Yep it made all the local papers.  I believe it was in the Piedmont Journal Banner but I could be wrong.  I've talked to several people in that area that claim to have seen a cougar.  I know that when I am mushroom hunting on my father in laws place  down there I now always am carrying.  I believe a 45 fired up in the air would probably send the cat running.  If not.....
RJ