MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Administrator of Montgomery County Driver Safety Lisa McClain was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year at the Tennessee Teen Institute (TTI) held at the University of Tennessee Martin. The award honors individuals who have gone ‘above and beyond’ to impact their community and/or school through prevention initiatives. TTI is a five-day youth leadership and prevention summer camp sponsored by the Jackson Area Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency (JACOA). 

McClain has been a TTI Extreme Team member for the last few years, investing almost 90 hours to support Tennessee teens. The Extreme Team is essential to the camp's success, collaborating closely with the TTI Directors to ensure smooth operations. These dedicated individuals are involved in the planning process before TTI and take on various roles throughout the camp week. They ensure the seamless execution of daily activities and support our keynote speakers and workshop presenters. The team also plays a crucial role in addressing heavier topics such as suicide, bullying, and overdose. They may also offer support to participants struggling with these difficult issues.

“It is great to see Lisa recognized for something we already knew. We are proud of her work to educate our youth and form coalitions to promote positive change on our roads,” said Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden.

“Lisa has been an amazing addition to our team over the past few years and she definitely deserves some praise. We were thrilled to honor her through this award,” said TTI Program Assistant Danielle Jones.

Montgomery County students joined 500 youth leaders from across the state at TTI. The program, which began in 1986, addresses teen issues such as bullying, violence, suicide, teen pregnancy, distracted driving, teen health, and substance abuse prevention. Teen participants gain the skills and education to develop and implement alcohol and drug abuse prevention programs in their communities. It was not until 2021 that Montgomery County students began participating in TTI. When McClain was contacted about the camp in 2020, she immediately began coordinating with CMCSS to involve students. Since then, CMCSS has had youth representation each year.

“This was a sweet surprise at the end of a fabulous week with our teens! Having the ability to educate them on the importance of driver’s safety and so many other life choices that can make a difference for them is an honor,” stated McClain.

TTI trains, mobilizes, and empowers youth to prevent the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs and self-destructive behaviors in themselves and their peers. Students not only make positive changes but also proudly advocate those changes. Teens can grow and learn as individuals while enhancing their leadership abilities. Because TTI is peer-led, teens have a unique opportunity to have a “voice” in addressing issues important to them. 

For information about TTI, visit http://tnteeninstitute.net/ 

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Last Edited: August 02, 2024 @ 2:29 pm

America will celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026.  This will be our country’s semi-quincentennial, and the greater Clarksville-Montgomery County area has plans to participate in the celebration. 

In anticipation, Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden, City of Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts, Fort Campbell Command Sergeant Major Doug Walker, Austin Peay State University President Michael Licari, and President and CEO of the Fort Campbell Historical Foundation, Major General (Ret) Brian Winski, have signed a joint proclamation in support of community efforts to celebrate under the general title of “The Road to 250.”

America’s national motto is e pluribus unum (out of many one), and in this spirit, several organizations led by APSU have planned a program to celebrate our nation’s history. The program will consist of 14 events (12 dramatic readings one open house and one concert) and be called “The Road to 250: America’s Story.” Each reading will address a major theme in American history and feature a narrator who will tell the story with actors in costume who will depict key speakers and/or iconic events that illustrate the narrative.  There will be three dramatic readings each semester, beginning in the fall 2024 semester.  The narrators will be subject matter specialists, and the actors will be APSU Department of Theatre and Dance students. All dramatic readings will be about one hour long with 30 minutes for discussion afterward and held on stage at the APSU Mabry Auditorium.  

The open house will be in June 2026 at the Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum sponsored by the Fort Campbell Historical Foundation. The final event will be an elaborate concert on the stage of the Mabry Auditorium and feature American music by The Cumberland Winds, on or about the 4th of July 2026. All Road to 250 events will be free and open to the public.

