The truth: a black notebook stuffed with paper.

Buyer beware.

A 24-year-old woman was scammed out of a $1,000 in the parking lot of a business on Wilma Rudolph Blvd.  The woman is from Nebraska and travels to the Clarksville area at the end of every month for business.

On July 28, a little after noon, she parked midway in row 10 of a business’ parking lot. As she got out of her vehicle, she was approached by a man who had exited from a grey Dodge Charger; there was a female sitting in the front seat of the Charger and an infant in a child seat in the back. He approached the woman and showed her a laptop.  He explained that his girlfriend is a manager at Best Buy and that he had gotten a great deal on some laptops like the one he had. But, now he needed the money more than he needed the laptops and said he would sell them to her for $350.00 each. He had four of them, each in an individual Fed Ex box in his car.  She accompanied him to his car, where he opened two boxes, and she saw what appeared to be two laptops. One was a black laptop with a Best Buy sales tag of $1999.99 and the other was a white Apple laptop with a $1999.99 price tag on it. Both were packaged nicely in plastic bubble wrap in Fed Ex boxes specifically made for shipping laptop computers.

Ordinary notebooks are diisguised to look like expensive laptops.

The woman called some of her friends and  they all wanted to buy one, so she bought all four of them for $1,000 in cash, on the spot. The scammer loaded them into the woman’s car and quickly left.  After the woman got back to her hotel, she discovered that the “computers” were actually several packages of notebook paper sandwiched between a black notebook binder and a white notebook binder.

Services such as the Better Business Bureau and consumer advocacy agencies advise consumers not to buy “off the truck” or from random, unknown people, especially in such unusual places as parking lots.

Scammers work quickly, with the intent of separating the victim from his money as quickly as possible. It is truly a case of “buyer beware.”

Citizens are encouraged to contact local police if approached with similar offers.

In the afternoon, the grand opening festivities continue with a festive fellowship hour, including refreshments beginning at 5:00pm. Candidates will be on hand with campaign information. Election material will be available. The public is invited to come out for both events. Bring a favorite side dish as a potluck gift. Volunteer opportunity information will be also be available.

For more information please contact: Gene Lewis, Chairman, Montgomery County Executive Committee, (931) 801-6209 or via email at wel750@yahoo.com. The party website is www.montgomerydemocrats.com

For those who have seen flashing blue lights in their neighborhood and want to know what was going on, the Clarksville Police Department has a new tool that accesses up-to-date crime statistics with the convenience and accuracy of an online map. With the CPD’s new partnership with CrimeReports and their National Crime Map at www.CrimeReports.com and the related iPhone app, residents can view color-coded statistics that date back as far as January 28th of this year.

“Providing reliable, timely information to our citizens is one of our top priorities,” says Chief Al Ansley. “And partnering with CrimeReports gives us the ability to keep the public informed on a regular basis as to what is going on in the community.” He added that the public can access the crime map 24 hours a day through the website or through the CrimeReports iPhone app, available for free download in the Apple iTunes store. The new service even lets local citizens sign up for free customizable email alerts, so they can stay on top of crime in their neighborhood.

“Information is power,” Chief Ansley added. “And we hope that giving the community this information will help them prevent crime in their neighborhoods.”  The following crimes are identified on Clarksville Police Department’s crime map: homicide, breaking and entering, robbery, theft, theft of vehicle, vehicle burglary (theft from a vehicle), sexual assault, assaults-simple or domestic, and assault with a deadly weapon (aggravated assault).  The data on the crime map is for the time-frame January 28, 2010 – Present.

“The Clarksville Police Department is a leader in law enforcement innovation,” says Greg Whisenant, founder and CEO of CrimeReports. “They are demonstrating their commitment to the community, to proactive policing, and fiscal responsibility.” The CrimeReports service only costs the Clarksville Police Department $99/month.

The Clarksville Police Department is joining a list of over 850 other law enforcement agencies of all sizes across North America such as; Baltimore, Boston, San Jose, San Francisco, Portland, Washington D.C., Los Angeles County, and more who are sharing their crime information with the public through the crime map.

To access the local crime map and sign up for daily, weekly, or monthly email crime alerts, visit www.CrimeReports.com or at the Clarksville Police Department’s website at www.clarksvillepd.org.

