Micheal Wendtz

Former New Shire Lt. Governor Micheal Wendtz Laying In State In The State Capitol Building On March 6, 2024.

NEWS 28 - Former Lt. Governor Micheal Wendtz was laid to rest at the Nationalist House Burial Grounds yesterday, a memorial fit for a King, and a religious rites ceremony like no other.

According to financial records, the New Shire Government spend over 500,000 on the funeral services provided by the Nationalist House Burial Grounds, which is not connected to the actual Nationalist House, provides free services to former leaders of the United States Of Jesstopia including the President, Vice President, their families, Congress members, State Governors, but does not extend the free services to State Lt. Governors or State legislators or other state local officials.

The service was held very early in the morning as a way to preserve the peaceful nature of the funeral, and visitors including President John McCallum and Vice President Travis Loretti made their way to the burial service to honor their fellow Nationalist. Micheal Wendtz had served well over 50 years in State Government and he was remembered for his fierce yet friendly nature.

"I remember growing up, watching Micheal debate in the State legislature, and saying, wow; I'd really love to be like Micheal when I'm older," said President McCallum. "I was awe-struck by his fierceness, and his ability to lead and take charge. He inspired me to shoot higher, and I know that he helped me get to where I am today and that is something that I will always be grateful. I consider Micheal a friend and I wish his family the best in their future and my thoughts and prayers will continue to be with them."

Micheal Wendtz' life was extraordinary. The first 20 year old elected to the New Shire House Of The People in 1974, he served there until 1992, when he choose to run for Congress. Running an unsuccessful bid, he attempted to win back his seat but failed. In 2000, he attempted to win election as New Shire's Governor but lost that to Brian Tibitz. He served on many charities and groups to help homelessness and served in multiple roles on agencies that were created aimed on feeding the homeless population.

Wendtz was 74 and battling cancer when he died, but the legacy he left behind far exceeds the loss the world endured. He was a man who cared deeply for his state and the people that live in it. His death marks the end of an era, and the life of incredible man.

RUFUS - New Shire Lt. Governor Micheal Wendtz was laid to rest early this morning at the Nationalist House Burial Grounds, surrounded by family and friends. His burial took place a little after 7:30 AM after a quick final rites ceremony.

"It was beautiful to see his fellow colleagues come together to honor him in an incredible way," said the Wendtz family in a joint statement. "I thank Governor Thomas Cooke for coming and supporting our family during this hard time. His support has made our father's death easier to accept and his continued support mean a lot to us. Our dad respected Cooke for his leadership and they were the best of friends."

Wendtz died on March 4, 2024, and was found unresponsive in his Hillcrest Home by staffers who were waiting to pick him up for a meeting with Governor Thomas Cooke. He was pronounced dead at 12:35 PM.

RUFUS - Micheal Wendtz, who served as the 25th Lieutenant Governor Of New Shire from 2022 - 2024, and who died on March 4, will lay in state at the New Shire State capitol starting today until Friday, when his body is buried at the Nationalist House Burial grounds.

Lt. Governor Micheal Wendtz died on Monday, and was found by his staffers who attempted life saving CPR, but were unable to restart his heart. Wendtz' had been battling stage 3 pancreatic cancer since December, and his death succeeded it less than four months after. His death was pronounced by medical professionals at 12:35 PM.

Wendtz' political career began back in 1974, when he was elected to Represent New Shire's 18th Senate District, a role he held until 1992 when he didn't seek another term. He then moved on to other political titles including briefly serving as the interim Nationalist Party President for two weeks in 1995, when Party President Joseph Heinrich went out for abdominal surgery.

Governor Thomas Cooke is expected to visit the Capitol to pay his final respects to his former colleague and friend. President McCallum is also expected to make a visit to his fellow Nationalist's funeral as well.

NEWS 28 - Former New Shire Lt. Governor Micheal Wendtz is scheduled to lay in state at the New Shire State capitol starting 9:00 AM. His body will remain there until Friday when he is buried.

The Former Lt. Governor died on March 4, 2024, and was 74 at the time of his death. He previously served in the State Senate from 1974 - 1992, where he played a key role in passing history-making legislation including providing more services for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. He worked with women's rights advocacy groups and was instrumental in providing funding for programs for children of murdered parents.

