November 4, 2003
Mt. Olivette Hospital Target Of Bombing?

By Isadora Seymore

On October 28th, terror gripped the residents living near 28th and Cypress streets as Mt. Olivette Hospital exploded and burst into flames. When this reporter arrived on the scene, the amount of destruction and carnage made it look like a clip out of a war movie. The injured, dying and dead were strewn about the lawn and in the street in front of the facility. Hospital spokesmen informed the media present that the building had a full staff of doctors and nurses at the time and they were mourning the loss of several of them. Patients who survived the blast have been transferred to other local hospitals.

Police discovered signs of some form of scuffle that occurred outside the hospital. So, armed with that and not waiting for the final results from the arson squad, announced to the press that the explosion was not due to malfunctioning equipment inside the building. The attackers or their reasons for assaulting the helpless victims of the hospital are yet unknown. However, police are hoping to find in the rubble a few salvageable security cameras containing useful information.

Representatives of Mt. Olivette have refused to make any comments. "We cannot comment on the nature of this attack until we have had sufficient opportunity to examine the evidence and speak with the legal representatives of the victims".

Peter Townsend from Neo-Sun Communications and Technologies, a company that seems to have more interests than just internet service judging from their comments regarding other suspicious events in the city, was found wandering about speaking to victims and possible witnesses. When questioned by this reporter he said, “According to my sources, law enforcement officials have yet to decide who is behind this attack but have no current reason to suspect terrorism groups. Their most likely suspect at present is one of the local gangs that have been harassing the citizens of the city. I’m sure that the police are doing all they can. I urge anyone with information about this attack to contact the police or my office. We can work together, as a community, to bring forth a final death to these types of attacks."

Many of the good people of Centropolis rallied to the aid of the severely shell-shocked hospital staff and offered their assistance dealing with the needs of the unwitting victims. One such person was a young woman found working in a makeshift triage. She identified herself as Penelope Madding, a student at the St. Paul School of Theology and a sideshow performer at the locally based Starlight Carnival. She said that she had been with friends at Lucille’s Diner near Chelsea Park, which isn’t far from the hospital, when she heard the explosion. It’s possible that this charitable young woman was suffering from a bit of shell shock herself due to the horror around her for she made a strange statement during her interview. She mentioned seeing, “a “dark angel” offering mercy to a massively burned woman.”

There was some disgruntled grumbling from area residents concerning the fact that it seemed to take forever for the police and emergency support groups to arrive on the scene. Both police and emergency teams reported experiencing power failures in their offices and attribute the break down of communication to a flood of calls jamming up their phone lines.

Mt. Olivette Hospital, which has been important in providing low cost care for some of the less fortunate of the city, will remain closed pending an assessment of the feasibility of repairing the building. Should the costs prove to be more than their current budget can afford or the structure unsound enough to repair, they will, out of necessity, be forced to seek funding from charity groups in order to relocate elsewhere in the city.

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November 4, 2003
Red Cross Puzzled Over Rise Of Anema

By Isadora Seymore

The Red Cross has been noting decreased iron levels along with a corresponding decreased hemoglobin count throughout the Centropolis area. This unusual high incidence of anemia has resulted in the Red Cross destroying almost half of its recent collections because the blood is incapable of supporting enough oxygen and nutrients in the body, which makes it worthless for transfusions of whole blood.

In a press conference, the local Red Cross director said, "Our need to destroy these valuable supplies because of this high incidence of anemia, which is disturbing in and of itself, is even more disturbing in light of the fact that there is currently a shortage of blood in Centropolis. We have yet to determine the exact cause of this unprecedented anemia in a singular population. The city could have a serious issue on its hands if this situation doesn't change course soon."

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November 2, 2003
Scholar Murdered On Local Campus

By Isadora Seymore

A noted occult scholar, Professor Boyd Morgan, was found murdered in his office on the St. Paul School of Theology campus today. Police, seeking clues to a possible motive for the murder, interviewed one of Professor Morgan’s associates. Professor Benjamin Rueben in the interview said, “Morgan and I were recently working together on a translation of an apocalyptic text that we believed to be the inspiration behind many of the images found in the Christian Bible’s Book of Genesis and Book of Revelations. It is possible that the murderer somehow found out about the book and was attempting to steal it. After all, I did hold a press conference when this book came into my possession earlier in the year. This book could be very valuable on the archeological black market. He might have killed my colleague when discovering that the tome was not present on the campus at the time ”

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October 30, 2003
Murder and Madness

By Isadora Seymore



A male mental patient was charged Tuesday with murdering a female mental patient whose dismembered body was found buried on the abandoned grounds of a former Centropolis Psychiatric Facility. Earlier that day, investigators had discovered the body of Annie May Davis, who was 36 when she disappeared from the facility in late 1999, buried in "three or four holes," at the mental institution.

