Curro Found Dead In Mattinow Hotel Room

Few details released in rock singer's mysterious death

MATTINOW, DAMOIGN--The body of famed rock singer Charles J. Coulin, better known as "Rocky Curro," has been found in a Mattinow hotel room, according to local police.

Curro, who for years was the lead singer and guitarist of the group Yellow Fever, was found dead in his Mattinow hotel room Saturday morning. The cause of death has not been released by police, who were notified by hotel staff around 7:00 am.

"We received a call from the staff that a male had been found deceased in his hotel room, and that individual was confirmed as Mr. Curro," Police Sgt. Dave Erickson told the NPF.

Curro, who has toured by himself for the past 12 years since Yellow Fever disbanded in 1994, was in Mattinow for a concert Saturday night.

Police are releasing few details but say the singer's body was discovered by hotel staff.

Curro's manager, Phil Tomlin, declined to talk to the media.

A spokesman for Curro's record label, StraightArrow Records, told the NPF the company was "shocked and saddened" by Curro's loss.

Jerry Lynkin, president of the Grassadellian Rock and Roll Association, said in a statement the GRRA was "deeply saddened by the death of this rock and roll legend."

Curro's family has also not addressed his death yet. The singer is not married and has no children.

The singer reportedly made his home in the Madagen area, though he also owned a loft apartment in Grassadellia City and a beach house in southeastern Damoign. There is no word on if and when police may search the residences.

Curro was a member of Yellow Fever for 12 years, ever since the band was first formed in 1982. During that time, the group toured the world and played with such groups as Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones.

When the group disbanded in 1994, Curro and the four other members went into virtual obscurity. Friends say Curro started touring solo because of financial problems.

Mr. Curro has also reportedly had problems with drug and alcohol abuse in the past. In 2002, he checked into a rehab center in Remmington for a heroine addiction. And as recently as 2007, he was back at rehabilitation center in Damoign for an alcohol and cocaine addiction.

Police have refused to say if his death is related to drugs or alcohol. A medical examiner will determine the exact cause of death on Monday.

NATGA, CGA Dole Out Money To Gubernatorial Candidates

Governors associations raise cash for gubernatorial prospects


DEROSA, EAST DESCHIRE--December may seem far away, but with the clock ticking until election day, political parties are ramping up their fundraising for important races.

And few have worked as tirelessly as East Deschire Governor Lynn DeMont (NAT), who is heading up the Nationalist Governors Association's (NATGA) campaign effort.

"We've got several candidates in several states that are really going to strike a chord with voters this election year," DeMont told STAR News.

And there are many strong Nationalist candidates this year. Half of all state governors' seats are up for election this year, and among those nine contests, the NAT is strongly favored to win three, and likely to win two more. The election of 2010 could be an opportunity for the NAT to re-gain a majority on the Governors' Board, which would overturn Conservative control for the past nine years.

That's why NATGA and similar organizations are doling out the campaign cash to gubernatorial hopefuls.

"There is just too much at stake here," DeMont said. "This is a battle, when you really break it down that's what it comes down to. And you have to be well-prepared for battle, strategically and monetarily."

So who are the fortunate recipients of NATGA's campaign cash? The list includes first-time candidates, such as San Bartholomew in Biereland, who is challenging first-term incumbent Jenny Duschowitz (CNS), and June Vivarte in POG, who is facing an uphill fight against popular Conservative incumbent and Chairwoman of the Governors' Board Donna Almone.

Bartholomew received almost $1 million from NATGA, while Vivarte recieved $465,000.

Other recipients include Karen DeSalle in Kalnier ($1.4 million) and Todd Pergich in Lial ($500,000).

Incumbent Wellington Governor Pierre Carten also will receive $1.6 million later this month, according to NATGA's financial records.

DeMont, who himself is up for re-election, is also taking in about $640,000, the records show.