       Envisioned sessions are:

1. The Evolution of Democratic Thought and The Prelude to War (by Dr. Richard Gildrie),11 Sept. 2024.
2. The Revolutionary War (by Dr. Kevin Tanner), 9 Oct. 2024.
3. Writing the Constitution (by Dr. Kevin Tanner, 13 Nov. 2024.
4. Westward Expansion (by Mr. Nick Tooley), 12 Feb. 2025.
5. The Military and America, (by Mr. William Parker), 12 March 2025.
6. Economic Growth (by Dr. Greg Zieren), 9 April 2025.
7. Scientific Developments (by Dr. Phil Kemmerly), 10 Sept. 2025.
8. Education in America (by Dr. Carlette Hardin), 8 Oct. 2025.
9. Medical Developments (by Dr. Tom Grabenstein), 12 Nov. 2025.
10. American Society, 11 Feb. 2025.
11. American Culture (by Mr. Frank Lott and Dr. Andrea Spofford), 11 March 2026.
12. America and the World (by Dr. Dewey Browder and Dr. Dlynn Williams), 8 April 2026.
13. Open House by the Fort Campbell Historical Foundation (MG [Ret] Brian Winski) June 2026.
14. 250 Years of American Music (by Mr. Mike Ritter and The Cumberland Winds), 2-4 July 2026.

Co-sponsoring agencies are: the APSU Department of History and Philosophy, the APSU Department of Theatre and Dance, the APSU Department of Music, the APSU Department of Communications, the APSU Retirees Association (APSURA), the APSU Woodward Library Society, the Valentine Sevier Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), Fort Defiance Military Museum and Interpretive Center, the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center, Roxy Theatre, the Military Officers Association of America, Captain William Edmiston Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and the Clarksville Civitan Club.

In addition to the 14-part celebration of national history, the Clarksville-Montgomery County Arts and Heritage Council is sponsoring a community-wide effort to enable civic elements, churches, public- support organizations, educational institutions, and assorted societies to tell how their respective entities have contributed to community and national success in the spirit of e pluribus unum. This celebratory series will be called “The Road to 250:  Community Spirit in Action.” Community elements are invited to submit short essays of 250-750 words to the Arts and Heritage Council telling their story along with two or three photos.  Accepted essays will be published periodically in local media starting in April and running into the summer of 2026.

Watch for updates on the Clarksville Arts & Heritage Council web page at https://www.artsandheritage.us/america-celebrates-its-250th-birthday/

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – The Recovery Court Division of the Montgomery County Adult Probation Department held a graduation ceremony on July 24 to recognize 19 Recovery Court graduates. Together they accomplished nearly 8,000 sober days and completed almost 700 hours of community service. 

Following words of encouragement from Judge Sharon Massey Grimes of the 19th Judicial District, County Mayor Wes Golden, and City Mayor Joe Pitts, keynote speaker Dr. Stephen Loyd an Internal Medicine/Addiction Medicine Physician, shared highlights about his own journey to recovery with the graduates, participants, and supporters and discussed this importance of overcoming trauma. He praised the recovery treatment court teams and their dedication to helping the people they serve.

“The people who work in recovery court programs are special. They do not do these jobs for the money, they do it because they care about people,” said Loyd.

He encouraged participants to get the holistic help they may need to keep them from relapsing or hurting themselves. 

“Drug treatment changed my life. Trauma treatment saved my life,” Loyd said. “We use because of what’s going on inside of us. Reach out and ask for help. Any one of these people will be there for you. Take it to God and you will get even better,” he added

Dr. Loyd has served as an expert witness in more than 20 federal and state cases against physicians who improperly prescribed controlled substances and was named an Advocate for Action by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), an office of the President of the United States. He has delivered more than 500 educational lectures about addiction and prescribing controlled substances and worked as an Addiction Medicine Physician in inpatient and outpatient settings, specializing in caring for opioid-dependent pregnant women.

In addition to serving on multiple drug courts in Tennessee, Loyd is Vice-President of the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee appointed him as Chair of the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council and served as Assistant Commissioner (Opioid Czar) for Substance Abuse Services with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services during Governor Bill Haslam’s administration. Dr. Loyd’s story inspired Michael Keaton’s character in the Emmy Award-winning series Dopesick.

Judge Grimes congratulated the graduates, thanked the Recovery Court Team members for their work, and shared her gratitude for the continued support from the County and City mayors, and law enforcement.

The Montgomery County Adult Recovery Court Program is a voluntary court overseen by Judge Grimes. It is offered through the courts for residents involved in the criminal justice system with alcohol and/or other drug offenses. Participation in the program includes rigorous supervision, assistance accessing treatment, and aid with job placement to help participants successfully recover from addiction.

