Temporary Closure of Wade Bourne Nature Center

The Nature Center in Rotary Park is closed due to an air conditioning outage.

July 28, 2021 - Communications Dept.

The Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Department has closed the Wade Bourne Nature Center due to a failure with the HVAC system. The decision was made this afternoon after Director of Parks and Recreation Jerry Allbert received notification that the system could be out of service for up to seven days.

“The temperatures are just too high for us to keep the Nature Center open to the public. However, all other outside areas of Rotary Park, such as the trails, playground, pavilions, horseshoe pits, and disc golf, are open. We appreciate the community’s patience and will open the Nature Center as soon as we can,” said Allbert.

The Wade Bourne Nature Center offers an interactive area for kids and adults to learn about the wildlife indigenous to Montgomery County as well as information about the legacy of nationally recognized journalist and conservationist, Wade Bourne.

Expect an increase in large truck traffic around event center site beginning July 7

Expect an increase in large truck traffic around event center site beginning July 7

July 6, 2021 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TN – Beginning July 7, there will be an increased number of large delivery trucks going in and out of the downtown event center site. The periodic shipments are expected through the end of 2021.

“Deliveries will not be an everyday occurrence but there will be regular drop-offs throughout the year. We felt it was important to share this information with the public since it may have occasional effects on the flow of traffic,” said Jordan Wyman, Senior Vice President of Commonwealth Development Group, Inc.

Trucks will be directed to approach the site by turning onto Jefferson Street from Riverside Drive and then right onto First Street and into the site. The drivers will depart the construction site by turning right onto Main Street then onto Riverside Drive.

The steel frame for the event center is anticipated to be complete by the end of the year.

Montgomery County Health Department to relocate COVID-19 Vaccination Site

Moore Magnet School will serve as the new vaccination site starting June 1

May 28th, 2021 - Communications Dept.

CLARKSVILLE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. –The Montgomery County Health Department will move the location of the COVID-19 vaccination site to Moore Magnet Elementary School, located at 1350 Madison Street, on June 1, 2021. The Moore Magnet vaccination site is expected to remain in operation through July 30.

The County Health Department administers the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which is a two-part vaccination, to individuals ages 12 and up with no appointment necessary between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Individuals who would like to schedule an appointment can visit https://vaccinate.tn.gov/.

“I believe I speak for the community when I say how grateful we are to the Carfaro Family and Governor’s Square Mall management for their generosity and kindness while they graciously hosted our health department in the former SEARS Automotive Center,” said Montgomery County Health Director Joey Smith.

For more information about the services offered through the Montgomery County Health Department visit https://mcgtn.org/health or call 931-648-5747.

Montgomery County Highway Department Announces New Safety Director

May 27th, 2021 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – The Montgomery County Highway Department announces the promotion of Donald Jeff Davidson from service coordinator to safety director.

Davidson is replacing recently retired Dwayne Tyler who was the safety director of the County Highway Department for 40 years.

“We had some great candidates apply externally and internally. Jeff rose to the top because of his education and breadth of knowledge and experience at different levels of the highway department which has helped him see safety needs within our department from different viewpoints. I look forward to working with Jeff in this role,” said Highway Department Supervisor Jeff Bryant.

Davidson holds a BS degree in occupational safety and health and has worked for the highway department since 1996 in several positions, most recently as a service coordinator. He also served as the risk manager for Montgomery County Government from 1999 through 2003.

The Montgomery County Highway Department is a full-service department equipped with a vehicle maintenance facility, sign shop, road striping, paving, mowing and construction equipment covering 770.84 miles of roads and 139 bridges for the citizens and businesses of Montgomery County. Responsibilities include mowing county rights-of-way, snow and debris removal, bridge and road construction, and striping.

For more information about the department, visit https://mcgtn.org/highway.

Montgomery County Government Offices will be Closed in Observance of Memorial Day

May 25th, 2021 - Communications Dept.

Montgomery County, TN — Montgomery County Government offices will be closed Monday, May 31 in observance of Memorial Day. All County offices will reopen on Tuesday, June 1 at normal operating hours.

Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett encourages the community, “On this 2021 Memorial Day, I ask that you take time to remember that our freedom is paid for by the sacrifice of soldiers and their families.”

Although County offices are closed on Memorial Day, many online services are offered through the Montgomery County, Tennessee web-site Gov tab and an outdoor kiosk is available 24/7 outside the County Clerk’s Office at Veteran’s Plaza for vehicle renewal registration.

