Gymbal offers praise for Pergich

Sauvienne, Lial--Nationalist Governor Todd Pergich (Lial) won some rare praise today--from his predecessor, former Gov. Gavin Gymbal, a prominent Conservative.

Speaking to the Collester Press Corps during a meeting with President Brenton Menuhaeo, Gymbal, who served as governor from 2006-2010 and subsequently was re-elected to his former Assembly seat of Mansill in southwestern Lial, told reporters Pergich is "doing relatively well" as governor.

"I'm really actually quite impressed with the job Todd Pergich is doing. He has governed, thus far, with an even-handed, common sense approach. He's been fiscally responsible and he has made public safety a top priority. The economy, I think, is still struggling in Lial, and I think there's a lot of improvement that could be made in that aspect, but overall, I think Todd Pergich is doing a reasonable job as governor, and I think Conservatives find him easier to work with than some of the former NAT governors we've had," said Gymbal.

Gymbal's flattering comments are rare for a state that is known for its bitter relations and fierce political battles between the two major parties. And his comments contrast sharply with his reputation as a fierce partisan.

"My vision of government and governance is not one of bitter feuds between the parties and a nasty rivalry. In my earlier days, I took pleasure in castigating the other side and engaging in political warfare with the opposition. But my time as governor really re-shaped my thinking. It challenged me to reach across the aisle, and I met many Nationalists in Clothen that were open-minded, independent-minded people, who love their state and embrace the common good rather than sticking to their party's agenda. That was a fundamental change in my thinking," Gymbal said.

"I've softened over the years," Gymbal said, laughing.

The assemblyman was meeting with President Menuhaeo to discuss agriculture, national security, and environmental issues. And though Gymbal was striking a bipartisan tone, he was not afraid to voice his differences with the NAT.

"The President and I have very different views on these issues. We do not see eye-to-eye on a lot of issues. But that doesn't prevent us from sitting down over a cup of tea and discussing the issues that are facing my constituents and the Grassadellian people," said Gymbal.

The President concurred with Gymbal's assessment.

"Over the years, Gavin and I have butted heads, frequently. But during that time, I think we've found some common ground and we've found that we can still be friends and have different view points. The people of Mansill are lucky to have Gavin Gymbal as their assemblyman," said Menuhaeo.

Pergich's office did not return calls or emails seeking comment on the matter.

But Gymbal's affectionate words for his successor cannot be helping the CNS, as it seeks to attack and undermine Pergich's standing with voters, as the incumbent governor is up for re-election in 2014.

Despite his praise for the incumbent, Gymbal stopped short of endorsing Pergich.

"I'm not endorsing anyone at this point. I'm simply saying, I think the governor is doing a good job on a number of issues. There are some areas where I think he could be doing better, primarily economic issues. I think I would be handling that differently. But he deserves to be recognized for the good work he is doing."

The Conservative party has yet to find a top-tier candidate to challenge Pergich, and party insiders say the race will likely be written off and resources devoted to races where Conservatives have a better chance of winning.

12 state Attorneys General target sexual performance drug makers

DEROSA, East Deschire--In a multi-state joint lawsuit, 12 state attorneys general are suing the makers of several sexual performance drugs.

The lawsuit claims the makers of eight sexual performance or enhancement drugs, for men and women, use false advertising. The suit also alleges some drugs being sold online have not been approved by the Pharmaceutical Safety Administration (PSA).

"A lot of these drug makers are using false promises to lure in customers. They're promising performance enhancement guarantees that just aren't factually true, and we've found several drugs that are being sold primarily on the internet, that are not even approved by the PSA, which presents a real danger to consumers," East Deschire Attorney General Rocky Morin told Vanguard News.

Morin is leading the lawsuit and concurrent investigation.

Many of the unknowing consumers who purchase these misleading or illegal drugs are senior citizens or teenagers, both age groups that may be at particular risk.

"Many senior citizens may be purchasing these drugs, unaware that these medications are not approved by the PSA. And these drug-makers know that senior citizens may be more vulnerable, so they target them," South Ceona Attorney General Patty Volston told the Lanakis Daily News.