The Recovery Court Team is a diverse group of professionals who work with community partners to support participants and their family members. The court offers two tracks and is funded partially under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, and by participant fees and donations. 

For more information on the Adult Recovery Court Program, call 931-648-8702. 

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Caption for Recovery Group Supporter Photo: 

Captain Liane Wilson, Director Sherry Robertson, Judge Sharon Massey Grimes, Coordinator Cynthia Richards, Doctor Steven Loyd, Program Specialist Akira Brooks, Probation Officer Robin Yeager, Treatment Provider 

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – The Montgomery County Trustee's Office will accept tax freeze applications through the April 5, 2025 deadline. This year, Montgomery County Commissioners approved an increased income limit of $60,000 per household. To be considered for the program, supporting documents must be submitted before the deadline date and applicants must be at least 65 years old by December 31, 2024.

The County Trustee’s Office administers the tax freeze program on their principal place of residence to help homeowners 65 and older who have a combined total 2023 annual household income limit of $60,000. Under the program, qualifying homeowners can "freeze" the tax due on their property, at the amount on the year they qualify, even if the tax rate or appraisal increases at a later date. 

Annual income from all sources shall include but is not limited to social security payments after the Medicare deduction, social security disability, supplemental security income, retirement, and pension benefits after the deduction of health care insurance premiums, veteran’s benefits, worker’s compensation, unemployment compensation, salaries and wages, alimony, total interest, and total dividends. 

“We are one of 27 counties in Tennessee that participate in the tax freeze program. It is an honor to serve our residents and help keep home ownership affordable for our seniors,” said Montgomery County Trustee Kimberly Wiggins.

The Trustee’s Office is located at 350 Pageant Lane in Suite 101-B. To see available services, including paying taxes online through the County Trustee office, visit mcgtn.org or call 931-648-5717 with questions. 

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Last Edited: July 23, 2024 @ 10:28 am

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TENN – Approximately 90 people gathered in the afternoon heat to celebrate the revitalization of Stokes Field at a groundbreaking ceremony on July 17 as youth football practice took place in the background.

Stokes Field opened in 1969 after Nelson Stokes, Eddie Schrecker, and Jim Howell pitched in $4,700 for the field and equipment. It served the community for five decades with up to 1,500 youth using the baseball and softball fields at the height of its use. Over the last 10 years, the field fell into disrepair resulting in a lack of use by the community.

Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden shared some history about the field’s namesake. “This field was named after Nelson Stokes, a man who served people his entire life. Nelson was a WWII, Army Veteran who settled in Montgomery County in 1946. He grew up playing baseball in the cornfields of Kentucky and vowed that if he could, he would help youngsters have a better place to play. For five decades Stokes Field brought joy to many families. We are excited to work with our school system to bring that joy back to the community.”

In August 2019, Montgomery County Parks & Recreation and the County Engineering Department held a public input meeting at New Providence Middle School to discuss plans for Stokes Field.

“We have seen different versions of this project and hit many roadblocks, but I stand here in front of you today,” said Montgomery County Parks & Recreation Director Sally Read, “with a design that meets our community’s needs and a budget that fully funds it.” 

County Engineers Nick Powell and Hunter Staggs, Jimmy Bagwell with Moore Designs, Brad Martin of Lyle, Cook, and Martin along with the Rock City Construction team were recognized for their involvement. Read also thanked former Mayor Durrett for beginning the process in 2019 while Mayor Golden was thanked for his continued support along with the county commissioners, the Parks & Recreation team, and the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System.

“We know people have great stories and memories about time spent on this field. Please share your photos and stories by sending them to [email protected] through February 2025. Our plan is to create a mural with the photos. This was an idea brought to me by Commissioner Lankford,” added Read.

Commissioner Jeremiah Walker picked up the mantel for Stokes Field from his predecessor former Commissioner James Lewis. 

“This is an investment in our youth. If we do not invest in our youth now, believe me when I tell you we will invest in them later on down the road. It may not be an investment we want to make later,” said Walker.

Commissioner Walker, also a Baptist preacher, wrapped up by using the story of Lazarus as an analogy for Stokes Field, explaining that the field got sick and even died. He stated that now is the time for the field to come back to life.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/mcgtn/videos/1633225140800034 to see the full ceremony.

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