LIVINGSTON, TX – Residents of Polk County were on high alert this week after reports of a black panther sighting in the area. However, one local woman was left red-faced after mistaking the large cat for her neighbor’s pet.

Carol Johnson, 54, was out for her morning walk when she spotted what she thought was a dangerous predator lurking in the bushes near her property. Panicked, she immediately called animal control to report the sighting.

“I was terrified,” Johnson explained. “I thought I was face-to-face with a black panther. I couldn’t believe it was just Mr. Jenkins’ cat, Mittens.”

Animal control officials arrived on the scene to find Mittens the cat innocently exploring the neighborhood, much to the amusement of onlookers. The misunderstanding quickly spread throughout the tight-knit community, with many residents poking fun at Johnson’s overreaction.

In other news, the local Water Department has issued a warning about the quality of public water in the area, advising residents to boil their water before consumption due to concerns about contamination. When asked about the issue, Mayor Jenkins assured citizens that steps were being taken to address the problem, but residents were skeptical.

“I don’t trust that water as far as I can throw it,” said longtime resident Gus Wilson. “I’ve been drinking sweet tea for weeks now just to be safe.”

Meanwhile, rumors of a Texas Craft Fair coming to town have excited residents, with hopes of showcasing local artisans and bringing in tourists. However, sources close to the event have revealed that the fair is actually just a front for a new Homeowners Association (HOA) looking to impose strict regulations on the community.

When reached for comment, a spokesperson for the HOA denied any ulterior motives, stating, “We just want what’s best for the neighborhood. And if that means banning pink flamingos from front yards, so be it.”

As tensions rise in Polk County, residents are left wondering what will come next in this ever-evolving small-town drama.