BREAKING: Fire in Downtown Walhalla-Motorist Should Avoid

WGOG’s Dick Mangrum reports the historic Walhalla Presbyterian Church at 600 East Main Street is on fire, and the Walhalla Fire Department asks motorists to avoid main street Walhalla if at all possible.  Flumes of black smoke can be seen from as far away as halfway branch. A ladder truck is on the scene shooting water into the church. It is reported that the structure fire started in the attic of the church and caused the roof to collapse into the sanctuary. WGOG News was told that the church organist was in the sanctuary practicing at the time of the collapse and did escape the fire safely. Firemen have said that the structure of the church may be salvageable, but it will be several more hours before any final decisions can be made. All of Main Street in Walhalla is closed down and motorists are asked to find alternate routes for the next several hours. More details will be posted as they become available.