Last Edited: April 17, 2025 @ 1:29 pm

Montgomery County, TN — In November 2022, a new crossover was completed for emergency vehicles on I-24 at mile marker 12.6. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) project resulted from concerns brought to the Clarksville-Montgomery County Traffic Safety Task Force in 2021 by Montgomery County Emergency Services (EMS) Operations Chief Chris Proctor and Clarksville Fire Rescue (CFR) Deputy Chief Steve Batten.

The Task Force celebrated the completion of the project at their monthly meeting in December at Montgomery County's Emergency Management Agency.

"Before this crossover, we drove to mile marker 17 for calls between exits 11 and 19. We've had to make the tough call to go against traffic and have had an ambulance stuck in the ditch attempting to cross instead of losing time with the extra 10 miles. Getting to an accident scene faster can make all the difference," said Proctor.

"There was a fatal accident on I-24 from the 90s that has stayed in my head. It's almost always about how fast we can get there to make a difference in saving someone's life. We're growing and need all the additional safety measures we can get," said Batten.

Kevin Smith, lieutenant of Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), added, "This crossover has made a world of difference to us in making it to a crash scene quicker. We're thankful it's in place."

Lisa McClain, driver's safety administrator with Montgomery County, was credited from the team for continuing communication and coordination with representatives from TDOT, the State of Tennessee, and local public safety officials from the time it was brought up through the end of the project.

McClain stated, "This results from a great team effort for the community. We appreciate TDOT and all of the safety personnel who shared what a high sense of urgency there was in adding this crossover. We will continue working to make our roads safer."

The Clarksville-Montgomery County Safety Task Force is a team of public safety professionals who meet to collaborate on efforts to improve safety for the community's residents and those traveling through. Task Force members include representatives from TDOT, THP, Tennessee Highway Safety Office, Tennessee District Attorney General Conference, Montgomery County EMS, Driver Safety, Emergency Management Agency, E911, Highway Department, Mayor’s Office, Sheriff's Office, Clarksville Fire, Police and Street Departments, Fort Campbell CID/Provost Marshal’s Office, 19th District Attorney’s Office, Austin Peay State University (APSU) Campus Police, APSU Student Government, MADD Volunteers and AAA Insurance.

To learn more about the Clarksville-Montgomery County Safety Task Force, visit their Facebook page and/or contact Lt. Vincent Lewis, CPD, at 931-648-0656 or Lisa McClain, Montgomery County Driver Safety, at 931-553-5186.

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Clarksville-Montgomery County Traffic Safety Task Force participating Task Force Team members with the Interstate 24, Mile Marker 12.6 Crossover completion pictured from left to right: 

Chris Proctor, EMS; Steve Batten, CFR; Kevin Smith, THP, Nashville District - Troop C – Houston, Montgomery and Stewart Counties; Lisa McClain, Administrator, Montgomery County Driver Safety; Adam Perez, Help Truck Program Manager, TDOT; Gary Western, Help Truck Program Supervisor, TDOT; Amy Fiscor, Traffic Engineering Manager, TDOT; Jordan Burress, Regional Traffic Engineer, TDOT and Wayne Epley, Highway Response Supervisor 2, TDOT. Not pictured: Nathan Vatter, State Traffic Engineer, TDOT and Sammy Tucker, Floating Maintenance South Supervisor, TDOT.

Last Edited: March 23, 2023 @ 6:04 pm

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – The Montgomery County Trustee’s Office and the City of Clarksville are partnering during the property tax season for the third consecutive year to simplify the process for tax freeze, tax relief recipients, and taxpayers. Each Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., December 13, 2022, through February 28, 2023, residents can take care of their county and city property taxes at one location. A city representative will work at the County Trustee’s Office at 350 Pageant Lane in Veterans Plaza, and a county representative will work at the City Gas & Water location at 111 Cunningham Lane on those days.

Representatives from each organization can accept vouchers and proof of income and process payments if applicable. This partnership allows taxpayers residing in the city limits and receiving tax relief to take care of their county and city taxes at the same place and time. 

“We are pleased to partner with the City of Clarksville once again for the convenience of our residents. We hope that meeting the taxpayers’ needs in one location will benefit and help those most vulnerable in Montgomery County,” said Montgomery County Trustee Kimberly Wiggins.

“We look forward to once again partnering with the County Trustee to provide a one stop shop for our citizens as well as expanding our partnership to include a County Trustee employee at the North Service Center,” stated City of Clarksville Director of Finance and Revenue Laurie Matta.