Losing out in the money race are candidates who are unlikely to win, including Carova Governor Dan McCrae, who received a measly $140,000 from NATGA for his re-election bid, which has him pitted against Senator Sam Byelle, the former president's older brother.

Candidates in states that have not yet held their primaries, including Monomi and New Portsmouth, have also not received any money yet, although sources within NATGA say the organization is unlikely to invest much in the Monomi race, since Conservatives are likely to take over the governorship in the wake of former Governor Scott King's recall from office.

NATGA's Conservative counterpart, the Conservative Governors Association (CGA), says it has invested similarly in many races nationwide.

Almone, who concurrently holds both the chairmanship of the Governors' Board and heads up the fundraising for her party's campaign effort, told the NPF the organization will invest heavily in close races such as those in Biereland, Kalnier, and Wellington.

Records show Duschowitz, in Biereland, has received $1.4 million from the CGA, while Kalnier Governor Joe Gramma has received $680,000. Craig Thoyer, who is challenging Wellington Governor Pierre Carten, has received $456,000 to date, with more on the way, Almone said.

"These are races where we believe we can win and we will do everything we can to help our candidates there," Almone said.

The governor declined to discuss her own race against Ms. Vivarte, but added that Conservatives are hoping for pick-ups in Carova and Monomi.

Third quarter fundraising reports are not due until the end of August. Candidates must continue reporting fundraising to the Grassadellian Electoral Commission (GEC), though they do not have to make their reports public until the quarter terminates.

Wainwright Lands Big Endorsement

Carova AG is locked in dead-heat Senate race


CAROVA CITY, CAROVA--Attorney General Dan Wainwright (CNS) has landed a big endorsement in his campaign for the Senate.

On Thursday, Wainwright received an endorsement from Carova's senior senator, Sam Byelle, who is vacating his Senate seat to run for governor.

Appearing at a rally in Carova City, Byelle praised Wainwright for his "exceptional leadership in the Attorney General's office," and called him a "Conservative through and through."

"Dan Wainwright is a man of conviction, honor, and integrity. He is a man of principles. And he knows that what Mavocke needs now more than ever is strong, conservative leadership that puts the people first and the politicians second," Byelle told Wainwright's supporters.

Wainwright is locked in a dead-heat race for the Senate against attorney Dan McGregor (N-Bitterman). The 38-year-old McGregor is the son of former Senator Bob McGregor, who also briefly considered running for his old seat but ultimately decided against a return to politics.

A recent poll commissioned by the Carova Statesman newspaper showed Wainwright leading 46% to McGregor's 45%, with 9% undecided. Another poll conducted for Wainwright's campaign showed him leading McGregor 42% to 38%, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4 points.

"One thing is clear: this race is going to be really close, more than likely," Political Science Professor Dr. Mark Emery of Heathfield University in Gladchestershire told GNN. "You've got a Conservative state office holder running against a Nationalist candidate that has never held a statewide office, but has name recognition through his father, and all this happening in a generally conservative state in an overwhelmingly nationalist year. It should be interesting."

In a sit-down interview with the Lorenzi Hill newspaper, Wainwright acknowledged the tough fight ahead of him.

"I know this is going to be a difficult campaign. I knew that when I jumped in, and I know it's not going to be a walk through the park," he said. "But I'm confident that when voters put my record up against Dan McGregor's, and they put my position on the issues up against his, they will put their trust and their confidence in me."

McGregor's campaign also is aware of the close nature of the contest, and told the GBC that McGregor's "numbers are only going to climb" until election day.

"These recent poll numbers prove that the same old Conservative agenda is failing in Carova, and Nationalists like Dan McGregor are going to succeed this December," spokesman Barry Lakamatee said.

Byelle's endorsement of Wainwright is big, however, considering the state's senior senator remains popular statewide. Byelle and his running mate, Dave Emser, are also favored in the gubernatorial race, consistently leading NAT incumbents Gov. Dan McCrae and Lt. Gov. Carson Latzo in the polls.

