Montgomery County will host its second New Year’s Eve Party at the Downtown Commons, at 215 Legion Street, on December 31, 2024, beginning at 9:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music, food trucks, drinks, and a balloon drop to celebrate the start of 2025!

In its first year, this free and open-to-the-public event was a huge success, with over 2,500 guests showing up to ring in 2024.

“We were completely blown away by the community support last year and have decided to go even bigger to accommodate the 4,000 guests we are expecting,” said Montgomery County Mayor Wesley Golden. “We will be completely tenting the Downtown Commons turf, doubling the interior seating, and adding to the dance floor, with the same entertainment with a 10-piece band, food trucks, and a photo-booth trailer!”

Austin Peay State University proudly serves as the presenting sponsor of the evening, ensuring a night to remember! Austin Peay will bring the party to life with a special surprise during the event. The night will conclude with a balloon drop in Austin Peay’s signature colors: red, white, and black. Austin Peay will also offer free parking on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, with the exception of Lots 22, 23, 77, and 28, which will be reserved for event preparations. Please visit apsu.edu/parking for more information.  

We encourage visitors to start their evening by dining at one of our downtown Clarksville restaurants. Beginning at 9:00 p.m., guests can explore a variety of food options on-site at the Downtown Commons. Enjoy delicious offerings from Wolf Down or choose from food trucks like Blondie & Brownie, Say Cheese Please, Fryz Wit Dat, and Smash’n Beef Co. Thanks to our bar sponsor, TriStar Beverage, refreshments will be available at three digital cash bars throughout the night. Park Parking will be free of charge at all Austin Peay lots.

The Montgomery County New Year's Eve Party promises an unforgettable celebration as the community rings in 2025 together at the Downtown Commons. With live entertainment, delicious food, and surprises from Austin Peay State University, the stage is set for this event to build on the success of last year's festivities. Whether you are a local or visiting for the holiday, don't miss this night of fun, connection, and excitement under the stars as we welcome the New Year in style! 

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Last Edited: December 11, 2024 @ 9:54 am

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – On Thursday, December 5, the 19th Judicial District Mental Health Court (MHC) celebrated a significant milestone by honoring its first graduate since its establishment in 2023.

This graduate completed the program in just 12 months, the minimum time required to participate in the mental health court program. The MHC is proud to report a zero percent recidivism rate and has doubled the number of participants since its launch in September 2023. 

The court is also grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Adult Probation and Veterans Treatment court staff. Mental Health Court provides its participants with equitable and effective support while demanding accountability and treating each participant with dignity, respect, and room for personal growth. The MHC staff is pleased to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and effort the first graduate has demonstrated over the past year.

Judge Katy Olita of the 19th Judicial District presides over the Mental Health Court, and Sharita Brown serves as the Director; both shared words of encouragement during the ceremony, while guest speaker Founder of Haynes House Sanctuary Lisa Martin, emphasized the importance of endings and beginnings.

 Applications to join the Mental Health Court can only be made through legal counsel or by referral from a judge.

Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you to the supporters of this vital program.

For more information about the 19th Judicial District Mental Health Court, visit https://mcgtn.org/mental-health-court.

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Last Edited: December 06, 2024 @ 3:28 pm

Looking for family-friendly holiday activities this season? Check out the full schedule of events for December by Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, including festivals, crafts, winter hikes, ice sculpting, movie nights, and photo ops with Santa! All events are free and open to the public; some require registration.  

SpiritFest & Lighted Christmas Parade  
Stop by Downtown Commons on December 7 to watch the lighting of the Montgomery County Christmas Tree at 4:30 pm and stay for the Lighted Christmas Parade at 5:00 pm. Prior to the Christmas Tree Lighting, SpiritFest will take place from 2:00-4:00 pm on the lawn of Downtown Commons, First Presbyterian, and Trinity Episcopal Parish.  

Holiday Card Drop-In Days 
Stop by the Nature Center, on December 6, 7, or 13 for Holiday Card drop-in Days to make a card for someone you love, and/or donate a handmade card to someone who needs holiday cheer. An abundance of materials will be available for your creative ideas!  