New Drone Package Enhances Capabilities for County’s Emergency Services

A gift from WoodmenLife Insurance assists in EMA operations

May 19th, 2021 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) recently acquired a drone package to enhance the capabilities in missing person searches, damage assessment and other search and rescue responses thanks to a $20,000 donation from WoodmenLife Insurance.

Chuck Phillips, local member and president of WoodmenLife Chapter 1069, reached out to WoodmenLife Member and Montgomery County Emergency Services Director Jimmie Edwards to discuss the need for a drone package.

“I was inspired by a story about a drone used by the Murfreesboro EMS to quickly locate a lost child. I couldn’t stop thinking about it so I brought the idea of purchasing a drone for Montgomery County EMA to our members who unanimously agreed to make the purchase. We feel like if it saves one life, it’s worth every penny,” stated Phillips.

Rodney Grimsley, assistant director of Montgomery County EMA said, “Chief Edwards tasked me with overseeing the project so I reached out to Austin Peay State University’s GIS Project Manager Doug Catellier for his expertise in selecting the specifications. The GIS Center has been instrumental in supporting EMA through weather events and search operations. We are grateful for this asset which will definitely be put to good use for the community.”

The chapter and rescue squad plan to hold a presentation ceremony later in the year. In the meantime, the rescue squad will be training to use the drone in real-world situations.

About WoodmenLife

WoodmenLife was founded in 1890 as a not-for-profit. The organization gives back to its members across the country, who join together in a shared commitment to family, community and country. With a legacy of financial stability, WoodmenLife offers quality life insurance and retirement products. A person becomes a member when they purchase a WoodmenLife product. Members have access to many extras they can use now. To learn more about the organization, visit https://newsroom.woodmenlife.org/.

For information about Montgomery County EMA and the work they do to support the community, visit https://mcgtn.org/ema.

Emmalee and Nightmasters at Downtown @ Sundown May 21

Local bands perform as tie in to Hunt Local Week

May 17th, 2021 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn – Downtown @ Sundown will feature local artists Emmalee and Nightmasters at this week’s concert at 7 p.m. on May 21 at Downtown Commons.

The first artist to perform Friday evening is Emmalee along with her band. Emmalee was part of Kelly Clarkson’s Team on The Voice in 2020. Her debut single, Fearless, captures the heart of her love for pop music while simultaneously conveying a message of hope and empowerment. Find Your Fire showcases her edgier side and Cover reveals the vulnerability she possesses in her songwriting. Emmalee's songwriting and vocal artistry demonstrate her versatility. She released her first EP at the young age of fifteen. Emmalee’s artistry aspires to connect people from diverse backgrounds.

A well-known local favorite, Nightmasters, is a blues band that covers the entire spectrum of blues from traditional to progressive along with Southern rock, rock, funk, pop and a select dab of country. Nightmasters is a brotherhood of seasoned, multi-talented performers. This group has performed at middle Tennessee and northern Kentucky events like Rivers and Spires, Pickin on the Porch, the Franklin Wine Festival and Red, White and Brewfest.

Local food trucks will also be set up before and during the shows. Chick’nCone, Driving You Donuts, Burgasm, and Kadi’s Tacos & More are all expected to be on site. Additionally, beer and other beverages will be for sale with all proceeds benefiting our featured non-profit, United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region.

“We estimated about 2,000 attendees at our last concert with Parmalee. I hope the community will come out and show the same amount of love and support for our local talent. We are very excited to host two talented acts as another way to support Hunt and Shop Local Clarksville Week,” said Downtown Commons Event Manager Elizabeth Quinton. Main Street will be blocked off between Second and Third streets beginning at 4:30 p.m. to make room for the food trucks.

Downtown @ Sundown Concerts are free and open to the public and take place the first and third Fridays of each month through October. Chairs and blankets are welcome; however, pets, coolers, smoking/vaping or outside alcohol will not be allowed on site.

Downtown @ Sundown is brought to you by TriStar Beverage and F&M Bank and sponsored in part by Waste Connections of Clarksville. To stay up-to-date with events happening at the Downtown Commons visit our Facebook page at Downtown Commons and our Instagram page @downtowncommonstn.