The Trustee’s Office is in Suite 101-B, in Veteran’s Plaza. To see available services, including paying taxes online through the County Trustee office, visit mcgtn.org or 931-648-5717 with questions. To see the services offered through the City Finance & Revenue Department, visit cityofclarksville.com or call 931-645-7437.

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Last Edited: December 29, 2022 @ 2:50 pm

Visitors can visit Santa at Rotary Park for three consecutive Saturdays

Montgomery County, TN — Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Department will host their second annual Saturday with Santa series for the first three Saturdays of December from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Wade Bourne Nature Center at Rotary Park.

Each week, a Santa representing a different nationality will be at the Wade Bourne Nature Center, bringing joy to visiting children. Santa Shedrich Webster will kick off the fun this week. Children can speak Spanish or English with Santa Catarino Guzman on December 10 and visit with Santa Roger Lewis on December 17.

“This was a big hit last year with the kids and their parents! It’s fun for them, and our staff loves it too! We want to represent the cultural diversity of our community, and this is one meaningful way to do that,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Sally Burchett.

The nature center will also be open for the public to enjoy during their normal Saturday hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rotary Park also features two playgrounds, miles of hiking and biking trails, and a horseshoe pit.

To learn more about the programs offered at the Wade Bourne Nature Center and the services offered by Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, visit mcgtn.org or call 931-648-5732.

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Last Edited: June 13, 2023 @ 12:45 pm

MCACC urges careful consideration before getting a pet

Montgomery County, TN — Montgomery County Animal Care and Control requests help from the community again this holiday season. Shelters across the country receive a high volume of dog and cat intakes from January through March from individuals who give or get pets as gifts for Christmas and no longer want the responsibility of caring for them. People often seek new pets online, at pet stores, or from breeders during the holiday season. 

Kaske urges people to take their time and think about the commitment before jumping in and bringing a pet into their home.

Consider the following before adopting or purchasing a pet:

1. Most dogs and cats live between 10-25 years, depending on the breed and species.
2. Dogs and cats can cost between $500 to $1,500 per year to maintain regular vet visits, food, toys, etc. Pets with preexisting conditions can cost even more. 
3. Discuss taking on a pet with the entire family and make the decision together.
4. Ensure those around the pet often are not allergic or afraid of animals.
5. Small children need supervision around pets at all times.
6. We strongly discourage adopting a pet as a Christmas gift.
7. Most importantly, give your newly adopted pet time to acclimate to your family and home. 

“We have many homeless pets in our facility, and the holidays are hard on them too. If you’ve decided to take in a new pet, please consider giving a home to one of our wonderful shelter animals. Their lives have drastically changed over the last several months, and they need a warm and loving forever home. Animals adopted from shelters have proven to make some of the best pets. Adopt, don’t shop,” Kaske encourages. 

For information on Montgomery County Animal Care and Control, visit https://mcgtn.org/animal-control or call 931-648-5750.

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Last Edited: April 17, 2025 @ 1:28 pm

The Wade Bourne Nature Center Foundation contributes to a swimmingly fun learning experience

Montgomery County, Tenn. — The Wade Bourne Nature Center Foundation presented Montgomery County Parks Director Sally Burchett with a check for $50,000 to purchase a custom 500+-gallon freshwater aquarium that can be viewed by visitors from inside and outside the Nature Center. The tank is expected to be installed by spring of 2023 with the goal of stocking it with native species of fish.

"The Wade Bourne Nature Center Foundation is proud to present these initial funds for a project that will enhance the Wade Bourne Nature Center. This money will pay for the building and installation of a very large aquarium. We will need the community’s help to raise money to actually "stock the tank" with fish. You will hear more about fundraising opportunities in the future,” said Wade Bourne Foundation Chair Rosalind Kurita.

The fish and items that go in the tank will be purchased through fundraising efforts, while Montgomery County will pay for the ongoing maintenance of the tank and fish.

“We are always excited to bring in new exhibits that help us extend the love for the outdoors to people in our community. The aquarium fits with our mission of promoting conservation and nature education for all ages while connecting visitors with the environment. The native aquarium educational opportunities will be unique to Rotary Park and a special experience for our community,” said Burchett.

We appreciate the gift from the Wade Bourn Foundation. This project is a testament to the great things that happen when the community and government pull together. What a wonderful opportunity for our kids to learn more about Tennessee wildlife,” said Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden.

The Wade Bourne Nature Center Foundation is a non-profit organization providing support for the educational outreach of the Nature Center located at Rotary Park. Funding is provided by charitable organizations and individuals interested in the conservation of natural resources along with human health and well-being.

For information about the Wade Bourne Nature Center, free programs for children, and Rotary Park, visit mcgtn.org/parks, Montgomery Parks on Facebook, or call 931-648-5732.

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