Centropolis police arrested Marvin Wilson, a former patient of the facility and who was confined across the Missouri river in the Kansas State Hospital, charged him with murder and brought him back to the District Court here. Wilson, a mental patient for nearly 40 years, is in his late 50s, said a spokesman from the Attorney General’s Office. Miss Davis had been in institutions in Missouri and Kansas for 18 years.

The woman's disappearance was publicized last spring during a state Senate probe of "unexplained" deaths at mental institutions. Although another patient had been found in possession of seven of Miss Davis' teeth, one of our esteemed senators complained during the probe that state and local officials had not followed the lead.

The senate probe found at least 26 other patients have died at state and private institutions in Missouri in the past three years under circumstances they consider questionable. The deaths include suicides, drowning in bathtubs, choking on food and heart attacks.

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October 30, 2003
Solar Storm Is a Biggie but Benign

Associated Press Release



It was big and strong and fast, but it didn't do much. It was the most powerful geomagnetic storm possible, and it hit Earth early Wednesday, knocking out some airline communications but apparently causing no large power outages or other major problems.

The gigantic cloud of highly charged particles that hurled from the sun posed a threat to electric utilities, high-frequency radio communications, satellite navigation systems and TV broadcasts. Turbulence on the sun remains a concern for the next week.

The particle storm, measuring 13 times larger than Earth, was rated a G5, the highest intensity on scientists' scale. Space observers have measured G5 storms five times in the past 15 years. It whipped through the solar system at about 5 million m.p.h., taking just 19 hours to travel the 93 million miles from the sun.

"It is extremely rare to get this level of geomagnetic storming," said Larry Combs, forecaster for the Space Weather Center at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Boulder, Colo.

Such storms pose no direct threat to people on the ground because Earth's atmosphere deflects and absorbs incoming charged particles. But the storm may produce colorful auroras in the northern night sky. Geomagnetic storms have caused power disturbances in the United States and Canada at least 11 times since 1940.

Among precautions taken by various utilities: making less electricity at generating stations and adding voltage control equipment.

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October 30, 2003
New Lottery Game could Violate Tribal Treaties

By Isadora Seymour



State Capital -- A pair of new lottery games scheduled to debut Monday could end up costing the state money instead of gaining it, assorted critics said Wednesday.

That's because the new games -- Club Keno and Pull Tabs -- potentially violate agreements the state has with the Indian tribes that pay 8 percent of their gaming revenues in return for bans on expansion of gambling. The state could lose money if the tribes decide to withhold their payments.

The money from the tribes currently generates about $13 million a year, but could grow to $40 million or $50 million within a few years as new casinos come online, tribal representatives said.

The Lottery Commissioner, speaking at a demonstration of the games Wednesday at the Capitol, said he expects them to generate at least $50 million a year in additional revenue for the state. He said the new games had been reviewed by state attorneys and denied they violate the tribal agreements. The new Keno game is merely an extension of an existing Keno game that has been offered for 12 years, he said.

A coalition made up of groups opposed to gambling on moral grounds and other gambling interests who don't want the competition, claimed that the new Keno game -- which features drawings every five minutes, 20 hours a day, and will be offered in more than a 1,000 drinking locations -- is only remotely akin to the old Keno game. They called on the Lottery Commissioner to suspend introduction of the games until the state Attorney General conducts a formal hearing.

The Lottery Commissioner said the review is unnecessary and plans to go ahead with Monday's scheduled launch, which will be accompanied by a statewide advertising campaign.

A spokesman for the State Attorney General said a formal request for the review had not been received, but would be considered. The attorney general's view could quickly become moot if the games debut and the tribes view them as a violation of the non-expansion agreement.

Barry Whitehorse, a spokesman for the Prairie Band of the Potawatomi Indian Nation, said the issue will be reviewed by attorneys. Withholding payments to the state is a definite possibility, he said.

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October 29, 2003
Stolen Sculpture

By Isadora Seymour



Otters are not faring well in this community on the Big Blue River— otters made out of bronze, that is.