"Teenagers and minors may be also at risk, because they may try to purchase they drugs without mom or dad knowing. And purchasing something online is not very difficult to do for a young person. That's especially dangerous because young people are unaware of what they're consuming as far as medication goes. They may be unaware of the risks and the dangers of consuming medication without doctor's orders," Volston continued.

The suit has not named the companies being sued, but eight legitimate companies are named in the suit, and at least a dozen non-approved medications are being targeted as well, according to Morin.

Federal police are also getting involved in the investigation, per the request of the 12 attorneys general.

In Grassadellia, more than 25,000 people are treated annually at emergency rooms and local clinics for side-effects from sexual enhancement/performance drugs.

More people may be suffering from side-effects and may not seek medical attention out of fear or embarrassment, according to the Grassadellian Medical Association (GMA).

In addition, a few thousand children (18 years and younger) are treated each year for using sexual performance drugs incorrectly or improperly, the GMA says.

4 men arrested on terrorism charges in Monvaille

MONVAILLE, Lial--Four men were arrested Friday morning in south Monvaille in connection with a terrorism plot, Crown Police confirmed.

Few details are being released at this hour, but Crown Police confirmed to national media outlets that four men, between the ages of 19 and 32, have been arrested after a months-long investigation by federal police.

The names of the suspects have not yet been released, but the CP says the suspects had been monitored by police for some time.

The plot allegedly involved detonating bombs on Monvaille's passenger rail system.

Crown Police Agent Dan Strawthers, who heads the CP's Monvaille Regional Office, told local media the men had purchased materials and explosives from undercover agents.

"This was a long, thought-out plan they were attempting to carry out. We intervened before their plan became reality," said Strawthers.

The men are being held in a federal detention center in the Monvaille area.

Today's unfolding events are eerily similar to those of August 2011, when a terrorist plot in Grassadellia City that was foiled by Crown Police. In that plot, six foreign-born men were arrested after planning to explode bombs on passenger trains and transit buses.

Officials have not confirmed if the men were acting in connection with an international terrorist organization, such as Al Qaeda, but Agent Strawthers said there is "a real possibility" that Al Qaeda or a similar group was involved.

"This could be something that is connected to a militant organization, or it could also just be a home-grown terrorism issue. We don't know yet for certain, but we are equally open to the possibility of either scenario," Strawthers said.

Monvaille's Mayor, Edgar Moreau, briefed reporters Friday afternoon, heralding law enforcement for preventing an attack.

"These men and women (in law enforcement) are the reason we can go about our daily lives and not live in fear, or worry about an attack. They are working 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure our safety and freedom," said Moreau.

Lial Governor Todd Pergich also issued a statement, lauding the work of the Crown Police.

"Today is yet another reminder that we live in an unpredictable world, filled with people that do not share our values of life and liberty. I am relieved that this attack was not carried out, and I join all Lialans in thanking the brave members of law enforcement who helped stop this plot in its tracks before it was too late," the governor said.

Collester responded Friday afternoon, saying President Brenton Menuhaeo was "bewildered" by the terrorism plot, but thankful the attack never occurred.

"Once again, Grassadellians stand together against terrorism and violence, and we emphatically declare that we value life and liberty and freedom in this country. We will not live in fear or be silenced by the threat of violence and intimidation," the statement from Collester read.

It's unclear when the suspects will make their first appearance in court, and the Justice Department must first decide if the suspects should be tried in civilian courts or in a military jurisdiction, which is usually used to prosecute "enemies of the state," or terrorists with international ties.

Bartholomew trails likely CNS opponents in polls

BROOKINGS, Biereland--A new poll released Monday cannot be good news for freshman Biereland Governor San Bartholomew (N), who is seeking re-election in 2014.

The Opinion Research poll shows Bartholomew trailing Attorney General Ben Jordan 44% to 56% in a hypothetical match-up.

Brookings Mayor Rich DeFrancesco, who has publicly said he would not run but is said to still be considering a bid, also tops Bartholomew, 45% to 54 percent.

And former Conservative Senator Bob Kozzy of Kensington, who leans more libertarian on many issues, narrowly leads Bartholomew, 49% to 51 percent.

Stuart Goodman, the veteran pollster who conducted the survey for Opinion Research, notes the numbers aren't good for Bartholomew, but it's still early.

"When you're an incumbent and you're running for re-election, you never want to see your numbers dip below 50 percent," said Goodman. "That being said, San Bartholomew still has time to turn around those numbers. We have eighteen months before the next election, and that is an eternity three times over in politics. The tables could very quickly turn in Bartholomew's favor in that long of a time period."

Bartholomew has been struggling in the polls mainly due to the poor economy in Biereland. He campaigned on a theme of fixing the economy and investing in state government after massive cuts during the administration of former Governor Jenny Duschowitz (C), whom Bartholomew defeated in 2010.

The incumbent governor has restored funding to many state agencies, but the economy has yet to make significant improvements. The state's unemployment rate stands at 8% and housing prices have yet to make marked gains.

Bartholomew also picked a fight with the timber and mining industries when he attempted to push strong environmental restrictions through the state legislature. His bill was passed narrowly, but only after being significantly pared down from its original version.

In the process of taking on the timber and mining sectors, Bartholomew not only alienated industry leaders but also took heat from local leaders and citizens in timber counties, particularly in the Upscotch Mountains region along the Biereland-Wellington state border, where timber is the life-blood for local economies.

The first-term Nationalist has focused on other issues too. In July 2011, he delivered on his campaign promise to legalize medical marijuana, something Conservatives bitterly opposed.

Following that legislative victory, Bartholomew recently endorsed a new effort to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Supporters of marijuana reform have drafted a referendum that will appear on the 2014 ballot, if they obtain enough signatures. The proposed law would make the possession of one ounce of marijuana legal for persons 21 and over.

Bartholomew has already thrown his support behind the measure, which would make Biereland the first state in the nation to legalize marijuana, if passed.

Conservatives see Bartholomew as vulnerable, however. With a struggling economy, a contentious social issue (marijuana legalization), and environmental restrictions they say hurt industry and prevent job growth, they believe Bartholomew is beatable in 2014, especially considering Biereland's more conservative political tilt.

Bartholomew won in 2010 in part due to a national anti-CNS mood among voters, but also because he attacked his opponent for presiding over a down-and-out economy--a strategy Conservatives hope to employ to defeat him in 2014.

And they have no shortage of potential candidates.

Front-runner Attorney General Ben Jordan is a hero among the party's base. He has taken a hard-line opposing the federal government and reinforcing state sovereignty. And he has targeted gambling and radical environmentalists in his first term as AG, something that has endeared him to the far-right.

He's been careful not to get too extreme, however. Something the party leadership appreciates, especially in light of Biereland voters' history of electing moderates.

But Jordan is facing strong opposition from former Federal Senator Bob Kozzy, who was defeated in his re-election bid in 2008.

A moderate, Kozzy favors lower taxes, less environmental restrictions, and a stream-lining of state government.

He does agree with Bartholomew on social issues, however. Most notably, he supports the legalization of recreational marijuana and is pro-choice.

The former senator has made his criticism of Ben Jordan loud and clear.

"Ben Jordan is an extreme right-wing, hyper-partisan figure. He's also an establishment figure. He campaigns on the idea of reforming state government and changing Brookings, but he's an insider. He's been in Brookings for years. Do we really think he's going to change the culture of Brookings?" Kozzy said to reporters last week.

Jordan and Kozzy are the only two declared Conservative candidates in the race thus far. Most political observers see Jordan as the more viable candidate, both among CNS primary voters and in the general election.

And then there's Brookings Mayor Rich DeFrancesco, who said back in January he would not run for governor in 2014, but is reportedly reconsidering, according to sources close to him.

Former Governor Jenny Duschowitz, who Bartholomew ousted in 2010, has also publicly declined to run for her old position.

