MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – On Saturday, October 21, the Montgomery County Archives Department dedicated a reading room to former 30-year County Historian and Author Eleanor Williams who passed away in August 2023.  

County Director of Archives Sarah Fry, along with Mayor Wes Golden, talked about William’s contributions and the importance of preserving our local history. Grandsons Wade and Jacob Williams, and great-granddaughter Sydney Williams were there to honor Eleanor Williams' legacy. 

Wade Williams said he felt confident his grandmother's legacy and collection would be well cared for by Montgomery County Archives.

Also attending were current County Historian Carolyn Ferrell, Deputy Historian Shana Thorton and husband Terry Morris, County Director of Continuous Improvement Andrew Kester and wife Deb Kester, the Archives staff, and friends of Eleanor Williams.

Eleanor Williams was a published author, accomplished historian, and world traveler devoted to her family and church. Williams also served as secretary to Brigadier General Michael Paulick in the 1960s.

Those who attended the ceremony were escorted on a tour where historical gems like glass plate negatives from the 1850s – 1880s were shared.

To learn more about the Montgomery County Archives Department and the contributions of Eleanor Williams, visit mcgtn.org.

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Ashleigh Travis was sworn into office on October 6 as the sixth circuit court judge of the 19th Judicial District by Judge Jill Ayers of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals. The new 19th Judicial District position was created by the Tennessee General Assembly in May 2023. 

Friends, family, and dignitaries attended the ceremony at the Doug Weiland Courts Center in support of Judge Travis who most recently served as the child support magistrate judge.

Judge Ayers talked about Travis with admiration and closed by adding “When we selected Ashleigh as child support magistrate judge, we knew we had picked a great judge and we will take all the credit for it.”

“As the child support magistrate judge, I strove to be courteous to all litigants and attorneys. I swore that I would always give grace and understanding and will work to continue practicing that as a circuit court judge,” stated Travis.

Judge Bateman added how much the judges appreciated Governor Lee and our state representatives for increasing the number of judges to support the cases in the growing 19th Judicial District.

Travis joins Judges Katy Olita, William R. Goodman, Robert Bateman, Joel Wallace, Jr., and Adrienne Fry in representing Montgomery and Robertson counties as circuit court judges. 

Several dignitaries attended the ceremony, including Congressman Mark Green, Senator Bill Powers, Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden, Representative Jeff Burkhart, and District Attorney General Robert Nash.

A new child support magistrate judge is expected to be selected by November 1, 2023.

For information on the Montgomery County Court System, visit mcgtn.org.

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Last Edited: October 18, 2023 @ 10:11 am

County hosts New Year’s Eve Event in downtown Clarksville

 MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – For the first time, Montgomery County will host a New Year’s Eve event beginning at 9 p.m. on December 31, 2023, at Downtown Commons. This family-friendly event will include singing, dancing, and food! A 10-piece live band, dance floor, and string lighting will be placed on the lawn under a clear tent. There will also be a photo-booth trailer, food trucks, lounge seating, outdoor fire pits, and a surprise ‘drop’ at midnight during the celebration. This event is free and open to the public.

“I’m excited about this opportunity for our community to come together right here in Clarksville. When I proposed the idea to our Parks & Recreation Director Sally Read, she and her team were eager to offer the New Year's Eve option at Downtown Commons. I hope people will come out and enjoy the festivities,” said Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden.

Any additional details about the New Year’s Eve event will be posted on the Montgomery County, Downtown Commons, and Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Facebook pages.

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The Clarksville-Montgomery County Veterans Day Parade will take place on Saturday, Nov. 11, with pre-parade ceremonies set for 9 a.m. in front of the historic courthouse (south side) on Third Street in downtown Clarksville. The keynote speaker is Air Force Master Sergeant (Ret) Joe Thomas, Jr.

This year’s Veterans Day Parade theme is “Salute to Veterans in Law Enforcement.” 

“The Veterans Day Parade allows the community to come together and thank our military veterans for their service and sacrifice. I hope to see our community come out to support some of our local heroes,” said County Mayor Wes Golden.

“Our staff is always honored to host this community parade. We work with our remarkable veterans daily and appreciate the value they add to Clarksville and Montgomery County. Taking some time to support our veterans is a small token of appreciation for their contributions,” stated VSO Director Hector Santos.

For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be livestreamed on the Montgomery County, Tennessee official Facebook page. It will also be filmed and posted on CDE Lightband’s Clarksville Community Network (CCN).

The Parade begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of N. Eighth and College Streets, next to the Sundquist Science Building at Austin Peay State University, with the reviewing stand at the Third Street side of the courthouse. The parade will proceed from College left onto University Avenue, right onto Main Street, left onto 3rd Street, left onto Commerce Street, left onto University Avenue, right onto Franklin Street, left onto 8th Street, and back to the APSU parking area.                               

For more information, contact the Montgomery County Veterans Service Organization at 553-5173. Parade entry forms for veterans groups and other local organizations, as well as route maps, can be picked up at the office between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, or by e-mail request to [email protected] Parade entries will be accepted through Friday, Oct. 27.

The aquarium is now home to native lake and river fish

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – On Saturday, October 7, the lone large-mouth bass inhabiting the 500-gallon aquarium at the Wade Bourne Nature Center (WBNC) received some company. Catfish, black crappie, bluegills, and two additional large-mouth bass, all native to Tennessee lakes and rivers, were carefully released into the tank by Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Natural Resource and Program Manager Katie Nettie. 

The aquarium and fish are available for the public to enjoy thanks to generous donations from the Wade Bourne Nature Center Foundation (WBNCF). The WBNCF donated the funding for the 500-gallon Fish Tank in April of this year, the water and chemicals were added in June, and the test fish was released into the tank on September 1, to ensure the chemicals were properly balanced before adding more fish.

"We have added fish to our huge tank and we want people to come out to the Nature Center and see them. They look small now but they will grow quickly,” said Rosalind Kurita, Chair of WBNCF.

The aquarium is visible outside from the deck until 9 p.m. and inside the WBNC along with many other displays and species native to Montgomery County.

“We are excited to offer this unique educational experience to our community and thankful to the Foundation for their support. The fish bring life and an opportunity for kids of all ages to engage with our local river neighbors,” added Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Director Sally Burchett.

For information on Montgomery County Parks and Recreation and the many educational and fun opportunities they offer, visit mcgtn.org.

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