"I was looking out bathroom window [on Mountain Heights Drive] into the backyard and saw a black bear (approx. 400 lbs.) coming to within 2-3 feet of my home. Bear casually walked around house going into front yard. He/she saw me at front door and picked up speed crossing road and headed into neighbors backyard. I had run to get my digital camera to take a picture, but I was spotted at door and bear scurred away.

"About an hour before seeing the bear, out same bathroom window had 8 female turkey and a gobbler grazing in backyard.

"We have had black bear in this area before, although this was my first time to see one so close. Sure glad this wasn't one of the mornings I take a walk around my home."

-- Judy Amos

"I thought you might be interested in hearing what happened to me on my way home tonight [Oct.9.]. I hit a black bear on Alleghany Dr near Medeco. Actually, I saw the bear running basically at me from the side. I hit the gas and turned away and the bear hit the my car right behind the drivers door. I was lucky, the damage seems to be minor but need to check it out in the daylight tomorrow. The only thing that makes me mad is that I didn't get a picture!"

-- Gerry Sharpe

"On October 9th I traveled from our home in Fairways II in Salem to visit friends in the Bradshaw area off Route 311. Shortly after turning onto 311 at Hanging Rock, I noticed a large bear coming from behind a stand of trees. I have been watching for bears since last July when one destroyed the bird feeder in our yard. Finally my wait was over...I was able to see this wonderful creature at close range...albeit for just a few seconds. I quickly attempted to pull off the road so I could get a picture with my cell phone but the startled bear gave my Jeep a quick look and headed back behind the trees. I've seen two other bears since I moved to the Roanoke area but I can assure you seeing one is something you just never forget. They are simply beautiful animals to see in a natural environment!"

-- Kevin Connolly

If you've seen a bear in or around Salem, let us know at news@sosalem.com.

Salem students make National College dean's list

National College in the Roanoke Valley has released the Dean's List for the summer terms.

The following students from Salem achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.5 out of a possible 4.0 and thus achieving the honor and privilege of being placed on the Dean's List:

First summer term: Brandice Alley, Rhonda Armitage, Kip Bartholomew, Ivy Colazo, Lorie Deisher, Courtney Doss, Danielle Jennings, Sandy Link, Ethel Rhodes, Donald Shumway, Myra Whitley

Second summer term: Tia Rosser

Arrington wins senior tournament

Edward Arrington of Salem was the overall winner in the Roanoke Valley Senior Golf tour's October tournament held Oct. 13 at Blue Hills Golf Club.

Arrington completed his round with a net score of 63. For more on the tournament, see The Notebook on sosalem.com.

Submitted by Tommy Firebaugh