Virtual Memorial Day Ceremony in Montgomery County

Photos are needed for the 2021 Memorial Day Ceremony

May 13th, 2021 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Montgomery County Veterans Service Organization (VSO) will host a virtual Memorial Day Ceremony this year on the Montgomery County, Tennessee and Montgomery County Veterans Service Organization Facebook pages on Memorial Day, May 31.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday set aside to remember service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country while serving in the U.S. military. It is also a time to think about our Gold Star Families and the sacrifices they have made for our country.

“Every year there is a theme for the ceremony. My staff and I agreed this year’s focus would be on remembering our military veterans who passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sadly, too many of our veterans passed away alone in a nursing home, hospital bed or at home without family. This is just one small way we can honor them,” said VSO Director Andrew Kester.

Funerals and burials were held without many of the veteran family members and during the early part of the pandemic, color guards and honors were not performed to recognize the service of these veterans due to the restrictions that were in place.

Photos of veterans, grave markers, obituaries and memorials to remember those lost in 2020 to present, should be sent to [email protected] no later than May 20 to be included in the presentation.

For questions, email [email protected] or call 931-553-5173.

Toy Story 4 – Movie Night at the Downtown Commons

May 12th, 2021 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn – The Downtown Commons will host the first of 5 Movie Nights beginning this Saturday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. The movies are free and open to the public. This month’s feature is Toy Story 4.

During the movie kids will have the opportunity to make the Toy Story character “Forky” at ArtLink’s mobile studio and food trucks will be available on Main Street. Tennessee Kettle Corn will be there with popcorn available for every movie!

Chairs and blankets are welcome; however, pets, coolers, smoking/vaping or outside alcohol will not be allowed on site.

Movie Night Schedule:
May 15 – Toy Story 4
June 26 – The Croods: A New Age
July 10 – The Parent Trap
August 14 – Coco
September 4 – Moana

Movie Nights at Downtown Commons are sponsored by Beth King Phillips’ Downtown Southwest Funding Mortgage Branch and Todd Phillips Construction and sponsored in part by VRS Realty, Heather Chase.

To stay up-to-date with the Downtown Commons, visit the Facebook page at Downtown Commons and our Instagram page @downtowncommonstn.

Filling the Vacant Seat of District 6

Montgomery County Commission to select District 6 candidate on June 14

May 10th, 2021 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – The Montgomery County Board of Commissioners will act to fill the vacant seat of the county commissioner in District 6 at the formal commission meeting on Monday, June 14, at 6 p.m. The seat is vacant due to the passing of Commissioner Arnold Hodges on April 18, 2021. The meeting will be held in the commission chambers on the third floor of the County Historic Courthouse, 1 Millennium Plaza, Clarksville, Tennessee.

Interested candidates must meet the following minimum requirements: (1) must be at least 18 years of age; and (2) a resident within and a qualified voter of the district they represent. Interested candidates may submit a letter of interest, current resume and copy of their current voter registration card to the Montgomery County Human Resources Department, 1 Millennium Plaza, Suite 111, Clarksville, TN 37040, no later than Friday, June 4, 2021, to be duplicated and distributed to the Montgomery County Commission prior to the formal commission meeting.

Information received after this date will be duplicated and presented to the commission at the formal commission meeting on June 14, 2021. All candidates will be given five minutes to speak to the county commission at the formal meeting on June 14, 2021.

For questions about the District 6 seat, contact the Montgomery County Mayor’s Office at 931-648-5787.

Parmalee headlining Downtown @ Sundown May 7

May 5th, 2021 - Communications Dept.

The first of the Downtown @ Sundown concert series starts this week

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn – Kicking off the Downtown @ Sundown Concert Series on May 7 at 7 p.m. is the well-known country music band Parmalee. The band has made six entries on the Billboard Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts, with two number-one singles on the latter: "Carolina" in 2013, and "Just the Way", a collaboration with Blanco Brown, in 2021.

Along with great music, a variety of food trucks will be set up to feed the crowd. Chick’nCone, Driving You Donuts, Burgasm, Heather’s Homemade Icecream, Tater Headz, and Tennessee Kettle Corn are all expected to be on site. Additionally, beer and other beverages will be for sale with all proceeds benefiting our featured non-profit, United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region.

“Having a recognized band like Parmelee is the perfect way to kick-off our concert series! We have the entertainment, the food and the fun, all at Downtown Commons this Friday. We are expecting good weather and a great crowd on the Commons this Friday night,” said Downtown Commons Event Manager Elizabeth Quinton.

The following streets surrounding the Downtown Commons will be closing at 4:30 p.m.: Main Street, Second Street, Legion Street, and Third Street.