Other prominent Biereland Conservatives, like Dick Klondis, CEO of the Klondis Beer Company; Driscoll Sherber, the former senator who lost re-election in 2010 amid a personal scandal and extramarital affair; and Pete Kolotano, the businessman and brother of former Federal Senator Steve Kolotano (N), could all enter the race, although a run by any of them seems unlikely.

One thing is clear though: San Bartholomew faces a difficult fight for re-election in 2014, no matter which Conservative opponent he faces in the general election.

Party infighting in the Conservative ranks, particularly between the campaigns of Ben Jordan and Bob Kozzy, will only help Bartholomew and damage his opponents. But the incumbent governor has work to do to repair his image with dissatisfied Bierelanders.

"It's not too late for San Bartholomew, not at all," pollster Stuart Goodman says. "But he needs to be at a 55% approval rating at the very minimum to get re-elected. Right now his approval rating is at 37%, and he's trailing all of his likely opponents. That does not bode well for an incumbent."

Mattinow Symphony cellist arrested for fellow musician's murder

MATTINOW, Damoign--The close-knit arts community in Mattinow is mourning the loss of a gifted musician.

Celia Anderson, 62, who played viola in the Mattinow Symphony, was found murdered over the weekend in her suburban Mattinow home.

Police in Randstable, an affluent suburb 10 miles southeast of Mattinow, were called to the home, which lies in a gated community, at 11:57 am Eastern time on Sunday.

A friend became concerned when Anderson did not respond to repeated calls and text messages.

That same friend then drove to Anderson's home and found the victim lying deceased on the dining room floor.

Police are tentatively saying the cause of death was multiple stab wounds, although blunt force trauma and strangulation may have also occurred.

A medical examiner will determine the exact cause of death Wednesday.

Initially, investigators were at a loss identifying possible suspects, as the victim was a beloved musician and upstanding citizen in Mattinow, and had no known enemies.

But upon examining the victim's cell phone and computer, investigators learned that Celia Anderson was actively socializing with men on the dating website eharmony.com.

And police noticed Anderson was also having a relationship with fellow symphony musician, 59-year-old cellist Anthony Zarcoti.

According to police, Anderson and Zarcoti had been dating on-and-off for over two years, and maintained a serious but often strained relationship.

Authorities immediately brought Zarcoti in for questioning. During an eight-hour-long interrogation session, Zarcoti admitted having a romantic relationship with the victim. He also confirmed their relationship was fraught with fighting and arguments, and that the two often "took a break" from seeing each other.

Most shockingly, Zarcoti told police he was at Anderson's home Saturday night before her death.

The two were sharing an "intimate evening" at Anderson's house, he said, which included watching TV, dinner and wine, and sex.

But toward the end of the night, Zarcoti said he and Celia Anderson got in an argument. Money was the subject that triggered the fight, he told police, but the conversation quickly turned to Celia's dating of other men.

Police believe the victim told Zarcoti she was dating other men, which enraged him. They believe he then used a kitchen knife to inflict multiple stab wounds on the victim.

"Anthony Zarcoti has acknowledged that he was at the victim's home on Saturday night. So logically, he is our prime suspect," Randstable Police Chief Ken Emerill told local media at a Tuesday afternoon press conference.

"Furthermore, he has acknowledged that the two of them engaged in a heated argument. That presents a very clear motive and likely was what set Mr Zarcoti off and what triggered him to attack the victim," said Emerill.

Zarcoti has already hired a defense lawyer, Tom Raben, who told the Mattinow Aurora newspaper his client did engage in a verbal argument with the victim the night before she was found murdered, but the argument never turned violent.

"Anthony has been very forthright and forthcoming with the police. He told them openly and honestly that he went over to Celia's house on Saturday night. They had a romantic dinner, some wine, watched television, and had intimate relations with each other. They then began talking and money came up, which started an argument. The subject of Celia's dating life did come up also, which no doubt made Anthony uncomfortable and brought up a lot of emotions for him, and the two had a long discussion about it.

