Vellman National News Network (VNNN)

[Vellman]

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2019

Vellman National News Network

Inauguration of President Hernke

The official inauguration of President Hernke was held today in front of the Presidental Palace in Capital Springs. President Hernke swore to uphold the laws and wishes of Vellman's citizens, as well as promising the establishment of additional local elections and government offices. The inauguration was significantly delayed after Hernke's initial election to the office, as priority reconstruction and repair operations were underway following the massive earthquake that killed thousands and decimated Vellman's infrastructure.

Born in Capital Springs, Devlin Hernke attended college at Capital University, completing degrees in Economics and International Relations. He was then served as a city councilor in Capital Springs before taking over as de facto mayor after senior city officials were killed in the collapse of Capital City Hall during the earthquake. Hernke was credited for organizing both professional emergency responders and civilian volunteers in a force that saved thousands of lives and maintained Capital Springs in a way that allowed up to continue functioning despite the significant damage it sustained. After the initial response and recovery efforts were completed, Hernke organized elections for the presidential position to ensure that Vellman continued to be represented at the highest level.

President Hernke campaigned on a promise to repair and revitalize damaged cities, as well as prioritizing economic recovery after the disaster to re-establish Vellman as a major player on the international stage. He also campaigned on maintaining a balanced budget and committing to focusing on clean, renewable energy sources.

Pacific City Repair Efforts Continue in Ernest

Pacific City was one of the most significantly destroyed major metropolitan areas in Vellman. Once the second largest population center playing host to around two million people, only approximately 1,000 remained after evacuations and refugees left the city. Infrastructure repairs crews have been working around the clock to repair the significant amount of damage that the city's roads, sewage lines, water lines, and electrical lines incurred.

Personnel with the Vellman Armed Forces 1st Engineering Group are assisting with reestablishing basic services to residents attempting to return to their decimated homes. The commander of the group, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Furrow, made it clear that their first priority is restoring basic services to all residents before turning to other issues. "We're here to complete projects that will do the most good here in Pacific City, nothing less."

Residents continue to pour into the restored city districts and help with the restoration efforts in their own ways. Resident and restaurant owner Unfov Ra'feal donates uneaten food to fellow residents that aren't able to afford enough food to meet the needs of their family. "I just do what I can to help my fellow Pacific City residents." Unfov has donated nearly $3,000 worth in food thus far and plans to donate even more as time progresses.

Other residents help by volunteering their time to repair physical damage. Vellman Restoration Group volunteer Jackie Might was one of the first volunteers on the ground in Pacific City and has been working to organize newly returned residents into working groups to further restore their home districts. "In this time of need, Vellmanians need to stand together as one and help each other. No one else is going to come repair the damage to our own country, we must do it ourselves if we want to move forward." The Vellman Restoration Group (VRG) was formed shortly after the initial earthquake response efforts faltered. Headed by former Vellman Interior Minister Greggory Gantz, the VRG has been responsible for the mass organization of civilian volunteers that has formed the bulk of the infrastructure repair and land clearance operations performed by the Vellman government.

Mobile Network Service Restoration Proceeding Slowly

Vellman Communications, the nationwide cellular service provider, is making slow progress restoring the cellular communication network that used to span across the country. After the major earthquake devastated infrastructure and buildings nationwide, the cellular network all but ceased operating, resulting in huge communication blackouts across the country. CEO Janet Resi, recently appointed following the death of previous CEO Henry Addison, has promised that the cellular network will be operational, "as soon as possible".

Vellman Armed Forces Reorganization Planned

Following the heavy losses and injuries suffered by the various branches of the Vellman Armed Forces, President Hernke has announced a complete reorganization of the military to better serve the needs of the country. Currently, all Vellman military personnel are referred to as Joint Task Force (JTF) personnel until the current crisis has been addressed. General Melissa Ironclad, formerly the chief Army General, has been appointed to lead the JTF at this time. "It is an honor to be appointed to lead the JTF in this time of crisis. I will give my all to bring a sense of normalcy back to our citizens and to return our nation to greatness.

Edited April 3, 2019 by Vellman

[Kamea Arano]

Empress Duval has acknowledged the ongoing crisis in Vellman and has expressed her interest in providing assistance to those in need.

