The Imagination Library of Montgomery County (ILMC) Board will recognize the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in conjunction with Dolly Parton’s birthday by hosting a community movie screening of 9 to 5 on Monday, January 19, at 2 p.m. at the Trahern Theater, located on 8th Street on the campus of Austin Peay State University. At 1:30 until the start of the movie, parents and children can enjoy coloring and writing birthday cards to Dolly Parton in the hallway outside the theater. Books and cupcakes will also be available for the children, along with a reading corner where some of ILMC’s all-time favorite books will be shared.

The 9 to 5 featured film was selected to honor Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday and one of her most iconic movies, originally produced in 1980. The screening celebrates both Dolly Parton’s impact on entertainment and her lasting legacy in literacy through the Imagination Library program. The film is rated PG and recommended for children eight and older. 

The event is open to the public. Parking will be available and FREE on campus that day.

While admission is free, donations of $15.60, made by card or check, which covers the cost of Imagination Library books for one child in Clarksville–Montgomery County for an entire year, would be greatly appreciated. Access to books in the home provides all children an opportunity to develop early childhood reading skills and creates valuable bonding time with adults and siblings.

The Imagination Library of Montgomery County provides high-quality books to children from birth to age five, at no cost to the families, helping to build home libraries and support early learning across the community.

For more information about the Imagination Library of Montgomery County and how to sign up your child, please go to https://montgomerytn.gov/publiclibrary/kids/reading-pre.

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Last Edited: December 19, 2025 @ 8:46 am

Montgomery County Government, in coordination with the City of Clarksville Street Dept. and Parking Authority, will be closing 3rd Street between Commerce and Franklin Streets starting at 6:00 AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025, to complete the downtown roofing project on the Montgomery County Courts Center Facility.

A crane and all associated equipment that will be used to accomplish this replacement will block this segment of the street and parking for this important project for the County. Parking meters will be bagged at the end of the day on Friday, December 19, to prevent vehicles from parking overnight and blocking the road closure beginning early Saturday morning. The roadway is anticipated to be open to all traffic by noon. 

Drivers should be aware of this closure downtown and plan driving routes to avoid 3rd Street.

Last Edited: December 17, 2025 @ 1:47 pm

Montgomery County Government offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, and Thursday, December 25, for the Christmas holiday; on Friday, December 26, for facility maintenance; and on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in observance of the New Year holiday.

Please remember the health and public safety teams who continue to work tirelessly to keep our community safe throughout the holiday season.

For online services available through Montgomery County Government, visit the GOV tab at montgomerytn.gov.

Last Edited: December 16, 2025 @ 9:31 am

Montgomery County will host its third New Year’s Eve Party at the Downtown Commons, at 215 Legion Street, on December 31, 2025, beginning at 9:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy live music, food trucks, drinks, and a balloon drop to celebrate the start of 2026!  

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the third year of this event with the community,” said Montgomery County Mayor Wesley Golden. “The entire Downtown Commons turf will be covered with heated tents, and we’re bringing back a live 10-piece band, local food trucks, drone shows, and a photo booth. After welcoming over 3,000 guests last year, we can’t wait to ring in the New Year with everyone again.” 

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 two drone shows designed by Austin Peay Animation students, then ending the event with a balloon drop in Austin Peay’s signature colors: red, white, and black. 

Austin Peay will also offer free parking on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 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, and beginning at 9:00 p.m., guests can explore a variety of food options on-site at the Downtown Commons. Enjoy delicious offerings from food trucks like Kadi’s Tacos, Blondie & Brownie, Fryz Wit Dat, Smash’n Beef Co, E’s Squeeze Lemonade, and Happy Buns Hot Dogs. Thanks to our bar sponsor, TriStar Beverage, refreshments will be available at three digital cash bars throughout the night. 

The Montgomery County New Year's Eve Party promises an unforgettable celebration as the community rings in 2026 together at the Downtown Commons. With live entertainment by Music City Sound, delicious food and a free photo booth, the stage is set for this event to build on the success of the past 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! 

Photo Credit: Cultivated Co.

Last Edited: December 10, 2025 @ 3:10 pm

On December 8, 2025, Montgomery County Commissioner Michael Lankford was elected by the County Commission to serve as State Representative to State House District 75.  Lankford is filling the vacancy created by the passing of Representative Jeff Burkhart, leaving a vacancy in the Montgomery County Commission for District 6.  

Pursuant to state law, Commissioner Lankford submitted his formal resignation on December 9, effective immediately, thanking the Commission for their collaboration and professionalism.  

The Montgomery County Commission will seek applicants to fill the vacant seat and fulfill the remainder of the term through August 2026. Nominations and voting for the vacancy will take place at the Formal Commission meeting January 12, 2026. 

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, and a resident within and a qualified voter of the district they represent. Interested candidates may submit a letter of interest, current resume, and a copy of their current voter registration card to Montgomery County Chief of Staff at lharrell@montgomerytn.gov no later than noon Tuesday, December 30, 2025, to be duplicated and distributed to the County Commission prior to the Informal Commission meeting, Monday, January 5, at six o’clock p.m., 2026, where all qualified candidates will be given 5 minutes to speak to the County Commission. 

“Representing District 6 has truly been a privilege, and I’m eager to continue serving our community in Nashville. Jeff Burkhart was a friend and someone I deeply respected, and it is an honor to carry the torch forward in service to the people he cared so much about.  I also want to thank all who stepped forward to run — each did so out of a desire to serve our community. I will gladly assist the next commissioner however I can, to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted service for our community,” said Commissioner Lankford. 

“Congratulations on your new role in the Tennessee House of Representatives. It has been a pleasure to work alongside you, and we are grateful for your service to Montgomery County. We know you will continue to serve our community well at the state level, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact you will make,” said Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden