Strange animals have been seen around Wilkes County lately. I noticed in last week's News-Reporter that Carol Bolton saw a black bear. Well, I did too. I turned in at the road that goes by the J.W. Thornton home and a creature dropped from a low branch of a tree beside the road. It really startled me and as I looked in my rear view mirror I saw a black furry animal loping off toward the highway. I told everyone that I saw a black bear and they all assured me that it probably was a panther as some have been seen in the area. Well, it surely was a fluffy panther so I called it a panbear. A panther was spotted on Clark Gresham Road several months ago. After I saw that in the paper I feel sure I was correct at first. One has also been seen in the Pepper Hill area here in Tignall. Debbie Lindsey told me about her little dog being chased up the driveway by a deer. The next thing you know we'll be seeing monkeys swinging in the trees. .Doris Smathers from Waynesville, N.C., is spending a couple of days with Tony and Marion Hammond this week. She visited with Layton and Gloria Harris Sunday afternoon. .We would like to welcome the new pastor of Independence United Methodist Church. Sunday was Virginia Best's first day as pastor of the church. Virginia's husband is Jim Best and they have two grown children. The couple is from Appling. There were several friends and family members from her home church visiting Sunday at Independence Methodist. .There's nothing more fun than a group of teachers and retired teachers getting together. Enjoying a salad luncheon at the home of Becky Hooten in Washington last Friday were, other than Becky, Debbie Lindsey, Pauline Bell, Judy Coxwell, Ann Tiller, Joyce Williams, Carolyn Gammon, Ginger Blalock of Thomson, and Nancy Hayes of Winder. The group celebrated the birthday of Becky Hooten and the retirement of Joyce Williams and Ann Tiller. These teachers all taught together a long time ago and all had pictures to share and lots of reminiscing. .Scott and Kathy Ware and Stacey, Kenny Long, Jenny Long, Niki Fain, Ethan and Chloe, all enjoyed the day Saturday at Monkey Joe's in Augusta. .Tignall Baptist Church was glad to have Rev. Kevin Hanil from Oklahoma speak Sunday morning. Everyone also enjoyed hearing the choir sing "The Eastern Gate" with Susie Futch singing the solo part. .Rev. and Mrs. Kevin Hanil and Benjamin of Oklahoma spent the weekend with Kathryn Anderson. .Albert and Eudora Huyck just returned Sunday night after spending a weekend with Lem and Ellen LeRoy in Charlotte, N.C. They attended church with Lem and Ellen. This was a congratulations visit as Lem was promoted to senior music minister at Carmel Baptist Church in Charlotte. Congratulations, Lem. .Guests Saturday of Vivian and Louie Wolozin were Dale and Kathy Robertson of Winder. .Lauren Johnson celebrated her tenth birthday Sunday afternoon with a swimming party. I understand most of her aunts and uncles were present. Lauren is the daughter of Kathy and William Johnson. Her grandpa, Ed Rhodes, also had a birthday last week. .Visiting David and Nancy Hilley Thursday through Monday were Mrs. Peggy Hilley and Savannah from Ocala, Fla. Mr. and Mrs. Stacy Hilley of Commerce hosted a surprise cookout for David Hilley's birthday Saturday. Those joining the celebration were Owen and Warren, Mrs. Peggy Hilley and Savannah of Ocala, Fla., George Hilley from Elberton, and of course, Nancy and David. .Layton and Gloria Harris attended the dedication service and lunch at Tabor Baptist Church Sunday. Milton and Jeanette Broome donated tables and chairs to the church in memory of Jeanette's sister, Bessie Louise Freeman, who died 50 years ago.le at the nursing home in McRae were Charles and Elizabeth Smith, Mrs. Louise Smith, and Danny Heard. This was Mrs. Smith's first time to see Jon since his accident a year ago. Charles asked Jon if he knew who she was and he said, "Mama." He is able to talk some and recognizes all of them. He has come a long way from last year. . O'Neal Adams spent Wednesday of last week having his defibrillator checked in Augusta. He is doing well. .O'Neal and Celeste Adams, joined Rosalyn Adams, and Dan Adams of Peachtree City on Tuesday at the La- Cabana restaurant for lunch. .Let's keep the following people in our prayers: Sara Edna Caldwell, who broke her leg about a week ago; Calli Nickels, Brenda Bunch, the Fincher family, Myrline Thornton, Vivian and Louie Wolozin, Frances Vinson, Nita Riley, Gary Rogers, Jon Smith, Margie Wilson, Irene Echols, and Christine Burton. .The pastor of Beulah Baptist Church, Rev. Rick Markham, had a wreck last week on his way home to Canton after Vacation Bible School. He was hurt and is not able to preach for a while. Let's remember him in our prayers. Jim Neal from Lincolnton spoke at Beulah Baptist last Sunday. .What's July Fourth without a picnic? I heard that ants won't cross a thick chalk line. If you bring a pie to a picnic, draw a chalk circle around it, and it might be safe . . . from the ants at least. My idea of spending the Fourth is staying inside where there is air conditioning and enjoying a good book. Whatever you do, I hope it's a safe celebration.