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Nashville, TN – After 30-plus years of distinguished service in law enforcement, Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Mike Walker today announced plans to retire as commander effective September 2nd, 2010. A career which spanned over three decades, Walker felt it was time to step down and spend more time with his family.

“Colonel Walker has done an extraordinary job restoring the integrity and credibility of the Tennessee Highway Patrol,” said Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell. “Under his leadership, the highest standards of professionalism were expected and transparency in dealing with disciplinary issues was ensured. The Colonel has gained the trust and admiration of the department and his legacy will be one of tremendous respect as a State Trooper and leader of the THP.”

Colonel Mike Walker

Walker began his work as a Tennessee State Trooper in July of 1977. During the next 30 years, he worked as a road Trooper; served stints in both the Training, and Planning and Research divisions; was Director of Driver Licensing and Control; and performed duties as Troop Lieutenant, District Administrative Lieutenant and Director of the Professional Standards division.  Walker was appointed Colonel in March of 2006.

“It has been a great ride,” said Colonel Walker, just weeks shy of his 57th birthday. “You can bet when I walk away from here, I will still be the biggest supporter of the Department of Safety, and especially the Tennessee Highway Patrol.”  

Walker’s support for a structure to manage investigative and disciplinary processes for the department was instrumental in the organization and development of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), a unit within the Professional Standards Bureau. Highlighting the OPR list of accomplishments is a revamped hiring and promotional process without partisan political influence. Established in 2007, the bureau was recommended in the Kroll Report commissioned by Governor Phil Bredesen.

Colonel Mike Walker receives Award.

Walker has honed the agency’s focus on highway traffic safety, positioning the THP as a lead organization in safety programs.  The number of statewide traffic fatalities has declined nearly 25 percent between the years 2006 to 2009. In lieu of this achievement, Colonel Walker received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Award of Public Service in March of 2009 for his leadership in statewide traffic records improvement and the implementation of an electronic crash reporting system for Tennessee.

In addition, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) national law enforcement challenge has ranked THP as the top agency twice over the past five years and in the top-three two times during that period. Agencies were judged on its efforts to enforce laws and educate the public on occupant protection, impaired driving and speeding.

After a 35 percent decline in large truck related traffic fatalities, the THP also received 2009 Commercial Vehicle Safety awards from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

“During his tenure, Colonel Walker has been a true champion of safety,” stated Commissioner Mitchell. “His dedication to reducing highway fatalities has led to a solid partnership with the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the implementation of the Between the Barrels program. The Colonel played a key role in reaching and encouraging thousands of teenagers to become better, safer drivers.” 

Colonel Mike Walker

Colonel Walker’s latest achievement was spearheading an upgraded communications system for State Troopers to communicate more effectively. The current 1950s technology was approved for modernization by the 2010 Tennessee General Assembly.

“My biggest concern as the outgoing Colonel is trooper safety, and my biggest regret is not being here to see the improvement of communications technology through,” said Colonel Walker. “Enhanced technology is essential for troopers to remain safe throughout the state. My goal has always been for each trooper to make it home at the end of each shift.”

Walker attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is a graduate of the 57th class of the Northwestern University Traffic Institute’s Police Administration Training program. He began his law enforcement career as a police officer for Signal Mountain.

“I am honored to have enjoyed a long career with the Tennessee Highway Patrol,” Colonel Walker said. “I consider the people I have worked with over the years as my family. Even though I have left the building, I won’t be very far. The THP will always hold a special place in my heart.”

A decision on Walker’s successor will be forthcoming.

About The Tennessee Department of Safety

The Tennessee Department of Safety’s mission is (www.TN.Gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public.  The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.

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Dave Mitchell, Mike Walker, retirement, Tennessee Department of Safety, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee State Trooper, THP

Fort Campbell, KY – Just because summer is coming to an end, does not mean the fun has to. Join Dale Wayrynen Recreation Center (DW Rec.) as they host an End of Summer Cookout. Enjoy all your picnic favorites such as hotdogs, hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, chips, dessert, and a drink for $3.00 per person. This is a great way to kick off the Labor Day weekend. Cookout begins at 4:00pm on September 5th.

