Disastrous Storm in the Smokies

There were several stories that made news this past week, and we start with the devastating storm that hit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tragically, two people were killed in the storm. One was a visitor from Georgia, who was killed on a motorcycle when he was struck by a tree. The other was a woman killed when a tree hit her as she was trying to get out of a swimming area.

There were also a number of injuries and a number of visitors stranded in the mountains by downed trees. Campgrounds were closed and roads were made impassable by downed trees. All of this happened in the middle of what has been a good summer for visits to the Smokies.

Joining Gene Patterson to talk about the summer in the Smokies and other issues the park faces, is park biologist Glen Taylor and Holly Scott, with Friends of the Smokies.

If you would like to make a donation to Friends of the Smokies, call 1-800-845-5665.

The other stories making news this week are discussed by the Pundits Panel, former deputy to the Knoxville mayor Craig Griffith, Cortney Piper of Piper Communications, and 6 News political analyst George Korda.