Montgomery County Mayor Extends Emergency Executive Order to Wear a Face-covering through August 17

August 7th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett, signed Emergency Executive Order #14 today to extend Emergency Orders 11, 12, and 13 which requires that all residents, businesses, and visitors of Montgomery County wear face-coverings.

Emergency Order 11 states that cloth or other face-coverings that cover the nose and mouth of a person to impede the spread of the virus during speaking, coughing, sneezing or other action, shall be required in Montgomery County, Tennessee, within all publicly-accessible areas of commercial business establishments; in public outdoor areas where social distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained; and within the publicly-accessible areas of business offices where there is direct interaction with the public and social distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained.

In addition, the order states that businesses and facilities shall post signage at public entrances informing patrons of the requirement to wear a mask within the establishment and shall enforce the requirement within the establishment.

Emergency Order 14 will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on August 10, 2020. and will expire on August 17, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. unless sooner canceled or extended. The local state of emergency under this statute is limited to seven days, but it may be extended in seven-day increments.

Exceptions under the emergency order are:

• Any person who is of age 12 or under;
• Any person who cannot safely wear a face covering because he/she has trouble breathing due to an underlying health condition or another bona fide medical or health-related reason for not wearing a face covering;
• Anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove a face-covering without assistance;
• Persons in a private residence;
• Persons who are outdoors, unless the person cannot substantially maintain appropriate 6-foot social distancing from others outside of the person's household;
• Persons while eating or drinking;
• Persons in a place of worship or participating in any type of religious ceremony or activity attendant thereto (unless a face-covering is required by the place of worship or other location where the religious ceremony is taking place), although persons in places of worship or otherwise participating in religious ceremonies or activities attendant thereto are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings to slow the spread of COVID-19;
• Persons within private motor vehicles, unless such vehicle is being used for public transportation or a vehicle for hire;
• Persons working under conditions where appropriate social distancing of at least six feet from others outside the person's household is substantially maintained;
• Persons present in government facilities, or on government premises, who shall be subject to the rules and regulations of the governmental entity operating the facility or premises. • Persons present in the public areas of all Montgomery County government facilities will wear cloth or other face-coverings, subject to the age and health restrictions outlined herein, and subject to number
• Other local governmental entities may issue their own directives regarding their facilities;
• Persons in a voting site for the purpose of voting or administering an election; although such persons are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings to slow the spread of COVID-19;
• Persons who are engaging in strenuous exercise and/or physical activity, provided, however, that such persons shall maintain 6-foot social distancing when not wearing a face covering;
• Persons for whom wearing a face-covering would pose a safety or security risk;

A State of Local Emergency was declared on July 17, granting to the County Mayor certain powers as allowed under TCA 58-2-110 that gives political subdivisions of Tennessee State Government, Montgomery County, the ability to waive procedures relative to performance of public works and taking whatever prudent action is necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community.

For more information about Montgomery County Services and COVID-19 information to include question and answer sheets for residents and businesses, visit https://mcgtn.org/ or call 931-648-5787.

Foster Care Review Board Members and Foster Care Families are Needed in Montgomery County

August 6th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

Montgomery County, TN — Montgomery County Juvenile Services is seeking adults who are willing to serve on the local foster care review board. Foster care review boards are comprised of citizen volunteers who are appointed by juvenile court judges. The board serves the quasi-judicial function of hearing cases and advising the court by overseeing the progress of custody cases for children in foster care.

“Children are placed into state custody due to a variety of circumstances that are usually caused by parents or guardians. We are asking for volunteers from the community to be a part of the foster care review board to help us ensure that these children are able to experience safety, security, and stability as quickly as possible,” stated County Probation Case Manager Supervisor and Foster Care Coordinator Howard Johnson.

Juvenile court judges place children into DCS custody for reasons such as educational neglect due to refusal to attend school, negligence of parents getting their child to school as required by Tennessee Compulsory Attendance Requirements, or delinquent offenses enacted by the child. Parents also petition the juvenile court to remove unruly or delinquent children from their homes, due to an inability to properly supervise them.

The volunteers review paperwork ahead of the hearings and then meet with other members of the board at the courts center or electronically one day per month to examine the cases of children who are in DCS custody. They file a report for each child containing their findings and recommendations. The report is then forwarded to the juvenile court judge overseeing the custody of each child. Foster Care Review Boards are not aligned with the Department of Children’s Services (DCS). However, children in DCS custody must have their cases reviewed by juvenile court judges and/or foster care review boards at specified intervals.

“Permanency is the goal for children in foster care because it helps to provide them with the stability they need. Children are placed back into the custody of their parents or a family member after the problems that necessitated the removal are corrected,” explained Johnson.

Foster care families are also sorely needed in Montgomery County. Due to a chronic shortage of foster homes, children are often placed in various locations across the state – some of them hundreds of miles away from home. Currently, there are more than 300 children from Montgomery County who are in the custody of DCS.

Anyone interested in joining the foster care review board should contact Foster Care Facilitators Taquita Fields or Howard Johnson at 931-648-5766 or via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. For those who would like to find out more about becoming a Resource (Foster) Family, contact DCS at 931-503-3200.

