Friday May 17-29, 1995 $1.10
vol. 5, issue 89
Bye-Bye Chief McIlroy
Pappalardo Sighting Grows
NPD Chief resigns after 3 months. > Page 10
A string of incidents tie back to a crime family. > Page 3 + 6
MEMORIAL DAY SPECIAL
This edition of the NEWCASTER TRUTH was published at NT’s Sunny Acres Office for local distribution.
NEVER FORGET
By THE NEWCASTER TRUTH EDITORIAL TEAM Newcaster is home to many American heroes who have fought for our freedoms. For this year’s Memorial Day, the Newcaster Truth presents the stories of our local veterans in honoring the sacrifices they have made for our country. Their testimonies remind us that the liberties we enjoy today were gained by their unwavering tenacity.
OFFICER VICTOR CARMICHAEL
It is the duty of every American to honor the legacies of these brave men and women who did their part to uphold the ideal that all, endowed by their Creator, can live as freely as ever. On this Memorial Day, let us not just remember their names, their faces, or their backstories. May we honor the dead best by treating the living well, and never forget that our freedoms were paid in blood.
SEE PAGES 4-5
May 29, 1995
Page 2
PARTS OF TOWN FLOODED Emmanuel S. Columnist
MEMORIAL DAY EVENT CANCELLED
Erich Whitlam Editor-in-Chief
Much to the public’s disappointment, the 1995 Memorial Day Parade has been cancelled for unclear reasons. Last year, town hall, alongside the Newcaster Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Michigan National Guard, hosted a large-scale parade in commemoration of America’s heroes. This year, however, no equivalent event has been held, much of the public’s dismay, especially among veterans. “It’s quite disrespectful to those who gave our lives — our comrades,” said Victor Carmichael, who served in Iraq and Panama. Similarly, George Mc. Arthur, a Purple Heart recipient, said, “I serv-
“If I had one day to be welcomed it'd be Memorial Day... we deserve respect!” - George Mc. Arthur
ed for this country. If I had one day to be welcomed, it’d be Memorial Day, my friends died for this and deserve respect!” In addition to disgruntled veterans, local businesses that had anticipated the event have also been let down. Avery Winchester, the curator of the Newcaster Historical Society, said they were “disappointed… especially because of how hard [they] worked to get [their] own memorial made to celebrate all the veterans in town.” (Vol 5., No. 88) With no public event taking place, some have shown their respect by laying flowers at the graves of those who died for our country.
Inexplicably, parts of Barga County, Dickinson Country, Chippewa County, and Bruce County were temporarily flooded due to heavy rainfall. In some parts of affected areas, floods reached up to 40 inches, impeding traffic. In Newcaster, a section of Cardinal Road was closed by officials during the flood. While officials from the National Weather Service (NWS) remained uncertain about the cause of the extreme downpour, an onthe-ground meteorologist from the NWS speculated, “It could be due to [Yooper Michigan] being a Peninsula.” Afterward, they refused to elaborate what they meant and left. Some have criticized the Michigan Department of Transportation for its lack of preparation, as roadside drainage systems were clogged in dozens of places. When asked, MDOT representatives did not provided an official response. This is not the first time a flood has afflicted Newcaster. Just last year, a three feet-tall flood (about 0.83% of a football field) devastated the entire town, resulting in a mass evacuation (Vol 5., No 73). Thankfully, this flood was not as dramatic as the Great Flood, but only time can tell as to what comes next.
Page 3
May 29, 1995
BIG BLOW TO THE PAPPALARDO’S
Erich Whitlam Editor-in-Chief
In an unexpected turn of events, the Bruce County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that three members of the Pappalardo Crime family have been arrested over an earlier act of vandalism. On the afternoon of May 21st, one of our journalists witnessed five individuals damaging a pickup truck outside of Ace Auto Sales. Moments later, the group fled the scene, hitching into the back of an unmarked van before speeding away. While their intentions remain unclear, the incident immediately drew the attention of the Newcast-
er Police Department, the Bruce County Sheriff’s Department, and State Troopers. The group, spotted at the alley of the Pyramid’s Club, were ambushed by a multitude of police officers arriving in their patrol cars. While some managed to escape before their arrival, three were caught in the act. A press release provided by Detective Lieutenant Celton of the Criminal Investigations Bureau stated that the suspects are associated with the Pappalardo Crime Family. He added, “Do know they are under strict surveillance… [and] we have largely tracked down their routines and schedules.”