Following Byelle's glowing endorsement, Wainwright thanked the senator for his "fine stewardship" in the Senate, and hailed him as "the answer to our prayers" for a new governor.

Rep. Jim Calisto (CNS), who is running for the state's other open Senate seat, was not at the rally in Carova City. A spokeswoman said he was campaigning in eastern Carova.

Congressman's Mistress Tells All In Revealing Magazine Interview

Jane Kay says Wilder knew he was risking career, reputation


GRASSADELLIA CITY--The mistress of Rep. Ron Wilder (C-DMG) spared few details of her affair with the Damoign congressman in a tell-all article for the news and culture magazine Reflection.

Jane Kay told Reflection reporter Kristin Griffith that Wilder, a 16-term congressman from the southern suburbs of Grassadellia City, "knew he was risking it all," and that he liked the risk involved.

"He knew there was a huge risk to his career and his family, but he kind of liked that risk," Kay said. "It was more fun that way, more of a high-stakes game."

The 39-year-old real estate broker from Grassadellia City also told the magazine she knew the 62-year-old Wilder was married to his wife of 38 years, Cherrie, but felt "trapped."

"I knew after I started to get to know him that he was married, and I suspected it from the beginning. But, I felt trapped and felt like, 'there is no way I can get out of this relationship safely without causing some pain,'" Kay said.

Wilder also said he didn't care about his wife Cherrie anymore, according to Kay.

"He said, 'you know, [Cherrie] is boring, she's angry, we fight all the time, we don't love each other anymore, and I just don't care about her anymore, I'm moving on with my life," Kay said.

Ms. Kay was equally open about her sex encounters with the congressman, which she described as "exhilarating;" telling reporter Kristin Griffith the couple had sex "at least 15 times" over a period of 18 months.

On one occasion at a posh hotel in Grassadellia City, they got caught in the act, Kay said.

"We were making love and all of a sudden, the door to the hotel room opens and this maid comes in, and she was speaking a different language, and Ron yelled at her and told her to get out and she did. Fortunately she probably didn't know who he was and she couldn't speak English so we were safe for the time being," she said.

The affair became public in April when Kay called the Grassadellia City Times; something she did, she says, because she wanted people to know the truth.

"It was obvious to me that Ron Wilder was a very different man when he was in Mavocke and putting on the congressman show than when he was with me or with his family," Kay said. "In public, he's the 'good guy' type and the nice politician. In private, he's the selfish, greedy, angry man that's hiding behind that suit and tie.

"I saw the way he treated his wife and his kids and me and I thought, 'this has got to stop," Kay said.

Kay originally told the Times Wilder verbally abused her regularly, and tried to choke her on one occasion. She has since backed away from the physical abuse claim, saying it was instead "an aggressive sexual act that was consentual."

Wilder acknowledged the affair with Ms. Kay, but has denied Kay's allegations of verbal and physical abuse, calling them "made up."

"I admit to being unfaithful to my spouse, but I don't admit to being an abuser or a wife hater," Wilder told the Damoign Union-Assembly newspaper.

Three days later, in a written statement, Wilder said:

"I love Cherrie and always have and always will. We are going through a difficult time in our relationship and are trying to find a solution. I have not been the kind of husband and father I should be. My actions have been hurtful and disruptive to my family, friends, and supporters, and I deeply apologize for my behavior, and ask for understanding and grace during this difficult time. I also ask Jane Kay to cease the parade of media interviews she's been engaging in. The rumors, gossip, and outright lies she has been propagating on television and in the print media are only inflaming the pain my family and I are going through. This is a difficult time for our family, and Cherrie and I both ask for our privacy to be respected."

Wilder's lawyers declined to comment on Ms. Kay's latest media appearance in Reflection.

So far, the congressman says he plans to run for re-election, despite calls from within his own party for him to resign or retire.

Rep. Wilder is the second Conservative politician to be rocked by an extramarital affair in recent months. Senator Driscoll Sherber of Biereland admitted in June 2009 to having an affair with a Senate staffer. He is also up for re-election this December. 

