Last Edited: December 29, 2022 @ 8:53 am

Students learn field biology basics at Rotary Park

Montgomery County, TN — Montgomery County Parks and Recreation wrapped up the last of seven complete week-long summer camps on July 29 at Rotary Park. This year, County Parks held camps for 95 total students at capacity for each week. The first six sessions were for campers from eight to 11-year-olds, and the seventh session was for campers in the 12 to 14-year-old age range.

Certified Teacher and Natural Resource and Programming Manager Katherine Netti led the camp. Before joining Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, Netti was a high school art teacher in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. She planned lessons with a dynamic, hands-on curriculum to build an experience called, A Day in the Life of a Field Biologist. 

“Each day of the week, we had a different specie focus; plants, rocks, animals, insects, and fish. We started the day by writing the definition of our daily scientist and then went out into the field or on a hike to collect samples. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the children. I think they had a great time while learning about the environment,” said Netti.

The campers worked with tools like field guides, magnifying glasses, binoculars, and digital microscopes, to help identify and record their found specimens. Campers maintained a nature journal to log locations, findings, and other notes. They cracked open geodes in the creek, saw a Barred Owl on a bird-watching hike, and claimed to catch the largest Stag Beetle they had ever seen. Netti hopes the camps will foster conservation ideas, curiosity, and a lifelong respect for wildlife.

“In 2021, post-COVID-19, we were able to host two camps. To go from two to seven camps is a dream for us. We look forward to making even more of an impact in the future. Kids love summer for many different reasons, and we want those reasons to include a healthy appreciation for the outdoors,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Sally Burchett.

“When we built the Wade Bourne Nature Center, these are the types of activities that we envisioned to honor Wade and his lifelong passion for conservation,” said Montgomery County Mayor Durrett.

If you are interested in registering your child(s) for Rotary Park Nature Camp 2023, email Katherine Netti @knnetti@mcgtn.net

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Last Edited: December 29, 2022 @ 8:54 am

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn​. – This Friday, August 5, Downtown @ Sundown will feature Hot Lanta, a local Allman Brothers tribute band that is excited to take you back to the back to the 1970s. With popular songs like ‘Ramblin Man’ and ‘Midnight Rider,’ the crowd is sure to have a good time!

Local food trucks will also be set up before and during the shows. Burgasm, Kadi’s Tacos and More, Heather’s Homemade Ice Cream, Johnny & June’s Italian Ice and TN Kettle Corn are all expected to be on site. Tater Headz will also be open at the walk-up eatery on Legion Street and Third Street. Beer and other beverages will be for sale, with all proceeds benefiting our featured non-profit, United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region.

Main Street will be blocked off between Second Street and Third Street 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 title sponsored by TriStar Beverage and Shelby’s Trio 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.

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Last Edited: June 13, 2023 @ 7:44 am

Montgomery County, TN — Neighbors, family, friends, and others in the community gathered this morning to be part of a naming ceremony for Montgomery County’s newest park at 865 Gracey Avenue. The park was officially named today in honor of Reverend James Brigham of Greater St. James Baptist Church, a long-time community supporter, and neighborhood advocate. 

The driving force behind the park and its naming have been District 5 County Commissioner Rashidah Leverett, who has been championing a park in the area for several years. Her belief is that this park is a step to help bring the community together in the place where she has lived for 23 years, raised her son, and now represents as a local legislator.

Director of Parks and Recreation Sally Burchett shared that along with the expertise of the County Engineering Department, the project is expected to be complete by summer 2023. 

“We are excited to put our stamp on this pocket park and make it a special place for people to enjoy. The park and improvements will be paid from funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and will include an improved basketball court, a walking route, and exercise equipment,” said Burchett.

Mayor Jim Durrett thanked Commissioner Leverett for her dedication to the people in her district and thanked Pastor Brigham and his wife for the work in their community. 
“Commissioner Leverett’s desire to work on behalf of the constituents of District 5 is to be commended! Because of her hard work, this project is going to become a reality,” stated Mayor Durrett.

Commissioner Leverett thanked everyone for coming out in support of the park and naming it after Pastor Brigham. 