Looking for a place to kick back and relax this Labor Day weekend? DW Rec. Center will be open to serve Soldiers and their Families on Labor Day from 11:00am until 8:00pm.

Exercise those thumbs and get ready for the Madden 11 Xbox 360 Tournament on Sunday, September 12th at 2:00pm. This video game tournament is open to all eligible MWR patrons. Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent while remaining at D.W. Rec.  

Do you have a pet with a special talent or that can perform a unique trick? Maybe your pet is special for some other reason no one else would think of? Bring your pet to DW Rec. on September 19th and see if your pet’s tricks, size, personality, and uniqueness can win a prize.

Fun is sure to be had by all with door prizes, demonstrations, and show beginning at 3:00pm. Pets must remain on a leash or in a carrier at all times, and must have proof they are current on all Fort Campbell regulated vaccinations.

On September 26th, DW Rec. invites you to play in the Post Wide Pool Tournament. Tournament is open to all eligible MWR patrons and those playing will vote to play using 8 or 9 ball rules. Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers.

About Dale Wayrynen Recreation Center

DW Rec. is committed to providing Soldiers and Families a quality of life that is commensurate with their service through quality Recreation, Travel and Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) programs and services. The BOSS program is proudly sponsored by USAA! The Recreation Center is located at 6145 Desert Storm Ave. All eligible participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who remains present the entire time. For more information about September events, please call D.W. Rec. Center at 270-798-7391.

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Baked Beans, Chips, Cookout, Dale Wayrynen Recreation Center, DC Rec., Dessert, Fort Campbell KY, Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Labor Day Weekend, Morale Welfare and Recreation, MWR, Pool Tournament, Potato Salad, Xbox 360 Tournament

Fort Campbell, KY – Two 101st Airborne Division Soldiers were killed August 27th, when a command-wired improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during convoy operations in the Paktiya province, Afghanistan.

Both Soldiers were assigned to B Troop, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault.)

Killed were: Private 1st Class Chad Derek Coleman,  and Private Adam Jacob Novak.

Adam Jacob Novak and Chad Derek Coleman

Chad Derek Coleman

Private 1st Class Chad Derek Coleman, 20, of Moreland, GA Coleman entered the Army in October 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2009. Coleman was a Cavalry Scout whose awards and decorations include: Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; NATO Medal and Weapons Qualification: M4 rifle (expert).

Coleman is survived by his father, Brian P. Coleman and his mother, Shanon C. Coleman, both of Moreland, GA. 

Adam Jacob Novak

Private Adam Jacob Novak, 20, of Prairie Du Sac, WI. Novak entered the Army in September 2009 and arrived at Fort Campbell in January 2010. Novak was an Infantryman whose awards and decorations include:  Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; NATO Medal; Combat Infantryman Badge and Weapons Qualification: M4 rifle (expert).

Novak is survived by his wife, Celeste N. Novak of Moorehead, MN and his mother, Susan K. Block of Prairie Du Sac, WI.

A memorial service will be held for the fallen in Afghanistan. Fort Campbell also holds a monthly Eagle Remembrance Ceremony. The next ceremony will be held September 8th at 4:00pm.

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101st Airborne Division, Adam Jacob Novak, Afghanistan, Air Assault, Chad Derek Coleman, Eagle Remembrance Ceremony, Fort Campbell KY, Paktiya Province, Soldiers Killed

Rates decrease in 87 counties, increase in 5, remain the same in 3

Nashville, TN – Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for July was 9.8 percent, down two-tenths of a percentage point from the revised June rate of 10.0 percent.  The national unemployment rate for July 2010 was 9.5 percent.

County non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for July 2010, released today, show that the rate decreased in 87 counties, increased in 5 counties and remained the same in three counties.

Lincoln County registered the state’s lowest county unemployment rate at 6.4 percent, down from 6.7 percent in June.  Scott County had the state’s highest unemployment rate at 19.4 percent, down from 20.8 percent, followed by Marshall County at 15.7 percent, down from 16.6 percent in the previous month.