"At no point did this conversation turn violent. Anthony already knew Celia was dating other men. They'd already talked about it, so this was no news to him. But it was a sore subject that he didn't like to talk about. He didn't like hearing about her talking to other men. So he became upset, Celia became upset. And he decided to leave to cool off and diffuse the situation. So he left her house and drove home.

"When he left the home Saturday night, Celia Anderson was alive and well. End of story," said Raben. "She may have been upset emotionally, but she was not physically harmed or ill."

Zarcoti has told investigators he left Celia Anderson's home around 9:30 pm Saturday night.

Police have interviewed neighbors and are examining footage from security cameras to validate Mr Zarcoti's claims, although they believe he is responsible for her death.

"It's very hard for us to imagine another suspect, when we have a man that was having an ongoing, serious relationship with the victim. He was there the night of the murder, he acknowledges getting in a heated argument with the victim. We know he was there, we know he had motive, and we know this was a very violent crime. This was not the type of crime we see in a break-in or home invasion. This was a crime of passion, that happened in the heat of the moment. The person who did this had very serious feelings about the victim and that's very evident in the severity of the wounds the victim suffered," said Chief Emerill.

When asked if police overlooked other possible suspects, the chief gave an emphatic 'no.'

"We approached this with an open mind, objectively, like we always do for any homicide. We know there are a variety of potential suspects, and we looked into those leads. But in this case, the trail has very conclusively led to Mr. Zarcoti. It has happened very quickly, yes I will admit that. But we are extremely confident we have our guy. The evidence is pretty mounting," said Emerill.

Zarcoti was initially released after questioning by police, but he was arrested late Tuesday evening at his Mattinow home without incident.

He is no longer speaking to police, according to his lawyer.

Zarcoti will face a judge Thursday morning.

Everingham County Deputy District Attorney Eric Watson says Zarcoti will be charged with second-degree murder and possibly mutilation, because of the severity of the wounds inflicted on the victim.

Watson told the Aurora in a phone interview Tuesday night that second-degree murder charges are being pursued because police do not believe Zarcoti planned the murder. They believe it was a spontaneous crime committed in-the-heat-of-the-moment rather than a pre-meditated plot.

The victim's family has not spoken to the media and has asked for privacy.

Zarcoti's family has also declined to speak to the media.

Meanwhile, the Mattinow Symphony has released a statement on its Facebook page and website, calling Anderson's death "unimaginably tragic."

"We here at the Mattinow Symphony are so deeply grieved by the loss of our dear friend and colleague Celia Anderson. Celia was a gifted musician and wonderful person, whose warmth, kindness, intelligence, talent and love for others could be seen in everything she did."

The statement went on to say, "We are at a loss for words at the violent manner of her death. We are shocked and hurt beyond belief to learn another one of our employees may be responsible for Celia's death. We will never understand why this happened, but we join the community in seeking answers and finding justice for Celia."

In light of the tragedy, the symphony has cancelled events that were scheduled for this upcoming weekend.

The conductor of the symphony, Ma Hong Hun, told the Aurora the symphony will reconvene its regular schedule next week.

Reflection, rebuilding, and unity major themes at 2013 CAL Conference

BLOMENBURY, Roddenclanshire--It is perhaps the most important weekend of the year in Conservative politics, a sort of star-studded event for the party leaders who seek to shape the future of the CNS.

It's the Conservative Action League's (CAL) annual conference, or often shortened to simply the CAL Conference.

This year's gathering is being held at the Ocean State Convention Center in Blomenbury, Roddenclanshire.

But instead of celebrating an election victory this year, Conservatives gathered Thursday at the start of the three-day event, to reflect on a major defeat in the 2012 elections. The official theme of this year's event is: rebuilding.

The conference opened this morning with National Conservative Party Chairman Paul Ott openly addressing the elephant in the room: the whooping the party took in the last election.

"I'm not going to stand up here and pretend everything is perfect and speak in rosey terms. The fact is, we got trampled in the last election. We got kicked and we took a beating last November," Ott said.