Montgomery County Mayor Extends Executive Order to Wear a Face-Covering through August 10

July 31st, 2020 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett, signed Emergency Executive Order 13 today to extend Emergency Orders 11 and 12 which requires that all residents, businesses, and visitors of Montgomery County wear face-coverings.

The order states that cloth or other face-coverings that cover the nose and mouth of a person to impede the spread of the virus during speaking, coughing, sneezing or other action, shall be required in Montgomery County, Tennessee, within all publicly-accessible areas of commercial business establishments; in public outdoor areas where social distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained; and within the publicly-accessible areas of business offices where there is direct interaction with the public and social distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained.

In addition, the order states that businesses and facilities shall post signage at public entrances informing patrons of the requirement to wear a mask within the establishment and shall enforce the requirement within the establishment.

Emergency Order 13 will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on August 3, 2020. and will expire on August 10, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. unless sooner canceled or extended. The local state of emergency under this statute is limited to seven days, but it may be extended in seven-day increments.

Exceptions under the emergency order are:

• Any person who is of age 12 or under;
• Any person who cannot safely wear a face covering because he/she has trouble breathing due to an underlying health condition or another bona fide medical or health-related reason for not wearing a face covering;
• Anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove a face-covering without assistance;
• Persons in a private residence;
• Persons who are outdoors, unless the person cannot substantially maintain appropriate 6-foot social distancing from others outside of the person's household;
• Persons while eating or drinking;
• Persons in a place of worship or participating in any type of religious ceremony or activity attendant thereto (unless a face-covering is required by the place of worship or other location where the religious ceremony is taking place), although persons in places of worship or otherwise participating in religious ceremonies or activities attendant thereto are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings to slow the spread of COVID-19;
• Persons within private motor vehicles, unless such vehicle is being used for public transportation or a vehicle for hire;
• Persons working under conditions where appropriate social distancing of at least six feet from others outside the person's household is substantially maintained;
• Persons present in government facilities, or on government premises, who shall be subject to the rules and regulations of the governmental entity operating the facility or premises.
• Persons present in the public areas of all Montgomery County government facilities will wear cloth or other face-coverings, subject to the age and health restrictions outlined herein, and subject to number
• Other local governmental entities may issue their own directives regarding their facilities;
• Persons in a voting site for the purpose of voting or administering an election; although such persons are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings to slow the spread of COVID-19;
• Persons who are engaging in strenuous exercise and/or physical activity, provided, however, that such persons shall maintain 6-foot social distancing when not wearing a face covering;
• Persons for whom wearing a face-covering would pose a safety or security risk;

A State of Local Emergency was declared on July 17, granting to the County Mayor certain powers as allowed under TCA 58-2-110 that gives political subdivisions of Tennessee State Government, Montgomery County, the ability to waive procedures relative to performance of public works and taking whatever prudent action is necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community.

For more information about Montgomery County Services and COVID-19 information to include question and answer sheets for residents and businesses, visit https://mcgtn.org or call 931-648-5787.

Montgomery County’s COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing Location will Relocate to Civitan Park

July 29th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – The Montgomery County Health Department’s COVID-19 drive-through testing location will move from Richview Middle School to Civitan Park, located at 650 Bellamy Lane in St. Bethlehem, beginning Monday, August 3.

Originally testing services were to resume at Veterans Plaza by August 3 but rather than moving back and forth from that location due to the upcoming voting schedule, Montgomery County Health Department Director Joey Smith worked with Emergency Management Agency Director Ed Baggett, Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Director Jerry Albert, City of Clarksville Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Letourneau, and the Tennessee Department of Health to find a long-term location for the community.

“Due to the volume of people being tested and the long car lines associated with that, we needed a location that would minimize the impact to our schools and to the election commission, and preferably a site with a lot of parking,” said Smith. “Civitan Park fits the bill. Everyone I worked with has been tremendously helpful in this process and I appreciate that,” he added.

The hours for testing will remain the same from 7 a.m. to noon, Mondays through Fridays. Any holiday closures will be sent to local media and shared on Montgomery County Government social media accounts. The link to the maps for the Civitan testing site can be found here.

Questions about the move or other information related to the Montgomery County Health Department, can be addressed at https://mcgtn.org/health or by calling 931-648-5747. For additional COVID-19 information visit https://mcgtn.org/.

Montgomery County Mayor Extends Emergency Executive Order to Wear a Mask through August 3

July 24th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett, signed Emergency Executive Order 12 today to extend Emergency Order 11 which requires that all residents, businesses, and visitors of Montgomery County wear face-coverings.

The order states that cloth or other face-coverings that cover the nose and mouth of a person to impede the spread of the virus during speaking, coughing, sneezing or other action, shall be required in Montgomery County, Tennessee, within all publicly-accessible areas of commercial business establishments; in public outdoor areas where social distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained; and within the publicly-accessible areas of business offices where there is direct interaction with the public and social distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained.

In addition, the Order states that businesses and facilities shall post signage at public entrances informing patrons of the requirement to wear a mask within the establishment and shall enforce the requirement within the establishment.

Emergency Order 12 will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on July 27, 2020. and will expire on August 3, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. unless sooner canceled or extended. The local state of emergency under this statute is limited to seven days, but it may be extended in seven-day increments.