For the second time in a month, one of sculptor Bernadette Moore’s bronze otters has been stolen from its mounting at Chelsea Park. “The second time, I just let out a yell,” Moore said. “We are just so sad about this whole thing. People are going to be outraged.” Outrage certainly described the feelings of First Evergreen Bank President Robert Adams, who raised $10,000 in reward money, took out full-page ads in this newspaper and paid for 350 radio commercials after the second theft. “I’m not a person who gets mad really easily, but there comes a point where you have to take a stand,” said Adams. “This is too good a community for this to happen.” The vertical sculpture, titled “Wotter Follies,” depicts a pair of frolicking otters twining around an underwater tree limb.

Just last month, Adams paid $2,000 to replace the 2-foot-tall, 25- pound sculpture. Adams says he will replace this one as well. “I’m going to dedicate a lot of energy and effort to bring this person to justice,” Adams said. About two months ago, another of Moore’s sculptures was stolen from the same park.

Art theft seems to be becoming the fashion crime as several local exhibits and private museums have also been experiencing thievery of one kind or another.

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October 29, 2003
Monster's Lair Discovered

By M. Clancy



On the evening of Saturday the 20th police and fire department units responded to an explosion at the Holloway steel mill. The mill has been closed a little over nine years ago, and has since fallen into severe disrepair. Schedules for its demolition were in place for over a year, but cut backs in spending have delayed that progress.

The mill was thought to be abandoned, but investigating police found evidence that it has in fact been the home of a disturbingly brutal serial killer. In an underground storage room, investigators discovered twelve human bodies encased in plaster molds. One witness described the bodies as being arranged in poses of supplication. The bodies are deteriorated past recognition, except one.

Gerald Everton, son of the Everton Furniture founder, David Everton, was among the victims. The family was unavailable for comment, but a spokesman for the Everton Corporation released a statement Monday that mentioned a lack of contact between the family and their son for over four months. The identities of the other victims are as of yet unknown. Police have no suspects in the case at this time.

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October 28, 2003
City Seeks to Revive Citizen Lookouts

By Isadora Seymour



Remember Neighborhood Watch?

In the early 1980s, it was a hot phrase in Missouri, where hundreds of neighborhoods organized crime-prevention groups and installed red-lettered signs alerting would-be burglars to their no-nonsense approach to crime.

Two decades later, many of those signs are fading, and though crime in the area has grown and changed, local law-enforcement officials are hard-pressed to locate active members of Neighborhood Watch.

As the population of Centropolis continues to rise, so does the crime rate, especially drug related incidents. But city law-enforcement agencies have not grown in proportion. The Sentinel Newspaper had the city’s drug problems hit home when it was learned that one of its own might be wanted in connection with a drug ring. The police now have an APB out on the newspaper’s former employee but ask the fine citizens to inform them if they see anyone fitting the following description: A woman of possible mixed Asian or Hawaiian heritage, medium length dark brown or black hair, dark gray eyes that might be mistaken for black and about 5’2” tall. She is reported to be wearing or have in her possession a 1kt diamond ring with a mixture of jade and sapphire.

The Sheriff's Department is using community meetings to educate citizens on both the dangers of drugs, and how to identify potential suspects. Police officials said they would like to assemble at least a couple of new Neighborhood Watch groups from each community meeting. They also want to re-establish communication with local groups that may have become inactive.

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September 11th 2003
Blue Valley Home Destroyed in Massive Explosion

By Kailani Mahaulu

Early Tuesday morning, a Blue Valley Home was blown to pieces taking several lives in the process. Police state that a gathering of some kind was occurring when the home exploded, destroying the Victorian Style Manor, the lives that were inside, as well as the cars outside the manor. The surrounding woods caught fire in the explosion giving fire fighters a run to extinguish it. There was a 25% loss of the woods surrounding the home. After a couple days of investigation, the cause of the fire was determined as arson. They are still looking into the victims of this desperate attempt at redemption wishing to inform those particular families before devulging the names. At this time, the owner of the home was believed to be amongst them.

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September 6th 2003
Blue Valley Home Burglarized

By Kailani Mahaulu

Early last night, one of the last Victorian style Blue Valley homes was broken into. In the midst of the several valueable items that were taken, the keeper of the house attempted to stop the thieves with an unfortunate outcome. He became the victim of another crime brought upon Centropolis. Police say that the burglarers tripped a wire on their way out setting of the security alarm. Police believe that the hit had been well planned out days prior to the attack, as only certain items were taken. The unfortunate victim was an elderly man in his late 80's. 'Jonathan Edward Surley' had been with the family for quite some time. At the time of the burglary, the owner was away. As of the moment, the owner has been unreachable and police have made no further comments.

