Good morning, Clarksville.

Fredonia Park in Montgomery County held a ribbon cutting on Wednesday to celebrate its new expansion featuring six pickleball courts, a baseball court, an open-air pavilion and a quarter-mile walking loop with an Imagination Library Storybook Trail off Highway 12—construction will soon begin on a new playground and rentable community center expected to open in spring.

Three long-serving instructors at Clarksville Athletic Club—Christy Jacques, Sherry Wilkinson, and Rhonda Markham—each have led exercise classes for over 30 years while helping local members stay active and healthy.

Their dedication is celebrated by club management as a key part of building a strong community.

Fast food chain Cookout will open at least 19 new restaurants in the mid-Atlantic and southeastern region, including three in Middle Tennessee—located in Antioch, Hermitage, and Nashville—and the exact opening dates have not been provided yet.

Existing locations in the region make this expansion a notable move for the chain.

Today, Gateway Chamber Orchestra announced its 2025-26 season under new Music Director Jacob Aaron Schnitzer; the season will feature Winterglow: A Baroque Celebration on November 23 at Madison Street United Methodist Church, a Holiday Concert on December 14 at Mabry Concert Hall, a video game concert on March 8, and a Bourbon + Brandenburgers event later, with tickets + subscriptions available now.

Army combat veteran Bionner Puerta built a life-size pirate ship to offer local families a free interactive Halloween experience in his Clarksville yard; the display will be open all month long from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.—weekend visitors can even see Jack Sparrow appear.

The Artsville Gala kicked off ArtLink’s annual Artsville Fest on Thursday night with live music, food trucks, vendors and a 1920s-style speakeasy lounge that featured a juried art show and over 55 local artists on display.

Today the festival continues on Strawberry Alley and other downtown spots with interactive art, live music and large-scale exhibits — a sign that local creative talent is celebrated — organizer Maria Haycraft said.

The Tennessee Department of Education has offered 20,000 Education Freedom Scholarships for private K–12 schools, with 10,000 reserved for families meeting income restrictions.

Nearly 43,000 applications have been received—more details on enrollments are still pending.

Austin Peay State University is welcoming Dr. Vladimir Trapara as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar from October through May; he will research Serbia’s neutrality and teach a cross-listed course—International Diplomacy—to give local students a new view on global security.

This move marks APSU’s first Fulbright placement since 1999–2000 and strengthens its ties with international partners.

Austin Peay State University reached a record high by spending nearly $14M on almost 200 research and community grants in FY25—marking its largest number of awarded grants, with a five-year portfolio rising to $59M, a 13.5% increase from last year.

This funding supports projects that range from rural healthcare to ecological restoration in the community.

Sen. Mitch McConnell sent a letter on Friday asking the Defense Secretary for an exemption so Fort Campbell High can play its football game tonight — the request aims to prevent the Falcons from forfeiting and losing playoff chances.

The move would allow DoDEA activities to continue despite the government shutdown.

Harper Mullicane was named the American Heart Association’s Youth Heart Ambassador as a sixth grader—spreading awareness about heart health—and his award honors a dedication that has already sparked local pride.

A government shutdown that began on October 1 threatens key Affordable Care Act tax credits that help nearly 610,000 Tennesseans afford coverage—265,000 may lose insurance and premiums could jump by 93% when the credits expire in December, leaving lawmakers and health care leaders divided over a bipartisan extension proposal.

Today at 3:00 p.m., the No. 21 APSU Govs host the undefeated No. 16 West Georgia Wolves at Fortera Stadium — a contest that is part of Clarksville Kicks Cancer Day and will be streamed on ESPN.

Tennessee high school football scores from Week 7 were reported for games played on Oct.

2 and Oct. 3 in East, Middle, and West Tennessee. The results include both region contests and regular match-ups (all scores come from official TSSAA submissions).

Little Picasso Workshop

10:30-11:30 a.m. — ArtLink Clarksville — $15 per class or $50 monthly package — Explore creativity through storytime, music, and crafts for little artists.

9th Annual Oktoberfest

12 PM – 11 PM — Beachaven Vineyards & Winery — Entry fee may apply — Celebrate fall with German beers, local wines, delicious food, and family-friendly entertainment.

VanMire Halloween Party

6-9 p.m. — The Back Nine Golf — Free for members, $20 for non-members — Celebrate Halloween with a costume party and golf challenge at this unique venue.

Little Picasso Workshop

10:30 – 11:30 AM — ArtLink Clarksville — $15 per class — Explore creativity through art, storytelling, and music designed for preschoolers.

AMA Partzilla Regional Arenacross Series

7-10 p.m. — F&M Bank Arena — Exciting racing action — Experience high-octane thrills as top riders battle on challenging dirt tracks.

Partzilla Regional Arenacross Series

7-10 p.m. — F&M Bank Clarksville - Downtown — Tickets required — Experience thrilling bar-to-bar racing at the Clarksville Round of the Arenacross Series.

Little Picasso Workshop

10:30 – 11:30 AM — ArtLink Clarksville — $15 per class — Engage in art, music, and sensory play designed for preschoolers.

Trunk or Treat in the Silo Park

6-9 p.m. — Old Glory Distilling Co. — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween event with candy, live music, and fall beverages.

Little Picasso Workshop

10:30-11:30 a.m. — ArtLink Clarksville — $15 per class — Explore creativity through art, music, and play tailored for preschoolers.