Exceptions under the emergency order are:

• Any person who is of age 12 or under;
• Any person who cannot safely wear a face covering because he/she has trouble breathing due to an underlying health condition or another bona fide medical or health-related reason for not wearing a face covering;
• Anyone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove a face-covering without assistance;
• Persons in a private residence;
• Persons who are outdoors, unless the person cannot substantially maintain appropriate 6-foot social distancing from others outside of the person's household;
• Persons while eating or drinking;
• Persons in a place of worship or participating in any type of religious ceremony or activity attendant thereto (unless a face-covering is required by the place of worship or other location where the religious ceremony is taking place), although persons in places of worship or otherwise participating in religious ceremonies or activities attendant thereto are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings to slow the spread of COVID-19;
• Persons within private motor vehicles, unless such vehicle is being used for public transportation or a vehicle for hire;
• Persons working under conditions where appropriate social distancing of at least six feet from others outside the person's household is substantially maintained;
• Persons present in government facilities, or on government premises, who shall be subject to the rules and regulations of the governmental entity operating the facility or premises.
• Persons present in the public areas of all Montgomery County government facilities will wear cloth or other face-coverings, subject to the age and health restrictions outlined herein, and subject to number
• Other local governmental entities may issue their own directives regarding their facilities;
• Persons in a voting site for the purpose of voting or administering an election; although such persons are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings to slow the spread of COVID-19;
• Persons who are engaging in strenuous exercise and/or physical activity, provided, however, that such persons shall maintain 6-foot social distancing when not wearing a face covering;
• Persons for whom wearing a face-covering would pose a safety or security risk;

A State of Local Emergency was declared on July 17, granting to the County Mayor certain powers as allowed under TCA 58-2-110 that gives political subdivisions of Tennessee State Government, Montgomery County, the ability to waive procedures relative to performance of public works and taking whatever prudent action is necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community.

For more information about Montgomery County Services and COVID-19 information to include question and answer sheets for residents and businesses, visit https://mcgtn.org or call 931-648-5787.

Montgomery County Mayor Signs Emergency Order #11 for the Mandatory Wearing of Face Coverings

July 17th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett, has issued Emergency Executive Order #11 requiring that all Clarksville, Montgomery County residents and visitors wear face-coverings in public to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The exceptions to wearing a face-covering are outlined in Governor Lee’s previous Executive Order #54.

The latest order, which goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. July 20, 2020, and is set expire at 12:01 a.m. on July 27, 2020, states that it is ordered that cloth or other face coverings that cover the nose and mouth of a person to impede the spread of the virus during speaking, coughing, sneezing or other action, shall be required in Montgomery County, Tennessee, within all publicly-accessible areas of commercial business establishments; public outdoor areas where social distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained; and within publicly-accessible areas of business offices where there is direct interaction with the public and social distancing of at least six feet cannot be maintained.

On Friday, July 17, Mayor Durrett met with City Mayor Joe Pitts as well as Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson, Clarksville Police Department Chief David Crockarell, and Director of Medical Services Jimmie Edwards to review the mandate. Mayor Durrett also conferred with Director of Clarksville-Montgomery County School System Millard House and Austin Peay State University President Alisa White regarding the newest mandate.

Also stated in the order, businesses and facilities will be required to post signage requiring that patrons wear face-coverings. Previous, orders mandated that anyone working in a business that served the public needs to wear a face-covering. Those orders will be vacated and replaced by the new emergency order that everyone to wear face-coverings, on July 20. Suggested wording for the signage can be found at https://mcgtn.org.

“I realize there are varying opinions about wearing a face-covering. The use of face coverings in a preferred alternative to the closing of businesses and preventing schools from re-opening, which could likely become necessary if some action is not taken. This is the best defense against coronavirus we have at this time. The great thing is that we can all play a role in stopping the spread of the virus and I have no doubt that our community prefers the use of face coverings over continued closures of schools and business,” stated Mayor Durrett.

“As always, I appreciate Mayor Durrett bringing the city to the table and asking for our input. We know we are in this together and I also agree that we need to do what we can to slow the spread of this virus to have the best outcome for our citizens,” said Mayor Pitts.

Sheriff Fuson and Chief Crockarell agreed that overall, people have been following the rules during this outbreak and they are committed to having their officers work first to educate and encourage the public to wear face coverings before giving citations.

A list of national companies such as Walmart, Target, Walgreens and Kroger have also announced the requirement to wear masks in their place of business.

The data will continue to be reviewed by local leaders and health officials and the local order will be extended or ceased accordingly. For more information about Montgomery County Services and COVID-19 information, visit https://mcgtn.org or call 931-648-5787.

COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing Hours Change at Relocation Site

July 16th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – The Montgomery County Health Department will be conducting COVID-19 testing outside Richview Middle School weekdays from July 17 through July 31. The testing hours are now 7 a.m. to noon. Richview Middle School is located at 2350 Memorial Drive.

The hours have changed due to the high temperatures and a lack of cover from the sun for employees who are administering the tests.

“Without a carport to stand under, the medical professionals, who are fully masked, gloved and gowned, are giving the tests while standing in the heat. Adjusting the hours helps us to serve the public over extended periods of time while allowing employees to get out of the hot weather in the afternoons. We appreciate the public’s patience as we make adjustments,” said Montgomery County Health Director Joey Smith.