Many Montgomery County School children cannot afford lunch, much less basic school supplies, and studies indicate that the average teacher spends between $500 and $1,000 of his or her own money to buy supplies for their students.

Countywide, the school budget has been slashed dramatically and there is a great need for student and teacher support. The Teachers Warehouse provides a unique means to transfer donated, value purchased and created products from businesses and individuals free to teachers for use in school classrooms.

The Teachers Warehouse is a joint effort between the Montgomery County Education Foundation and Hands on Clarksville. The program helps bridge the gap between the great need and community resources. By contributing to Teachers Warehouse, donated supplies will help support needy Montgomery County classrooms through the free teachers store.

To support or donate to the Teachers Warehouse,  contact Rita Arancibia at Hands on Clarksville (931) 551-5450 or e-mail rita.arancibia@gmail.com.or Candy Johnson at (931) 920-7955 (e-mail Johnson at candy.johnson@cmcss.net).

Sherry Chris (far right, in white) congratulates the staff of Better Homes & Garden Real Estate Hometown Connection on their successful open house and new location. Photo by David W. Shelton

With the spirit of a neighborhood backyard barbecue, a dunking booth, and a fair amount of ice-cold bottled water, Better Homes & Garden Real Estate: Hometown Connection celebrated the opening of their new facility at 108 Centerpoint Drive. After outgrowing their previous location at Trenton Road and Wilma Rudolph Blvd. earlier this year, it became clear that with more than 70 agents, a larger office would be needed.

The open house also featured the company’s new mobile charcoal grill that’s geared for such large events. Several vendors were invited to participate, and all paid a nominal fee, which went directly to the Manna Café Ministry, a non-profit organization that works to feed the homeless. Manna offers food distribution to anyone who applies, plus a mean one night a week — Thursdays. An additional meal will be offered at separate location starting in August.

Joey Haley, Jr., who recently jointed the locally-owned Better Homes & Garden office, cited the innovative nature of the marketing model. “They are on the leading edge of real estate marketing,” he said. “Their network is unique in the way they reach out to customers.”Haley’s sentiment is not unique, however.

Maurice Vaughn, CEO of the local Hometown Connection franchise, echoed Chris’ remarks. “Better Homes & Garden is much more than ‘houses for sale,’” he said. “It’s a comprehensive brand strategy — a lifestyle brand.” The appeal to him for BH&G was not only the management of the company itself, but also in the wide appeal and brand recognition of the BH&G name. Vaughn also emphasized that the Real Estate market is a “relationship industry,” and built on service — which is emphasized at both the local and corporate level.

Sherry Chris, Better Homes & Garden Real Estate CEO (Submitted)

In fact, the marketing and outreach strategy of the company as a whole stems from the the leadership of CEO Sherry Chris, who was on hand for the franchise’s celebration today. “Once I got the invitation, I knew couldn’t miss it,” she said.

Such hands-on activity as an executive has helped guide the Real Estate brand of the popular Better Homes & Garden label from its infancy to a multinational corporation that spans 17 states and will soon open offices internationally. She also contributes to the “Clean Slate Blog,” a frequently-updated technology-related blog that’s straight from the company’s corporate center in Parsippany, New Jersey.

Chris’ goals for the company not only include clear growth plans, but a focus on outreach to recruiting younger Real Estate agents and tapping into the fast-growing technology sector for marketing. “The average age for Realtors is 50,” she said. “They’ll stay in the business for years. They don’t retire. They love it too much!” The company is actively looking to recruit younger “echo boomer” generation agents who fit within the demographic of 18-34 years of age. This is especially important since 1/3 of the nation’s population fits within this same demographic.

“It’s sometimes difficult for older agents to start out today,” Chris said. “The biggest issue that our many 50-plus agents find when they get into the business is that they must be tech-savvy.” In fact, the National Association of Realtors indicates that 90% of modern Real Estate customers begin their search online instead of with an agent.”

It’s a far cry from the days where the Realtor was the gatekeeper for specialized MLS listing information — which was not allowed to be given out — to the vast resources online that allow home buyers to search multiple databases, search engines, and listing systems. “Our role as Realtors has gone from being the ‘keeper of information’ to the ‘trusted advisers,’” Chris said. “In a time where we almost have too much information — I can even find the nearest Starbucks on my iPhone — we have to stay with technology.”

