam Editor-in-Chief
Valentino P. Journalist
Anonymous Freelance
In an exclusive investigation, The Newcaster Truth uncovered suspicious activity at the Golden Sap Motel, apparently linked to Pappalardo Crime Family, after a string of crimes committed by the family over the past few weeks. Based on a tip-off from a criminal insider, one of our reporters spotted what seemed to be a secret meeting at a nearby truck depot. Although it is unclear what was discussed, the meeting included two parties — one of which included a known member of the Pappalardo Family. A couple minutes later, the two left, one after the other. Subsequently, by tracking one of the cars, we arrived at the Golden Sap Motel, where the crime family appeared to be operating. When our reporter booked a room, an unusually bruised-up clad man — identified as a member of the Pappalardo family based on past photos — admitted that he was the motel’s owner and allowed them to stay. It was during the overnight stay where the situation ramped up. In one instance, two individuals associated with the aforementioned bruised-up man were seen exiting Room
SHADY MOB DEALS UNCOVERED Continued: Page 10 Pappalardos’ Alleged String of Attacks
A3 with guns drawn, although no shots were heard. Later on, a conversation was overheard between the two discussing a “strange guy with a mustache” — possibly a member from another crime organization or an untrustworthy partner. To further substantiate our findings, we dispatched a freelance journalist to the motel the next day. It was during this overnight stay where the most incriminating evidence emerged. “I saw these guys talking, then they barge into someone’s room aiming their guns — three or four,”
noted the journalist. They added, “I was packing some stuff in the back [of my truck] and they were in there for suspiciously that long. I think I heard a thud afterwards.” The room turned out to be the same one as before: A3. The journalist noted that one of the accomplices, a blue-suited man with a moustache,
was seen wielding a weapon as he exited — most likely to be a gun. Concerningly, this follows suspicions that the Pappalardo family were behind a recent crime spree, unveiling the full extent of their terror across town...
[Continued, p.10]
PHOTOGRAPHED FROM DINER: ACCOMPLICE SEEN WIELDING A GUN
April 30, 1995
Page 2
Watchdog Flags Cost of Living Issue
$1.50
Libby Doe Journalist
Erich Whitlam
Salad
Editor-in-Chief
1 (Just Right) 2 3
Spam
$2.50
4 5 (Too High)
Readers on the Price of Everyday Goods (1-5 Scale)
Milk $2.48
Bleach 6% 3%
12% 21%
Museum Preps Scavenger Hunt
$1.50
59%
The Consumer Council of Newcaster, a non-profit watchdog group, has raised concerns about the rising cost of living affecting everyday residents. To substantiate these concerns more closely, the Newcaster Truth conducted a survey to see how rising costs are impacting the daily lives of their readers. The survey questioned 34 individuals between March and April, to which the results reveal that 59% of Newcaster residents believe that the prices of everyday goods are too high; only 6% said that they were satisfied with current prices. “I just moved and the gas price’s certainly ain’t it. Music instruments are also crazy expensive,” said Jimmy, who recently just moved in. Similar sentiments were shared by local resident Amasa Walker, who noted that “things been getting pretty expensive.” Some respondents also placed blame on local and federal government officials. “Since the economy is ‘booming’ under Bill Clinton’s Administration and our govern-
hir 3 S
$21
HUNGRY? MCDERMOTTS.
“This scavenger hunt is... that step in the direction of giving the youth something to do here locally in Newcaster.”
ts
or, milk has become 2 dollars and 48 cents!” noted Mrs. Clayton, a local elder. Amasa similarly said, “I believe this might be the cause of what ever this stupid township and this council people is doing.” In response, Councilmember Noah Whitefield, Head of Business, commented, “The reason we have this issue is because this town lacks busines-
Avery Winchester, the Head of the Newcaster Historical Society, is planning a grand scavanger hunt for people to learn the local history of our town. Winchester founded and opened the first-and-only museum in-town just recently — all built off of her own hard-work and community donations (Vol 5., No. 79). Now that her museum is gaining traction, Winchester said, “this scavenger hunt is kinda that step in the direction of giving the youth something to do here locally in Newcaster.” She also noted the educational value in “helping those learn more about the place they’re living in.”
ses to lower the cost of goods.” He added, “Townhall’s Time Forward Initative seeks to alleviate these concerns by fostering new businesses to grow and help lower local inflation.” Despite townhall’s efforts, residents remain skeptical as to the effectiveness of the Time Forward Initative introduced a month ago.
- Avery Winchester, Museum Head
As well, this activity is supposedly supported by townhall under Councilmember Talaat’s Be There program that is actively tackling violence amongst younger generations. Currently, a poster on the front of the museum only hints at what the scavenger hunt will entail, but many are eagerly waiting. Only time will tell what prize awaits us all!
Page 3
April 30, 1995
LOCAL BUYS MAIL BOX ON WHEELS “Now I can use this ride to everywhere I need, and I don’t need to walk!” - Mandy Anderson, Owner
J.W.W.
Journalist
Local resident Mandy Anderson was seen driving this strange car that resembled a mail box on wheels! In an exclusive interview with the Editor-in-Chief of the Newcaster Truth, Mandy said that she bought the car from Ace Auto Sales for $750. According to car’s manufacturer, the Roach Micro was meant to be fitted with a V3 engine. The vehicle was also said to be highway-legal, with the maximum speed being 175 MPH on paper. But when our Editor-in-Chief test-drove the vehicle around the neighbourhood block, he noted that such claims were “at best overstated,” noting it drove at around 30 MPH and had “the loudest engine ever.”
Mandy explains that the noise was due to the car lacking a radiator, supposedly being air-cooled instead. However, despite its many flaws, Mandy adores her Roach Micro. “Now I can use this ride to everywhere I need, and I don’t need
Museum Head Weds Lifelong Friend Victor Graham Editor
On April 12th, 1995, life-long soulmates Avery and Richie held their wedding at the Bruce County National Park. Avery Hamer and Richard ‘Richie’ Winchester grew up in the town of Newcaster, Michigan. The two met as ‘toddlers through their parents, who were all good friends and still are. As they got older, Avery would spend lots of time at the Winchester household, growing close with both of the Winchester brothers. In her late teens, Avery started to work at her father's store, the Mountain Outdoor Supply Co. Though, after graduating college, she formed the Newcaster Historical Society, later opening the Bruce County History Museum. Richie worked with his dad to create Big Boot pest control, where he still works now. “Growing up here in newcaster, I'm proud to be able to start my
own family and continue our legacy with such a beautiful celebration,” Avery said. Both Mr. and Mrs. Winchester are looking forward to the future together in Newcaster, hoping to continue giving back to their community. The Newcaster Truth wishes the newlyweds all the best.
to walk,” she boasted. “Better than that rusty car I had anyways.” Local car enthusiasts have also come out in support of Mandy’s unique car, with one fan, John M. Car, proclaiming that the car “represents modernity.”
April 30, 1995
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April 30, 1995
Quack Eye ROB the Doctor Robot: Robbed Harasses Victims of their Life Roger Moore
Erich Whitlam
Contributor
Editor-in-Chief
A neglected experimental robot named ROB was allegedly destroyed by local resident, Bongo the Clown, after roaming the streets of Newcaster for a week. In an investigation into ROB’s background, it was found that Sentre, a tech start-up, originally made the robot for the 1991 U.S. Tech COMDEX Exposition in Las Vegas. ROB was advertised to be the “Servant of the Future” by Sentre, but this specific model was left neglected after the exposition. It remains unknown as tp how ROB made its way over to Newcaster, Michigan. But Sentre representatives speculate that the model was stolen multiple times, hitchhiking all the way to Upper Peninsula Michigan. Multiple witnesses noted the robot’s calm demeanour, simply minding its own business as it explored the town.“The robot was pretty chill... saw it at a clothing store last time,” said local resident Adrian A. However, the robot’s visit to Newcaster was cut short when Bongo the Clown pushed the robot over. “I only tipped him over but he couldn’t be destroyed,” stated Bongo. He continued, “I... BROKE HIM BEFORE THEIR KIND CAN TAKE OVER.”