By 11 a.m. the concrete was above 90 degrees with heat indexes close to 100 degrees this week. The temporary move from Veterans Plaza to Richview Middle School has been done to accommodate the early voting schedule at the Montgomery County Election Commission. The entrance for the testing site is located off Memorial Drive.

The lines at the Richview Middle location may be long, so it is important to plan accordingly. COVID-19 testing is expected to resume at the Veterans Plaza beginning Monday, August 3.

To ask questions about the move or other information related to the Montgomery County Health Department, visit https://mcgtn.org/health or call 931-648-5747. For additional COVID-19 information visit https://mcgtn.org/.

Montgomery County Mayor Signs Extension for the Mandatory Wearing of Face-Coverings

July 14th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett, signed Emergency Executive Order #10 today to extend Emergency Order #9 which requires the wearing of face masks by all employees of businesses open to the public in Montgomery County.

On July 3, Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order #54 giving authority to county mayors to issue COVID-19 mask requirements. Montgomery County is one of 89 counties in the State of Tennessee that was given this authority. The extended mandate will go into effect at 12:01 a.m., July 15, and will remain in effect for seven days as allowed by law until 12:01 a.m. on July 22. An evaluation to further extend the orders will be determined prior to July 22.

Emergency Order #9 requires employees of businesses open to the public in Montgomery County to wear masks unless social distancing can be conducted consistently. This order will be enforced on an as-needed basis.

The decision to extend the mandate is based on conversations with Montgomery County Health Department Director Joey Smith, Montgomery County Director of Medical Services Jimmie Edwards, and the testing data that is specific to Montgomery County.

“Our cases are still rising at a level that is troublesome. We will continue practicing this first step to require employees of businesses open to the public to wear face coverings and highly encourage all businesses to require patrons to wear a mask when visiting their business. The simple act of wearing a face-covering is something that health experts, many who are currently struggling to save lives, have been pleading with the public to practice. I encourage everyone to wear a mask in public when social distancing cannot be acheived,” stated Mayor Durrett.

Exceptions for workers wearing face-coverings within a business include the following as outlined in Governor Lee’s Executive Order 54:

• Within one's residence or automobile, unless transporting others for hire;
• By someone who has trouble breathing due to an underlying health condition or another bona fide medical or health-related reason for not wearing a face-covering;
• By someone who is incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face-covering without assistance;
• While eating or drinking;
• While outdoors, unless the person cannot substantially maintain appropriate social distancing from others outside of the person's household;
• While working under conditions where appropriate social distancing from others outside of the person's household is substantially maintained;
• In situations in which wearing a face-covering poses a safety or security risk;

COVID-19 tests are provided free of charge by the Montgomery County Health Department weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The testing site will relocate temporarily from the Veterans Plaza location to Richview Middle School, which is located at 2350 Memorial Drive. Testing will take place at Richview Middle from Thursday, July 16 through Friday, July 31.

For more information about Montgomery County Services and COVID-19 information, visit https://mcgtn.org or call 931-648-5787.

Montgomery County’s COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing Site will Temporarily Relocate

July 13th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – The Montgomery County Health Department will be temporarily relocating their COVID-19 testing site from the Veterans Plaza location to Richview Middle School, which is located at 2350 Memorial Drive. Testing will take place at Richview Middle from Thursday, July 16 through Friday, July 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each weekday.

The change is being made in order to accommodate the early voting schedule at the Montgomery County Election Commission. To make the transition, COVID-19 testing will be limited from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, July 15 at the Veterans Plaza location. The map shows the entrance from Memorial Drive and the traffic flow for the Richview Middle COVID-19 drive-through.

“We will work to make this a smooth transition so we can continue providing testing services to the residents of Montgomery County. Our plan is to resume testing back at the Veterans Plaza location on Monday, August 3,” said Director of the Montgomery County Health Department Joey Smith.

FTo ask questions about the move or other information related to the Montgomery County Health Department, visit https://mcgtn.org/health or call 931-648-5747. For additional COVID-19 information visit https://mcgtn.org/

Final Call for Public Input on the 2021 Legislative Agenda for Montgomery County

July 13th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

Montgomery County, TN — The Montgomery County Legislative Liaison Committee is making a final request for the public to submit legislative agenda items to develop the 2021 Legislative Agenda for lawmakers in Nashville. This agenda includes items specific to issues in Montgomery County, as well as statewide, that need to be addressed.

To gather as much input as possible, Montgomery County is asking employees, community organizations, and county residents to submit legislative items for consideration. The 2019 and 2020 legislative agenda items that were previously presented, can be found at mcgtn.net.

Please submit items to Michelle Newell by email at [email protected] or to the physical address of 1 Millennium Plaza, Clarksville, TN 37040 by Tuesday, August 4. The committee will continue to review the suggested topics and formulate its agenda to be presented to our local state delegation in September 2020.

County Commission Meetings will be Closed to the Public through August

July 9th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Orders No. 16 and 51, regarding limiting gatherings to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, and allowing public meetings to take place by electronic means; Montgomery County Commission meetings scheduled in July and August will be conducted in-person for County Commissioners only. The public will not be allowed in the commission chambers. Limiting public access to these meetings is necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare in light of COVID-19.