And stay with it, they do. In fact, BH&G recently launched a free iPhone app that allows home buyers to help organize their home search with location searches, photo filing, and ranking. “It’s already been downloaded more than 70,000 times,” Chris said. The corporate website is also very inclusive — providing a resource for various tips and services that all aide the homeowner long after they’ve settled into their new home.

Complete with a twitter account, Chris is the leading force for her company’s technological prowess. Her level of technological focus garnered her with an award on July 16th as the Inman Innovator of the Year, which cited the firm’s growth to more than 125 offices worldwide. On top of her own hands-on blogging, she also instituted social media boot camp classes for new agents. Not bad for a two-year-old company.

With the added benefit of the Better Homes & Garden brand, local agents and franchises are able to use that technology to market their services and homes using a database of 85 million magazine subscribers, including that of the popular Better Homes & Garden magazine, the flagship publication of Meredith Corporation, who also publish Parent, Family Circle, Home Journal, and Quilting magazines.

“If an agent wants to market to young families who might be looking for their first home, they can search for renters who read Parent magazine.” The agent, however, would not be privy to any private personal information — not even a name — and would just opt to send out the directed marketing to only those that fit the profile in their search query. Such a process is a much more consumer-driven and targeted marketing strategy than bulk postcard mailings.

Agents will continue to be relevant in the fast-changing Real Estate market, and Chris noted that they will offer what computer searches can not: first-hand knowledge of how the industry works, and most importantly, intimate knowledge of the community. “They’ll always be able to say why a certain neighborhood is popular, which schools are better, and why a property sold for a certain amount.”

Front row, CPD Chief Al Ansley presents Cumberland Bank and Trust President and CEO Ron Sleigh, and Vice President of Marketing Charlie Koon with their Crime Free Business certification. On the second step are District 2 Commander Rick Stalder and District 3 Commander Captain Craig Gipson.

Ron Sleigh, President/CEO said “Cumberland Bank & Trust is excited  to be a part of the Crime Free Business program and proud to be the first bank in Clarksville/Montgomery County to complete this program.  The Clarksville Police Department should be commended for their work with the Clarksville Community to promote safety in the work place.”

To receive the certification, the business had to meet the standards set by The International Crime Free Organization. Acquiring the certification entailed attending a two hour training program which gave the business the tools and techniques to set up a crime free business; development of written policies and procedures for the business to follow; developed ongoing training for employees, and successfully passing a crime free business inspection. CPD’s crime prevention officers worked and assisted the business owner every step of the way and helped him set up what could be considered a model program.

The Police Department has a series of Crime Free programs available which covers everything from businesses to personal residences. Crime cannot always be prevented, but, with citizens’ help techniques/tools/solutions can be put in place that can make it harder for the criminal element to conduct “their business.” Anyone interested in participating in one of the Crime Free Programs, contact one of Clarksville Police Department’s Crime Prevention Officers at 931-648-0656

The Family Campout will include an afternoon and evening of games as well as a hot dog dinner and breakfast.  Families will need to provide their own tent and sleeping materials. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Don’t miss out on your chance to sleep under the stars, pre-register by October 8 at the Parks & Recreation Main office located at 102 Public Square or any of our three community centers.

For complete details about the Family Campout, please visit us online at www.cityofclarksville.com/parks&rec/ or call 931-645-7476.

The  public is welcome to visit, tour the new office, and participate in games and giveaways. Inflatables will be available to keep children occupied. Refreshments will be served.

Clarksville Police Chief Al Ansley, addressing the Public Safety Committee on Wednesday, said “T-bone” crashes are down at site equipped with red light cameras.

Police Chief Al Ansley wants to put red-light cameras at two more intersections, he told the Public Safety Committee Wednesday, noting that T-bone crashes are down where cameras have been in use. Currently the city has  cameras installed at seven intersections. Redflex Traffic Systems installed the cameras in 2009 and has  monitored those cameras.