Additionally, Lieutenant Celton confirmed that the “Criminal Investigations Bureau is working overtime” to investigate alleged criminal ties to the Golden Sap Motel and the Pyramid Club. Currently, the investigation is facing “some complications involving jurisdictions” between departments, which have caused the case to “hit a wall.” The Newcaster Truth similarly reached out to the NPD for their statement, but have yet to receive a response. These revelations reveal a troubling reality: despite their enormous size in budget, our police agencies have enabled a crime family to slip through their fingers. Over these months, the Newcaster Truth has conducted their own investigation into, to which we have discovered a string of coincidences too strong to deny…
Continued: Page 6
Crimewatch: Timeline
May 29, 1995
Page 4
VICTOR URIEL CARMICHAEL Emmanuel S. Columnist
Victor Uriel Carmichael was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan to a working-class family. His father, a welder and ironworker, served in the Vietnam War as an aviation mechanic. Following in his father’s footsteps and inspired by what he described as an “instilled pride in our country”, Carmichael enrolled in the U.S. army at 18. He was deployed to Panama between 1989-1990 during Operation Just Cause, serving as a co-pilot and crew chief on a UH1 helicopter. His tour promptly ended when he fell from a helicopter and sustained an injury but survived.
After recovering, Carmichael embarked on another tour in Iraq (1990-1991) throughout Operation Desert Storm as a pilot. Unlike his previous deployment, he managed to leave without a scratch.
“Every day I wake up proud of what I’ve done... I’m glad that I get to be out there protecting my country, my family, and everyone.” - Victor Uriel Carmichael
Currently, Carmichael serves with the Michigan National Guard as a helicopter pilot. During the Great Flood of Newcaster of 1994 (Vol 5.,
No. 73), he was among the first
National Guard members to arrive at townhall, helping evacuate countless civilians. “Every day I wake up proud of what I’ve done,” Carmichael reflected. He continued, “Over the years, I’ve had many things, both good and bad… but I’m glad that I get to be out there protecting my country, my family, and everyone.”
FOLLOW UP: VICTOR THE BOOTY SHAKER Marcy Thornton Supervisor
Victor Carmichael was seen showing off his glutes during the 20th of May, boasting that “[he] cannot contain this booty.” Caught on camera, Mr. Carmichael was seen dropping it low — into the splits, even. Later, he was spotted chasing a bystander with his buttocks while blasting traditional Chinese music from his boombox.
“I cannot contain this booty.”
- Victor Uriel Carmichael
Additionally, Victor Carmichael is the same person who tripped over his own sweat during LAKECOM, subsequently breaking one of his legs on the dance-floor.
Page 5
May 29, 1995
AMASA COLEMAN WALKER
Erich Whitlam Editor-in-Chief
Amasa Coleman Walker is a bona fide American hero of the Vietnam War. He joined the 1st Calvary of the U.S. Army in search of his life’s calling, serving from 1966 to 1970. In February of 1966, he played an integral role in Operation Masher, conducting search-and-destroy missions deep behind enemy lines. Two years later, Walker transferred to an airmobile unit just before the Tet Offensive. His duties involved “transporting boys onto landing zones… and blowing out the [Vietcongs]”, contributing to U.S. efforts to repel advancing North Vietnamese forces. His service abruptly ended when his helicopter was shot down in 1970. Despite sustaining extensive injuries, Walker managed to crawl from the wreckage and trek through the arduous Vietnamese jungle.
His courage earned him the Purple Heart, after which he was shipped back home to his ranch in Texas. There, he “tended to cattle with the love of [his] life.” Soon after, Walker inexplicably moved to Newcaster, where he became a local celebrity for his unique outfit choices.
Looking back, Walker reminisced about his time in service: “I always looked back to the time my boys were out there and flying… getting into those intense moments, you know? That [adrenaline] that builds up within you.”
PETER FINLAYSON
J.W.W.