Knox County had the state’s lowest major metropolitan rate of 7.5 percent, down from 7.8 percent in June.  Davidson County was 9.3 percent, up from 9.0 percent.  Hamilton County was 8.4 percent, down from 9.1 in June, and Shelby County was 9.9 percent, down from 10.5.

Labor Force Estimates – United States & Tennessee

Labor Force Estimates – Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA)

Information is available on the Internet: www.tennessee.gov/labor-wfd/labor_figures/july2010county.pdf

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Clarksville TN, Davidson County, Hamilton County, Knox County, Lincoln County, Marshall County, Montgomery County, Scott County, Shelby County, Tennessee, Tennessee Labor and Workforce Development, Unemployment Rate, United State

Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan – With tears forming in her eyes and voice shaking, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicole Olcott stood before a crowd of homeless Afghan children August 14th, prepared to fulfill a seven-month endeavor.

Before deploying to Afghanistan, Olcott, from Daytona Beach, FL, a flight mission planner with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Lighthorse, made a commitment to her children.

“I made my children a promise,” said Olcott. “I made it before I went to Iraq as well, that I would do something for the children in that country. I didn’t know how but I was determined to do it.”

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicole Olcott, poses with children after she donated two boxes of school supplies to them Aug. 14th. The children were living in an internally displaced persons camp in the Beshood District of eastern Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province. Olcott received donations from the Matthew Freeman Foundation, the Adopt-A-Soldier program and her own nonprofit foundation, Operation New Start. (Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Albert L. Kelley, 300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

Olcott learned of the dire need for school supplies while handing out Beanie Babies to Afghan children on Forward Operating Base Fenty during Christmas 2009.

“These children really wanted to learn,” said Olcott. “They especially wanted to learn English. So I started e-mailing friends and family back home telling them I could use some school supplies.”

Friends and family responded immediately by sending various types of school supplies. In addition, the 3rd Infantry Division’s Adopt-A-Soldier program coordinator offered to send additional items to Olcott.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicole Olcott.

Through a reporter named Michael Jordan, who was filming a documentary on 3rd ID, Olcott was able to secure two large green tough boxes full of supplies from the Matthew Freeman Foundation, named for U.S. Marine Capt. Mathew Freeman, of Richmond, GA. Freeman was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. He also shared a passion to provide school supplies to the children of Afghanistan.

With items now coming in from the Mathew Freeman Foundation, the Adopt-A-Soldier program and Olcot’s own nonprofit organization, Operation New Start, Olcott soon had a large container full of clothing, toys, formula, bottles, toiletries, toothbrushes, shoes, coloring books and more.

Eventually, a civil affairs company was assigned to locate an appropriate village in which Olcott could personally distribute her donated items.

U.S. Army Capt. Glenn T. Battshinger, of Mays Landing, NJ, a civil affairs operations center leader with the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, Nangarhar Provincial Reconstruction Team, knew just the villagers that could use the supplies.

“A pencil gives a child hope,” said Battschinger. “A notebook gives them the ability to keep a written record of their hope. Education is the only way Afghanistan will get out of its hole.”

Barely a month ago, these villagers lost their homes during regional flash flooding and now were living in an internally displaced persons camp in Nangarhar.

As Olcott prepared to hand out the supplies, she became visibly overwhelmed by the moment.

U.S. Army Cpl. Joshua A. Poindexter, of San Diego, a team leader with 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, 630th Military Police Company, Task Force Spartan, shakes hands withyoung villagers after helping pass out donated school supplies in the Beshood district of Eastern Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province Aug. 14th. (Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Albert L. Kelley, 300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

“I broke down,” said Olcott. “Wow, I’m really here. These kids really do need help. They are the future of Afghanistan.”

box of school supplies to waiting children in the Beshood District of eastern Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province Aug. 14th. The supplies were collected by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicole Olcott.(Photo by U.S. Army Spc. Albert L. Kelley, 300th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)”>Back at FOB Fenty, Olcott has also done whatever she can to help children and the adults alike. After working her 10-hour overnight shift, she can often be found at the local bread store donating food supplies, which led to the introduction of pizza by the bread maker.

She has also donated baby supplies to local hospitals and toiletries to Afghan Soldiers stationed on FOB Fenty.