"Micheal Wendtz was an important figure in the realm of Government because he was never afraid to make his opinions heard and his displeasure in policies being introduced into the State Senate," said Walter Gronk, a political analyst. "He has been a key figure because he fought for women and children, and the rights that they bare today."

Wendtz' career in the Senate helped project him to the big dogs in politics, and even, in other words, made him a popular politician with the voters of New Shire. His death ends his advocacy for women's issues and honoring him the State Capitol shows that both sides agree he was force of good for change.

JESSTOPIAN NEWS NETWORK - New Shire Lt. Governor Micheal Wendtz was found unresponsive on in his home early this afternoon and officials say his death is not being ruled suspicious.

Micheal Wendtz who had served as New Shire’ 25th Lt. Governor since May 10, 2024, was pronounced dead by medical professionals around 12:35 PM.

Governor Thomas Cooke authorized a state funeral for Wendtz, which is scheduled to take place later this week. Governor Cooke gave a touching tribute to the late Lt. Governor. State and Jesstopian flags were ordered to half staff until they day he is buried.

NEWS 28 - New Shire Lt. Governor Micheal Wendtz has been pronounced dead, after a brief battle with cancer. He died a little after 12:30 PM at his home in Hillcrest, New Shire.

His family provided a brief statement following his death this afternoon.

"He was a great husband, father, brother, uncle and grandpa," said the family in a joint statement. "It hurts to know that we will never see his sweet face, his infectious smile and his unmistakable laughter. We all will miss him tremendously and nothing will patch the void in our hearts."

The Governor's Office has not yet made a statement about his death. Governor Thomas Cooke is heavily likely to provide a statement about his death sometime later this afternoon on his X account and the Governor's website.

State Funeral plans can be expected but no official plans have announced nor approved at this time. We can expect some updates later as the day progresses and information is released from Governor Thomas Cooke's office.

The New Shire Police says that they were called to Wendtz' home a little after 12:05 PM and arrived on scene five minutes later at 12:10 PM. He was laying on the floor unresponsive, and reports indicate he had been there for quite some time.

His staffers arrived at his home to escort him to the Governor's Mansion for a meeting with Governor Thomas Cooke, when they found him laying on his kitchen floor. They attempted CPR until police arrived an took over, conducting CPR for 22 minutes.

He was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:35 PM, and his body was removed from the property at 1:00 PM. He will receive a state funeral but Governor Cooke has not approved those plans as of yet.

RUFUS - New Shire's 25th and oldest Lt. Governor, Micheal Wendtz died at the age of 74 at his Hillcrest, New Shire home this afternoon leaving behind his loving wife, and three children and six grandchildren. Wendtz had been battling cancer for less than four months before the disease took his life.

"He was a great husband, father, brother, uncle and grandpa," said the family in a joint statement. "It hurts to know that we will never see his sweet face, his infectious smile and his unmistakable laughter. We all will miss him tremendously and nothing will patch the void in our hearts."

The New Shire State police say they were called to his home around 12:05 PM and arrived a little after 12:10 PM and attempted CPR for 22 minutes before it was called by a certified medical professional whose name is being withheld at this time.

Governor Thomas Cooke has not made any public statement at the time of the publishing of this article. It is expected that he will post a statement on his X account and on the Governor's Website, sometime later this afternoon.

A state funeral has not been announced by the Governor's Office and the Governor's Office has not returned our request for comment at this time. It is heavily speculated that Governor Cooke will authorize a state funeral for the late- Lt Governor.

NEWS 28 - New Shire Lt. Governor Micheal Wendtz is preparing to leave office in May, but his time may be even shorter as he prepares to enter hospice care. The Lt. Governor was in good spirits as he announced that he could potentially leave the Lt. Governor's Office sometime around April, instead of May. Some say he may leave the office sooner if he does choose to leave his office.

"Cancer is a rough thing. It makes you make hard decisions, it makes your family struggle," said Wendtz. "I'm 74 and lived a good life. My life was dedicated to public service. The memories made will last a eternity, and the family and friends I've made along the way make that struggle easier."

The Lt. Governor replaced Fred Lacker as the Lt. Governor to New Shire Governor Thomas Cooke after Lacker decided not to seek reelection as the State's 24th Lt. Governor.