Journalist
Peter Finlayson was born to the humble middle-class suburb of Plainfields in Newcaster. His mother, Marie, was a stay-athome wife, while his father operated on the everyday freighters that passes the Great
Lakes. Young Peter grew up playing on the beaches and embarking on boat rides with his father. At the age of 23, Peter enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, serving along the Great Lake Region Coast Guard Stations. In 1990, he was deployed to the Persian Gulf, where his service abruptly ended after sustaining a gunfire wound while raiding an arms ship off the coast of Kuwait.
He returned home following an honorable dischorage at the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class after four years of active duty. Currently, Peter serves the Newcaster Police Department as the Police Habormaster. He, and many others, are one of the many former service members who continue to serve the American public within our police agencies.
May 29, 1995
Page 6
CRIME
WATCH
F1
T I M E L I N E Editorial Team Over the three past months, the Newcaster Truth has tracked alleged ties between the Pappalardo family and Newcaster. The reporting began with a leaked photograph published between March 17-31, which appeared to show suspected middle men standing next to Di Pappalardo and Governor Antony. For this investigation, we began to track down F1 (refer to top image) to delve deeper. In an encounter at the Golden Motel, we managed to speak to F1 briefly, who said that he owned the motel at the time. This detail appeared to corroborate a business connection to the family. Subsequently, on May 18, a journalist’s interview with a local veteran at Marlin’s Diner was interrupted when four suited men burst into the restaurant and stormed the kitchen. They left shortly after finding nothing, although it remained unclear what they were searching for. One of the men, referred to as “Moe”, seemingly acted as the leader of the pack. He was later seen as one of the men arrested during this week’s recent raid (see Page 3). Further linking the incident to the Pappalardo family, one of the men was heard saying, “Let’s head to the motel,” suggesting a connection between the group and the syndicate. After that brief episode, the men drove to the Pyramid’s Club, where witnesses did not note anything unusual when the men came and went.
In the most recent instance on May 21st (see Page 3), a journalist noted heightened activity around the motel. Men sporting muscle cars and wellpressed suits were all visiting the business, but yet were not booking rooms. Notably, one of the men photographed — wearing a salmon-pink suit — was later identified as one of those arrested during the sting operation that same afternoon. He had also been seen beating up a pickup truck shortly that preceded the raid. Given that most crime families establish elaborate hierarchies to maintain plausible deniability at the top, much of our investigation relies on inferred or assumed connections. It remains possible that these individuals — who just so happen to frequently congregate around the motel without booking a room while committing separate crimes — are unrelated to one another. This appears to be the view of the Bruce County Sheriff Office, whose spokesperson dismissed the influence of the family itself: “We have looked at all the actions of the Crime Family has done… and [came] to a conclusion they are no real concern,” BCSO stated in a recent statement. But recently, a press release from Lieutenant Celton seem to say otherwise (Page 3). However, regardless of what official say, the general public live in fear of the possibility of there being a new crime syndicate out and about. Though our investigation, we reveal a string of coincidences that may point to the inner workings of a broader conspiracy.
MARCH 17-31, 1995 (VOL 5., NO. 86)
F1
APRIL 15-30, 1995 (VOL 5., NO. 87)
“MOE”
MAY 18, 1995
PINK SALMON SUIT
MAY 21, 1995
Page 7
May 29, 1995
May 29, 1995
Page 8
Honoring Emergency Dispatchers Avery Collins Jr. Supervisor This year alone, one hundred
million people will call 911
across the country. 5 million of those will be for fires, 20 million needing an ambulance. The people who dial this number are experiencing the most terrifying hour of their lives and, usually, have nowhere else to turn. It's the job of 911 call centers to make sure each and every one of those people gets rapid and effective life-saving help, every single time. For us in Bruce County, that job falls to the Telecommunications Center, directed by Robert
Huadley and Larry Spencer. The agency operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and serves as the link between the public and emergency responders.
“People don’t call 911 because they’re having a good day.” - Anonymous Dispatcher
Dispatchers work to gather information and coordinate police, fire, and medical units as fast as possible. The job can be stressful, especially during major emergencies, but it is essential for the communities. “People don’t call 911 because they’re having a good day,” said one dispatcher.
TOWNHALL EXODUS TALAAT
Head of Social Work
KARSTEN Head of Economy
ARLONNE
Head of Transport
‘BOMO’ Head of Urbanism
Along with handling emergency calls, the Telecommunications Center manages countywide radio communications and supports first responders during large-scale incidents and daily operations. While the work often happens behind the scenes, the center’s staff remain an important part of Bruce County’s emergency response system, answering every call with urgency, professionalism, and the understanding that someone on the other end may have nowhere else to turn.