Deadly Dust Storms Move Across West Plains

Clean up continues after ravaging dust storms


DEROSA, EAST DESCHIRE--Citizens and businesses in central East Deschire are cleaning up after a round of dust and wind storms battered the region Wednesday.

Reports of uprooted trees, downed power lines, and roofs being blown off homes have been confirmed, according to the National Weather Observancy Center.

WDER-TV, a GNN affiliate, was also reporting a city bus had been tipped over by the strong winds, which reached gusts of 85 mph, according to the NWOC.

The East Deschire Department of Transportation confirmed to the NPF that National Route 15, between Derosa and Freelan, had been shut down due to poor visibility, as had NR-4, between Derosa and Bridgeworth.

One man was killed when a tree fell on his house. An elderly woman was also killed walking down a street when a power line fell.

Captain Chuck Dearsey of the Derosa City Fire Department told the NPF the department extinguished seven fires within the city over a span of two hours. At least another 11 fires resulted in nearby areas due to the intense heat and wind.

Derosa, the state capitol, appeared to have been hit hardest by the violent storms, and Mayor Sara Fraser declared a state of emergency. She also asked Governor Lynn DeMont to declare Derosa and surrounding areas a disaster area, which would free up federal funding for clean-up.

A spokesman for DeMont said the governor will tour the damaged counties this week and then make a final decision.

The storms moved quickly, crossing central East Deschire into western Ceona, where they lost a significant amount of strength upon hitting the Skokie Mountains.

Reports of a tornado about 70 miles south of Derosa have not been confirmed by the NWOC, but are being investigated.

Six Arrested In Deadly Veroche Concert Shooting

Six suspects in custody in gang-related incident


VENDIGO, VEROCHE--Police in Veroche have arrested six men who they say were involved in a deadly shooting at a concert last week in suburban Twin Lakes. The shooting left three people dead and 16 others injured.

Three of the suspects, Tyrell K. Jackson, 21;  Justin Lattonden, 22;  and Luis Opuir; 27, have been charged with 1st degree murder. Two other suspects, Jamahl B. Efferen, 24, and Michael Ellsworth, 20, were charged with 3rd degree assault and 2nd degree aiding a criminal activity. The sixth suspect, a 17-year-old who has not been identified because he is a minor, was charged with 1st degree aiding a criminal activity and felony obstruction of justice.

All suspects face additional assault, public intimidation, and property damage charges as well.

Police are now calling the shooting gang-related, and believe the shooting was an act of revenge against a rival gang member.

The shooting happened around 10:40 pm at the Roadway Rock Hall in the suburb of Vendigo, just west of Twin Lakes. According to police, five men, each armed with semi-automatic hand guns, went to the concert after discovering a rival gang member was in attendance.

Police say the five men went into the concert hall, got into a verbal altercation with the victim and his friends, which spilled into the parking lot outside, when the gunmen opened fire.

Tyrone Wells, 24, was killed immediately by the gunfire, as were two of his friends, 17-year-old Justina Kyree and 21-year-old Shanria Ames.

At least five other spectators, who were leaving the concert at the time of the shooting, were injured by straying gunfire. Three other victims suffered broken bones after being pushed out of the way by the fleeing suspects.

Police say another eight spectators were injured trying to flee the shooting scene.

"This shooting caused panic and chaos for hundreds of people," Lt. Craig Vitteran of the Goldocca County Sheriff's Department told local affiliate WTLK-TV. "A shooting outside a busy concert venue is going to cause panic and stampede-like conditions for spectators."

Mark Caal, owner of the Roadway Rock Hall, told WTLK a shooting has never occurred at his establishment before.

"This is the first time I've ever seen anything like this," Caal said. "And it's scary. Scary for us and for the customers and performers; scary for the community. We want this to stop. And we want these people to know they're not welcome here."