[Vellman]

Wednesday, April 4th, 2019

Vellman National News Network

Presidential Cabinet Announced

President Hernke announced the names of his ministers today in an attempt to streamline decisions on a variety of topics. In his statement, President Hernke announced that even though each of the ministry positions won't necessarily be involved in the immediate repair and cleanup of the earthquake, they will be focused on moving Vellman forward after this crisis. He also clarified that additional Ministries would be opened and staffed as appropriate until a full cabinet is appointed. Critics called the sudden appointments "signs of an upcoming dictatorship", decrying the lack of Senate approval of the appointments. Supporters were quick to point out the lack of an elected legislative body to confirm these appointments, as well as the ongoing crisis requiring immediate action.

The VNNN has included a short description of each of the ministerial offices, as well as the new ministers.

Minister of Defense - Melissa Ironclad

The Defense Ministry is tasked with managing the Vellman Armed Forces. This includes managing various military projects, authoring policies, and overseeing military operations. Appointed to the position is General Ironclad, former Army Chief of Staff and current overseer of the JTF in Vellman. General Ironclad previously served in the elite counterterrorism taskforce Wildfire Team, and single-handedly kept the Vellman military stationed in Capital Springs together before directing to assist with response and recovery efforts. Minister Ironclad stated that her primary focus will be the organization of the Vellman Armed Forces, and revitalization of its staff.

Minister of Interior - Michael Dobleaut

The Interior Ministry is tasked with management of national and border security, management of the Vellman Police force, and immigration regulations. Appointed to this position is Michael Dobleaut, a former Captain with the Capital Police and former Sergeant at Arms for the Vellman Congress. Minister Dobleaut promised that the Vellman Police Force will be revamped, with training and equipment to adequately police the cities being rebuilt. Additionally, Minister Dobleaut states that he will continue to lead the Vellman emergency services in their continued response to the aftermath of the earthquake.

Minister of Science - Annabeth Ruiz

The Ministry of Science is tasked with the management of the ongoing research efforts of the Vellman government, as well as determining the ethical dilemmas of various research branches. Doctor Annabeth Ruiz has been appointed to this position, and in her words, "Will propel Vellman into a golden age of science". Minister Ruiz holds doctorate degrees in biological engineering and chemical engineering, and has recently gained experience in developing sources of clean energy. Minister Ruiz states her priorities are the reconstruction of Vellman research centers, as well as developing new technology to harden utility infrastructure against future disasters. 

Minister of Health Services - Arthur Mendez

The Ministry of Health Services is tasked with the overseeing of the medical system, including ambulance services, hospital services, and long term care facilities. Appointed to this position is Doctor Arthur Mendez, the former Chief of Staff at Pacific City General Hospital, and specialist in Trauma Surgery. Minister Mendez has voiced his concern on the overall state of the Vellman healthcare system, as well as their lack of preparedness, clearly demonstrated by the disastrous impact of the earthquake. "Vellman hospitals need to be adequately prepared to respond to any situation, no matter what size," Minister Mendez stated upon learning of his appointment.

Vellman National Police Force Established

The former policing model followed by Vellman is no more after the announcement from Minister Dobleaut that Vellman would be operating under a single policing scheme for the time being. "In such a time of crisis we need a singular chain of command and a singular organization to take the lead on policing efforts," Minister Dobleaut reasoned during the announcement. Under the new system, all law enforcement operations would be performed under the Vellman Police Department, and each officer would have nationwide authority to handle crime according to laws set by the national or municipal governments. It is unclear whether officers will be assigned to specific cities with regularity, as well as other details of the new scheme, causing concern in some smaller areas.

"We're too small of a community to have our own police department," Spring Grove resident Kevin Foyce said in an interview, "Our town can't afford the expense and we had to rely on the Sherriff Department if we ran into trouble. I'm worried about what will happen now they're gone!"

International Support Offered by the Meta Board Nation

Empress Duval of Meta Board extended a helping hand earlier yesterday, offering her nation's assistance in the ongoing recovery efforts after the massive 9.8 earthquake shattered most of Vellman. President Hernke extended his appreciation to Empress Duval, and requested additional engineering teams to hasten the repair of critical infrastructure and roadways. "I'd like to personally thank Empress Duval for her most gracious offer to assist Vellman in its time of need. While our people are cared for, our engineers are currently overtaxed by the sheer amount of devastation. Additional engineers would go a long ways towards hastening recovery efforts."