Continued: Page 6
Our Town REALLY hated ROB the Robot “I WAS THE ONE WHO BROKE HIM BEFORE THEIR KIND CAN TAKE OVER...” - Bongo the Clown
Although this claim is unproven, the robot was never seen again on the streets. The robot could have been stolen, destroyed, or run over by someone going twice the speed of sound — each explanation of which would not be surprising to this town. All that is known is that ROB the Robot is missing, and its life most likely ended in Newcaster, Michigan.
Multiple residents have reported being gangstalked by an optometrist, alongside rentless phone calls and inperson confrontations, after rejecting their services. In one instance, a young grocer, noted that she was “approached by the eye doctor in the diner” offering his medical services, to which she rejected. She then started receiving calls of silence and threats after she left. The harassment peaked when the eye doctor showed up to her house multiple times. She further alleges that the doctor even hired clowns to constantly monitor her. “Now I’m [see] a clown car and a blue car following me.” “Maybe I do need glasses at this point because I’m going insane,” she concluded. However, when asked whether she called local law enforcement, she did not want to do so out of fear of retaliation. This is not the first time dirty scam artists have entered the crime scene in Newcaster. Long-time residents would recognize the name JOHN GARDENER — a quack doctor that would lure patients via harassment and fake credentials. His scam grew to the point where on April 28 1994, Gardener — a former car salesman with no medical background — amputated one of his victims at the Golden Sap Motel (Vol 5., No. 22). If you come across this ‘eye doctor’ yourself, do not hesitate to dial 911 or reach out to your local law enforcement agency. Let’s not have another Gardener incident.
April 30, 1995
Page 6
Our Town REALLY hated ROB the Robot
What Happened to the Local Furries? Victor Graham Editor
Last year the NT wrote an article about “Furries and What Are They” which seemed to be a deep dive into Newcasters fuzzy side (Vol. 5, No. 46). It was interview with Maxwell Wolfington, a local musician, and Mayumi Kobayashi, a local fox lady, they both said that this subculture is about creativity, and exploration, whatever you want it to be. They both seemed as welcomed as anything new was inside a small town. People would often ignore them; some would stir trouble, but nothing major. It was all pretty peaceful and quiet until about a month ago, when Maxwell was socially exiled from Newcaster before he could even set foot in downtown after attempting to move back in.
One incident involved Maxwell listening to music outside of the McDermotts, to where he was subsequently kicked out. “Aye, it’s an outrage, all I wanted was some groceries and to listen to my music and the next thing I knew, I was being forced to leave….”, said Maxwell.
“I was being forced to leave...” - Maxwell Wolfington, Furry
In response, when asked, Councilmember Ahna Talaat was “under the assumption that cosplayers… were actively encouraged.” She added, “I’ll see what I can do about recruiting more organisations to host events for all cosplayers alike… it’ll curate a more welcoming environment.” For now, Maxwell has recently been seen around town looking more human to hopefully blend in.