The suspects are expected to face a magistrate on Friday for initial court hearings.

Menuhaeo: Swiss Refusal To Extradite Polanski 'Misguided'

President urges international cooperation in US-Switzerland extradition feud


MAVOCKE--Switzerland's decision to free the Oscar-winning film director Roman Polanski, instead of extraditing him to the United States as US officials requested, was "misguided," President Brenton Menuhaeo said Wednesday.

Polanski, 76, was convicted in 1977 of having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl in the US state of California, and has been wanted by US officials ever since he fled the country prior to his sentencing.

He was arrested in September 2009 by Swiss authorities, and placed in house arrest at his posh Alpine chalet in Gstaad, Switzerland pending the outcome of the extradition request by US officials.

But on Monday, Switzerland's Justice Ministry rejected the US extradition request, citing a lack of documentation and American authorities' refusal to turn over sealed documents in the case.

"The reason for the decision lies in the fact that it was not possible to exclude with the necessary certainty a fault in the US extraditionary request," Justice Minister Eveline Widmer told the media.

The Polish-born French citizen Polanski has been freed, Swiss officials confirmed, and is now free to travel outside the country. His Alpine chalet has been desserted, but his location is unknown.

The US was "deeply disappointed" with the decision, according to a senior Justice Department official, but will continue to pursue Polanski despite the setback.

"The United States believes that the rape of a 13-year-old child by an adult is a crime, and we continue to pursue justice in this case," State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said.

President Menuhaeo, on Wednesday, waded into the diplomatic conflict, which has sparked outrage from the US, but praise from the governments of Poland and France.

Speaking at a press conference Wednesday morning, Menuhaeo called the Swiss decision "misguided," and urged the US and Switzerland to "engage in more cooperation" in future extradition cases.

"A criminal is a criminal, and just because an offender is a revered celebrity does not mean they should be able to avoid justice," Menuhaeo said. "Obviously the Swiss were misguided in making this decision.

"The Swiss...they're dear friends of [Grassadellia], but this was clearly an error in judgement," Menuhaeo said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Jim McCaren was at a speaking engagement in Ceona and was unavailable for comment. But Deputy Secretary Dawnelle Hunter-Garrett confirmed to the NPF that Grassadellian State Department officials will meet with members of the Swiss ambassadorship at the Swiss Embassy in Mavocke.

"We just want to meet with our Swiss counterparts and sit down and talk with them about what happened," Hunter-Garrett said. "We just want to express our feelings regarding the matter and we want our Swiss friends to know how concerned we are about the situation," she said.

A spokeswoman at the Swiss Embassy in Mavocke declined to comment on the matter.

Monomi State Senate Confirms Avery For Lieutenant Governor

New lieutenant governor youngest in state history


TREETON--The Monomi State Senate voted Wednesday to confirm State Rep. Neil Avery (N-Emory Gardens) as the state's next lieutenant governor.

By a vote of 48-41, the Senate voted to confirm Avery, who was nominated by Governor Erica Kinsley (NAT), who recently assumed the governorship after her predecessor, Scott King Jr., was recalled by the voters in May.

Avery, who was only in his second term in the State House of Representatives, was heralded by some as fresh blood. But others pointed to his inexperience as reason to deny his confirmation.

"We've got the most inexperienced governor in state history running the show, and now she wants us to confirm the most inexperienced lieutenant governor? This is ridiculous," State Sen. Joe Fineman (C-Watker) said on the Senate floor.

But Nationalists contended opposition to Avery's nomination was simply Conservatives playing obstructinist politics, hoping to weaken the already struggling Governor Kinsley.

"It's sad and despicable that my Conservative colleagues are opposing Neil Avery's nomination simply because they're playing politics, trying to obstruct and strike down any appointment or legislation from Governor Kinsley," State Senator Shannon McGrath (N-Edwall) said. "That is just wrong and stupid."

The Governor praised the Senate's confirmation, however, and thanked legislators for putting "people before politics."

