What is it?

Gary Blanchard, of Winfield, is seeking help in determining what kind of animal wandered onto his property a little more than a week ago. It appears to be some type of sheep, with a short black and white coat. It stands just more than two feet tall at the shoulder, with a long, straight tail and two small curled horns.

If you think you can identify it, post your opinion below.

(via NewsTimesOnline.com)

Reader feedback: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Was Harry's final adventure what you hoped it would be?

If you've finished reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, share your thoughts about the book and the series.

Note: Comments posted below contain key plot details. If you don't want to know what happens in the book, please don't read them.

Cox: Paine College's Dr. Lewis was socially significant to Augusta

I had the pleasure of attending the recent farewell reception for Paine College president Dr. Shirley A.R. Lewis.

The event was held at the Marriott Riverfront Hotel and, as expected, was a very classy affair and was very well attended.

Based on the many expressions of gratitude on Friday, June 8, it's obvious that the many individuals who attended this formal dinner were appreciative of the superb job that Dr. Lewis has extended to her beloved Paine College during her 13-year tenure.

During her term, the Historically Black College has witnessed significant escalation in enrollment figures and its alumni have become an even more proud group. Since her arrival in 1994, not only has she increased student enrollment and graduation rates, under her watch the college's endowment has likewise grown.

What failed to be expressed fully at Dr. Lewis' event is the important role she has played in the enhancement of Augusta's social scene – musically speaking that is.

Since Dr. Lewis' arrival, she has inadvertently played the role of music promoter and agent in so many instances.

Along with the aforementioned accomplishments, Dr. Lewis has never experienced a shift in her love for good music. She's a self-admitted jazz aficionado and no matter the situation, has never shied from her love for old-school soul, R&B, jazz or gospel.

During her tenure, she has displayed her love for the arts by inviting and attracting a star-studded lineup to serve as commencement speakers and specially honored guests of the college.

The stellar lineup include actors Bill Cosby, Clifton Davis, Cicely Tyson, Anna Maria Horsford, Danny Glover, golf legend Lee Elder, Olympic track star Tommy Smith; TV newsman Tavis Smiley; C-Span founder Brian Lamb, and a bevy of nationally recording artists like the late Lou Rawls, Jennifer Holliday, Freda Payne, Melba Moore, Jean Carne and most recently Mary Wilson of the legendary Supremes and The Impressions.
The latter two acts were featured guests with Danny Glover at Dr. Lewis' June 8 retirement dinner.

All of these world-famous personalities have walked the streets of Augusta – thanks to the gracious and humble personality of Dr. Shirley A.R. Lewis.

Also, under her watch, the annual Paine College United Negro College Fund Jazz Festival and the annual Masquerade Ball are two events that have grown annually to become highly anticipated aspects of Augusta's burgeoning social scene.

In a nutshell, it's appropriate to say "Thanks" to Dr. Lewis for enlightening the city and for showing her many widely-known friends that we in Augusta appreciate having a grand old time.

Dr. Lewis and her husband Dr. Ronald Lewis are two people that will be sorely be missing in action from Augusta's social scene.

Sincerely and thanks for everything:

Timothy Cox
Staff Writer
The Augusta Chronicle

Yolanda “Yoki” King is honored in personal tribute by a fellow Baby Boomer

The recent and surprising death of Yolanda "Yoki" King comes as a shock to many of us who have lived our lives under the wide-ranging mantle called "Baby Boomer."

On April 16, 1963, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. comprised the famous “Letter from a Birmingham Jail."

In this piece of literary history, he first introduces the public to his precious oldest child, while attempting to provide her with logical answers for which he had a difficult time responding. In the Birmingham Letter, Dr. King so eloquently writes about the difficulty that arises

... when you suddenly find your tounge twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six-year-old daughter why she can't go to the public amusement park that has just been advertised on television and see the tears welling up in her little eyes when she is told that "Funtown" is closed to colored children, and see the depressing clouds of inferiority begin to form in her mental sky, and see her begin to distort her little personality by unconsciously developing a bitterness toward white people.