Ansley indicated that T-bone accidents dropped dramatically at camera-monitored intersections, with the most striking statistic coming from the Madison Street/Hwy 41/A & 76, where such crashes dropped from 16 to eight. That assumption does not hold true at Fort Campbell Boulevard and Tiny Town Road, however, where crashes escalated from four to 11, a rate attributed to pre-deployment numbers at Fort Campbell.

In addition, the impact of cameras on rear-end collisions show mixed results, with such crashes staying the same, increasing or decreasing depending on location.

To date the city has has garnered $304,214 in revenue from more than 13,000 citations issued, or just under half the total revenue collected by Redflex.

August rates will show an increase an average of $1-2 on a typical residential bill. A 1.5% fuel cost increase brings the total increases since March of more than 20%.

Adding the 1.5 percent fuel cost in August boosts the total increases since March 1 to more than 20 percent.

TVA’s  power is drawn from  coal, oil and natural gas and when prices of these fuels increase. The utility supplies power to nearly 9 million consumers in Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.

The Kleeman Community Center will also hold a Senior Dance Saturday, August 21 from 3-5  p.m.   The event will feature a DJ and refreshments.  Admission is $2 at the door.

For more information on Senior events and programs, please visit us online at www.cityofclarksville.com or call 931-645-7476.

All proceeds will go towards funding the Mission Clarksville Program.  Please come out and purchase local, fresh, delicious, organic vegetables that are supporting a great cause!

Also, if you haven’t checked out our website lately, then you should read some of the blogs written by our youth.  We have posted about 30 blogs written by June and July D.I.R.T. Crews about their experiences this summer.  Just go to www.missionclarksville.org and click BLOGS in the top right hand corner.

In addition, if you want to learn more about our program, follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/missioncville or “Friend” us on Facebook : www.facebook.com/mission.clarksville .

Over 60 teams will be descending upon Clarksville in the coming week. Jay Patel, Chairman of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, is thrilled for the opportunity. “The economic impact from this tournament will be huge,” says Patel. “We estimate over $1 million in revenue.”

The next week, July 26-30, will bring another round of teams for the 16U and 18U tournaments. All games are open to the public. Admission will be charged.

The teams are playing at Heritage Park off Peacher’s Mill Road. The week long events will include fun activities for the players at night, an opening ceremony and, of course, lots of softball. The Convention & Visitors Bureau is looking for volunteers to assist with the opening ceremony on July 19, beginning at 3:00 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Channel Lemon at (931) 245-4346 or email clemon@clarksville.tn.us. The opening ceremony is free and open to the public.

For more information on the tournaments contact Channel Lemon at (931) 245-4341.  For a list of game times, locations and schedules visit clarksvillecvb.com.

That’s the philosophy two Austin Peay State University students and an alumnus adopted when they were approached about a project many universities are quickly embracing – the creation of an iPhone app.

Pending approval from Apple – the manufacturer of the iPhone, iPad and other Mac computer products, APSU will launch is own iPhone app this fall.

The three students – Russ Christensen, Robert Dohner and T.J. Phillips – began working on the project in November 2009. Actually, that’s when they began learning how Apple’s products are programmed; the company’s operating systems are different than its Microsoft Windows counterpart.

“We had to learn on the fly,” said Dohner, who graduated from APSU in May 2009. “The language Apple uses is similar, but it’s still different.”

“We decided, well, nothing wrong with learning a new language,” Phillips, a junior, said.

Christensen, in fact, after learning he would be working on the development of an APSU app, purchased an iPhone.

“I bought one solely for this purpose,” he said.

Development of APSU’s iPhone app began last fall – at a Governors football game. Dr. Tristan Denley, provost and vice president of academic affairs at APSU, approached Dr. Bruce Myers, professor of computer science and information technology, about the idea.

“He said, ‘Do you have any students who could do this?’” Myers said. “ I told him I was not an iPhone person, but that I was sure we could find someone.”

Denley wanted to make sure, though, that student involvement was a key element in the project.

“Austin Peay is all about giving our students unique and transformative educational experiences, and this certainly proved to a perfect opportunity,” Denley said. “These three young men have created a wonderful app that will be enjoyed by many of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.”

Hired for the project, Christensen, Dohner and Phillips first had to learn the Objective C language used in Apple products. That began in November 2009, and by March 2010, the trio began putting it together.