"Today, as we saw, some members of the State Senate chose to put politics first. But, fortunately, 48 brave members voted to put people before politics, and I applaud them for doing so," Kinsley said in a press conference outside the Capitol.

Kinsley and Avery are now shifting into campaign mode, as they are seeking to be elected during the December general election. Conservatives have been gearing up for the race for months, with Rep. John Densy of Treeton being the lead contender for governor.

Despite a national revolt against the Conservative Party, the corruption scandal that rocked Governor King and the NAT party infighting, combined with King's recall, are likely to favor the CNS in the December general election.

Kinsley has said she will run for election, but has not formally kicked off her campaign.

Ceona Governor Asks For Federal Review Of Refinery Blast

Governor says blast should be 'investiated to the fullest'


PARKINS, CEONA--Governor Christine Gabler has asked for a federal review of the oil refinery blast that killed 16 people and injured 11 others last week, her office confirmed Thursday.

The governor is asking President Brenton Menuhaeo and Energy Secretary Saul Keppelsbacher for an official federal review of the accident, which will provide in-depth analysis of the accident and what could have been prevented. Investigations are already under way into the cause of the accident, with agencies such as the National Energy Task Force (NETF) and the Bureau of Energy Oversight (BEO) participating in active investigations.

But a federal review, if granted, would allow more agencies to assist, and would provide a more extensive investigation be conducted. Officials from the Ceona State Department of Energy have also been conducting their own investigation.

In a statement, Gabler said she believes a federal review is "most appropriate," and would "provide the level of detail and certainty needed in this inquiry."

"A federal review would provide us with all the answers that are attainable, and would allow state and local, as well as federal, officials to proceed in the appropriate manner," the statement said.

Gabler has also asked for an independent investigation into Winsden Oil Co., who owns the refinery. The company has cooperated so far with investigators, GNN was told.

So far, the origin of the blast has been determined. Investigators believe the blast originated in a partially-filled oil drum on the northwest side of the complex. However, the cause is still unknown.

In a statement, Winsden said it is "cooperating with all investigators involved in the process," and hopes to "find answers to help bring closure to the families and to shed light on how to prevent future accidents."

A spokesman for the Energy Department said that Deputy Energy Secretary Sie Leventhal is on the scene of the blast in the eastern Ceona town of Clydesdale. Secretary Keppelsbacher has been traveling back and forth from Clydesdale to Mavocke, the spokesman said.

Collester has not yet confirmed if a federal review will be granted by the president, however, aides to both the governor and the president believe a review will be granted.

Manchini To Replace Mont As Afghanistan Commander

President's pick receives high praise in Mavocke


MAVOCKE--Just days after Gen. William Mont announced he would step down from his post as commander of forces in Afghanistan, President Brenton Menuhaeo has named Gen. John Manchini as Mont's successor.

On Monday, Mont announced he would step down as Grassadellia's top commander in Afghanistan, citing personal reasons. The general insisted he is stepping down because of personal considerations, not because of any disagreements with the Menuhaeo Administration. Collester also stressed that point.

"General Mont is stepping down for personal reasons, and he is departing on good, affable terms," Collester Press Secretary Adam Kolbert said Tuesday.

"It has been an honor to serve the men and women of Grassadellia's armed services in Afghanistan," Mont, who was appointed by President Dan Byelle in 2006, said. "I feel deeply honored to have served with these brave men and women, and I am so grateful for the opportunity bestowed on me by two leaders, President Byelle and President Menuhaeo."

On Thursday, Menuhaeo praised Mont as a "shining example of Grassadellia's military," and thanked him for service to the country.

"Few have served more faithfully than General William Mont," Menuhaeo said at a good bye ceremony in Mavocke. "It is with sadness I accept his resignation, but also gratitude and happiness, as we thank him for his service and wish him luck in this next chapter in his life's journey."

Moments later, in the Collester's Birch Garden, the president introduced Gen. Mont's successor, four-star General John Manchini, who previously served in Iraq and before that in Bosnia.

"General Manchini matches the strength and character of General Mont," Menuhaeo said. "Two brave men, one's time ending, another's beginning. I am tremendously pleased to announce that General Manchini will be the next commander of Grassadellian forces in Afghanistan."

Secretary of Defense Jack Hastings also hailed Manchini for his "commitment to country," and told the press Manchini is "just the man" to lead Grassadellian forces.

"The Coalition faces a difficult situation in Afghanistan, and General Manchini is just the man to help change the course," Hastings said. "I have the utmost confidence in General Manchini, and the men and women in uniform over in Afghanistan do as well."

Following his lengthy introduction, Manchini thanked the president and secretary for their "words of grace."

"I'd like to thank President Menuhaeo and Secretary Hastings, as well as all the members of Congress that are supporting me and, most importantly, the men and women of the Grassadellian armed forces. Every army needs a leader, but every leader needs an army. And I am so thankful for the support that I have already received."

Manchini still has yet to receive confirmation from the Senate, but the president's selection of Manchini has already received praise from many members of Congress from both parties.

"General Manchini is a man of honor, dignity, and integrity," Senator Jim Frasier (C-DES) told the NPF. "I am pleased this administration has asked for his service."

Senator Newton Jeffs (C-WIK), Chair of the Senate Defense Committee, also spoke highly of Manchini.

"I think the selection of John Manchini is an intelligent one, and it's something that will benefit the effort in Afghanistan," he said.

Jeffs' NAT counterpart, Senator John Yannes of POG, the Ranking Member on the Senate Defense Committee, told the GBC the president "made the right pick" by choosing Manchini to replace Mont.

"John Manchini is a good man, he's a good leader, a good soldier. And the president made a great decision by picking him," Yannes said.

Manchini must now be confirmed by the Senate before officially taking command, but it is almost certain he will be confirmed, as members from both parties seem supportive of his nomination. Hearings will begin next week, and a confirmation vote could come as early as next Friday.

Three-Way Race Takes Shape In Wellington

Independent candidate enters race

DES PLANES, WELLINGTON--The race for the Senate in Wellington just got more complicated.

Businessman Bill Kintelli of Des Planes announced Monday he will make an independent run for the Senate, putting a kink in the plans of both the Nationalist and Conservative parties.

Already in the race are incumbent Paul Leitcher (NAT) and Rep. Sally Haverstein (CNS), who are having a rematch of the 2008 election, in which Leitcher, the former National Assembly Minority Leader, narrowly fended off Haverstein.

Kintelli's entrance into the race complicates things a bit for both sides, as he will likely siphon votes from both candidates in what is expected to be a close race. Kintelli's deep roots in the state, as well as his vast personal fortune, mean he could be very influential in the election.

"I'm running as an Independent because I believe both parties have misled our country and are taking us in the wrong direction," Kintelli said at his announcement at his winery in Des Planes.

Neither the Leitcher or Haverstein campaigns commented on Kintelli's announcement. But an official within the Wellington Nationalist Party acknowledged, privately, that Kintelli could play a major role in the outcome of the race.

"He's got the name recognition, to an extent, and certainly has the money. I think he could be a major player," the official, who did not want to be named, told GNN News.

Wellington's primary is set for August 16.

Bedvelt Recovering As Police Continue Investigating Home Invasion

Actor in serious but stable condition


FEARNDALE, POG--Academy-award winning actor Peter Bedvelt is recovering in the hospital as police continue to investigate the brutal home invasion that left his wife dead and the 71-year-old Bedvelt seriously injured.

Police told the NPF Thursday that Mr. Bedvelt and his wife, 69-year-old Jane, were sleeping at their home in the affluent suburb of Fearndale, southeast of Lansdale, when someone broke into their house around 11:45 pm, tied them up, and brutally attacked them.