On Tuesday, May 15, 2007, the little girl who was the subject of Dr. King's "Funtown" remarks in the preceding letter, died at the age of 51.

Yolanda Denise King was born in November 1955, a month before Rosa Parks would refuse to sit on the back of the bus - sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which in essence, started the non-violent, Civil Rights Movement led by her father, Dr. King.

On many levels, Yolanda "Yoki" King's death is considered a significant event - considering she is the first-born child of one of the world's all-time peacemakers and the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize honoree.

For many of us Baby Boomers, when it comes to the King Children and the Kennedy Children, we have witnessed these famous offspring go about their public lives (usually) as inconspicuously as possible.

But, the death of Yoki King comes unexpectedly. Especially considering that her mother, Coretta Scott King, just recently died in January 2006.

One would surmise that the famous King Children would've lived on to a ripe old age. And this thought was mirrored in a message delivered at Yoki's May 24 funeral at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, by her longtime friend, Juandalynn Abernathy -- daughter of the late Ralph David Abernathy.

But, then again, "John-John" Kennedy Jr. died unexpectedly and tragically in July 1999. And he was only 38.

Therefore, I take great pride in cherishing the life of Yolanda "Yoki" King and extend my condolences to her family and siblings, Martin L. King III, Dexter Scott King and the Rev. Bernice King.

Consider this a personal tribute to the life of Yolanda “Yoki” King. And, a well-deserved one.

Rest In Peace, "Yoki."

By Timothy Cox

The Augusta Chronicle

Staff Writer

Remembering Ryan Clark

Ryan Clark, known to friends as Stack, was one month from graduating as a triple major at Virginia Tech when he was killed in the mass shooting there on April 16, 2007. Though exactly what happened in those moments is still unclear, some accounts suggest the 22-year-old Lakeside graduate was going to the aid of others in his dorm when he was gunned down.

The details of that day will continue to surface in other forums; in this one, we'd like to hear your memories of the life of Ryan Clark.

(Do you have a photo or video clip you'd like to share? You can e-mail items to newsteam@augustachronicle.com. We will post them as received.)

The Eagles? Please try again, says Uhles

A couple of weeks ago, The Chronicle's Steven Uhles asked readers what rock-era act most deserves the title of Great American Band.

This week, he weighed in on the most common choice of those who responded -- the Eagles. Longevity and massive record sales aside, they just weren't an original or especially interesting band, he writes.

To those who said Eagles: We invite you to explain the appeal.

Meanwhile, the default choice for Great American Band continues to be the Beach Boys. Unless you've got a better idea.

Woman dances with golden retriever

The Chronicle has a story Friday on the rising popularity of dancing with dogs, particularly among older women. Here's a video clip of canine freestyle stars Carolyn and Rookie in action (via YouTube.)

Remembering Charlie Norwood

Rep. Charlie Norwood lost his eight-year battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cancer Tuesday afternoon at his home in Augusta. His passing has many throughout the area talking about his contributions to the community and national government.

Although a stalwart Republican, the former dentist enjoyed broad community support and popularity and was known primarily in Washington for his efforts to improve patients’ rights, in addition to broad reform initiatives in many areas of business and government.

The governor will set a date for a special election within the next 30 days to replace him.

Regardless of why you remember him, tell us about the effect you think he had on you and the community.

- Read the story: U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood dies at 65

Remembering Mayor DeVaney

Longtime Augusta mayor and civic leader Charles DeVaney died on Sunday, and his passing has many throughout the area reflecting on the difference he made in the community.

Among other things, Sylvia Cooper writes about his work to push the Augusta Riverfront project to completion and his efforts to complete the consolidation of Augusta and Richmond County.

