Walhalla’s heart bleeds for Gatlinburg

In a time of need, Walhallans gave generously to the fire fighters who fought a raging Pickens County mountain fire that spread into North Carolina.  Now Walhallans are going to be asked one more time to help.  This time, for a Tennessee mountain community upended by fire.  Scott Parris, utilities director, received the go-ahead last night for his employees and those in the fire department to collect household items, pet supplies and other donations for Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  Parris says his workers are motivated because of the close kinship they feel with a mountain community where they’ve enjoyed many vacations.  The mayor and council think it’s a great idea—especially David Underwood.  Councilman Underwood said it would be his hope that if Walhalla ever experienced a Gatlinburg fire that some other city would come to its aid.  The city council last night also heard Fire Chief Doug Kelly’s report on the recent drive that his department led to provide water and food for the 250 fire fighters at Pinnacle Mountain.