The July 13 formal commission meeting, August 3 informal county commission meeting, and August 10 formal commission meeting of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners will be open to the public via electronic means and can be viewed as a live stream video on the Montgomery County YouTube channel during the meeting as well as any time after the meeting has taken place.

For members of the public who plan to address the County Commission about zoning cases on August 3, 2020, they may do so via Webex from the first-floor training room of the Montgomery County Historic Courthouse. A member of the staff will be available to guide them through the process. Space in the training room will be limited and open on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information about County Commission meetings visit https://mcgtn.org/ or calling 931-648-5787.

Montgomery and Robertson County General Sessions Court Judges Will Require Face Coverings in Courtrooms

July 8th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Beginning Monday, July 13, 2020, a temporary policy that requires the wearing of face coverings for all persons in the courtrooms will go into effect for the 19th Judicial District.

The policy has been established by Jill Bartee Ayers, Presiding Judge 19th Judicial District, Ken Goble, Montgomery County General Sessions Court Presiding Judge and Joel Perry, Robertson County General Sessions Court Judge, and will remain in effect until August 1, 2020, unless otherwise extended, according to a memo that was shared from the judges.

The temporary policy will go into effect due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Montgomery and Robertson Counties, in order to protect those who use the court system and those who work in and around the court, consistent with the executive orders of the Montgomery County and Robertson County Mayors.

The memo states that the decision has been made regarding face coverings in the courtrooms of the 19th Judicial District. The court procedures for reopening which were approved by the TN Supreme Court will remain in full force with the addition of face coverings.

The following are exceptions to the temporary policy: face coverings may be temporarily removed by a witness who is giving testimony, by attorneys as they address the court, and judges and clerks seated in the courtroom during court who are adequately social distanced. Additionally, exceptions noted in the referenced executive orders will be recognized.

The memo further states that each judge will continue to have the authority to require face coverings to be worn at all times in his/her courtroom at his/her discretion. This policy will be announced in the courtrooms and any person after having been personally admonished by the court to wear a face-covering may be ordered to leave the premises and/or be punished for contempt. Each judge is charged with enforcement of the above in his/her courtroom.

The judges request that attorneys encourage their clients to bring and wear their own face coverings, however, the 19th Judicial District in conjunction with Montgomery and Robertson Counties will work diligently to provide face coverings for litigants who appear in the courtrooms without them. The memo also states that there may be times that the demand for face coverings may exceed supply.

Courts will continue to use technology to take up cases via video and teleconferences when possible. For more information about General Sessions Court in Montgomery County, visit https://mcgtn.org or call 931-648-5700.

Montgomery County Veterans Service Organization Celebrates the Opening of New Office Space

July 7th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – The Montgomery County Veterans Service Organization (VSO) celebrated the opening of their new office space with a ribbon-cutting on Monday, July 6, at Veterans Plaza.

“When I began this job, Mayor Durrett gave me two directives. One was for the VSO to have greater visibility in the community and the other was to reduce the amount of time it took to serve our veterans. I felt confident about doing those but when he added the construction of new office space, I was thankful to count on the professional team in our county engineering department. Our organization has been serving veterans for 76 years and with this added space, we are in a position to serve the expanding needs of our military veterans for at least another 10 years,” stated Montgomery County VSO Director Andrew Kester.

Speakers at the ribbon-cutting included Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett, City of Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts, Senator Bill Powers, and LG Electronics Clarksville President Anthony Jung. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Anderson Grant also prayed a blessing over the new office space.

“There are many people who deserve recognition this morning, including our county commission who supported this project. I appreciate Andrew and his team who help our veterans every day, the VSO board, our county engineering team Nick Powell, Doug Jones and Amanda Bush who worked to finish this project under budget and ahead of schedule, thanks to LG for their support of our community, Mayor Pitts and First Lady Pitts for your continued support of County Government, Mike Boisseau of BR Miller who continues to do great work for the county and thanks to all of our military veterans. Thank you for the freedoms we enjoy today because we know freedom is not free” said Mayor Durrett.

President of LG Electronics Clarksville Anthony Jung was thanked with a proclamation from Mayor Durrett and a coin from Andrew Kester for the contribution of 2,000 masks to Korean War veterans who are served in the new VSO office.

“Every day is Veterans Day in Montgomery County and we appreciate the sacrifices they and their families have made,” said City Mayor Joe Pitts.

Senator Bill Powers reminisced about the history behind the purchase of Veterans Plaza and how honored he is to be on the Veterans Caucus for the State of Tennessee.

Tours of the facility were given by the VSO staff following the ribbon-cutting, patriotic music was provided by Joe Padula, and individually wrapped homemade cookies were available, compliments of Debra Kester.

For more information about Montgomery County Veterans Services, visit https://mcgtn.org/ or call 931-553-5173.

Montgomery County Mayor Signs Emergency Order #9 for the Mandatory Wearing of Face Masks

July 2nd, 2020 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett, signed Executive Emergency Order #9 today to require the wearing of face masks by all employees of businesses open to the public in Montgomery County.