Erich Whitlam Editor-in-Chief
Valentino P. Journalist
While writing the ROB the Robot: Robbed of their Life article (Page 5), we noticed that many of our readers really did not like ROB at all. To support this claim, here is a collection of particularly aggressive quotes gathered from our street interviews: BONGO THE CLOWN: “Hello, I Valentino, a.k.a Bongo the clown. I was passing by the side walk, till I saw this robot, and I kicked it over, At the time I just knew it had bad intentions, but after many quotes by many people, I pretty much done them a favor. I kicked it over to save them the trouble and energy to hate this Robot.” ANONYMOUS: “Was that who that was? I ran it over with my vic, It looked like a walking bean can.” MARCY THORNTON: “Yeah and I totally cropdusted it on the way to the scrapyard, too.” CARL LAUZON: “This robot has done some pretty bad crimes… like.. jaywalking. And it ran a red light, I guess. I don’t know which mafia mob boss gangster criminal created this evil machine from the depths itself but clearly their marbles are lost.” RUBY CLAYTON: “If I see that robot, I will grab my gun from my bag and KILL IT!” So did Bongo the Clown really kill ROB? Probably. But if proven otherwise, there seems to be an endless list of suspects — from the negligent to the outright militant. However, given SENTRE themselves have not yet pressed charges, it seems like ROB’s own creators have forsaken them.
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April 30, 1995
Councilmember Whitefield Vows Economic Growth Emmanuel S. Columnist
Newly-appointed Head of Business, Councilmember Noah Lot Whitefield, recently introduced the Time Forward Initative — an ambitious project to stimulate economic growth in Newcaster. In a released public statement, the policy will provide $1,000 to $5,000 lump-sum grants to businesses making under $100,000 per year. Additional temporary tax breaks are also included for entrepreneurs focused on setting up manufacturing in town. Although the policy is in its early stages, reactions from the business community to the policy itself remains mixed. On one hand, supporters are enthusiastic of the shift of townhall’s attention to the business community, alongside Councilmember Whitefield’s “no-nonsense” personality.
“You cannot just throw money at the problem..”
- Mr. Wentworth, Real Estate Agent
“[Noah’s] straight to the point. Truthful, but sometimes come off as rude,” noted Pete Winchester, local business owner of the Hungry Wolf. Critics, however, have argued that the policy is overly-ambitious and unrealistic to the town’s setting. “You cannot just throw money at the problem. Investors won’t come to begin with if our town’s riddled with
crime and corruption,” noted Mr. Wentworth, a local real estate agent. He added, “Giving a lumpsum grant to struggling businesses might look good, but... the truth is that it’s best to let them die if they’re already failing.” Wentworth suggests townhall to focus on “axing the deficit” while fostering a free market.
Gov. Antony Re-Election Bid Narrows Amid Disapproval Roger Moore Contributor
With an imminent gubernatorial election in Michigan, current Governor Antony face an uphill battle convincing electorates to vote for him amid general apathy to his re-election campaign. Just last year, the Newcaster Truth surveyed Newcaster residents’ approval rating of Governor Antony. It found that only
21% approved, 50% disapproved, and 29% undecided on Antony’s term in office (Vol 5., No. 76). Moreover, scandals involving stealing cars with his private helicopter (Vol 5., No. 66), destroying businesses, and his alleged connection to the notorious Pappalardo Crime family (Vol 5., No. 85) has compounded his unpopularity across towns like Newcaster. Speculators believe that Governor Antony will attempt to do a “makeover” of his public image
as to make himself look palatable to the electorate. As such, some have noticed that Antony has been going on an diet — perhaps as to lure voters just by his looks. Either way, the Governor himself has not stated much to the wider public as he remains rather elusive; only sticking to trusted allies within town. However, if he continues hiding from the public, it is most likely that his Democrat and Republican opponents will defeat him resoundingly in the next election.
April 30, 1995
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What’s Up With the Bean Cafe Posters? Roger Moore Contributor
You can't miss it. Everywhere you go — whether in your daily newspaper, on a lamppost, or even on a billboard — you're bound to see a huge neon poster that blasts out the words "THE BEAN CAFE." And having come across these ads within my day-to-day life, I ask myself: are people actually paying attention? Do they care? And why is Bean Cafe pushing THAT hard to advertise themselves? So I decided to interview the owner of the cafe, Alexa Norris, to get things straight: Q: “Why so aggressive with this ad campaign?” A: “The Bean Café is constantly sharing ads to get the Café out there, that's one of the main reasons why they're pushing their ad out there alot more recently, to be known and to gain more people. The Bean Café is a place where people can come in and have a nice and peaceful time with friends/family or even if you are by yourself, you can come in and enjoy the many drinks and food that we have.
nderful food we have, come in and relax, just enjoy a great time out of the house or you can even take your food and drinks home with you or wherever you tend to go.
