The Clarksville-Montgomery County Green Certification Program (CMCGCP) welcomed 10 more organizations to its second 2026 recertification class on August 26, bringing together local businesses, government agencies, nonprofits and other community organizations committed to continually improving their operations and stewardship of community resources.

The organizations participating in this recertification process include:

• CEMC / Cumberland Connect
• Clarksville Department of Building & Facilities
• Clarksville Fencing
• Clarksville Gas & Water
• Clarksville Parks & Recreation
• Fortera Credit Union
• Furniture Connection
• North Central Institute
• Publix 
• Sango Eye Care

Each organization previously earned CMCGCP certification and is now working toward recertification by reaffirming its commitment, providing updates on its facilities and operations, and documenting practices and improvements implemented since its previous certification.

"The Program is about recognizing organizations that are making a meaningful difference while helping them discover new opportunities to save resources and reduce costs," said Michelle Newell, CMCGCP Manager. "I am excited to serve these organizations – with professionals I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for many years as well as those who are newer to their organizations. Learning from them, connecting them with resources and one another, and celebrating the positive impact they are making is a joy."

 The class featured local professionals sharing practical information and resources organizations can use to strengthen their operations and build upon previous accomplishments.

 Eric Sims, CMCSS Energy Services Manager, shared lessons from his manufacturing background and discussed the importance of identifying the root cause of problems when evaluating operations and pursuing improvements.

Levon Gibson, CDE Energy Solutions Specialist, highlighted energy-efficiency programs and opportunities to help organizations conserve energy and reduce operating costs.

Matthew Galibert, Regional Planning Commission Planner, discussed thoughtful community planning and opportunities for organizations and residents to participate in the planning process.

Michelle Newell, CMCGCP Manager, also shared information on behalf of Bi-County Solid Waste Management, including an overview of local landfill operations and the nine convenience centers located throughout the County, as well as opportunities to make informed decisions about waste reduction and resource management.

“Recertification gives us an opportunity to look at what has changed, celebrate what organizations have accomplished and ask, ‘What can we do next?’” Newell said. “That continued improvement is what makes this program valuable—not only for individual organizations, but for our entire community.”

The next CMCGCP Recertification Class will be held in fall 2026, with the date to be announces. Organizations interested in becoming newly certified or renewing an existing certification are encouraged to participate. 

About the Clarksville-Montgomery County Green Certification Program
The CMCGCP recognizes businesses, nonprofits, schools, and government entities that demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship through practical efforts such as resource conservation, waste reduction, operational efficiency and community leadership. Made possible through the leadership and support of Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden and Bi-County Solid Waste Management, CMCGCP encourages organizations to be thoughtful stewards of resources, pursue responsible and efficient practices, and share their successes with others throughout the community.

Good for Business. Good for the Community. Good for the Future.
For more information, visit https://montgomerytn.gov/green, contact Michelle Newell at [email protected], or call 931-245-1867.

Montgomery County Government offices will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. All County offices will reopen on Tuesday, September 8.

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

Last Edited: August 20, 2026 @ 10:23 am

Montgomery County Juvenile Court and Austin Peay State University (APSU) are proud to announce the launch of a new scholarship initiative that will provide life-changing educational opportunities for graduates of the 20/10 Mentorship Program.

After years of successfully mentoring justice-involved youth, program leaders have taken the next step by establishing endowed scholarships to support students who have shown resilience, personal growth, and a commitment to advancing their lives through higher education.

The 20/10 Mentorship Program is a collaborative effort between Montgomery County Juvenile Court and Austin Peay State University that pairs justice-involved youth with student mentors. The program focuses on positive youth development, expanding educational opportunities, and helping young people realize their potential, with the goal of breaking generational cycles, reducing recidivism, and creating pathways to higher education for youth who have demonstrated determination and growth.

"It's not the mistake that defines you; it's how you respond to that mistake," said Judge Kenneth Goble Jr. "Our hope is that with these scholarships, we can invest in these young people and provide them with a vision for their future through higher education."