Others remember him for the leadership he provided by taking command during the turmoil of Ed McIntyre's conviction on bribery and extortion charges in 1984.

Regardless of why you remember him, tell us about the impact he had on your life and the community he served.

Tonight, the state of our union is ____

Help fill in the blank. What should President Bush say this evening in his State of the Union address? What national issues are most important to you?

After the speech airs tonight at 9 p.m., also feel free to come back and leave a follow-up on what the president actually says.

Related: State of the Union to discuss health care, Iraq

Which James Brown album is your favorite?

Is it one of his celebrated classics, or a little-known gem?

Vintage television clip of JB dancing to 'I Got You'

Check out James' furious footwork -- this appears to be where Michael Jackson stole all of his best moves, 20 years later.

Remembering James Brown

On Monday, Augusta and the world lost a legend. James Brown died Christmas morning in Atlanta at the age of 73. Mr. Brown's personal and legal issues were well known but he also leaves behind a legacy of charity work and good will.

James Brown
1933-2006

For years Mr. Brown has given out toys and turkeys to needy families in Augusta. In 1968, he played a role in cooling down riots that broke out in several U.S. cities after the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. While Mr. Brown never served in the military, he traveled to Vietnam to visit and entertain troops.

It is reported that Mr. Brown gave a new Lincoln to a woman in Kansas who couldn't get to church on time because her car broke down.

Professionally, his list of awards and honors are matched by few. Mr. Brown also had over 98 entries on Billboard's top 40 R&B singles chart, a record unsurpassed by any other artist.

In 1962, his "Live at the Apollo" sold a million copies, the largest number ever for a black music album at the time. In 1997, the House of Representatives authored a resolution commending Mr. Brown as a "musical genius." He was one of the first inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received the lifetime achievement award at the 34th Grammy Awards.

Much has been said about Mr. Brown's legacy. Now we want to know what you think. Share you memories and thoughts of James Brown here.

Related link: Complete James Brown coverage
Photos: Early Years | Final Augusta Show

Post a message to the 67th Signal Battalion

The men and women of the 67th Signal Battalion deployed in October for a year-long tour in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait, where they provide battlefield communications to coalition forces in war zones. Soldiers of the 67th, who are kept very busy setting up and moving operations around, are encamped in over 15 separate locations.

You can leave a message of support for the 67th here.

Remembering Gerald Levert

Scrapbook: Photos from Gerald Levert's performance in Augusta

Gerald Levert: Born July 13, 1966 -- Died, Nov. 10, 2006

On Friday, Nov. 10, 2006, the music world was stunned upon receiving news about the unexpected fatal heart attack which claimed the life of R&B soul singer Gerald Levert in his native Cleveland, Ohio. He was just 40.

As the son of Eddie Levert of The O’Jays, Gerald Levert was considered musical royalty and was part of a legacy that found him carrying the proverbial torch lit by the likes of vocal crooners such as Nat “King” Cole, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye.

He now joins that legendary quartet of singers in Soul Music Heaven, we could assume.

For many in the Augusta, Georgia region, Gerald Levert’s impact in life and death is significant to people who are deeply rooted in this soul music hotbed which has also spawned the likes of internationally acclaimed artists in country, pop, funk, quartet-gospel, hip-hop, rock, gospel-bluegrass and opera.

Gerald Levert had a special bond with many Augustans and that fact was demonstrated recently when he played at a nearly sold-out Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center which has since been renamed the James Brown Civic Center.

Gerald Levert was the opening act for Maze featuring Frankie Beverly on Sept. 16, 2006 -- a show which will forever be listed in musical annals, considering the performance is one of the final times Gerald Levert would grace a performance stage.

We, respectfully open our lines of communications to those who may wish to pay final respects to the late entertainer. Feel free to write brief tributes to this fallen balladeer, Gerald Levert.

By Timothy Cox
The Augusta Chronicle
Staff Writer

The claw hammer and the last beer

We've reached the end of our trip through the 13 oddest things to come from The Chronicle in recent years. (See all 13.)

