Director shares the accomplishments, challenges and needs of animal shelter

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Before Monday night’s Montgomery County formal commission meeting, Montgomery County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) Director Dave Kaske shared the shelter’s 2022 annual report with County Commissioners.

As Clarksville, Montgomery County grows and changes, it affects the pets owned by residents. The current 7,000-square-foot MCACC facility experiences a lot of activity in our community, with their team members providing a multitude of services such as responding to animal-related emergencies, complaints, violations, microchipping, collaboration with local and regional animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, other municipal shelters, and local law enforcement, investigations of aggressive animals, bites, animal cruelty and welfare, adoptions, housing, microchipping, and disease control.

Challenges faced in 2022

Kaske shared that they experienced a drastic increase in animal intakes, up 22% from 2021, and service calls were up 32% since 2020. Due to increased intakes and lack of housing, their live release rate fell from 86% in 2021 to 80% in 2022. The lack of viable veterinary services for spaying/neutering adopted pets caused longer stays and increased costs. One of the greatest challenges is that the number of veterinarians that take vouchers from MCACC dropped from 10 in 2018 to two in 2022.

Increased activity from 2021 to 2022

·         The shelter served 15,906 visitors, up 8.5% 

·         Service calls increased by 25%, with 7,130 service calls, an average of 27 calls per day

·         Intakes increased by 22%, with 4,883 (14 animals per day) entering the shelter 

·         Owner surrenders increased by 6%, with 667 pet surrenders

·         Adoptions increased by 13%, with 1,754 pets adopted

·         835  dogs were reclaimed or returned to their owners in the field

·         62 cats were reclaimed 

·         More than 47,000 rabies tags were issued by local veterinarian clinics

·         1,768 microchips implanted 

Service call areas 

·         Eighty percent of all calls come from within the City of Clarksville

·         Fourteen percent are in the unincorporated areas of Montgomery County

·         Six percent are from Fort Campbell

Kaske explained the lack of available veterinary services is due to fewer clinics accepting vouchers and increased costs for the clinics to stay competitive. He also shared that changes to housing is a reason more people are bringing their pets to the shelter. Renters find themselves in a different situation when new individuals or corporate ownership no longer allows pets.

“We accomplished more than ever before in 2022. That would not be possible without my amazing staff members,” said Kaske.

The new shelter, to be built off Purple Heart Highway by early 2025, will offer more than 22,000 square feet of space and offer an in-house clinic for most of the veterinarian services currently outsourced. 

“Our County’s Chief Engineer, Nick Powell, is working with Shelter Planners of America to get the best use out of the facility for our community and the animals we care for,” added Kaske.

“The work done by Dave and his team is often overlooked and unappreciated. They provide the best service possible with limited space and personnel and are truly concerned about the animals in their care. I’m thankful they will have relief with the new facility,” said Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden.

To view the full 33-page report, click mcgtn.org/animal-control/reports-and-statistics. More information about MCACC, including the list of adoptable animals, is at mcgtn.org/animal-control.

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Last Edited: February 14, 2023 @ 4:26 pm

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Montgomery County 9-1-1 Emergency Communications announced it has begun accepting text-to-9-1-1 service for Clarksville and Montgomery County. Wireless customers can now send a text (up to 140 characters) to 9-1-1 in an emergency. Text to 9-1-1 should only be used in an emergency situation when placing a call is not possible: For instance, if the caller is deaf, hard-of-hearing, speech impaired, or when speaking out loud would put the caller in danger.

“Montgomery County Emergency Communications District is excited to offer Text-to-9-1-1 service to the citizens of Clarksville, Montgomery County. This service adds a new channel of communication for those who are unable to make voice calls, such as those with hearing and speech impairments and those in an unsafe environment,” said Montgomery County 911 Director Hope Petersen.

If there is an emergency and you are unable to make a call, remember these steps:

• Do not text and drive.
• Texting 9-1-1 can be done by typing “911” in the field for the phone number. No other numbers need to be used.
• In the first text message, send the location and type of emergency.
• Text in simple words; use plain language-Send a short text message without abbreviations, slang or photos. Messages should be brief and concise.
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.

Don’t abuse 9-1-1  Text to 9-1-1 service is ONLY for emergencies.

