Montgomery County, Tenn. — Montgomery County Safety & Risk Director Jennifer Hood has been elected  to serve as a member of National Public Risk Management Association’s (PRIMA) Board of Directors. Hood has worked for the county for more than 13 years working for employees to provide a safe work environment, lower insurance costs and provide proper care for employees who are injured at work. 

“Hood is known for her positive attitude and willingness to jump in and help others. Being chosen as a National PRIMA board member is a big deal that reflects well on Jennifer and Montgomery County as a whole,” said Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett. 

PRIMA is the largest risk management association in the world dedicated to benefitting the public risk management community for more than 40 years. Membership for PRIMA is made up of more than 1,400 entities that are able to use the Association as a one-stop shop for education, training, risk resources, and networking. PRIMA absorbed the Public Entity Risk Insitute (PERI) in 2013, and is overseen by an independent board of six directors made up of of a public risk professionals throughout the United States.

“I am both humbled and honored to be able to serve on the board of such a prestigious organization,” said Hood.” I truly could not have seen all the blessings I have received while working at Montgomery County without the help of an amazing risk management team, phenomenal leaders like Mayor Jim Durrett and Chief-of-Staff Kyle Johnson, elected officials, department heads, county commissioners and the incredible county employees. I am proud to be part of the MoCo family.”

Under Hood’s direction the risk management department has increased awareness of safety in all departments resulting in decreased workplace injuries which saves taxpayer dollars, secured improved insurance rates and was essential in working with county departments through the COVID-19 crisis. Her vigilance and approachability have helped the risk management department evolve to where it is today. 

Montgomery County is very proud to recognize her for her hard work and all that she has done for our County. 

Last Edited: April 26, 2022 @ 2:58 pm

Montgomery County, Tenn. — Earlier this month, the Clarksville-Montgomery County Traffic Safety Task Force partnered with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) to conduct a Distracted-Driving Operation Hands-Free bus tour in Clarksville-Montgomery County.

Bus transportation was provided by Montgomery County Emergency Medical Services (MCEMS) for members of the Task Force to use while Tennessee State Troopers, Clarksville Police, and Montgomery County Deputies patrolled nearby. As those riding the bus traveled throughout the County, they assisted law enforcement in looking for hands-free violations, seatbelt violations, and other road hazards to help limit traffic incidents and crashes. 

Stats from the bus tour resulted in 55 hands-free citations given that included 10 seatbelt violations, two speeding citations, and 43 other citations for distracted driving-related violations. 

“We conduct this bus tour annually during the month of April to create awareness and help drivers understand the importance of staying focused on the road. Distracted driving is the number one cause of cashes in Montgomery County. It costs lives, hospitalizations, disabilities, property damage and increased insurance rates for all residents in the community,” said Montgomery County Drivers Safety Administrator Lisa McClain.

In recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the THSO collaborated with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GHSO), the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), the American Automobile Association (AAA), and traffic safety members across Tennessee for Operation Hands-Free. The campaign in Tennessee kicked off with four press events in early April with distracted-driving bus tours in Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville.  

The purpose of "Operation Hands-Free" is to reduce distracted-driving crashes and fatalities by increasing enforcement efforts and educating citizens about Tennessee’s Hands-Free law. 

“We don’t issue citations lightly. Selective traffic enforcement targets a specific pattern. We want people to pay attention to the road, for their safety and the safety of others. No one plans on getting into a motor vehicle crash.  They may have been driving while distracted for years and nothing has happened, but that doesn’t mean it won’t. Our first responders have been to some horrific crash scenes that have changed people’s lives, and the lives of those who love them. The bottom line is that many crashes are avoidable and preventable, but we have to change the behaviors which contribute to them, we want all of the people in our community to drive safely,” said Lt. Vincent Lewis, CPD Traffic Unit Supervisor.

Learn more about Tennessee's Hands-free law at: www.HandsFreeTN.com   

To access distracted driving crash data provided by Tennessee’s Integrated Traffic Analysis Network (TITAN): www.tn.gov/safety/stats/dashboards/distracted-driver.html

Montgomery County, Tenn. — Montgomery County recently recognized two community volunteers, Curtis Driver and Ethan Morrow, at April’s formal County Commission meeting. They were presented with proclamations from County Mayor Jim Durrett for being selected as the 2021 Montgomery County adult and youth recipients of the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards (GVSA). Driver and Morrow were also recognized at the annual GVSA statewide award ceremony in February of this year.

Retired Major Curtis Driver was awarded the honor as the 2021 Montgomery County adult recipient for his work to support military veterans in Montgomery County and surrounding communities. Driver joined the Army in 2001, prior to 9/11, and served as a physician’s assistant and flight surgeon during his time in service. 

He has served as the Ft. Campbell/ Clarksville Team Red, White, and Blue (RWB) Volunteer Veteran Engagement Director for the last three years overseeing and directing coordinators to assist in arranging and scheduling at least one event a day to re-engage veterans in the community, exemplifying the RWB’s mission to enrich the lives of America's veterans. When the local Tennessee State Veterans Home (TSVH) closed to the public during the pandemic, Driver worked with others to maintain RWB’s active presence by committing to door visits with the residents a letter campaign to ensure Veteran residents did not feel forgotten. Driver works to assist in delivering virtual and local, inclusive opportunities for veterans and the community to connect through physical and social activity through fitness activities, social gatherings, and community service events. He facilitates building strong local connections with members and organizations within the community.