“I know I’ve been pestering everyone for a long time to make this happen. I want to share my appreciation to the former County Parks Director and former Chief of Staff for helping me to get this project started. Now thanks to our new parks director, chief of staff and engineering team for working to see this project through,” said Leverett.

Pastor Brigham wrapped up the ceremony with an emotional statement of gratitude and said, “I never thought I’d see a day like this. I’m just a nobody trying to tell everybody about somebody who saved my soul.”

To stay up to date on the progress of the park, follow the Montgomery County, Tennessee and Montgomery County TN Parks and Recreation social media pages.

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Caption 1: Pictured from left to right are Pastor James Brigham, wife Minnie Brigham, and founding Greater St. James Baptist Church Members.

Caption 2: 

Pictured from left to right are County Engineer Hunter Staggs, Sally Burchett, Rashidah Leverett, Pastor James Brigham, Minnie Brigham and 

Last Edited: June 13, 2023 @ 7:44 am

Montgomery County, TN — Following yesterday afternoon’s downpour, a group of approximately 60 people gathered to celebrate the Montgomery County Public Safety Training Complex (PSCT)'s formal opening at 2275 Dotsonville Road. The official name of the complex is Sheriff Billy R. Smith Public Safety Complex in honor of former Sheriff Billy Smith, who served as Sheriff of Montgomery County for 20 years and who passed away in May 2017. The 326-acre location was also the family farm of Billy Smith, born and raised on the site.

Among those who joined the celebration were PSTC Department Heads, Elected Officials, the Smith Family, neighbors and other representatives from the Sheriff’s Office, County Emergency Management Agency and County Emergency Medical Services.

Mayor Jim Durrett opened by welcoming everyone to the site and thanked the Sheriff’s Office for having the vision and the County Engineering Department for sharing their expertise to help bring MCSO’s vision to life. He also thanked the Smith Family for working with the County through the process.

“This is an important step forward in public safety for our growing County,” said Mayor Durrett.

Emergency Medical Services Director Chief William Webb followed Mayor Durrett, expressing his gratitude for the complex and the ability to conduct training and certifications at the site.

Yesterday’s ceremony was also done to celebrate the completion of Phase I of the PSCT, including a firearms training facility, improved road network, security and utilities and a small arms outdoor range.

 Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson said, “I think everything just worked out here to be on this site for a reason. Several people were looking at the property once it was listed. Tom had made a promise to Billy that this land would not be developed, so when I shared our plans, it was a win.”

At the time of purchase in June 2017, the farm already included two residential structures, a refurbished barn, a 7,000 square-foot hanger, an FAA-registered 2,400-foot runway, a 6,000-foot garage, and pole barns, springs and creeks, which allowed MCSO to start training right away.

 “Our vision is for all public safety. That includes fire, EMS, EMA, and we can bring our sister counties right in here with our county and get on the same page with training. I’m grateful that our team, the county commission and the Mayor all shared the same vision of what this complex could do for our community,” added Fuson.

“Elaine Smith, the wife of former Sheriff Smith, said, “Billy would be so honored to have the complex named after him. He did not want a subdivision to replace the farm. The complex is the perfect way to honor his wish. I am grateful to have my family here with me. Billy was a great husband and father to our children. He worshipped his grandchildren, and they worshipped him. This is a good day.”

Phase II will include a USPCA canine training course and a fire tower building. The fire tower is part of the 2022-23 County budget. Public safety professionals are required to maintain certifications in their areas of expertise. The development of the PSCT will allow Montgomery County safety professionals to certify on-site rather than travel to other communities for certifications.

Caption PSCT 3: Pictured from left to right from the Smith Family is granddaughter Megan Goder, grandson Matthew Goder, son-in-law David Goder, daughter Wendy (Smith) Weis, Elaine Smith, daughter Lesa (Smith) Goder and son-in-law Joe Weis.

Last Edited: June 13, 2023 @ 7:44 am

What:     Park Naming Ceremony 

Why:       To Honor Community Advocate James Brigham

When:     10 a.m. Monday, August 1, 2022

Where:    865 Gracey Ave. Clarksville, TN 37040

Who:       Montgomery County Mayor and Commissioners, Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, Brigham Family, Friends and Neighbors