Last Edited: September 09, 2025 @ 8:33 am

Montgomery County Government is pleased to welcome the 2025-2026 Mayor’s Emerging Leaders, a group of 28 high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who will serve as unofficial county committee members. This year's Mayor’s Emerging Leaders Program began in August and allows students to attend committee meetings and gain insight into how local government operates, and to volunteer with departments to expand their knowledge of local government. During these sessions, students are recognized and encouraged to ask questions.

 “I am grateful to see students interested in learning about how local government works. It’s important for our young people to understand what is going on in their community, and when they invest in learning how things run, they are demonstrating their leadership and their potential to help Montgomery County continue to grow and thrive,” said Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden. 

The county committees include the Airport Authority, Animal Control, Audit, Budget, E-911, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Protection, Jail and Juvenile, Parks, and School Liaison. The program is open to high school students in 10th through 12th grade. Announcements about the program are made through local media, social media, and sent to school guidance counselors in the spring.

Starting this year, students will begin the program in August and conclude in January to align with their school schedules. The kick-off meeting for this year's program was held on August 6 and 7. New activities have been introduced to give students hands-on experience regarding what County Government offers. Some of these events include a leadership class with Director of Continuous Improvement, Dr. Andrew Kester, and opportunities to volunteer for events and activities with Montgomery County Parks and Recreation and Montgomery County Animal Care & Control.

This year’s participants are:

• Simon Kifle - Clarksville High
• Brianna Greene - Kirkwood High
• Camille Johnston - Clarksville Academy
• Lyla Rae Bryant -Clarksville High
• Sofia Fuentes - Northwest
• David Lee - Kirkwood High
• Nora Shea - Clarksville Academy
• Lucas Steele - Northwest
• Meashenae Taylor - West Creek
• Taylor Allensworth - Clarksville Academy
• Jackson Tyndall - Clarksville High
• Reagan Turner - Clarksville Academy
• Chandler Kate Combs - Clarksville Academy
• Marissa Lomier - ETC
• Savanna Skinner - Middle College - APSU
• Emily Latino - Kirkwood
• Kaitlyn Fite - Kirkwood
• Jacob Shaffer - ETC
• Queena Chen - Rossview
• Chloe Dixon - Montgomery Central
• Audra-Grace Binkle - CMCSS K-12 Virtual School
• Charlsie Reynolds - Montgomery Central
• Connor Standley - Clarksville High
• Addison Goldberg - Rossview
• Kailey Davidson - Kirkwood High
• Preslee Albertia - Clarksville High
• Ella Roberts - Clarksville High
• Nicholas Wojack - Kenwood

Last Edited: September 05, 2025 @ 2:18 pm

Montgomery County Parks and Recreation’s new BBQ Fest Across the River, presented by F&M Bank, is a free, two-day, family-friendly festival taking place at RichEllen Park on Friday, October 10, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

This community-focused event brings together BBQ lovers, live music, food trucks, football, and family fun in one unforgettable weekend. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or just hungry for great food and good times, this is the event you won't want to miss. 

Calling All Pitmasters 
Do you have what it takes to be crowned BBQ royalty? Join us for a BBQ Contest at RichEllen Park, where teams show off their grilling chops for fun, bragging rights, and cash prizes! Judging takes place on Saturday, October 11 — rain or shine. 

Teams are encouraged to participate in the People’s Choice, where meat is provided and the public votes for their favorite. Interested teams can register online now at montgomerytn.gov/parks/bbq-fest.

People's Choice Tasting 
While entry to the festival is free, foodies won’t want to miss the chance to sample BBQ straight from the competitors! People’s Choice tasting tickets are available for $10 and allow you to try delicious BBQ and vote for your favorite. 

Tasting begins at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11. If you want to stick around to see who wins, the awards ceremony will take place at 2:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased now online at montgomerytn.gov/parks/bbq-fest. 

We’re really excited to bring this brand-new event to Montgomery County, especially for the folks across the river,” said Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden“RichEllen Park is the perfect spot for a festival like this—plenty of space, beautiful setting, and a great place for families to come together and have some fun. We’re proud to host events that reach our residents outside the city too— it’s all about bringing the community together, no matter where they live.” 

This event is made possible through the generous support of F&M Bank, Wyatt Johnson, Hilltop Supermarket & Pharmacy, Visit Clarksville, and Montgomery County Parks and Recreation. 

All proceeds from BBQ Fest Across the River will benefit the Tri-County Sportsman’s Association, supporting local youth and community programs. 

For updates and more details, visit montgomerytn.gov/parks or follow us on Facebook. 

Montgomery County Government, in coordination with the City of Clarksville Street Department, will be closing Commerce Street between 1st and 2nd Streets starting at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 6, 2025, to facilitate roof work on the Montgomery County Jail and Public Safety Complex. The roadway is anticipated to be open to all traffic by 5:00 p.m.

 A crane and associated equipment that will be used as part of this replacement will block the street and street parking. Drivers should be aware of this closure downtown and plan alternate routes. Operators on the ground will be monitoring pedestrian traffic for ingress/egress to the Sheriff’s Office main entrance and may hold, redirect, or limit foot traffic briefly.

Last Edited: September 04, 2025 @ 9:07 am

Montgomery County Government, in coordination with the City of Clarksville Street Department, will be closing 2nd Street between Franklin and Commerce Streets starting at 6:30 a.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, to facilitate roof replacement on the Montgomery County Historic Courthouse. The roadway is anticipated to be open to all traffic by 5:00 p.m.

 A crane and associated equipment that will be used as part of this replacement will block this segment of the street and street parking. Drivers should be aware of this closure downtown and plan alternate routes.

Last Edited: September 03, 2025 @ 3:43 pm

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Tennessee has once again claimed the top spot in the Heritage Foundation’s Election Integrity Scorecard—marking a historic fourth consecutive year as the nation’s leader in secure and trustworthy elections. No other state has achieved the distinction of being ranked #1 four years in a row since the scorecard’s inception.

The Heritage Foundation’s comprehensive evaluation of all 50 states cited Tennessee’s robust voter ID laws, rigorous voter registration list maintenance, and bipartisan election oversight as key factors in its continued success. The scorecard assesses a wide range of criteria, including absentee ballot management, vote counting procedures, and transparency in election administration.

Secretary of State Tre Hargett praised the recognition: “This ranking reflects the tireless work of our county election commissions and the General Assembly’s commitment to protecting the ballot box. In Tennessee, it’s easy to vote and hard to cheat—and that’s exactly how it should be.”

Mark Goins, Coordinator of Elections, emphasized the role of local officials: “This recognition reflects the dedication and professionalism of election officials across all 95 counties. We work year-round to ensure every vote is counted accurately and securely, and it’s gratifying to see that effort acknowledged nationally.”

 Amanda Joslin, Administrator of Elections, added: “Tennesseans deserve to have full confidence in our elections. Tennessee leads by example, and we will continue to set the standard for the nation.”

Secretary Hargett concluded with praise for legislative leadership: “Lt. Governor Randy McNally, Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton, Chairman Richard Briggs, Chairman John Crawford, Chairman Tim Rudd, and the Tennessee General Assembly deserve immense credit for working with us to craft and pass some of the strongest election integrity laws in the country. Their commitment to voter ID, transparent ballot procedures, and secure registration practices has made Tennessee a national model.”

Tennessee’s consistent top ranking underscores its role as a national benchmark for election integrity. The state remains committed to ensuring that every eligible voter can cast a ballot with confidence—and that every vote is protected.

To learn more about the election integrity scorecard visit: https://www.heritage.org/electionscorecard/index.html