Downtown @ Sundown Concert Series are free and open to the public and take place the first and third Fridays of each month through October. Chairs and blankets are welcome; however, pets, coolers, smoking/vaping or outside alcohol will not be allowed on site.

Downtown @ Sundown is brought to you by TriStar Beverage and F&M Bank and sponsored in part by Waste Connections of Clarksville. To stay up-to-date with events happening at the Downtown Commons visit our Facebook page at Downtown Commons and our Instagram page @downtowncommonstn.

Montgomery County Government Seeking Youth to Apply for Mayor’s Emerging Leaders Program

April 30th, 2021 - Communications Dept.

Montgomery County, TN – Applications for the 2021-2022 Mayor’s Emerging Leaders Program for Montgomery County are being accepted through May 23, 2021.

The Mayor’s Emerging Leaders Program is for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors who are interested in learning how local government works through their attendance and participation in committee meetings. The meetings will begin in August 2021 and end in May 2022.

“The Mayor’s Emerging Leaders Program provides our high school students with a fundamental understanding of how different aspects of county government work. It’s refreshing to have a group of students who are interested in learning about the role of local government,” said Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett.

Students who are interested in the program will be asked to select their first and second choices for committees and all students are encouraged to attend budget committee meetings. Committee choices include: Airport Authority, Animal Care and Control, Emergency Medical Services, Parks and Recreation, Jail and Juvenile, School Liaison, Audit, Fire Protection and E-911.

Applications for the Mayor’s 2021-2022 Emerging Leaders Program can be viewed and downloaded on the county’s website at mcgtn.org or you can email Michelle Newell at [email protected] to request an application.

Rock blasting at the multipurpose event center site starts May 4

April 29th, 2021 - Communications Dept.

CLARKSVILLE-MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Rock blasting will begin Tuesday, May 4 and be staged in the late morning and early afternoon each weekday at the Montgomery County multipurpose event center site.

The blasting will be done to prepare the site between First and Second streets and Main and College streets for construction of the event center, which is scheduled to be finished at the end of 2022. The blasting is expected to be finished by the end of June.

Early in the event center planning, the project team conducted geotechnical surveys to better understand the site’s geology. The surveys revealed various clay and sporadic pinnacle rock formations, which are common in this region. In that phase of design, it was determined that the depth required for the event center building and site would require rock blasting.

“The geology in Middle Tennessee presents unique challenges. The rock formation is an obstacle that we planned for and expected,” said Jordan Wyman, Senior Vice President of Commonwealth Development Group Inc.

Current road closures related to the event center’s construction activities are First Street between Main and College streets, and College Street between First and Second streets is closed for Clarksville Gas & Water construction.

Additional streets will be temporarily closed for blasting. They are Main Street between First and Second streets and Second Street between Main and College streets. The F&M Bank drive-through entrance on First Street also will close during the blasting periods.

Here are key points and what to expect for the blasting process:

• The pre-blast survey was completed in mid-December 2020 for all buildings within 300 feet of the project site to document the existing conditions of each building or structure.
• A text message communication list was compiled for notifications leading up to each blast. The initial blasting notification has gone out in preparation for this process.
• A temporary road closure plan has been coordinated with Montgomery County, City of Clarksville, Clarksville Street Department, CTS and neighboring businesses.
• The temporary closure plan is for the safety of the community and will be executed approximately 30 minutes before each blast and removed when the site is clear and safe.
• Text communication will go out one hour before and 15 minutes before each blast, followed by an air horn at 10 minutes prior to and 5 minutes prior to each blast.
• Each blast will be covered with some amount of soil and specialty rubber blasting mats to contain any material or debris from leaving the blast area.
• The final “all clear” will be communicated once the construction manager, excavation contractor, and specialty rock blasting contractor clear the site and surrounding areas.

For more about the blasting process, contact Brian Schrems with Skanska USA at [email protected].

April 24 Movie Night at the Downtown Commons Rescheduled

April 23rd, 2021 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn – Due to the forecasted weather for this Saturday we are cancelling the April 24th Moana Movie Night and rescheduling it for September 4th. We hope to see everyone at our May 15th Movie Night featuring Toy Story 4!

