News of the Night 4/2/99
Cover Story:
Sunday, March 27: Seven police were injured and two were killed while
investigating what appears to be a frightening new cult in north Austin.
Saturday police responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire and reckless driving at a ranch on north 2222. The officers arrived 40 minutes late, finding several bodies and at least ten dead animals. The main building on the ranch grounds was on fire. A large shed which apparently contained explosives was found empty, and tire marks at the compound indicate that dozens of vehicles had recently left the area.
The police officers were injured while investigating the ranch Sunday morning, when they accidently triggered a number of armed traps and explosive devices. Sources within the police departent say this group may be responsible for Austin's recent terrorism. At least 50 people were apparently living in the compound. Eight bodies were found at the scene Sunday, and the empty explosive storage shed indicates that the cult members are still alive.
The abundance of religious symbols and firearms at the compound have led many to make comparisons to the Branch Davidians in Waco. In a related story, FBI agents confiscated the bodies of the animals found at the compound. The animals, Saint Bernards, were scheduled to be cremated, but were set aside when an animal shelter employee noticed severe blood loss in one of the dogs. The FBI refused to comment on whether the cult may have been involved in recent blood bank robberies.
Police have ruled out an internal conflict in the compound's destruction. Investigators found several clues which they say make it clear the ranch was attacked by a second group. Police have refused to comment further on what the attackers left behind that seperates them from the compound residents. Sheriff John Bobsley was quoted as saying, "Whether it was vigilantism or gang warfare, theyr'e local, and if they're still here, we'll find them."
Flea Market Disaster and other fires:
A substantial portion of the Austin Country Flea Mart, "Austin's largest
flea market," was destroyed in a
fire Sunday, March 28. Two people were injured when one of the flea
market's featured exhibits, a two-headed cow, became panicked by the fire
and broke free from her corral, goring several by-standers. The cow was
killed to protect the rest of the people. The fire was traced back to an
overturned sausage-vender cart.
Nearby Manor town was also ravaged by fire. The Lion's Club somehow caught fire, and the blaze spread throughout much of the town. Police have not yet identified the source of the blaze.
Government: Following the child pornography scandal with the previous District Attourney, a new contestant, Republican Thomas Freeley, has thrown his hat into the ring for the next election. This former unknown is becoming a strong contender for the office.
Extremely local news:
Cordelia Osbourne, Westlake cheerleader, and Brian Ulrich, Westlake
quarterback, were named West Lake High School's Prom Queen and King. Way
to go, kids.
News of the Weird:
In an unusual display of migratory behavior, lobsters in both the Westlake
Randall's and the Westlake Albertson's broke free from their bonds and
escaped to freedom, or at least to the floor. The creatures were captured,
but many were rendered unsellable.
Commercial:
Another series of advertisements placed on Sixth Street near a number of popular pubs and clubs:
GET A MATE
Are you lonely, howling at the
moon on Saturday nights?
Then join the pack!
Try GET A MATE!
And get a mate today!
(Phone number)
--Jacob Williamson 9802-157, ADST Relations
(With thanks to Stephen Taft and Janeka Rector)