"Our students serve as the mentors in this program, and they show these young people that a college campus is somewhere they belong," said APSU President Mike Licari. "These scholarships are the next logical step. Higher education is one of the surest ways to change the direction of a life, and that is exactly what this community is investing in."

To introduce the scholarship campaign and discuss its impact, community leaders, donors, and members of the media were invited to attend a kickoff breakfast at the Montgomery County Courts Complex to hear directly from program leaders about the scholarship endowment campaign and learn how they can support the next generation of students.

To date, twenty-six initial donors have pledged over $110,000 dollars to the cause, which will provide four endowed scholarships for youth in the community.

“We have seen what these young people can accomplish when someone believes in them. Now we have a chance to help them take the next step toward their future self. Together, we can be the change!”

For more information about the 20/10 mentorship program or scholarship initiative, contact Ed Moss, Montgomery County Director of Youth Services and Juvenile Court, at [email protected] or (931) 648-5766.

Last Edited: August 12, 2026 @ 9:40 am

Experience the wonder of one of nature's smallest and most fascinating creatures at Montgomery County Parks and Recreation’s annual Hummingbird Festival on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Rotary Park, 2308 Rotary Park Drive. This free, family-friendly event celebrates hummingbirds and other important pollinators with interactive demonstrations, educational presentations, and activities for all ages. 

Sponsored by the Southeastern Avian Research Institute and the Warioto Audubon Society, the festival's signature attraction is live hummingbird trapping and banding conducted by a master bird bander. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to see hummingbirds up close while learning how researchers safely band the birds to collect valuable migration and population data. 

In addition to the live banding demonstrations, attendees can enjoy: 

• Activities inside the Wade Bourne Nature Center 
• Educational presentations from pollinator experts 
• Hands-on crafts 
• Face painting 
• Temporary tattoo station 

Food will be available for purchase from local vendors, including Fresh Squeeze TN, Kadi's Tacos & More, and Bondi Bowls. 

Parking Information: 
Festival parking will be available at the entrance to Rotary Park, where guests will be shuttled into the event. Parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Accessible parking will be available near the Wade Bourne Nature Center. 

The Hummingbird Festival is free and open to the public, making it a perfect opportunity for families, bird enthusiasts, and nature lovers to discover the incredible world of hummingbirds and the pollinators that help keep our ecosystems thriving. 

For more information, follow Montgomery County TN Parks and Recreation on Facebook or visit montgomerytn.gov/parks. 

Last Edited: August 06, 2026 @ 9:24 am

Montgomery County is pleased to announce Brian Rives as the new Director of the 19th Judicial District Mental Health Court in Montgomery County.

The 19th Judicial District Mental Health Court provides specialized treatment and support for justice-involved individuals with mental illness. By combining accountability with access to treatment and community resources, the program helps reduce recidivism, improve public safety, and support participants on their path to recovery and long-term success.

Rives brings more than two decades of experience in criminal justice, probation and parole, court operations, and community supervision. Before joining Montgomery County, he served as a Probation and Parole Manager with the Tennessee Department of Corrections, overseeing officers serving multiple Middle Tennessee counties. Rives has also previously managed probation and parole units based in Clarksville and has extensive experience working with the local judiciary and individuals transitioning from the court system into community supervision.

Rives is also well acquainted with Montgomery County's court system, having previously served as the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Court Liaison, where he coordinated between the courts and the Montgomery County Jail.

He holds a master’s degree in criminal justice administration, graduating cum laude from Bethel University, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Austin Peay State University, where he majored in sociology and minored in psychology.

In addition to his professional experience, Rives has remained active in the community, including serving on the Austin Peay State University National Alumni Association Board and the Montgomery/Robertson Community Corrections Advisory Board.

A Montgomery County native, he and his wife, Denise, have deep ties to the community and are proud parents of Knox and Lily, both of whom attend Austin Peay State University.

“We are excited for Director Rives to bring his decades of experience in criminal justice to our program. Director Rives believes in the mission of recovery courts and has a heart for service that will benefit our participants,” said Circuit Court Judge, 19th Judicial District, Katy Olita.

To learn more about the 19th Judicial District Mental Health Court, visit montgomerytn.gov/mental-health-court.