On Friday evening, July 3, Governor Bill Lee issued Executive Order #54 giving authority to county mayors to issue COVID-19 mask requirements. Montgomery County is one of 89 counties in the State of Tennessee that was given this authority. The mandate for businesses in Montgomery County to wear masks will go into effect at 12:01 a.m., July 8 and end July 15 with an expectation to extend the order at least another seven days through July 22, at which time an evaluation to further extend the orders will be determined. Emergency orders are valid for seven days and can be extended for seven-day periods.

Emergency Order #9 requires business employees to wear masks, unless social distancing can be conducted consistently. This order will be enforced on an as needed basis.

On Monday, July 6, Mayor Durrett and his Chief of Staff met with City Mayor Joe Pitts and his Chief of Staff, Montgomery County Health Department Director Joey Smith, and Director of Medical Services Jimmie Edwards to discuss the possibility of mask requirements.

“Based on the data we have seen our cases going up at a level that is uncomfortable. We know there is a “lag” in receiving testing data as more people are being testing. We must be proactive - so our first step is to require employees of businesses open to the public to wear face coverings. We are strongly encouraging all businesses to require patrons to wear a mask when visiting their business. We do not want to issue another stay at home order. Although some may feel this is encroaching on their freedoms, it is an effort to keep our local businesses open and our residents employed, while doing it in a safe manner,” Mayor Durrett stated. “Like many of you, I want to see our kids back in school, I want to enjoy a high school football game, a soccer game or a volleyball game. I want to see little league baseball and college football again. I want our children to have proms and graduations, skating parties and birthday parties. It really boils down to the young adults and children of this community having the opportunity to grow and prosper as we did, and also protecting the population that is more vulnerable to this virus. If it takes wearing a mask for all of this to happen, then we should all sacrifice a little for the gain of many. We must all remember - it’s not about me, it’s about we!”

"I applaud Mayor Durrett's willingness to issue this emergency order and will ask the City Council to meet in a special session on Tuesday afternoon to consider a resolution in support of the order. It is imperative we continue to work together to keep our citizens safe," said Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts.

Health Department Director Joey Smith explained that testing numbers continue to increase which means there are hundreds of tests from people in Montgomery County waiting for results. The data will continue to be reviewed by local leaders and health officials who will follow the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

For more information about Montgomery County Services and COVID-19 information, visit https://mcgtn.org/ or call 931-648-5787.

Montgomery County Government Closed the 3rd of July

July 2nd, 2020 - Communications Dept.

Montgomery County, TN — Montgomery County Government Offices will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of the Independence Day federal holiday. Public safety services will continue.

Montgomery County offices will reopen Monday, July 6 during regularly scheduled hours.

Media Contact: Michelle Newell, Public Information Officer, [email protected]

July Informal County Commission Meeting will be Closed for Public Attendance

June 30th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Orders No. 16 and 51, regarding limiting gatherings to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, and allowing public meetings to take place by electronic means; the Informal County Commission meeting scheduled on July 6 at 6 p.m. will be conducted in-person for County Commissioners only. The public will not be allowed in the meeting room. Limiting public access to these meetings is necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare in light of COVID-19.

The July 6 informal county commission meeting of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners will only be open to the public via electronic means and can be viewed as a live stream video on the Montgomery County YouTube channel during the meeting or at any time after the meeting has taken place.

For members of the public who plan to address the county commission about zoning cases, they may do so via Webex from the first-floor training room of the Montgomery County Historic Courthouse. A member of the staff will be available to guide them through the process.

“Montgomery County Government will continue to follow the orders that have been given at the state level for the protection of the citizens. For now, we will resume the way we conducted meetings in April and May,” stated Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett.

For more information about the July 6 Informal County Commission meeting visit https://mcgtn.org or calling 931-648-5787.

Montgomery County Commission Meetings to Resume Normal Procedures in July

June 25th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Beginning July 6, Montgomery County Commission meetings will be open to the public. Additionally, public hearings and requests to address the County Commission will resume at the meetings.

There will be limited capacity within the commission chambers in order to practice social distancing. Once capacity has been met, the Montgomery County deputies on duty will no longer allow people to enter the building. The public will be allowed to enter on a first come first serve basis. Masks will also be available at the building entrance area for those who wish to wear one.

“We understand that reducing the capacity may mean that not everyone who wants to attend will be able to attend in person, but we feel it is important to continue to practice social distancing,” said Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett.

County Commission meetings will continue to be posted on the Montgomery County Government YouTube channel for those who would like to watch the meetings online.

For anyone interested in addressing the County Commission, please submit a request to speak form at least 72 hours before the informal meeting to Shelly Baggett at [email protected]. For further information, call (931) 648-5787.

Montgomery County Legislative Liaison Committee Sends Second Request for Community Input

June 23th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

Montgomery County, TN — The Montgomery County Legislative Liaison Committee continues to develop the 2021 Legislative Agenda for lawmakers in Nashville. This agenda includes items specific to issues in Montgomery County, as well as statewide, that need to be addressed by the Tennessee General Assembly.

To gather as much input as possible, Montgomery County is again asking employees, community organizations, and county residents to submit legislative items for consideration.

Please submit items to Michelle Newell via email at [email protected], or mail to 1 Millennium Plaza, Clarksville, TN 37040 by Friday, July 3. The committee will review the suggested topics and formulate its agenda to be presented to our local state delegation in September 2020.