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September 4th 2003

Secrets of Necropolis?
By Kailani Mahaulu

Over a month ago, some rumors came about that a local Bistro, "A Streetcar Named Desire", had 'objects' come crashing through the skylight dropped from a mysterious helicopter. It was also rumored that these 'objects', as the police are referring to them, were instead 'human bodies'. Of course, staff at the bistro denied any accusations, stating that the reason for renovations were due to a major sewer leak, which left an intense stench in the bistro. Sources say there were no traces of a sewer leak, though an excessive amount of renovating was done. Sources also say that these possible 'objects' were indeed what they were rumored to be, having physical proof of such. Police were given the run around all night and unable to get a search warrant for three days, giving someone plenty of time to get things removed. Is this in fact the case? If so, what's the reason for hiding such things?

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September 3rd 2003

Cult Or Gangs?
By Kailani Mahaulu

A few weeks ago, a couple was murdered and returned to their home. One week after this occurred, the apparent perpetrator was found, during the Press Conference given by local Police, in the victims' SUV. It was then found to be evident that the apparent perpetrator was only responsible for the sexual acousting of the couple. So who was responsible for the murder? The same night of the press conference, an un-named source called informing me he knew who the murderer was. A meeting was set, but not fulfilled. A little over a week after this mishap meeting, the same informant calls again, yet boldly stating he did not make the first contact, though he did not deny not caring about what had happened to the Riveron's. It is believed that he held some kind of connection to the murder, perhaps being the murderer himself. When in fact, a second informant made contact, describing in explicit detail the first informant as a secret leader,calling himself "R.H.", of a cult calling themselves, "The Children of Osiris." The second informant bore witness to the leader stating the Riverton's were "to be cleansed." Some of their rituals having been described as strange and unusual. Each calling each by initials rather than names, slipping invitations beneath doors, using the woods as their sacred grounds.

Being that within this same time frame, a letter from "The Baron", obviously leading our city's infamous gang known as "The Immortals" was recieved, declaring that they would "temporarily halt their 'war'." against an unknown foe to us, it has to be questioned, if this 'cult' are the culprits they are looking for? Several other bodies having turned up over the same time frame. Is this 'cult' responsible for the death of Carley Wilson? Is the cult known as "The Children of Osiris" the ones "The Immortals" should be raging their war against? How many more lives will be lost in the break of night before it ends?

Along with this futile war the people of Centropolis have become victims of, yet another nameless victim has been found. A young woman estimated by police to be in her late teens was found just a few days ago left for dead in the North Woods by Van Brunt Deluxe Condiminums. No identification was found and is still currently unknown. 'Jane-Doe' was found with several stab wounds and a broken nose. Final cause of death believed to be a slit across the neck. Police are still investigating. The question of course: Is 'Jane-doe' another casuality to be claimed by "The Children of Osiris" Or "The Immortals"? Who's destroying who?

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August 31st 2003

Riverton's Murderer Found?
By Kailani Mahaulu

After the Riverton couple was found brutally murdered in the confinements of their own home, both having been sexually accosted by apparently the same person, the person responsible for the sexual activity was found during the Press Conference police gave a week after the discovery of the Riverton's. Police believed the original perpetrator on both accounts to be left handed, when in fact it was discovered the man, found dead in the Riverton's vehicle during the Press Conference, was right handed. All three victims found intoxicated with numerous drugs. The day of the Press Conference, I was contacted by an informant who stated he, "knew who the murderer was." Though a meeting did in fact flop, this reporter was later contacted by the very same informant, where he stated, "Well, unfortunately I neither know nor do I care about the Riverton's demise." 'The anonymous informant continiously made comments that he had not contacted me before then. This leaves several questions to be asked. Was there two different people contacting me? If so, how do they connect to the murder?