[Vellman]

Tuesday, April 9th, 2019

Vellman National News Network

Vellman Congress Elections Planned

Elections to establish the Vellman 1st Congress have been scheduled for later this week after President Hernke's promises of elections last week. Of the 100 Senate and 200 House seats there are well over 1000 candidates vying for those spots and many loosely tied together parties slowly being formed to help candidates work together. Due to the numerous issues facing Vellman, there are many hot button issues, however some of the most important according to a recent VNNN poll include healthcare, basic utilities, crime, and welfare.

The largest and so far most organized political party is the Revitalization Party, which states its focus is to return Vellman to its former glory before attempting to start any new projects. "Our people are suffering right now, we can't be funneling resources into researching new technologies that may help down the line. They need the resources to return to their homes and to have running water," Senate candidate Jennifer Tuloz stated in a recent campaign rally.

Not far behind is the Prevention Party, which campaigns on updating and upgrading infrastructure to prevent such catastrophic damage from occurring again. "We must not fall to the traps of the past. By planning and preparing for these types of disasters we will be able to save many more lives and livelihoods," Trent Mouthlac explained in a recent interview.

VPD Commander Appointed

The newly formed Vellman Police Department officially has its new commander after newly appointed Chief Sam Young was sworn in earlier this morning. Chief Young previously served in the Vellman Army as a military police officer, before retiring and joining the Pacific City Police, rising to the rank of Deputy Chief. Chief Young has a combined 25 years of experience and prides himself on his ability to come to diplomatic solutions with community members. "Our duty is to the people of this country, and to serve and protect them. We must be open to transparency, and find ways to work together with our communities."

Arrest Warrant Issued for Former Vellman Army Sergeant

An arrest warrant has been issued by the Vellman Interior Ministry for former Sergeant Blake Bursless today, after evidence was presented showing that he was guilty of numerous crimes during the earthquake including homicide, sexual assault, and treason. Evidence provided by former Private Tricia McColley in the form of testimony, video recordings, and written documents, show that former Sergeant Bursless engaged in numerous instances of unlawful looting of homes and businesses, engaged in unbecoming conduct with civilians, and attempted to lead a small group of soldiers in an attempted coup during the initial recovery process.

Former Sergeant Bursless was born in Freemount, and enlisted in the Vellman Air Force shortly after completing high school. Finishing near the top of his class, Bursless was assigned as a helicopter pilot and assigned to personnel transport duties. Bursless was described as charismatic and intense by his former peers in the armed forces, quickly rising through the ranks before being involved in a failed evacuation mission in 2017, which is withheld from public record for national security reasons.

Blake Bursless is described as armed and dangerous. Anyone having information about his whereabouts should immediately contact the VPD and avoid the area.

Timeline of the Earthquake Destruction

As recovery efforts continue, we begin to gain a better understanding of the crisis that resulted in Vellman's destruction. The following is a current timeline of the destruction as known through documents and observations uncovered thus far.

March 18th 9:00am - Pacific University Geology Department records increased underground readings. Readings reported to Science Ministry for further action.

March 18th 9:05am - Minor tremor (2.6) hits Pacific City. No damage or casualties result from the termor.

March 18th 9:08am - Second minor tremor (3.8) strikes Capital Springs. Minor injuries and damage reported.

March 18th 9:10am - Third tremor (5.6) strikes near Arkbury. Arkbury High School significantly damaged, power plant inoperable.

March 18th 9:15am - Major earthquake (9.6) strikes Capital Springs. Presidential Palace, Vellman Congress, and Vellman Supreme Court buildings destroyed. Most government leaders and high ranking officials killed during the resulting building collapses and other destruction. 

March 18th 9:16am - Second major earthquake (9.5) strikes Pacific City. Pacific City Stadium collapses during the middle of a state soccer final, killing 400,000 and resulting in another 300,000 injuries.

March 18th 9:20am - Aftershocks begin striking the nation, reaching as high as 8.5, causing major destruction of road, power, water, and sanitation infrastructure across the nation.

March 18th 9:25am - Aftershocks cease, no further earthquake activity detected.

 

Edited April 10, 2019 by Vellman