“We looked at least 20 different colleges to see how their apps worked,” Christensen said.

Currently, the APSU app is in the refinement phase, with the three men working to eliminate any problems encountered during the testing. After modifications are made, the app design will be sent to Apple for approval.

The APSU iPhone app, when launched, will have eight features for users:

n  A blog by APSU President Tim Hall.

• Google map of the main campus.
• APSU news
• Sports news
• Event calendar
• Faculty and staff directory
• Course catalog
• My Schedule, allowing students to see their class meetings.

“I feel the directory, course catalog and My Schedule are going to be the most used,” Christensen said.

The three men said the experience has been eye opening for them, adding the project will help them to secure future employment in the computer industry.

“This has been an actual job,” Dohner said. Christensen and Phillips agreed.

“We now have experience under our belts,” Phillips said.

Myers said the project has been a success because of the student involvement.

“Dr. Denley wanted to make sure students were involved,” he said. “That’s what we’re about, and these three students are making us proud.”

The CPA covers all facets of the Police Department’s activities from administration to tactical operations. Citizens are given an opportunity to not only learn about Police Department functions, but also afforded a chance to participate in activities such as: police vehicle operations, firearms instruction, self-defense techniques, and use of force decision-making exercises.

The class is free of charge and applications are available online at www.clarksvillepd.org by scrolling down to Citizen Police Academy application and returning it to the address listed on the application or you can stop by Police Headquarters at 135 Commerce street to pick up an application.   Applications will be accepted through September 3rd.

If you have any questions, please contact Officer Heather Vanatta at 931-648-0656, ext 2127 or via email at hvanatta@clarksvillepd.org

Dr. Merriel Bullock-Neal

Dr. Merriel Bullock-Neal, candidate for Montgomery County General Sessions and Juvenile Judge,  will hold a “Meet and Greet” event at her campaign headquarters, 235C Dunbar Cave Road, at 6 p.m. on July 22.

The public is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served.

Merriel Bullock Neal, Greg Rabidoux and Cindy Sueiro steady the ribbon for Geno Grubbs

Yet another Clarksville South Riverside Drive business tradition reasserts itself as a proud member of the business community. G’s Pancake House on South Riverside Drive marked its recovery from the devastating May flood with a ribbon cutting ceremony on its founder’s birthday, its namesake.  G. Sueiro, a retired Ft. Campbell soldier. Cindy Sueiro, his daughter and CEO, thanked the many guests who attended.  She acknowledged the tireless support of her work crew at the restaurant and the many contractors and city government officials who selflessly assisted and advised her in every step of the recovery effort.

Sueiro also acknowledged the contributions and support of Anthony Pritchard, manager, and her brother Tony Sueiro, who came up from Tallahassee, Florida to assist his sister in her efforts to preserve their father’s dream. Sueiro remarked on her father’s dedication to serving the Fort Campbell community and how that has been a part of G’s mission from day one. Lastly, she acknowledged the many well wishes and kind words given by customers who continued to stop by offering encouragement during the renovation effort.

Among the many public officials and candidates to attend the ribbon cutting were Phil Harpel, who presented a Certificate of Commendation on behalf of Montgomery County Mayor Carolyn Bowers, City Council member Geno Grubbs, County Sheriff Norman Lewis, CSM St. Louis from Fort Campbell, KY, Circuit Court Judge candidate Meriel Bullock Neal, city mayoral candidate Gabriel Segovia, Kaye Jones, School Board members Jimmie M.Garland Sr. and Horace Murphy and US District 8 Congressional candidate Greg Rabidoux. Ivan Roberts read a Certificate of Recognition from the State Legislature from Senator Tim Barnes and Rep. Joe Pitts.

Ribbon cutting done, the activity returned to the cool interior of the renovated restaurant where guests were busy with their free pancake breakfasts and other G’s menu favorites. Home baked cheesecakes were also available for the guests. Each guest was given a ticket stub for the door prizes and the drawings became the focus of attention as the day’s celebration progressed. Travel coffee mugs, a MP3 player, gift cards and a 32-inch Flat screen High definition TV were awarded.

Tiggy, Customs House Museum mascot

The Customs House Museum mascot, “Ms. Tiggy Green,” is about to get new “digs.” Customs House personnel have obtained the design plans  for her new quarters. A public fundraiser effort for the materials is now underway.