The legislative agenda items that were presented in 2019 and 2020 can be viewed at on the County Commission page at mcgtn.org.

Montgomery County Veterans Service Organization Ribbon Cutting

June 22th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

What: Ribbon Cutting for Montgomery County Veterans Service Organization (MCVSO)

Why: To celebrate the opening of new office space for the MCVSO

When: 11 a.m. Monday, July 6, 2020

Where: Veterans Plaza 350 Pageant Lane, outside Suite 405 Clarksville, TN 37040

Who: Andrew Kester, Director of MCVSO

Additional Details: Social distancing will be observed and masks will be available for those who would like to wear one. Individual guided tours of the new office will be offered following the ceremony. The MCVSO office will be closed for the day, following the ceremony.

Montgomery County Legislative Liaison Committee Seeking Community Input

June 12th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

Montgomery County, TN — The Montgomery County Legislative Liaison Committee has begun the process of developing the 2020 Legislative Agenda for lawmakers in Nashville. This agenda includes items specific to issues in Montgomery County, as well as statewide, that need to be addressed.

To gather as much input as possible, Montgomery County is asking employees, community organizations, and county residents to submit legislative items for consideration.

Please submit items to Michelle Newell via email at [email protected], or mail to 1 Millennium Plaza, Clarksville, TN 37040 by Friday, June 19. The committee will review the suggested topics and formulate its agenda to be presented to our local state delegation in Fall 2020.

Montgomery County Legislative Liaison Committee Seeking Community Input

June 11th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

Montgomery County, TN — The Montgomery County Legislative Liaison Committee has begun the process of developing the 2020 Legislative Agenda for lawmakers in Nashville. This agenda includes items specific to issues in Montgomery County, as well as statewide, that need to be addressed.

To gather as much input as possible, Montgomery County is asking employees, community organizations, and county residents to submit legislative items for consideration.

Please submit items to Michelle Newell via email at [email protected], or mail to 1 Millennium Plaza, Clarksville, TN 37040 by Friday, June 19. The committee will review the suggested topics and formulate its agenda to be presented to our local state delegation in Fall 2020.

Vehicle Burglary Theft

June 9th, 2020 - Sheriff's Office

CLARKSVILLE, TN – Investigators with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office are asking for the public’s assistance for any information in reference to several burglaries and vehicle theft involving a white car.

The incidents occurred in a neighborhood off of Hwy 41A and in a neighborhood off of Rossview Road on June 08, 2020, between 2:00 AM and 06:00 AM.

Home security footage shows three males drive up in a white vehicle, approach several vehicles in the neighborhood checking for unlocked doors in the Rossview area. The suspects stole items from vehicles that were unlocked and attempted to steal a vehicle but were unsuccessful.

However, the suspects were able to steal a vehicle in a neighborhood off of Hwy 41A that was unlocked with the keys inside. The vehicle has since been recovered.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Mckenzie Knotts at 931-648-0611 ext. 13404 or submit a tip with the new MoCoInfo App.

You can also call the Crime Stoppers Tipsline at 931-645-8477, or go online and submit a tip anonymously at P3tips.com/591.

Reda Drive Shooting

June 5th, 2020 - Sheriff's Office

CLARKSVILLE, TN – The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred at a construction site in the Dotsonville area.

Units were dispatched to the intersection of Reda Drive and Allie Kay Way at approximately 2:20 P.M. on Thursday, June 4, 2020.

Upon arrival deputies and investigators discovered Christopher Bumpus, 42, deceased with a gunshot wound to his chest.

After speaking to witnesses, Richard Bernardo Nolton, 25, was taken into custody. He has been charged with criminal homicide and violation of condition of release.

Nolton is being held without bond for the criminal homicide charge and his bond was set at $6,000 for the COR violation.

This was an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public.

Anyone with additional information on this crime is asked to contact Investigator Jonathan Inman at 931-648-0611 ext 13424. You can also call the Crime Stoppers Tipsline at 931-645-8477 or go online and submit a tip anonymously at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=591#.

Flag Day Retirement Ceremony

June 5th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

The Montgomery County Veterans Service Organization, in conjunction with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4895, will be conducting the annual Flag Day ceremony beginning at 12 noon, Sunday, June 14, at VFW Post 4895, 1701 Haynes St., Clarksville. The public is invited to attend. We will be observing social distancing guidelines and encourage everyone in attendance to wear a mask.

The ceremony is held to properly destroy—by burning—worn, damaged or otherwise unserviceable American flags in a dignified and proper manner.

Damaged U.S. flags may be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Montgomery County Veterans Service Organization, 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 308, Clarksville, or at the VFW anytime during their business hours prior to the ceremony.

For more information, please call the MCVSO at 553-5173 or e-mail [email protected].

New IT Director Selected for Montgomery County

June 4th, 2020 - Communications Dept.

Skip Burchett has been appointed as the new Montgomery County Director of Information Technology, effective July 2. Burchett will be replacing Kurt Bryant who will be retiring on July 1. Bryant has been serving as the County IT Director since May 2011.