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August 30th 2003

What are police doing to protect Centropolis Residents?
By Kailani Mahaulu

In the past week, several victims (bums, students (highschool & college), elderly) have turned up dead. The attacks continue and the police are left with next to no information as to who the perpetrators are. Murdered in various ways, no one person can be pinpointed as a suspect. One of Central High School's cheerleaders, Carley Wilson, 16, was found murdered in an alleyway near an apartment building. One of the building's tenants heard the gunshots and immediately called the police. Police responded too late. Two tec 9's were found disposed near a book, possibly one of Carley Wilson's current readings, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." The building tenant believed to have seen another victim carried away from the scene of the crime. Left as another message, painted on the wall in blood was an anarchy symbol. Police can be quoted as stating, "It appears to be a gang attack. Miss Wilson may have simply gotten mixed in with the wrong crowd." However, delivered to my desk was a letter from 'one' of the city's so-called gangs claiming, "We, the so-named gangs, are not responsible for the crime mentioned in a recent homicide report." As well claiming, "Those responsible for the crime will be dealt with accordingly, given as much chance as the young girl was given." The aforementioned 'gang' has decided to take the law of our wonderful city into their own hands, "This is our city, our justice, our way, and no child will serve as a target within it." So claiming the lands of 'Centropolis' to be 'their' city.

Along with the brutal murder of Carley Wilson, the night security guard at the Holiday Inn Riverfront Conference Center was found dead by the accompanying Night Auditor. She reported to call 9-1-1 once she had gotten her senses together. She stated, "Normally he reports to me after each round. He normally made them on the hour, otherwise he's in the back watching the screens. I went to check on him and found him slumped over." He was found to be stabbed in the back between the 5th and 6th vertabrae. No weapons were found. After questioning the head of security, it was noted that the video tapes for the night were missing. No further information was provided.

The question we are left to ask, 'Do these numerous murders have any kind of connection?' If so, do they in fact have a connection to any of the local gangs? Is the reason "The Baron" sent the letter a way to divert attention their way? Can we trust the police to protect us? Or should we follow "The Baron's" choice of words, "This is our city, our justice, our way, the law is ours to make."? Should we be asking 'The Baron' to protect us, when it's the 'job' of the police? Or have we all stepped into the middle of a 'gang' war?

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August 14th 2003

Medical Center Strives To Keep Up With City Attacks
By Kailani Mahaulu

The past few months have certainly proved to be a heavy load for local police, leaving the Medical Center to pick up the slack. With the loss of two blood banks, some two months ago, the Medical Center, run by Dr. Allenby III, took a strong turn, near for the worse. With the assistance of Red Cross blood drives, the Medical Center was capable of keeping up with the continuous increase in attack rate of Centropolis locals. Though the Medical Center still suffers a strain in the assistance provided to transfer plasma to the other sites. Staff has been forced to work longer hours and testing has become quite difficult for disease researchers.

It appears “The Immortals” were quite successful in what they wished to do. They have certainly slowed up the tasks of helping find cures for disease, limiting the blood supply to the city, and finding ways to help patients as they turn up. It has been questioned as to why those two particular blood banks were chosen, when instead the Medical Center would have promised much more a catastrophe for the city. According to Dr. Allenby, “The only thing I seem to have garnered about those blood mobiles, is that the blood was rarely ever used, as though it was storage. Such a thing is odd, as that can only mean someone was using the blood on a limited basis.” Though it seemed they were perfect targets for such an attack, they were rarely used, bringing up the question of why those two?

It has been speculated that all these attacks, including a recent rain of bodies from a flying helicopter, have been brought about by terrorists. Are police now considering a local street gang terrorists? Or are they stating that these attacks were not lead by a gang, but instead terrorists?

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August 14th 2003

Riverton Murder Press Conference Release
By Kailani Mahaulu

Wednesday evening, police officials released an update of information in regards to the recent murder of the Riverton’s. The couple was found in their uptown apartment by the building’s maintenance man. A neighbor reported that the couple had, in fact, left late Sunday evening on a family visit. Thus leaving police officials to believe that the couple was taken outside their home. According to local police, “Both victim’s were found to be scattered throughout the apartment in a seemingly symbolic or ritualistic manner.” It is believed that the couple was still alive during mutilation, though all accounts of dismemberment were performed with accurate precision. It appears that the weapons used in this particular case were medical implements (I.e. scalpel or bone saw). As well as traces of ecstasy, jazz, speed, crack, and psychoactive “club drugs”, both victims were sexually accosted by the same person. Police believe the perpetrator to be left handed with current DNA matching in the works. Though at the time the couple’s vehicle was still missing, with no apparent signs of forced entry or a struggle, the conference was in fact interrupted with the discovery of the couple’s missing vehicle and another body. With the discovery of another body, it is speculated that the FBI may in fact come in to take over this investigation. More so with the inability of local police to prevent these crimes. It has been rumored that these most recent murders are linked to the previous attacks the good people of Centropolis have suffered. Is this the beginning of another string of attacks?