RUFUS - New Shire's oldest Lt. Governor Micheal Wendtz, is still working despite his fatal cancer prognosis he received back in December. The Lt. Governor says he will continue to serve until May when he and Governor Thomas Cooke will leave their respective offices. Wendtz said in a statement that he will eventually enter hospice care, when as he puts it "his time on earth is up."

"It is a very scary time for my family, but no for me," said Lt. Governor Wendtz. "It is a time to celebrate the long life I have lived, and for the cherished memories I created with my family. It has been an honor to be able to serve this great state and for the people I've worked with during my time as Lt. Governor. I wish Governor Cooke the best of luck with his presidency that I may not be here to witness. I wish my entire staff the best in their future endeavors and thank them for their tireless service to this state and to me."

Wendtz was given months to live and he has proven that anything is possible when you have hope. Governor Thomas Cooke says that if he passes, he will be eligible for a State funeral. Wendtz is expected to enter hospice care in May but could be as soon as April. If he does enter hospice care, he will be medically retired from politics and will stay home to live out his remaining days, weeks or months.

NEWS 28 - Lieutenant Governor Micheal Wendtz of New Shire was rushed to the hospital during an early afternoon press conference between Governor Thomas Cooke and the press when Lt. Governor Wendtz walked off stage, reportedly looking unwell.

The Governor briefly paused to check on Wendtz, but promptly returned to answer additional questions regarding his recent slew of legislative proposals. An ambulance later showed up and the Lt. Governor was taken to nearby Rufus County Medical Center, where he remains in the hospitals care.

The Governor's mansion and the Governor's office have both not released any statement regarding the incident and many news crews are still waiting to hear back from the Governor or Lt. Governor's office.

RUFUS - New Shire Lt. Governor Mike Wendtz was rushed to the hospital after falling violently ill during a press conference this afternoon. The Lt. Governor was seen leaving the press conference a little after 1:00 PM, and never returned, before paramedics arrived on scene. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital. Several of Wendtz' staffers say he looked very pale, and dehydrated. His press secretary says he fell violently ill, but didn't specify what the illness was.

Tabloids are speculating that it could be some form of cancer, but haven't been able to confirm anything, and the Governor's office has been relatively hush-hush about everything.

The Governor's office has not yet responded to a request for comment at this time. We will continue to wait for an update on Wendtz' condition.

NEWS 28 - Lt. Governor Micheal Wendtz underwent a sever health scare a few days ago, and that scare has left him to do what's best. Take care of himself. The Lt. Governor, 73, announced via Twitter that he would be effectively ending his 2024 Gubernatorial campaign. The Lt. Governor, said that "his health and family were priority number one," and also said that "it was the best for his health to retire."

As the 2024 front-runner began his campaign, he knew that he could win the party's support. However, on August 4, 2023, during a rally in Arrow Head, Wendtz began feeling unwell, and he was rushed to the hospital. There doctors said that he had a minor heart attack, onset by his older age. After that he cancelled three rallies, and two Nationalist Party town halls. On August 6, 2023, he announced that he would immediately "end his campaign trail," and "retire at home to focus on his health."

"He's as tough as they come," said Governor Cooke. "So if he is ending a campaign, something that would lead him to this incredible office, there is most definitely some underlying health concerns. I wish my friend Micheal Wendtz the best and hope that when we both leave our respective offices in May, he can finally enjoy peace and quiet."

The Nationalist Party has expressed its support of his decision while also saying it will be tough to choose a replacement for him. They say they were hoping to nominate Cooke's successor from the very next office down from his. More updates regarding the 2024 New Shire Gubernatorial Elections and who the Nationalist Party nominates going into the 2024 election cycle.

RUFUS - Early yesterday afternoon, New Shire Lieutenant Governor Micheal Wendtz announced that he was dropping out of the 2024 New Shire gubernatorial race, something that completely shocked the Nationalist Party.

In a brief statement, Lt. Governor Wendtz said the following:

"As I continue to navigate my previous health incident, and as I monitor my current health, I feel like it is time for me to hang up my political gloves, and retire. I was intending on running for Governor in 2024, and was dead set on winning, but as my health was at the lowest its ever been, I feel that now is the best time to focus on my health and spend time with my family," said Wendtz. "It is not something I wanted to do willingly but something that I need to do so that I can continue spreading the policy of the party."