Anyone who has ever been displaced  persons will appreciate the dilemma facing Tiggy,  Clarksville Customs House Museum’s mascot and resident iguana. Tiggy, a diva among iguanas, has a great personality; however she has outgrown her current apartment in the Museum’s Gift Shop and is looking forward to getting new living quarters.

Museum personnel have obtained blueprint designs for her new living quarters. With proceeds from an ongoing fundraiser, Tiggy looks forward to moving onto her new more spacious digs before year’s end.

Tiggy in her current 'apartment.'

Tiggy sits resplendent in her “apartment,” observing patrons as they enter the gift shop and peruse its diverse selection of gifts. Tiggy never makes a sound of protest or complaint about her condition; she is a very modern, internet savvy kind of lady with her own facebook page: screen name , “Tiggy Green.” You can also view videos of Tiggy and other museum related events at  http://www.youtube.com/user/MuseumTiggy.

Donations may be made at the museum’s gift shop or by mail: Clarksville Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, Attn: Tiggy’s New Quarters, 200 S. Commerce Street. Clarksville, TN 37040. For more information on how to contribute, contact  Shae Otto, (931) 648-5780 or Terri Jordan, (931) 920-4188. There is also a donation jar available at our Imagine Media Solutions business office, 741 B Madison Street during regular business hours.

Frank X Walker shares an unpublished work

The Center for Excellence in the Creative Arts hosted a poetry reading by Frank X. Walker  in Gentry Auditorium in the Kimbrough Building. Walker is a co-founder of the Affrilachia Poets and teaches at Eastern Kentucky University. Students, workshop faculty and friends of poetry filled the Gentry Auditorium. Lacey Cook of Humanities Tennessee welcome the attendees and introduced Walker, who proceeded to delight and enthrall the audience with insights about writing.

Eloquent readings and explorations of motivations and revelations into the art of creative writing and personal growth filled the evening. The Gentry Auditorium proved a most comfortable setting for the eighty-some guests who gathered for the reading. Walker shared his family’s story as it impacted his writing and his life. His growing up in Appalachia is also a source of inspiration and reference in his writings and he encouraged the budding writers to don’t hesitate to make use of their own lives and environments in their endeavors as writers. The Q&A session was a lively exchange between the artist and his audience which served as another teaching opportunity for him to provide impetus to the attending  workshop students to explore their own creative motivations.

Terry Strange, Gerald Nicely, Clarksville Mayor Johnny Piper, Montgomery County Carolyn Bowers, Rep. Curtis Johnson, Rep. Joe Pitts,HSC Expansion Project Director Jim Russo

Clarksville’s newest industrial center, Hemlock Semiconductor, celebrated another benchmark in establishing its corporate imprint on the city. State and local officials  turned out to mark the facility’s access road completion.

Under a large white canopy, officials all levels of government and business, along with interested citizens, gathered to celebrate the completion of the new four-lane county road to the new Hemlock Semiconductor complex. The access road has been designated as Solar Way and will serve as the primary means by which HSC employees, contractors and all vehicular traffic will access the Hemlock facility.

Terry Strange, HSC Site Manager, launched the ceremony; Strange will take control of the  complex when construction and equipment installation is done. Strange noted that, “the solar array will lead the way for this area to become the leader of the solar industry in the United States.” Its economic growth is already impacting the community.  “Construction site workforce numbers have doubled to over 650 since March, when they were just 300. That number is expected to grow to over 1200 by year’s end. While program directors and managers will bring their own managerial teams with them, the majority of jobs created by this facility will be filled by local people here from your community,”  Strange told the gathered audience.

Observing the large numbers of cranes visible at the construction site, Strange noted that HSC is spending approximately one million dollars a month in building this new industrial center. That adds up to 10-12 million dollars a year just in construction costs. He credited TDOT with helping to make the project move  smoothly by its ability to complete the roadway project ahead of time. With that, he introduced TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely.