Burchett has worked as a senior network administrator for Montgomery County Government since July 2013. As a network administrator, he has been in charge of the VOIP phone system with over 1000 devices, design, installation, and support of the county’s CCTV surveillance systems and project management. He also ran the audiovisual and voting system for the county commission meetings; video filming and editing in-house as needed by the executive group; and assists with budget development, presentation, and defense.

Burchett is a graduate of Clarksville Academy and has 75 hours towards a Management of Information Systems Degree from the University of Memphis. He is also a Leadership Clarksville 2019 graduate, participated in Solutions 21 Leadership Development and is a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout.

Prior to working for Montgomery County, Burchett worked as an IT consultant for Wright Technology Solutions from 2005 to 2013.

“I am humbled and honored to have been selected as the new IT director for Montgomery County Government. I love Clarksville, Montgomery County and am excited for the opportunity to continue to serve this great community. I am eager to hit the ground running and lead this hard-working and dedicated team of professionals for years to come,” stated Burchett.

“We had a group of really talented applicants. Skip brings a strong mixture of technical skills and leadership skills. The technology field is always changing and we need someone who can keep up with the technology and lead us to implementation. Skip is someone who can do that,” said Mayor Durrett.

To find out more about the Montgomery County IT Department, visit mcgtn.org/it

New IT Director Selected for Montgomery County

May 29, 2020 - Communications Dept.

Notice is hereby given that any member of the public who would like to address the Montgomery County Commission regarding a zoning case, or for the budget public hearing, may come to the Montgomery County Courthouse training room on the first floor on June 1 at 5 p.m. for the budget public hearing, and 6 p.m. for zoning cases. Comments will start promptly at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively, and are limited to three minutes.

Residents can address the commission at the informal commission meeting on June 1 by going to the training room on the first floor of the Montgomery County Historic Courthouse at 1 Millennium Plaza to address the county commission through a virtual meeting program called WebEx. A Montgomery County employee will guide the public addressee through the process.

Speakers for zoning cases are limited to three for and three against in each zoning case. Space in the training room will be limited to six people in order to practice social distancing. Individuals will be asked which case they will be speaking on and directed to enter in the order of the zoning cases that will be presented. Depending on the number of people who come to present, some individuals may need to wait for their turn outside before addressing the county commission.

If you have any questions, please contact Shelly Baggett at [email protected], or by calling 931-648-5787.

Fingerprint Services

May 28, 2020 - Sheriff's Office

CLARKSVILLE, TN – Fingerprint services provided by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will reopen on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

For the public’s convenience the location has moved to the Civil Process Office on first floor of the Public Safety Complex at 120 Commerce Street. The new location eliminates the need to obtain a visitor’s pass.

Anyone wishing to utilize fingerprint services must wear a mask. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided.

Cost for fingerprint services are $5.00 and must be paid in cash. Hours of operation are Tuesday from 9 AM to 11 AM and 1 PM to 3 PM. No appointment is necessary.

For further questions please call 931-648-0611 ext 13201.

Ribbon Cutting at Fredonia Community Center

May 28, 2020 - Communications Dept.

What: Ribbon Cutting for Fredonia Community Center

Why: To celebrate the opening of a community center in the Fredonia area of Montgomery County

When: 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2020.

Where: 4650 Old Ashland City Road South Clarksville, TN 37043.

Who: Jerry Allbert, Director of Parks and Recreation, Montgomery County, Tennessee

Additional Details: Participants will be asked to practice social distancing at the ribbon cutting and inside the community center following the ceremony.

COVID-19 Drive-through Testing Moves from Montgomery County Health Department to William O. Beach Civic Hall

May 27, 2020 - Communications Dept.

Montgomery County, TN – Beginning Monday, June 1, the Montgomery County Health Department will move its COVID-19 drive-through testing to William O. Beach Civic Hall, which is also located in Veterans Plaza at 350 Pageant Lane.

"This move will help our health department as we transition back to delivering some of our other public health services," said Joey Smith, County Health Director.

Drivers will need to enter Veterans Plaza by way of the Talley Drive entrance and proceed to the Crossland Avenue entrance of Civic Hall. Daily testing will be offered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the exception of holidays. No appointment is needed for the COVID-19 drive-through and the testing is provided at no cost.

“Anyone with health concerns, or who has concerns about the health of a family member, is invited to come and receive testing for COVID-19,” said Smith.

Visit https://mcgtn.org or call 931-648-5747 for information about the Montgomery County Health Department and the services they provide.

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

May 27, 2020 - Communications Dept.

Montgomery County, TN – Applications for the 2020-2021 Mayor’s Emerging Leaders Program for Montgomery County are being accepted through June 24, 2020.

The Mayor’s Emerging Leaders Program is for high school students in 10th through 12th grade who are interested in learning how local government works through attendance and participation in departmental committee meetings. The meetings, which may be in person or held through a virtual online program, will begin in August 2020 and end in May 2021.

“The Mayor’s Emerging Leaders Program provides our local youth the opportunity to get an impression of how county government works. I hope that the students who participate will take what they’ve learned and help others to understand some of the processes involved within county government. The young men and women of today will be leading and supporting local government in the future. This program helps to become more knowledgeable about county protocol and procedures,” 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 2020-2021 Emerging Leaders Program can be viewed and downloaded on the county’s website at https://mcgtn.org/ or you can email Michelle Newell at [email protected] to request an application.