Good morning, Clarksville.

Clarksville Online features this week’s pets from local rescue groups, including dogs, cats, and kittens available for adoption and foster care at the new Montgomery County Animal Care and Control facility on 437 Jordan Road for the week of October 6th—visitors are encouraged to contact the rescues for details.

Manna Cafe Ministries is launching its 15th annual food drive to fight hunger in Montgomery and Stewart Counties, expanding a one-day event into a nearly month-long campaign with donations collected at local sites.

Local businesses and schools will deliver food and compete for a traveling Championship Belt on Oct. 25—volunteers are needed for two-hour shifts between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

A local initiative led by APSU professor Rachel Bush and Clarksville mothers changed Tennessee elementary school recess from 15 to 40 minutes—after successful advocacy at board meetings and state legislature.

The nonprofit plans to expand its efforts to middle and high schools—bringing playground equipment to low-income schools.

Austin Peay University unveiled Tennessee’s first military-to-degree equivalency hiring initiative that allows veterans to qualify for staff positions based on their military pay grades.

The program will let soldiers transitioning from Fort Campbell use their service records as credit—ranging from associate to doctorate equivalents—for job postings at the university.

Clarksville City Council approved a zoning change on Trenton Road to rezone a rundown trailer park for mixed-use development and an ordinance to let the mayor negotiate buying land for affordable housing for tornado victims.

Council members also passed the 2026 legislative agenda with slight revisions that include road widening projects and fire station upgrades—steps aimed at improving local infrastructure.

Gov. Bill Lee said on Oct.

3 that he will propose new funding for Tennessee’s $144 million taxpayer-funded private school choice program next year to expand private school vouchers for low-income families and for families without income limits. The program currently awards 20,000 scholarships and received over 42,000 applications (with 16,416 awards going to metro and suburban students including some in Clarksville), and his plan aims to meet the high demand statewide.

Voting is open until Oct.

9 at 2 p.m.—local sports fans can choose the top high school girls athlete from Sept. 29-Oct. 5 by reviewing standout players from Clarksville, Montgomery Central, Kirkwood, West Creek, Houston County, and Northwest. Voters will help decide which student athlete had the best performance in key sports contests.

Voting on the Clarksville area boys high school athlete of the week for Sept.29—Oct.5 is open until Oct.9 at 2 p.m.—candidates include local stars like Dawson Smith, Jayden Ladner and Jayden Lowry.

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.