Q: Has this campaign of yours paid off? Did you notice more patrons coming in because of this ad campaign? A: The Campaigns have for sure paid off and we have had quite a few visitors come and go and also people who have enjoyed the Café, we've had people say that the place is amazing and they will be back. The Café is usually held over on 7 Dormer and is open almost all day sometimes, depending on when Alexa is available. Q: What do to you say to those who may be put off by this method of getting it out there? A: I would recommend that you should come into the Café and try some of the amazing and wo-
WHY?
Ultimately, Bean Cafe’s intentions are clear: to attract more folks over. If these ads piss you off at times, then maybe that’s your cue to swing by and talk to Alexa yourself over a cup of joe. At a time when small businesses are struggling, Alexa’s only doing her best to keep things afloat. Love her or hate her, you can’t deny that she’s doing all she can do to survive.
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April 30, 1995
Today Partly Sunny
Town Forecast from APR. 30 to 45°31° MAY 4 Feels: 30°
Friday Sunny
Saturday Sunny
Sunday Sunny
Monday Partly Sunny
45°31°
51°32°
61°35°
43°30°
Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 43% Wind: 8 mph
Precipitation: 30% Humidity: 50% Wind: 10 mph
Feels: 52°
Feels: 60°
Precipitation: 10% Precipitation: 10% Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 48% Humidity: 46% Humidity: 44% Wind: 11 mph Wind: 11 mph Wind: 10 mph
Feels: 64°
Feels: 34°
NATIONAL TEMPERATURE:
TODAY’S PRECIPITATION: 20 18 16 14 egatnecreP
12 10 8 6 4 2 0
2a.m
5a.m 8a.m
11a.m
2p.m Time
5p.m
8p.m
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CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE:
CRIME UNLEASHED ACROSS NEWCASTER
On April 22, a Substation 23 report detailed an incident involving two deputies detaining a man in blue “holding a firearm” next to a “decreased individual lying on the sidewalk.” As they arrested the suspect, a suited accomplice suddenly appeared, fighting with one of the Deputies and injuring them in the process. While detained, the accomplice “approached the cruiser window and forcefully kicked the glass, shattering it.” The suspect was then able to “[broke] free from his handcuffs” and fled with his accomplice; both men remain at large. Three days prior, the Nat
ional Parks Service discovered a disfigured man’s corpse on a dirt path after a local resident alerted them. After a brief investigation, they found out he was one of the new mobsters in town
named Angelo. Although the rest of his personal information has been withheld from the public, police assume it was a gang-affiliated shooting. As such, all eyes are on the Pappalardo Family as they allegedly
murder rivals who are on their unmarked "territories”. Police are now looking for any leads but to no hope. The Pappalardo Family are a well-connected crime syndicate across the state of Michigan. Supposedly, they hold connections to multiple businesses and politicians. Recently (Vol. 5, No. 85), Governor Antony was photographed standing alongside alleged members, mourning the death of one of their own. Sheriff Jegsfen reassures that “the CIB.. is keeping an eye out for any illegal activity,” though more is needed to regain public confidence.
Photo of the Week(s):
CREDIT TO SKYLAR WINCHESTER FOR PICTURE April 22, 1995: John Holleman, local one-legged WW2 and Korean War veteran, seen mowing his front lawn.
April 20, 1995: Tiffekiki Tyger (Tiffie) celebrates her 20th birthday. NT sends her a (belated) happy birthday.