Our No. 1 entry was one of our most-read stories last year, a grimly compelling Southern gothic item Flannery O'Connor could have imagined. We think the weirdness of real life can be a lot scarier than ghosts and goblins. Thankfully the woman in the story escaped largely unscathed.

Police said Wednesday that an Augusta man they arrested hit his wife in the head with a hammer because she drank their last can of beer.

Read the story
 

The Smell of '04

Coming in at No. 2 on our list of oddities from The Chronicle's archive, The Smell of '04 remains an unsolved mystery to this day.

Oh, a possible explanation was floated by local officials toward the end. The ungodly stench arose, they said, from chicken manure.

Or not. It seems the officials were really just guessing.

Chronicle metro editor Bill Kirby held his nose at this explanation. "I know the fragrance of chicken manure, and whatever that was last week didn't smell like poultry poop," Kirby wrote. "It smelled like the floor of hell's dog pound."

Kirby had also dug into papers going back decades and unearthed a pair of similar occurrences that raised questions. Particularly interesting was a 19th century incident, in which workers unleashed a force better left dormant:

While building the Augusta Canal in 1849, workmen began to dig their way through an ancient swamp and soon you had townsfolk complaining about the reek of thousand-year-old rotted goop. I figure it must have been bad because these were people accustomed to outhouses.

The Smell of 2004 disappeared as it arrived, without warning, taking with it any chance of figuring out what the heck it was.

Of course, we have our theories. How about you?

Read the full story:

Residents report foul smell in neighborhood

Odor might be linked to chicken manure

Kirby: Excuses behind Augusta's odors smell suspicious

Kirby: Theories on strange odor come wafting on the wind
 

Creepy photos disturb some

When No. 3 on our Halloween-inspired list was published earlier this year, not everyone was thrilled to see such macabre photos in the paper -- in the "living" section, no less.

"Instead of Your Life, it's your death!" one caller said in disgust.

Do dissected human bodies teach some lesson? Yield some insight when displayed as art pieces? We leave that for you to decide.

But be warned, what follows is not for everybody:

Some say beauty is skin deep. A new Atlanta exhibit goes even deeper - all the way to the bone - to reveal the beauty inside the human body.

Bodies ... The Exhibition contains human bodies and a variety of body parts in a museum setting. The result is a fascinating and at times creepy display of human anatomy.

Liquid silicone rubber is used to preserve human tissue, creating odorless cadavers; permanently preserved specimens that are rubbery to the touch and have a crystalline finish.

Read the story and see the photos
 

Dirt and bones

Everyone who's seen Poltergeist knows that when you mess around with graves in the course of an improvement project, you're begging for trouble.

So we're still concerned about the potential fallout from last month's macabre episode at Arts in the Heart, in which city workers ingeniously used grave dirt and human remains to fill potholes.

Sure, laugh now. It's always funny until somebody gets sucked into their laptop screen while using wi-fi at the Common.

We're creeped out enough that this tale earns the No. 4 spot on our Halloween list of weird stuff from The Chronicle.

Read the story
 

Business can be scary

No. 5 on our Halloween countdown is a collection of true tales from the Chronicle business desk, originally published in 2005. A house that comes alive, a gore-spattered car, a grisly discovery and a bizarre bank robber are just some of the thrills and chills remembered by Augusta business leaders:

Gwen Fulcher Young thought nobody was home. She was wrong.

The owner of Gwen Fulcher Young and Associates Real Estate Co. was just a rookie Realtor at the time.

She had arrived at the Martinez home with an associate to preview the property and meet with the client.

"Nobody came to the door," Ms. Young remembers.

She thought he was gone, but the TV was on and so were the lights. She entered cautiously, calling out "Hello?"

Nobody said "hello" back. As she rounded the corner to the kitchen, she found out why.

Read the story