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August 11th 2003

Are Centropolis Police Doing Their Job?
By I. Seymour

From late May to July 19th of this year, Centropolis was caught in what appeared to be a crime wave. It started in May when an old gang once more made its presence known with random attacks upon the city. The targets of these attacks were: The Centropolis Railyard Junction # 7, Railbox NTSB traffic relay, two art galleries, two boutiques, two warehouses, two blood-drive/collection centers that left the largest collection of purified blood at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center, explosions set off near a heavily attended grand opening of a new business and some poor hapless victim tacked to a wall with the message "Go away! Go home!". To this day, it remains a mystery regarding the intended recipient of the message.

In a follow up article on the attacks by another Centropolis Sentinel news reporter, Kailani Mahaulu, the gang that started this crime wave was identified as "The Immortals". In her own words concerning "The Immortals", she stated..."It is evident that they did not work alone. No one knows who is directly linked to the mysterious cover-ups of "The Immortals", though presumptions can be made"...Miss Mahaulu reported too that, just prior to the attacks, the newly opened Leeds Railroad was upgraded to high yield chemical storage. After the attacks, she noted that some of the local freight carrying steel and salvage was being re-routed to the fledgling railroad yard. She was unsure at the time if there was any correlation with the attacks or not. Our fine men and women in blue still have nothing solid to go on in their investigations. Miss Mahaulu also addressed the issue of the major loss that occurred with the destruction of two local blood banks; saying..."The medical center has successfully taken up the slack with no problems."

M. Clancy, another reporter at this newspaper, discovered on June 30th that an anonymous tip to police had led to the discovery of a possible terrorist group. Although the Mayor issued assurances that all efforts were being expended to find the militant organization suspects, they still remain at large. Police found, within the apartment of the suspected terrorists, building plans and security information pertaining to the telephone and Internet Service Provider (ISP) Neo-Sun Communications and Technologies. Peter Townsend, spokesperson for Neo-Sun, released a statement at the time informing reporters that additional security was being commissioned, and additional personnel were already scheduled to be in place by the end of that week. For an ISP, there appears to be a lot of activity still going on at Neo-Sun Communications and Technologies. When recently asked if this was due to the failure of the police to locate the suspects or for some other reason, Peter Townsend answered; "No comment."

After reporting on the opening of the always successful Summer Festival, the lead stories on July 1st took a turn for the worse with the robbery of a local merchant and two boys finding the murdered body of a man near Leeds Railyard. M. Clancy, when doing a follow-up story on July 2nd about the grisly murder, was given erroneous information. Police mistakenly identified the man as James Taylor, 27, an employee at Leeds. It seems Mr. Taylor is very much alive and kicking. A representative of Leeds indicated that due to the recent death and a break-in that security has been tightened around the railyard. According to the police, there is evidence the still unidentified man was murdered elsewhere and dumped near the railroad tracks. They are investigating a possible tie-in with the murder and break-in at Leeds.

Is there an undetected arsonists at work in our beautiful city too? In the eyes of the press, there have been three fires that appear to remain questionable; two occured at private homes and one at a popular bistro. What of that bizarre incident too that had police chasing their tails all over the city only to find out that some psycho was dropping objects from a helicopter onto their own police station? In news conferences, police refuse to identify these objects saying they are the only evidence they have of the commision of a crime.

Also, Police continue to hem and haw over the July 4th disappearance and recent return of the opera singer, Bethany Morganti. Was some rival gang of "The Immortals" at work in the severe beating of the woman that remained so long unidentified in the hospital? All police seem to be able to tell us is that she was the missing understudy mentioned in a previous story and is now in the care of Miss Morganti, who could not be reached for comment.

All these cases remain unsolved to some degree and open. Are Centropolis Police Doing Their Job? Do you feel safe good citizens of Centropolis?

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August 9th 2003

Religious History Museum Supports Isthmia, Greece Excavation
By Kailani mahaulu

Two months ago, Centropolis’ local ‘Religious History Museum’ sent a team of experts to continue on a previously excavated site. Isthmia was first explored in 1883 by P. Monceaus of the French School. Another study began in 1933 by R. Jenkins and A. Megaw, whom also dug some test trenches. The University of Chicago then sent a team in from 1952 - 1961 directed by O. Broneer. It was during this time that the site of the sanctuary was located and the temenos of Poseidon, the stadium, theater, and shrine of Palaimon were excavated. It was again excavated in 1967 - 1972 by the University of California, which was directed by P. Clements. His main focus became the Isthmian fortifications and burials of the sixth and fifth centuries B.C.