The Nationalist Party had supported Wendtz taking over as Governor during the 2024 Gubernatorial elections citing that "he was the best replacement for 2024 Presidential Candidate Thomas Cooke, who has served as the State's 44th Governor since September 2021."

The party was hoping to have a clear nominee going into 2024 but with Wendtz withdrawing from the campaign trail, it will need to regroup and consider alternatives. The state will never see a Wendtz Governorship as he retires to focus on his health. We respect that.

RUFUS - New Shire State's Assembly has just passed a law that will make it an immediate felony to carry onto school grounds, knives of any kind including butterfly knives, pocket knives, quick-release knives, butchers knives and other blades that have been known to do serious bodily harm in the pass.

This new legislation comes as more and more on campus stabbings have been occurring over the last 8 months. The legislation will also make it a felony to possess such items in your vehicle while on school property unless it is used to work, including box cutters, wire cutters and other work-related knives.

"This bill is aiming to end on campus stabbing that have been going on constantly in this state for the last 8 months," said Governor Thomas Cooke. "It is time something gets done about these stabbings at schools, and this is a great way to prevent such incidents."

State Republicans have even agreed to pass the bill, in exchange that two spending bills get passed to allow the New Shire Legislature to pass anti-inflation bills. The Nationalists agreed and the bill successfully passed.

The bill will go into effect on August 9, 2023, and the Governor still has to sign it into law. This should be done by August 9.

"We are hoping to have the bill signed into law to ensure that our school students, staff and administrators remain safe on school grounds," said Lt. Governor Micheal Wendtz. "This legislation will not make it heavily punishable to possess stabbing devices of any kind on school and college grounds."

NEWS 28 - Governor Thomas Cooke's office has informed Lieutenant Governor Micheal Wendtz, that he will take over as the 45th Governor on November 16, 2023, as Cooke announces his resignation plans.

"As the start of my campaign nears closer, my office has begun the preparations necessary for my incredible Lt. Governor, Mr. Micheal Wendtz to take over as the 45th Governor of this state," said Governor Thomas Cooke. "I have recently announced that I will resign on November 16, 2023, the year mark before the 2024 Inaugural ceremony that will see a brand new president sworn in."

Wendtz will officially take on the reigns of the Governorship on November 16, 2023, and will be sworn in at noon. Wendtz has served since May 10, 2022 as Lt. Governor and May 10, 2023 will be the one year mark of his Lt. Governorship. He has been at Governor Cooke's side since taking office as the 24th Lt. Governor.

(NOTE: This article was written prior to the Resignation of Mesa Governor Kirk Paul On May 9, 2023)

NEWS 28 - During the many elections that will take place in 2024, there is so much at stake, who will take control of many state governments as well as the federal government and who will take the Nationalist House in 2024. But as next year will determine such things, we have prepared a list of our predictions and top contenders for the 2024 Election season. This list is in no way indicative of who will actually take these offices in 2024.

2024 Presidential Candidates(OUR TOP CONTENDERS):

During the 2024 Presidential Elections, so many candidates are seeking to take their party's nomination for the Presidency. But during this election cycle, we believe we've broken down who the nominees could be and who would be runner ups to the nominations.

First and foremost, as polls suggest now, we'd predict that Thomas Cooke will carry the Nationalist Party nomination, despite his fellow Nationalist Party opponent James Hubbert being seasoned as a Senator, and former Governor, but Thomas Cooke has a newer, fresher and reinvigorating image of a brighter future for the generation coming up. He knows how to get things done, and many know he will be great for this country as its President.

For the Republican Party, I think Jay Laylin will be a strong contender for the Republican Party, as he is well seasoned in political issues, including the economic downfall of Jesstopia over the course of his career, as well as foreign affairs, the ongoing Russian conflict, and many other overseas conflicts.

2024 Mesa Gubernatorial Elections(OUR TOP CONTENDERS)

In 2024, it is likely that Governor Adamson will take the election, but his campaign will still need to be strong, as Adamson has yet to claim a grip on the Republican Party fully. But at this point, most Republicans approve highly of Adamson and say they hope he runs in 2026 as well for two four-year terms.

