Last Edited: December 11, 2024 @ 9:54 am

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – On Thursday, December 5, the 19th Judicial District Mental Health Court (MHC) celebrated a significant milestone by honoring its first graduate since its establishment in 2023.

This graduate completed the program in just 12 months, the minimum time required to participate in the mental health court program. The MHC is proud to report a zero percent recidivism rate and has doubled the number of participants since its launch in September 2023. 

The court is also grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Adult Probation and Veterans Treatment court staff. Mental Health Court provides its participants with equitable and effective support while demanding accountability and treating each participant with dignity, respect, and room for personal growth. The MHC staff is pleased to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and effort the first graduate has demonstrated over the past year.

Judge Katy Olita of the 19th Judicial District presides over the Mental Health Court, and Sharita Brown serves as the Director; both shared words of encouragement during the ceremony, while guest speaker Founder of Haynes House Sanctuary Lisa Martin, emphasized the importance of endings and beginnings.

 Applications to join the Mental Health Court can only be made through legal counsel or by referral from a judge.

Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you to the supporters of this vital program.

For more information about the 19th Judicial District Mental Health Court, visit https://mcgtn.org/mental-health-court.

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Last Edited: December 06, 2024 @ 3:28 pm

Looking for family-friendly holiday activities this season? Check out the full schedule of events for December by Montgomery County Parks and Recreation, including festivals, crafts, winter hikes, ice sculpting, movie nights, and photo ops with Santa! All events are free and open to the public; some require registration.  

SpiritFest & Lighted Christmas Parade  
Stop by Downtown Commons on December 7 to watch the lighting of the Montgomery County Christmas Tree at 4:30 pm and stay for the Lighted Christmas Parade at 5:00 pm. Prior to the Christmas Tree Lighting, SpiritFest will take place from 2:00-4:00 pm on the lawn of Downtown Commons, First Presbyterian, and Trinity Episcopal Parish.  

Holiday Card Drop-In Days 
Stop by the Nature Center, on December 6, 7, or 13 for Holiday Card drop-in Days to make a card for someone you love, and/or donate a handmade card to someone who needs holiday cheer. An abundance of materials will be available for your creative ideas!  

Photos with Santa 
Santa will visit the Nature Center each Saturday leading up to Christmas from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, December 7, 14, and 21. Santa will be seated on a lush green velvet couch with a beautiful nature-themed tree backdrop, perfect for family photos! NO photographer onsite. Personal phones/cameras will be needed. While waiting, guests are welcome to write Santa a letter, drop it in the magical North Pole Mailbox, and search for a hidden mischievous "Elf on the Shelf"! 

Coca Hike  
Join us for a 45-minute Cocoa Hike with lanterns through Rotary Park! Please dress appropriately for weather conditions. Appropriate footwear, long pants, and bug spray are recommended. Guests will meet at the Nature Center front doors to check in up to 10 minutes before the program and to distribute lanterns. After the hike, stick around for a cup of hot cocoa! The trail difficulty level is rated moderate; please use your best judgment when registering. Strollers are NOT recommended for this terrain. Registration is required.  https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog

Planting Party, Winter Seed Sowing  
On December 17, the nature center will host a workshop focused on preparing a mini greenhouse for native plants to begin growing during the winter. Each participant is asked to provide a clean one-gallon water/milk jug, which will be used as a mini greenhouse. All other materials are provided. No experience or prior knowledge is needed. Young children may have a harder time sitting through the presentation, so use your best discretion when registering. Registration is required. https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog

DIY Holiday Ornament Making  
Stop by the Nature Center on December 19 for a drop-in holiday ornament activity. All materials are supplied, including 3" wooden loops, ribbons, bows, charms, bells, stickers, ext. 

Ice Sculpting & Movie Night  
Get ready for a holiday night of fun! Head to Downtown Commons on December 19 at 6:00 pm for a special screening of 2018 animated "The Grinch". Enjoy the movie with a twist—watch talented ice sculptor Joshua Perry from Burgasm create live ice art during the film. 

Story Tails  
Every 3rd Saturday of the month, the Wade Bourne Nature Center holds "Story Tails," a program promoting literacy to children by creating a wonder for the natural world. This program aligns with the mission of the Center by fostering appreciation for the environment and encouraging kids to explore the outdoors. Sessions will be held inside and/or outside, depending on the weather on December 21 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This program is for children ages 1-6. Registration is required.  https://secure.rec1.com/TN/montgomery-county-parks-recreation/catalog

New Year’s Eve Party 
Beginning at 9:00 PM on December 31st, at Downtown Commons, we will kick off our second Montgomery County New Year’s Eve party with presenting sponsor Austin Peay State University! Join us for a night of singing, dancing, and enjoying delicious food as we enter 2025! We will have a live band, dance floor, photo-booth trailer, food trucks, a balloon drop, and a surprise at midnight. This is a once-a-year event you don’t want to miss! Free and open to the public, all ages are welcome.  

Lisa McClain Awarded DDC National Instructor of the Year and Recipient of the Esteemed James A. Solomon Award

 
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Traffic safety education plays a pivotal role in reducing traffic crashes and saving lives. Each year, individuals dedicate themselves to this cause as Defensive Driver Instructor. Lisa McClain was recognized and awarded the National Safety Council National Instructor of the Year for Defensive Driving at the National Safety Council 2024 Safety Congress & Expo Awards Dinner in Orlando, Florida.   

As Administrator of Montgomery County Driver Safety, Lisa oversees the operations of the driver education program.  Her dedication to this program earned her the DDC 4 Instructor of the Year. This esteemed award is bestowed upon individuals who have significantly contributed to the field.  

Additionally, her achievements in traffic safety were recognized with the prestigious James A. Solomon Award. Lisa received a standing ovation from her traffic safety peers and the surprise James A. Solomon Award from Mr. Solomon.  

"I am very honored and humbled to have received these two National Safety Council Awards amongst my peers in traffic safety.  It was amazing to receive the award from Mr. Solomon, a pioneer in traffic safety, and to have a class instructor from 35 years ago, Andrew Williams of the Tennessee Regional Safety Council, and his wife Phyllis, there to see me receive these awards," McClain said. 

For information about the Driver Safety program, visit https://mcgtn.org/driversafety. 

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Last Edited: December 05, 2024 @ 11:54 am

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – Due to construction, access to all traffic between College Street and 1st Street will be closed on Monday, December 9. During that time, traffic will be detoured to Jefferson and N Spring Street to facilitate Phase I, crane delivery and setup, for the arena garage. 

Phase 2, the erection of precast components, is scheduled to begin December 9 and run through January 18. During that time, two-way traffic will be maintained but reduced to two lanes, with the right-hand turning lane closed when traveling east.

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Tenn. – The Montgomery County Trustee’s Office and the City of Clarksville are partnering during the property tax season for the fifth 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 3, 2024, through February 27, 2025, residents can take care of their county and city property taxes at one location with a city and county representatives at the Montgomery County Trustee’s Office at 350 Pageant Lane in Veterans Plaza.

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 continue our partnership with the City of Clarksville for the convenience of our residents. By addressing taxpayers' needs in one convenient location, we hope to provide stronger support and assistance to those who need it most in Montgomery County,” said Montgomery County Trustee Kimberly Wiggins.

“This unique partnership ultimately helps to build convenience for taxpayers, and some added efficiency, into household taxpayer collections, services, and support at the local level, and we are pleased to have this opportunity to partner with the County,” said Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts.

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 call 931.648.5717. To see the services offered through the City Finance & Revenue Department, visit cityofclarksville.com or call 931.645.7437.

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