Photos with Santa 
Santa will visit the Nature Center each Saturday leading up to Christmas from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, December 7, 14, and 21. Santa will be seated on a lush green velvet couch with a beautiful nature-themed tree backdrop, perfect for family photos! NO photographer onsite. Personal phones/cameras will be needed. While waiting, guests are welcome to write Santa a letter, drop it in the magical North Pole Mailbox, and search for a hidden mischievous "Elf on the Shelf"! 

Coca Hike  
Join us for a 45-minute Cocoa Hike with lanterns through Rotary Park! Please dress appropriately for weather conditions. Appropriate footwear, long pants, and bug spray are recommended. Guests will meet at the Nature Center front doors to check in up to 10 minutes before the program and to distribute lanterns. After the hike, stick around for a cup of hot cocoa! The trail difficulty level is rated moderate; please use your best judgment when registering. Strollers are NOT recommended for this terrain. Registration is required.  https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog

Planting Party, Winter Seed Sowing  
On December 17, the nature center will host a workshop focused on preparing a mini greenhouse for native plants to begin growing during the winter. Each participant is asked to provide a clean one-gallon water/milk jug, which will be used as a mini greenhouse. All other materials are provided. No experience or prior knowledge is needed. Young children may have a harder time sitting through the presentation, so use your best discretion when registering. Registration is required. https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog

DIY Holiday Ornament Making  
Stop by the Nature Center on December 19 for a drop-in holiday ornament activity. All materials are supplied, including 3" wooden loops, ribbons, bows, charms, bells, stickers, ext. 

Ice Sculpting & Movie Night  
Get ready for a holiday night of fun! Head to Downtown Commons on December 19 at 6:00 pm for a special screening of 2018 animated "The Grinch". Enjoy the movie with a twist—watch talented ice sculptor Joshua Perry from Burgasm create live ice art during the film. 

Story Tails  
Every 3rd Saturday of the month, the Wade Bourne Nature Center holds "Story Tails," a program promoting literacy to children by creating a wonder for the natural world. This program aligns with the mission of the Center by fostering appreciation for the environment and encouraging kids to explore the outdoors. Sessions will be held inside and/or outside, depending on the weather on December 21 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This program is for children ages 1-6. Registration is required.  https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog

New Year’s Eve Party 
Beginning at 9:00 PM on December 31st, at Downtown Commons, we will kick off our second Montgomery County New Year’s Eve party with presenting sponsor Austin Peay State University! Join us for a night of singing, dancing, and enjoying delicious food as we enter 2025! We will have a live band, dance floor, photo-booth trailer, food trucks, a balloon drop, and a surprise at midnight. This is a once-a-year event you don’t want to miss! Free and open to the public, all ages are welcome.  

Lisa McClain Awarded DDC National Instructor of the Year and Recipient of the Esteemed James A. Solomon Award

 
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Traffic safety education plays a pivotal role in reducing traffic crashes and saving lives. Each year, individuals dedicate themselves to this cause as Defensive Driver Instructor. Lisa McClain was recognized and awarded the National Safety Council National Instructor of the Year for Defensive Driving at the National Safety Council 2024 Safety Congress & Expo Awards Dinner in Orlando, Florida.   

As Administrator of Montgomery County Driver Safety, Lisa oversees the operations of the driver education program.  Her dedication to this program earned her the DDC 4 Instructor of the Year. This esteemed award is bestowed upon individuals who have significantly contributed to the field.  

Additionally, her achievements in traffic safety were recognized with the prestigious James A. Solomon Award. Lisa received a standing ovation from her traffic safety peers and the surprise James A. Solomon Award from Mr. Solomon.  

"I am very honored and humbled to have received these two National Safety Council Awards amongst my peers in traffic safety.  It was amazing to receive the award from Mr. Solomon, a pioneer in traffic safety, and to have a class instructor from 35 years ago, Andrew Williams of the Tennessee Regional Safety Council, and his wife Phyllis, there to see me receive these awards," McClain said. 

For information about the Driver Safety program, visit https://mcgtn.org/driversafety. 

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Last Edited: December 05, 2024 @ 11:54 am

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Due to construction, access to all traffic between College Street and 1st Street will be closed on Monday, December 9. During that time, traffic will be detoured to Jefferson and N Spring Street to facilitate Phase I, crane delivery and setup, for the arena garage. 

Phase 2, the erection of precast components, is scheduled to begin December 9 and run through January 18. During that time, two-way traffic will be maintained but reduced to two lanes, with the right-hand turning lane closed when traveling east.

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