Gerald Nicely, TDOT Commissioner, addreses guests

TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely commented on the significance of the roadway project’s completion. “This project is part of our Industrial Development Program. Governor Bredesen has stressed the need for state agencies to be supportive and active in furthering economic development and business recruitment.” The 2-mile roadway was surveyed, designed and permitted in four months, followed by another twelve months of actual construction. The roadway was completed  six months ahead of time. Now that the roadway is complete, HSC employees, contractors and all vehicular traffic will utilize it to access the work site and continuing support facilities.

Among those gathered for the ribbon cutting, in addition to Commissioner Nicely and  Strange, were HSC Expansion Project Director Jim Russo, State Representatives Curtis Johnson and Joe Pitts, County Mayor Carolyn Bowers, Clarksville Mayor Johnny Piper, Montgomery County Sheriff Norman Lewis, City Councilors Barbara Johnson, Marc Harris, Geno Grubbs, and Joel Wallace and Community Advisory Committee member Tommy Vallejos, Susan Menees, Elizabeth Black, and Donna Bright.

Jim Russo, HSC Expansion Director

Russo said that construction is on schedule to turn the project over to Strange. “We’re right where we want to be at this time.” That projection is based on the number of buildings under construction at acceptable levels of completion. “We’re within a week of schedule for the installation of equipment.

Strange, in commenting of pastoral setting of the complex location, noted that the Clarksville site is much like the parent location in Michigan, an industrial dynamo nestled among farmland and wooded pastures. This insures non-intrusion on residential neighbors and minimal risk of negative industrial impact on the community.

Photos by David W. Shelton

Friendly serving staff awaits guests

Another downtown eatery has rejoined the Clarksville business community mix. High flood waters made a mess of the long established fish and seafood hotspot, but determination and dedication has brought the business back in better shape than before, ready to again surprise and delight their dining public.

Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen at Kraft Street is once again open for business. New everything awaits returning and new friends. ‘Kitchen Fresh!’ is their new slogan and it shows in every aspect of the business operation. The dining area is filled with new seating and tables, the kitchen area is also awash in new equipment and storage facilities. Wallboard, paint and counters, right down to napkins and malt vinegar; it’s all fresh for  dining guests.

Alaskan Salmon dinner with roasted red potatoes

A friendly greeting welcomes each guest entering the eatery. A bright menu board offers tempting options and a smiling, courteous server staff make placing orders a breeze. Comfortable seating in a open, cool dining area makes dining a pleasure. Meals are prepared to specifications in the kitchen area where stainless steel counters and weight scales insure all is done to exacting perfection.

Chicken strips, fried okra and french fires

Trained prep crews and cooking staff move about creating each meal order with attention to detail and specification. Their goal is produce a perfect presentation that will delight visual senses and satisfy demanding tastebuds. Salmon, catfish, shrimp, clams, even chicken strips are offered with such sides as steamed broccoli, corn on the cob, green beans, tossed  salads, fried okra, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw and roasted red potatoes.

Seafood lovers will be pleased to have an old friend back in their midst.

Breakfast is back at G's! Photo by Terry McMoore

G’s Pancake House Restaurant will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, July 16,  at 2 p.m. to mark the grand re-opening of its 803 South Riverside Drive location, which has been  renovated  from floor to ceiling following severe flooding in May.

The restaurant was completely ruined when overtaken by  the great flood that hit Clarksville Montgomery County and much of the Riverside Drive Business District in May. Apart from more than four feet of standing water inside the popular eatery, the owners had to tie their outside walk-in freezer to the building to keep it from floating away.

The new interior of G's

Just over two months later, the ceilings have been refinished, the walls rebuilt, and new equipment and furnishings have been installed; while it looks like an entirely new restaurant inside, the menu and the coffee hasn’t changed. Longtime patrons are already pouring for those breakfast and lunch buffets and other popular fare on the G’s menu.

G’s Pancake House has served the Clarksville and Fort Campbell communities with delicious food and their signature pancakes and coffee for almost half a century since founder, Gene Sueiro, a Vietnam veteran with the 101st Airborne, first opened its doors.

Many a newcomer to this military town has made G’s Pancake House their first dining experience because of its contributions and support toward the community and the Fort Campbell military base.

The public is welcome to join the community, elected officials and the entire G’s Pancake House Family at this grand re-opening event. There will be plenty of gifts, prizes and free pancakes and coffee all day long.

Photos by David W. Shelton (except breakfast photo)