"But we're still alive. We're not dead. We're still in the game. We have a lot of work to do to get back a Conservative majority in Mavocke and in our governorships and statehouses, but we have the strength and fortitude and determination to do it."

At least two dozen Conservative governors, senators, assemblymen, and former candidates will be speaking at varying times over the weekend.

Among the first speakers Thursday afternoon was Ansleigha Senator Jon Ralston, who led the Conservative Senate Campaign Committee during the 2010-2012 term.

Ralston is blamed by many party elites for the drubbing the CNS took in the 2012 Senate elections.

"I know we under-performed in the last election, and I'm here today to take accountability for that, and to seek a new direction for the next election and the elections beyond," Ralston said.

While Ralston never officially apologized or showed regret for the lackluster campaigning conducted under his leadership, he did take responsibility for the party's Senate losses--something his counterpart at the Conservative Governors Association (CGA), former Damoign Governor Sid Hoffa, did not do.

In a rarely-seen display of "tough love," the former Damoign governor said he empathized with those that felt defeated, but had some strong words for those that wanted someone to blame.

"Was this last election disappointing? Yes. Of course it was," said Hoffa.

"But this conference isn't about pointing the finger at one person or a group of people and blaming them for why we lost. We lost for a number of reasons. There wasn't just one reason, there were a variety of factors. There was a perfect storm, of sorts."

Among them, Hoffa argued, were well-funded NAT candidates, an anti-Conservative mood that "infiltrated" the nation, and top-tier candidates that were unwilling to run when approached by Hoffa and other leaders.

Hoffa also suggest that new states that were participating in federal elections for the first time, and newly-drawn electorate boundaries and the new Senate seats and governorships that came along with them, contributed to the strong NAT majority in the Senate and governorships.

There's plenty of blame to go around, Hoffa insisted.

"But this conference is not about pinning the blame on someone. [It's] about identifying why we lost, in an objective, informed and respectful manner, and then identifying, 'how can we avoid these mistakes or these pitfalls or these oversights next time around?' This election is about looking to the future, and not dwelling in the past.

"Because we, the greater Conservative Party, are a team. And if you want to sit on the bench and mope and pout that we got our clocks cleaned last time, then go ahead. If that's your attitude, then you might as well walk out now, because this weekend isn't about moping and pouting. This weekend is about winning the future."

Hoffa received a standing ovation for his lengthy admonition, but many in the CNS still hold him responsible for the party's loss of governors seats, something that will be more of an issue at the upcoming Liberty Conference, to be held in June, which is sponsored by the more far-right Grassadellian Conservative Union.

While many are still lamenting the 2012 defeat, many of the attendees are optimistic about the future.

That was clear as Ansleigha Governor Dale Lindstrom and George Garesby, newly-elected governor of Harvannah, spoke Thursday evening to the general session.

"We are two governors that won in Nationalist states. People keep talking about the Conservative party being dead. It's not dead in Ansleigha or Harvannah," Garesby said to cheers.

Lindstrom said the promise of the Conservative party is in the future generations.

"Young people today are trending more liberal and therefore identify more with the NAT. But young people still believe in Conservative principles of government. I don't believe the youth vote has left the CNS because young people can't identify with our policies. I believe the youth vote has gone to the NAT by default, because the Conservative party has not done a good job of reaching out to youth, talking about issues that are important to them, or shaping our messaging in a way that they can identify with," Lindstrom said.

"We need to give them an option. And we need to show that we are a party of loving, compassionate people that want to embrace diversity and people of other faiths, ethnicities and life backgrounds. We need to re-invent our public image and become the party of 'yes we can' instead of the party of 'no you can't,' which is how young people see us today, said Lindstrom.

And ending party struggles would help bring unity, Veroche Senator Niles Gilcrest told the audience.

"I watched it happen in my very own state. Someone didn't like some of my positions and my votes. And rather than taking it up with me in person and telling me they didn't like what I was doing, they began to tear me down in the media. A full onslaught of demonizing my character and my Conservative credentials," Gilcrest recalled.