His largest threat would be Nationalist Party opponent Sam Idlewood. Idlewood has over 22 years in politics and has great ideas for the direction for Mesa. He is Paul's biggest threat, but many of the other candidates in his party are also strong contenders as well. He would also need to watch out for his Nationalist rival Joseph Cooke. Cooke is appearing to be the more competent candidate and several Republican voters say they are likely to vote for him in 2024, as compared to their

2024 New Shire Gubernatorial Elections(OUT TOP CONTENDERS)

With Thomas Cooke running for President, he will eventually have to give reigns of New Shire to Micheal Wendtz. But Micheal Wendtz has said the Governor Cooke doesn't plan on giving him reigns until the last moment. In a quick statement after a question Wendtz received from a reporter regarding Cooke handing him control of the State. "Governor Cooke hasn't made it clear to me whether he will step down as he previously reported to you all, so at this point, I'm not sure what his plans are. I guess we'll find out together."

But if Wendtz does take control of New Shire as its Governor, he will likely be a strong contender and will likely get elected to a full term. But it depends on what Cooke decides to do. He previously said that he'll resign in June of this year, then he said in September, and now this statement comes out, its not looking like the Cooke Administration knows what it wants to do.

But with that aside, we are positive that Wendtz will receive the Nationalist Party nomination for Governor. But if that is the case, who could potentially be his rival. Well in terms of the pull, it is Parker Jackson. Jackson is a Republican who attempted to beat Cooke last year during the 2022 Gubernatorial Elections. But I believe that if Wendtz was to run, he would need to worry about Jackson, who said after losing that he was gunning the Governor's office in 2024.

As for the other Gubernatorial candidates, no top contenders have been identified. A secondary article will be written when it becomes available.

RUFUS- Recently, New Shire’s Lieutenant Governor Micheal Wendtz announced that he would fully endorse Thomas Cooke, as he seeks election to the Presidency in 2024.

”Thomas Cooke will faithfully and fairly work for the people of the United States Of Jesstopia, as he has done for the citizens of New Shire.” Said Lt. Governor Wendtz. “I plan on fully endorsing his campaign for President.”

Many Republicans call this move a ‘boot licking’ move. They claim that he is only endorsing him so that he keeps his political influence for when he assumes the Governorship in early 2024.

Others simply say it is him just supporting his friend and colleague.

RUFUS - Governor Thomas Cooke early this evening announced that he would seek help from the State legislature to add an amendment to the State's Constitution which would protect a women's right to choose to abort her child.

The announcement comes as backlash continues to rage on in America and the government's slow response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade continuing to anger American women.

"As I have said before, a women will NEVER and I mean NEVER be denied the right to choose to abort her child, if she cannot afford to raise the child, is raped or is the victim of incest." said Governor Cooke. "I will fight to the bitter end to protect New Shire women's rights. I want women across our nation to know that I support their decision and that our state will remain open to abortion."

Governor Cooke continues to work towards banning the State from denying a woman that right and has made it clear that he is a strong supporter of a woman's right to choose.

"During my last press conference, I announced several new bills that have been co-sponsored by Lt. Governor Micheal Wendtz, and has received strong support from many of assembly men and woman." said Gov. Cooke. "We have a lot work to do, and I know I can get it done."

Lt. Governor Micheal Wendtz was not available for comment. His press office said that he would get back to us as soon as he becomes available. Governor Cooke has, historically been a strong supporter of Roe v. Wade and is worried about the implications that the overturning of Roe v Wade has on the American Federal Government.

RUFUS - Late next week, New Shire State Lt. Governor Micheal Wendtz will speak to High School students, staff and parents about New Shire's school safety response, following the Uvalde School Shooting that occurred on May 24, 2022.

Governor Thomas Cooke assigned the Lt. Governor to speak at State High Schools all across the State to ensure not only parents about the state's dedication to ensuring schools will remain safe, but students and staff as well.

"We will begin our talks with students, parents and staff of our State's High Schools to not only tell them about our State's safety measures in protecting schools, but to ensure parents, students and staff that our state stands with them in ending and preventing attrocities as seen in Uvalde Texas in America." said Governor Cooke. "We are working with our local schools to ensure that ALL schools remain safe."

The State will send Lt. Governor Wendtz to schools starting on June 16, 2022.

RUFUS - The State of New Shire will swear in Governor Cooke at noon on May 10, 2022. The State is expected to host a private ceremony for Lt. Governor Micheal Wendtz at 10:00 AM, on May 10, 2022.