The Sanctuary of Poseidon occupies a high point with a clear view to both the Corinthian and Saronic Gulfs. The temple, the altar, and the stoas of the main temenos are the main features of the sanctuary. The stadium, theater, Roman Palaimonion shrine, and Roman baths all stand beyond the walls of the temenos. With the sanctuary are cave shrines, located north of the theater, and the Sacred Grove, located 400 miles southwest of the temenos.

The Sanctuary of Poseidon was an important cult and athletic center where the “Pan Hellenic Games”, called “The Isthmia”, took place. They were held every two years or every 2nd spring in honor of Melicertes-Palaemon or Poseidon.

The temple was first built in 7th century B.C., only to be reconstructed three times from the middle of the 7th century to 146 B.C. During the 6th century, the first stadium was built and both the peribolos of the shrine of Palaemon and the Theatre were added in the 5th century. The temple and theatre were restored during the Roman period, while the baths and the circular temple of Palaemon were constructed. The sanctuary was abandoned at the end of the 4th century A.D. Later, building material from it was used in the construction of the Hexamilion Wall.

During my two month tenure there, the main focus was to lift and reset the cracking and sinking mosaics. The first tedious task was to remove the mosaic, a monochrome work of the Italian style. They were first unearthed in 1976, at the time still maintaining good condition, but further deteriorated due to the exposure of the elements. Since the deterioration was increasing, it became obvious that in order to save the mosaics for future generations, it would have to be restored. In other words, it would have to be lifted from its current foundation, pieced back together, and then placed on a new, stronger foundation of concrete.

There are two ways to remove the mosaics for restoration, 1) the “sectional” method, where the mosaic is cut into sections and each piece removed separately; and 2) the “rolling” method, in which case the mosaic is rolled up like a layer of carpet. Since the mosaic was already broken in spots, the sectional method was opted for.

The lifting began after the entire mosaic was documented, mapped, and photographed. Each panel was lifted from its context, then restored and the tesserae was scrubbed and cleaned of the ancient mortar.

Excavation was then conducted below the area where the mosaic laid, which led to further discoveries concerning the Greek Pool. Ceramics found below the mosaic floor date the fill to the mid-second century, providing a construction date of circa 150 - 170 A.D.

Once the excavation was complete, the area was filled with debris (items such as plastic and modern coins, seemingly this bizarre activity is actually a commonplace amongst archaeological excavations as a way of ensuring that future archaeologists will realize the area had been previously excavated.) Once the pool was filled, new concrete bedding was poured, and the mosaic, which had been restored, was placed back in its original position. In all a total of 6 pieces were restored and replaced in their original locations.

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August 9th 2003

Couple Found Murdered In Their Apartment
By Kailani mahaulu

Yesterday afternoon, Leanne Riverton, 23, a local school teacher, and John Riverton, 25, Banquet Director, were found brutally murdered in their uptown home, when maintenance came in to fix the garbage disposal during the couple’s apparent vacation. According to their neighbor, Ruth, “Leanne and John left late Sunday night. They were heading towards Pennsylvania to spend some time with her family.” Though according to police the estimated time of death has been set around early Monday morning. It is believed that the remains of their bodies were specifically placed back within the confinements of their home, though the actual murder did not take place there. At this time, the local police have no further information. Both families have been contacted and a memorial service is expected to be held Thursday morning.

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July 4th 2003

Actress And Understudy Still Missing!
By I. Seymour

It is now just shy of 40 days and 40 nights since the disappearance of Bethany Morganti and her understudy, Martha Williams. They were both last seen on May 29, 2003 at the dress rehearsal for their first-ever performance at the Brisbane Hall Opera House. Their debut at the Opera House was also tied into a benefit for the restoration of another theater in Centropolis.
"They left two hours before the opening performance and just didn't return," stated the doorman during his initial interview on July 2, 2003.
Bethany Morganti was just recently hired by the Brisbane Hall Opera House as a permanent leading singer and actress for the BHOH. Her first leading role for them was to be in Carmen. The Opera, which was scheduled to run that entire weekend; had to be cancelled with the disappearances of both the leading performer and her understudy.
The Opera House director, Ms. Deborah Mellifont, expressed an attitude of hopefullness in stating to the press, "I am sure that both actresses are just fine and we will be performing the Opera just as soon as they return."