Movie Night Schedule:
May 15 – Toy Story 4
June 26 – The Croods: A New Age
July 10 – The Parent Trap
August 14 – Coco
September 4 – Moana

Movie Nights are brought to you by Beth King Phillips, your downtown Southwest Funding Mortgage Branch and Todd Phillips Construction and sponsored in part by VRS Realty, Heather Chase.

To stay up-to-date with events happening at the Downtown Commons visit our Facebook page at Downtown Commons and our Instagram page @downtowncommonstn.

Road Bridge Replacement Closure Sulpher Springs Road Bridge to close beginning April 26

April 22nd, 2021 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. –The Sulphur Springs Road Bridge, located approximately 2,500 feet south of Jarrell Ridge Road will be closed beginning Monday, April 26. The bridge will be closed for demolition and replacement with the new bridge expected to be completed by early fall 2021.

The detour will be moved to North Hinton Road. Please allow extra time for travel.

“We apologize for the inconvenience but a bridge replacement is necessary for the safety of those who access the bridge. We appreciate your patience,” said Montgomery County Highway Supervisor Jeff Bryant.

Updates will be shared throughout the process with local media and posted on the Montgomery County Government social media outlets as well as the Montgomery County Highway Department Facebook page.

Montgomery County Judge confirmed to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals

April 14th, 2021 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Jill Bartee Ayers was confirmed to the appointment of Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, Middle Section by the General Assembly, on April 12, 2021.

A vacancy was created at the Court of Criminal Appeals, Middle District, by the retirement of Judge Thomas Woodall in fall 2020. There were initially 11 applicants who were interviewed by the Governor's Council for Judicial Appointments in October, 2020. Three of the 11 applicants were moved forward for Governor Bill Lee’s consideration. The three applicants interviewed with Governor Lee and legal counsel to the Governor in late October.

Governor Lee appointed Judge Ayers to fill the vacancy, and the appointment was then sent to the legislature in February. From that point Ayers had several appearances before the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House Criminal Justice Committee. Both bodies recommended confirmation and Ayers was unanimously confirmed in a joint session of the General Assembly on Monday, April 12th.

“I appreciate the opportunity to have served the 19th Judicial District as a Circuit Court Judge and I will miss my colleagues, court staff, and attorneys in Montgomery and Robertson Counties. However, I am looking forward to this opportunity to continue to serve the State of Tennessee at the Court of Criminal Appeals,” said Ayers.

“We are grateful for the exemplary service Judge Ayers has given to Montgomery County and congratulate her on this next step in her career,” said Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett.

Judge Ayers is currently wrapping up her work on the trial bench and will immediately begin serving in the Court of Criminal Appeals.

Movie Nights at the Downtown Commons

April 14th, 2021 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TN – The Downtown Commons is excited to start Movie Nights on April 24 for a family fun night in Downtown Clarksville! Come join us once a month through the month of August to watch your favorite family movies under the stars. A mobile art studio will be set up with ArtLink for hands-on activities for kids and food trucks on Main Street for treats for everyone. Chairs and blankets are welcome; however, pets, coolers, smoking/vaping or outside alcohol will not be allowed on site.

Movies will begin at 7:30 p.m. and don’t worry, Tennessee Kettle Corn will be there with popcorn available for every movie!

Movie Night Schedule:
April 24 – Moana
May 15 – Toy Story 4
June 26 – The Croods: A New Age
July 10 – The Parent Trap
August 14 – Coco

Movie Nights is brought to you by Beth King Phillips, your downtown Southwest Funding Mortgage Branch and Todd Phillips Construction and sponsored in part by VRS Realty, Heather Chase.

To stay up-to-date with the Downtown Commons visit our Facebook page at Downtown Commons and our Instagram page @downtowncommonstn.

Limited access available at the Bi-County transfer station

April 13th, 2021 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. –The Bi-County Solid Waste Management Transfer Station, located at 1230 Highway Drive, is down to one lane due to damage inside the transfer station pit.

Bi-County is working with a contractor to get the repairs made as quickly as possible.

“We expect the transfer station pit to be down this week and possibly through April 21,” explained Bi-County Director Mark Neblett. “We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate the cooperation of residents during this time.”

Because the pit is nonoperational, large loads will need to be delivered to Bi-County’s Main Landfill located at 3212 Dover Road in Woodlawn, TN.

Hours of operation for Bi-County’s Main Landfill are Mondays through Fridays from 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Regular bagged household trash and recycles can still be delivered at the transfer station or to any other satellite center located throughout Montgomery County. For more information, visit https://mcgtn.org/bi-county.