A neighbor called 911 after seeing the gate to the couple's driveway open, as well as the front door to the home.

According to police, Jane Bedvelt was tied to a chair and repeatedly stabbed in the back and neck, after being being shot in the head. The shot to her head was non-lethal, however.

Peter Bedvelt was tied to a chair as well, and investigators believe he witnessed his wife's execution, but they are unsure, since Bedvelt has yet to regain consciousness since the attack. He was rushed to Mount Sycamore Medical Center in Lansdale, and was immediately placed in a medically-induced coma. His injuries include a gun shot wound to the shoulder, and a severe head injury. He was placed in a medically-induced coma to alleviate brain swelling, doctors said.

Mrs. Bedvelt was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Police are still investigating the unusual crime, which happened in the posh south hills area of Lansdale. According to authorities, some valuables were taken, including a painting, a gun, jewelry, and some artifacts and collectibles in the couple's home. Cash, the couple's credit cards, and other valuables, such as electronics and cars, were not taken, however.

"At this point, we do not know if the motive was theft, or burglary, or if this was a coordinated attack. We simply don't know," Fearndale Police Chief Jim Sullens told the NPF. "We are investigating every possibility at this point.

"It's possible the person or people that did this knew the Bedvelts personally. It's possible it was a random thing. It's possible they saw the nice house and the nice cars and thought, 'that'd be a good place to break in.' But that's unlikely, given that they did not take a lot of valuables inside the home," Sullens said.

Because the attack happened at night, police say witnesses are unlikely to have seen much. Some neighbors said they heard small "popping" noises, but no witnesses have come forward seeing anything at the residence or anything out of the ordinary in the area.

Police have interviewed the Bedvelt's children and other family members, as well as friends and neighbors. They are hoping to interview the actor himself when he is conscious again.

Peter Bedvelt is a house-hold name in Grassadellian acting circles. Appearing in more than 60 films in his 47 year career, he is perhaps best known for his performance in the 1969 film Dance The Night Away, for which he won an Academy Award, and the 1974 film I'm Talking To You, which earned him a Silver Stone Award. In later years, he performed in movies such as The Girl From Lattimore (1987) and Cosmic Rebels (1991). More recently, he appeared in Big Talkers (2002) and the comedy Who's Your Daddy? (2007).

Last year, he was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, for which he said he was "deeply honored."

Bedvelt was also inducted last year into the Hall of Fame at the Royal Theatre of Scottsboro in Grassadellia City, and became an executive board member of the Walkean Theatre for Classical Arts in Mavocke.

At Least 16 Dead, 11 Injured In Refinery Blast

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 CLYDESDALE, CEONA--At least 16 people have been killed and 11 injured in a massive blast at an oil refinery in eastern Ceona late Wednesday night.

The blast happened around 10:00 pm at the Winsden Oil Refinery, about 100 miles north of Mavocke and 85 miles east of Madagen. Refinery officials say the blast appears to have occurred in an oil drum near on the northwest side of the refinery property.

Workers were conducting chemical solvency tests near the blast site at the time of the explosion, and the cause of the blast is still unknown. Investigators have descended on the property, trying to determine the origin of the explosion.

At least seven workers were confirmed dead at the scene. Three died en route to hospitals and six others died at the hospital.

The injured were transported via helicopter and ambulance to hospitals in Madagen and Mavocke.

On Thursday, Ceona Governor Christine Gabler called the explosion a "tragedy of massive proportion," and vowed to investigate the cause to prevent a similar tragedy from happening in the future.

"This was an accident that we never hope to hear of, and we want to make sure that something like this never happens again," Gabler said at a press conference at the capitol in Parkins Thursday afternoon.

Local authorities have several roads shut down near the plant. Damage to homes and businesses has been reported as far as two miles away.

In a statement, Winsden Oil Co. called the blast "a sad day in our company's history," and pledged to "investigate fully" the cause of the incident.

The victims' names have not all been made public yet, as officials try to notify next of kin.