• It is a crime to text or call 9-1-1 with a false report.

The Text-to-9-1-1 service will have challenges.

• A text or data plan is required to place a Text-to-9-1-1 call.
• As with all text messages, messages to 9-1-1 may take longer to receive, may get out of order, or may not be received at all.

Voice Calls to 9-1-1 Are Still the Best and Fastest Way To Contact 9-1-1. Only utilize this service when a voice call is not possible or safe.

9-1-1: Call if you Can, Text if You Can’t

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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.

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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Solid Waste Management Board approves new fees for household waste

Montgomery County, TN – Bi-County Solid Waste Management will change its fee structure for Montgomery and Stewart County residents effective January 1, 2023. The new fee schedule will apply to large loads from an individual's primary residence. 

The $5 landfill user fee will continue to cover small loads of bagged household waste and other miscellaneous items at the Dover Road Landfill and Convenience Centers that fit in a standard pick-up truck, SUV, passenger vehicle, or small trailer. Small loads will remain free subject to verification of name, address and up-to-date landfill user fee payments. Trailers are no longer accepted at the Transfer Station off Highway Drive due to traffic flow concerns. 

Since Bi-County opened in 1974, Montgomery and Stewart County residents have been able to dispose of unlimited trash with little to no cost. The $5 per month user fee did not take effect until 1997. A new fee schedule was presented to the Bi-County Board and approved at the November 2022 meeting. 

"Bi-County Solid Waste Board Members and Bi-County staff do not take this change lightly. The research showed that we are well under the market rate," said County Commissioner and Bi-County Board Chairman John Gannon.

Executive Director of Bi-County Landfill Mark Neblett stated, "We have been working on this proposal for awhile now to make it as fair and low-cost as possible. Staff members spent a great deal of time researching what surrounding counties and others charge across Tennessee and the United States. One example is Dickson County, which operates most closely to Bi-County, charging residents a $10 per month user fee and $54 per ton for large loads. No one wants to pay fees; however, it is remarkable we have made it almost 50 years without charging for load sizes."

The fee schedule beginning January 1, 2023:

• Large trailers with large loads pay a $30 flat fee. 
• Medium trailers with large loads pay a $20 flat fee.
• Mattresses and Box Springs are $10 each 
• Freon Appliances are $10 each. 
• Wood waste: first 500 lbs. covered by the user fee. Above 500 lbs., the rate is .023 cents per pound/$46 per ton. 
• Demolition loads will pay $2 less than the current commercial gate rate, at $10 per cubic yard. 

Trailer sizes will be determined by yardage based on the length, width, and size of the trailer sides. Bi-County scale employees will work with patrons using reasonable discretion on the sizing of loads. 
The fees collected will be set aside for the future purchase of an $800,000 mattress shredder to assist in processing mattresses and for personnel dedicated to pick up litter along Highway 79/Dover Road. 

Mattresses are a complicated waste in landfills that cause leachate (garbage water) problems, compaction issues and costly equipment repairs. They must be dug out of the slopes, pulling equipment and employees from other projects. Additionally, litter and large items are becoming more common on Highway 79, even with Environmental Enforcement keeping a watchful eye on this section of the road.

“Highway 79 is the gateway to Stewart County and a major highway in Montgomery County. We owe it to the residents of both counties to ensure we are maintaining the litter in this area,” said Mayor Wes Golden.  

"We've become a more "disposable society," finding it cheaper to replace an item than repair it. Bi-County has seen major increases in household waste and specialty items, including mattresses, which are banned in many landfills. The new fees are reasonable for the services offered compared to other locations that charge by ton, bag, or yard. When our transient military families call to inquire about solid waste disposal rates, they are often shocked there is little to no cost for the disposal of large household items," said Neblett. 

Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden and Stewart County Mayor Robert Beecham, who attended the November meeting, both stated they are relieved to know there is a long-term plan for waste in their respective counties. 

"After recently attending a conference with other mayors across the state and hearing the challenges they face with landfill space, we know we are blessed to have Bi-County Landfill. Operational costs are expensive and increase every year. We must look toward the future," said Mayor Golden.

For questions about the additional fees for residents who take waste items to the landfill, visit mcgtn/bi-county or call 931-648-5751.