"Don't get me wrong, democracy is great and people should have the opportunity to freely contest elections and oppose an incumbent if they disagree with them. But we can disagree without tearing each other down and causing all-out-war in our party. We can have a primary election that is conducted with civility and mutual respect in the midst of differing opinions. And that civility has been lacking lately in intra-party battles across the country. And like Sid Hoffa said, we need to come together as a family. As the Conservative family, and start treating each other with respect, even when we don't agree," Gilcrest said.

"Otherwise, we're only helping the Nationalists win."

The first day of the conference is unlikely to move the more far-right wing of the CNS party, however, as social and libertarian conservatives have largely boycotted the CAL Conference, believing it to be a gimmick of the party establishment.

"The CAL Conference is not about preserving conservative values or standing up for conservatism in this country anymore. It's become more of a circus for the "embrace diversity, embrace progress" faction of the CNS party, and Grassadellians don't want another liberal, progressive, wishy-washy political party. We already have the NAT for that," Assemblyman Tanner Zannie, who represents the seat of Black Forest in Onakiah, told the National Press Federation (NPF).

But those attending the conference were not bothered by right-wing skepticism.

"This isn't about moderate or conservative. It's about coming together and standing for the core principles the Conservative party was founded on," Alisha Johnson, a 48-year-old stay-at-home mom from Lacksburg, Trinton told the NPF. "We do best as a party, as a movement, when we are unified. In order to take back the Assembly and the Senate and the governors seats, we're going to have to be united."

Police apprehend man who shot at school bus

BLIXWELL, Damoign--A downstate Damoign community is breathing a sigh of relief and praising local law enforcement, after police apprehended a man who allegedly shot at a school bus.

The Georgia County Sheriff's Department says a local man was arrested after firing a hunting rifle repeatedly at a school bus that was filled with children.

Emergency dispatchers received a frightened call from the bus driver at 4:11 pm ET, saying an unidentified man had just fired several rounds at the school bus, which had about 15 students on board at the time.

The shooting occurred in a rural wooded area, and the suspect fled the scene after firing at the bus.

The bus driver was able to provide police with a license plate number and a description of the suspect's vehicle, however.

Multiple law enforcement officers immediately swarmed the area, with units from the local sheriff's department and neighbouring communities joining in the search for the suspect.

About a half hour later, police located the suspect's truck, which was empty.

A K-9 unit was called in and tracked the suspect down in a wooded area not far from the vehicle.

Police exercised extreme caution, as the suspect was thought to still be armed.

The man was quickly located by the police dogs, and despite attempts to negotiate a peaceful ending, the man refused to surrender to police. Authorities then released several dogs, who chased the suspect into a seven-foot-deep swamp.

The suspect was then removed from the swamp and taken into custody without incident.

Incredibly, none of the 15 children on-board the bus at the time of the shooting were injured.

"They were clearly shaken up and very upset about what happened, but no one was struck by bullets or debris, and we are very thankful for that," Captain Greg Markey of the Georgia County Sheriff's Department said.

The children were taken to a local hospital for evaluation as a precaution.

The Wood Dale Township School District announced counselors will be on-hand tomorrow at school to help students the students that were involved, and their parents.

The district also applauded the bus driver and the students for their bravery and staying calm.

"The bus driver is a hero for defending the students on board, and of course the kids should be commended for their bravery and for staying calm and collected during what was, no doubt, a very scary situation," Darcy Kaplen, spokeswoman for the district told local media.

Police arrested 22-year-old James Hyman. It's unclear why the man allegedly opened fire, but police alcohol was a factor.

"We're still not exactly sure why the suspect decided to do this, but we do know he was heavily intoxicated and alcohol certainly played a role," Captain Markey said.

Police do believe the man acted alone, and don't believe there is a threat to public safety any longer.

Hyman was booked into the Georgia County Jail on charges of felony aggravated attempted assault, endangering the welfare of a child, intimidation, misuse of a firearm, eluding police and destruction of property.

Hyman will face a judge Thursday morning.