J.W.W.
Journalist
Out of the blue, the Togawa Administration has dropped four key executive members from their council. Councilmember Karsten, Head of Economy; Councilmember Arlonne, Head of Transport; Councilmember Talaat, Head of Social Work; and Councilmember Bomovich, Head of Urbanism, have left the council following their alleged resignations. Mayor Togawa has yet to
announce their replacements, as half of her council has left all of a sudden without a clear reason. Even Talaat’s supposed successor, Selicia B. Vargas who briefly served as Head of Social Work, has resigned after only serving a couple weeks in office. The situation remains unclear, but speculators believe this will likely take a toll on Togawa’s perceived performance.
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May 29, 1995
Today Sunny
Town Forecast from MAY 29 to 78°42° JUNE 2 Feels: 75° Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 39% Wind: 9 mph
Saturday Sunny
Sunday Sunny
Monday Sunny
Tuesday Partly Sunny
69°37°
74°40° Feels: 68°
76°41°
Feels: 70°
76°40°
Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 36% Wind: 7 mph
Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 32% Wind: 6 mph
Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 33% Wind: 7 mph
Precipitation: 0% Humidity: 29% Wind: 6 mph
Feels: 72°
Feels: 68°
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
11p.m
BYE-BYE MCILROY Erich Whitlam Editor-in-Chief
After having attempted to resign about three months ago (Vol 5., No. 81), Frank McIlroy has finally stepped down as the Chief of the Newcaster Police Department without having named an immediate successor. McIlroy initially resigned in February but returned after thirteen days when his successor, Michael Alden, abruptly left due to familial complications. In the interim, the department underwent command restructuring and new appointments under McIlroy’s leadership. Notably, Jacqueline Payette has recently replaced Matthew Kevin Leary as Deputy Chief (Vol 5., No. 88). Having decided the time is right, McIlroy quietly vacated his position without any public announcement for his departure or identifying a clear successor. As the 8th Chief of the NPD, McIlroy led a controversial tenure marked by multiple incidents involving workplace harassment, police brutality, and internal manhunts (Vol 5., No 83, 75, 73, 57).
“Newscaster’s lost a decent police chief… and a decent guy.” - Sergeant Glenland, Supporter
Just in March, his department promoted an officer to the rank of Sergeant despite an active investigation was being conducted into allegations of excessive force perpetrated by the officer (Vol 5., No. 83). McIlroy’s legacy remains contentious, particularly between ardent supporters within differing police agencies and civilians critics who view his leadership negatively. On one hand, supporters were disappointed to see an experienced police officer who served from the 70s leave. “Newscaster’s lost a decent police chief… and a decent guy,” said NPD Command Sergeant Glenland. Even Sheriff Jason Jegsfen, who once had “plenty of fights… and disagreements” with McIlroy, was “[saddened] to see him go.” He added, “Especially during his final months… we worked closely together to establish clear rules and boundaries between our agencies.” It should be noted that Sheriff Jegsfen did attempt to resign last September, but he reassures the public that “[he] don’t plan to retire anytime soon.”
“I didn’t know we lost that fool... good riddance.” - Maxwell Wolfington, Critic
On the other hand, the general public have been less sympathetic toward the resignation. “I know he’s been around, but I didn’t know we lost that fool… good riddance,” said Maxwell Wolfington. Similarly, John Nisemono said, “I used to pray for times like this,” while another interviewee, Clyde, only shouted, “YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!” in response to the news. Some critics, however, are wishing to witness change under new leadership. Victor Carmichael, a local veteran, hopes that “maybe they can get someone better… [cause] they’ve (NPD) been a mess.” But with no successor named and no official statements released, it remains unclear what direction the department will take under new leadership. Over these years, the Newcaster Police Department — operating at a larger-than-usual cost of $ 1,526,500 (Vol. 5, No. 75) — has left many taxpayers in Newcaster feeling disillusioned with what they see as an bloated bureaucracy that has failed to serve them. This divide in public reaction suggests that significant reforms may be necessary to restore confidence within the NPD before tensions escalate further. With new appointments being made, some hope a new spirit of change will follow.