Driver is also an involved member of the Montgomery County Veterans Coalition that consistently volunteers to assist Veterans. He also volunteers his time and talents with the Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association, Wounded Warrior, and suicide prevention serves and as a member of LifePoint Church, he serves as a small group leader.

“It was an honor to be nominated and receive this award. There are many people who voluntarily serve the military Veterans of this community every day through organizations like RWB and others. I feel privileged to be counted among them,” said Driver. 

Ethan Morrow was selected as the 2021 Montgomery County Youth GVSA recipient because of his combined commitment and passion for the outdoors and literacy. As part of his Eagle Scout Service Project through Boy Scouts of America, Morrow collaborated with the Clarksville-Montgomery County Imaginary Library, solicited grants and funding from the Tennessee Child Care Resource & Referral Network, local businesses, and members of the community for the funds and received approval from Montgomery County Parks and Recreation to build Imagination Library Storybook Trails at Weakley and RichEllen Parks. The storybook trails created an atmosphere where families can walk along the trails and read the pages of children’s books for the purpose of increasing physical activity and promoting literacy.

An added intent of the project was to create further interest for additional trails throughout Montgomery County Parks and in surrounding communities 

Morrow is an active teenager who is involved at Clarksville High School as a section leader in Marching Band, and as a participant in the Concert Band and Jazz Band. He is exceptionally active in Scouting in Troop 365, Venturing Crew 225, as a staffer at Boxwell Scout Reservation, and as Vice Chief of Chapter Operations for the Order of the Arrow Honor Society.

“Volunteering is the norm in my family and it is a vital part of being a Boy Scout. I appreciate the award and hope it brings recognition to the important mission of the Scouts and making a positive difference in the community,” stated Morrow.

“One of the best parts of being Mayor is recognizing people like Curtis and Ethan for giving of themselves to make our community better and stronger. I’m thankful for all those who go above and beyond to volunteer in Montgomery County,” said Mayor Durrett.

The Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award is a statewide recognition program that was instituted by former Governor Phil Bredesen to honor and publicly recognize citizens in the adult and youth categories from each county for their exemplary volunteer service to their community. 

Nominations for individuals and businesses can be accepted as early as September. Anyone who would like to submit a nomination can find information about the GVSA at https://www.tn.gov/volunteer-tennessee/vt-events/vt-gvsa.html.  Nominations for this year’s honorees are due to [email protected] by November 8, 2022.

Montgomery County, TN — On March 30 a Clarksville-Montgomery County Green Certification ribbon cutting took place for The Little College on Stokes Road. The ribbon cutting was attended by Little College staff, the Green Certification Program Board, and City of Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts. 

The Little College, a childcare facility that opened in 2021, joins the Green Certification Program at the gold level. The facility optimizes energy efficiency and emphasizes recycling with the children. Their sister facility, Little Learners University, joined the Green Certification Program in 2020. 

Mayor Pitts stated that when children are taught at an early age, they can teach others. He referenced Lady Bird Johnson’s thoughts when she joined Keep America Beautiful that if she could only get into every elementary school, the children would teach parents and others about not littering. 

The Little College provides quality childcare in a home atmosphere. The facility is located at 2305 Stokes Road. You can find more information about The Little College online at https://www.thelittlecollege.org/ or Facebook at @thelittlecollege.

The Clarksville-Montgomery County Green Certification Program is a free Program available to any organization with Montgomery County. The Program promotes sustainability with a focus on improving resource efficiency and resiliency. If your organization is interested in learning more about Green Certification, visit http://mcgtn.org/green.

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Pictured from left to right:  Front row: Schelese Lewis Ogburn, TeNeka Kennedy, Tracy Waller, Rose Melton and back row: Mayor Joe Pitts, Doug Jones, Mary Anderson, Sierra Allison

Montgomery County, TN — On Friday, March 18, the Montgomery County Diversity and Inclusion Office held its first Women's Panel named #SheMeansBusiness, at the Clarksville-Montgomery County Public Library. 

This event provided an opportunity to educate, motivate, and inspire the attendees with personal stories shared by women in County Government. The discussion led with an introduction of each panelist followed by a poignant message about women empowering women from guest speaker Dr. Rashidah Leverett who also serves as a Montgomery County Commissioner. Each panelist touched on some of the obstacles and challenges they have overcome.

The room was filled with attendees who were eager to hear and ask questions of the panelists as they shared their knowledge and experiences. Six guest panelists participated in the discussion: Purchasing Agent Stephanie Morlock, VSO Assistant Director Stacey Hopwood, General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Sharon Massey Grimes, Chief Deputy County Clerk Teresa Cottrell, Chief Deputy Trustee Sydney Green, and County Commissioner Rashidah Leverett. The event was moderated by Diversity and Inclusion Training Officer Zoyie Jackson.

“It was an honor to celebrate our women in government by hosting Montgomery County’s Inaugural Women’s History discussion panel. I am grateful to our Title VI Team for helping to make this event a success. We are already excited about next year’s event,” stated Jackson.

To follow the events happening with the County Diversity and Inclusion Office, visit Montgomery County Government’s social media sites and the County News section of mcgtn.org.