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July 4th 2003

Unidentified Woman Found In Ashland Square Park.
By I. Seymour

On June 3, 2003, a young woman was found badly beaten in a local Centropolis park.
A police representative released the following statement. "The young woman was found at Ashland Square Park by a homeless person who saw something under the brush and decided to investigate it. At the time of discovery, she was almost completely nude. The shape of some of the bruise marks on her skin has lead us to believe her clothes were literally torn from her. Other injuries indicate she was physically assaulted and severely beaten by an unknown number of assailants. Fortunately she is alive and in intensive care at this moment. We do not know who this woman is nor have any leads at this time concerning the identity of her assailants." The authorities have refused to comment further.

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July 3rd 2003

House Fire In Posh Van Brunt Park Historical Home District.
By I. Seymour

Depending on if you are a night owl or an early morning riser, you might have heard sometime in the late hours of Tuesday July 1st or the wee hours of the morning of July 2nd the sirens of fire engines heading down East 17th Street. Their destination was a large Victorian manor on Piccadilly Lane in the elite Van Brunt Park Historical Home District. According to sources at the scene, there wasn't serious damage to the home owned by the proprietor of the exclusive Phoenix Rising Jewelry stores, Miss Kokotni Mukte'wak. Apparently, one of the three gentlemen who occupy the residence with Miss Mukte'wak was awakened by the blare of the smoke alarms and rushed downstairs through the haze of smoke to discover flames barring the entrance to the kitchen. Luckily, the house's state of the art sprinkler system kept the fire contained and had it mostly under control by the time of the fire department and Miss Mukte'wak's arrival. There were hints of calling in the arson team but any information regarding any follow through on that matter appears to have dried up.

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July 2nd 2003

Railroad Investigations Continue
By M. Clancy

A press conference held today revealed limited details surrounding the recent murder of a man at Leeds Rail yard. The victim has been identified as James Taylor, 27, an employee at Leeds for the past five years. Investigators believe the murderer was one of the many drifters that are known to sneak into train cars when traveling from one place to another. The condition of the body leads to suspicion of drug use. “The strength it would take to do these things can only be attributed to someone in an altered or frantic state of mind,” said one spokesman. “Drug abuse is the most likely explanation at this time.”

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July 1st 2003

Summer Festival
By M. Clancy

Preparations are nearing completion in City River Market for the seasonal events of music and celebration commiserate with the area. Under the watchful eye of local police and fire officials, tents, stalls, stages, and other temporary structures have been erected all along the streets in long lines of colorful sights, smooth sounds, and tempting aromas. Musicians and merchants are gearing up for what is expected by many to be one of the busiest seasons in recent years. When questioned about the possibility of business suffering due to wary travelers and frugal spenders, the men and women of City River Market reply, “That’s what will make it so wonderful. People need to escape from the fear of war and financial troubles and re-learn what it means to enjoy what they have.” What better place for such a re-discovery then a city founded on the celebration of human ingenuity? This reporter will be hoping to see you there.

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July 1st 2003

Robbery
By M. Clancy

Local music shop owner Frank Neville arrived to open this morning and found that his shop had been broken into. Investigating police at the scene offered few clues as to the identity of the vandal or vandals, and Neville expressed to reporters, “I can’t imagine who would do such a thing. I’ve been in this neighborhood for almost ten years, and I’ve never had a problem before today.” An estimated five thousand dollars of merchandise has taken, ranging from instruments to sound equipment.

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July 1st 2003

Railroad Murder
By M. Clancy

Two young boys discovered a body today, five miles from Leeds railroad yard. Playing along the tracks, exploring the rail yard, one boy told reporters that he discovered a terrible smell. Unable to identify it, both boys investigated a closed boxcar and discovered the body of an as of yet, unidentified man. Details surrounding the condition of the body, or the method of murder are few. Police have stated only that the severity of the wounds has prohibited the identification of age. The behavior of officers at the scene lends weight to the argument that this grisly murder has lent a strong sense of urgency to the investigation.

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June 30th 2003

Terrorist Act Prevented
By M. Clancy

An anonymous tip to police led to the discovery of a possible terrorist group. Suspected of having ties to the militant organization Al-Quaida, none of the suspects involved have been apprehended, but the Mayor has assured that all efforts are being expended to finding them. Within the apartment of the suspected terrorists, building plans and security information pertaining to the telephone and Internet Service Provider (ISP) Neo-Sun Communications and Technologies was found. Spokesperson for Neo-Sun, Peter Townsend, released a statement informing reporters that additional security was being commissioned, and additional personnel were already scheduled to be in place by the end of the week.

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