PF allots funding for animal shelter

Radio personality lobbies support casey@theheraldnewspapers.com The Pigeon Forge Board of Commissioners approved a $10,000 donation for the purchase of a new incinerator for the county animal shelter. Pigeon Forge joined Sevierville and Gatlinburg, which each approved identical donations at their respective meetings last week. The contribution was made as a part of an agreement with a donor, who agreed to match funds for the incinerator, should the county and the three cities put up $10,000 each. The donation came from the East Tennessee Radio Group, which owns several local radio stations, and other anonymous donors. Mix 105.5FM on-air personality Steve Hartford attended the Pigeon Forge meeting Monday, personally thanking the city for its support. “I would just like to thank the mayor, the city manager, (and) the city commissioners for approving the donation to the Sevier County Humane Society. Particularly, to Commissioner McClure for his help and guidance,” Hartford said. “We take the Humane Society very seriously as we do the schools and other different organizations. It’s one of those things — it doesn’t happen if everyone doesn’t work together,” said Mayor Ralph Chance. The Sevier County Humane Society recently faced the question of what to do with its euthanized animals, which The Herald first reported on in February. Their current incinerator has been out of service for quite some time and has proven to be too costly to maintain. SCHS President Sally Worden estimated a new incinerator could cost $60,000 or more. The Humane Society recently sent out a letter stating it would have to limit the number of animals it receives from the community and animal control because it no longer has a method to dispose of euthanized animals. The Sevier County Commission did not address the issue at its previous meeting and will not meet again until June 19.