“This experience in Afghanistan has been one of the most memorable in my career and my life,” said Olcott. “Just being able to save someone is probably the most amazing feeling.”

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Afghanistan, Beanie Babies, Benjamin M. Bartlett, Beshood District, Chris S. Logan, Forward Operating Base Fenty, Glenn T. Battshinger, Homeless Children, Joshua A. Poindexter, Mathew Freeman, Mathew Freeman Foundation, Michael Jordan, Nangarhar Province, Nicole Olcott, Regional Command East, School supplies, Task Force Lighthorse, Task Force Spartan

Austin Peay State University’s volleyball team opens its 2010 campaign with four matches at the 2010 Maroon Classic hosted by Mississippi State, Friday and Saturday.

The Lady Govs will meet Montana in a 3:00pm, Friday contest followed by a 7:00pm tilt against host Mississippi State. Saturday’s schedule gets underway with a 10:30am match against Arkansas-Little Rock before APSU concludes its tournament stay with a 5:00pm affair with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

“The Maroon Classic is going to host some really great volleyball this weekend and we are thrilled to get the chance to face off against some very competitive teams,” said Lady Govs first-year head coach Haley Janicek. “The team has been preparing both mentally and physically for the season to start. They are extremely excited and eager to see their efforts finally culminate in a match.”

APSU Lady Govs Volleyball

Austin Peay enters the tournament with the best 2009 record – 22-9 overall – among the five teams. Although the Lady Govs return five starters from that team, they must replace two key contributors from that team – 2009 Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year Stephanie Champine and outside hitter Kirstin Distler, who combined accounted for 48 percent of the team’s kills.

This season, the Lady Govs will rely on seniors Jessica Mollman, Taylor Skinner and Sarah Alisaleh to lead the effort. Skinner (83 blocks) and Mollman (72) were first and second on the team last season, respectively, in blocks from their middle blocker position and both recorded more than 200 kills. Alisaleh, the Lady Govs setter, returns after a first-team All-OVC effort in 2009 that saw her record a league-best 10.56 assists per set.

Also seeking to fill in offensively will be junior outside hitter Ilyanna Hernandez who was second on the team with 264 kills. The Lady Govs also will seek additional offensive output from junior Kayla Grantham, who suffered through an inconsistent 2009 campaign.

Austin Peay added five newcomers to the mix this season, including sophomore transfer Nikki Doyle who joined the team last season after transferring from Santa Barbara but missed the year due to injury. In addition, freshmen Calyn Hull and Lauren Henderson will get their first taste of collegiate competition this weekend.

This weekend’s matches will put a bow on the Lady Govs preseason slate. Janicek has been enthused about her team’s progress throughout preseason practice slate, particularly in the week leading up to this tournament.

 “I think our pre-season ended on a very high note,” said Janicek. “The team competed hard from day one and as a staff we could not have asked anymore from them. They came to practice every day with the intention of getting one percent better and it has – and will continue to pay great dividends.”

The Lady Govs will see a good mix of teams this weekend, ranging from experienced Montana and Arkansas-Little Rock to the youthful energy of Texas A&M Corpus Christi. In addition, the Lady Govs will have the opportunity to meet former head coach Jenny Hazelwood who now coaches host Mississippi State.

Montana posted a 14-14 record last season and fell in the 2009 Big Sky tournament semifinals to eventual tournament champion Portland State. This season the Grizzlies were picked as preseason co-favorites along with Portland State. Montana returns Brittney Brown, the 2009 Big Sky Conference Libero of the Year and one of only two seniors on the team. It will be the first-ever meeting between the Grizzles and Lady Govs on the volleyball court.

Mississippi State made a big stride under Hazelwood, who led her new program to a 9-22 record in her first season and a fifth-place finish (5-15 record) in the Southeastern Conference’s West Division. The Bulldogs were picked to finish fifth in their division again this season. Senior middle blocker Ashley Newsome returns for her final season as one the MSU’s top blockers, ranking among the program’s top 10 in career total blocks. APSU and MSU have met three times previously, with the Lady Govs holding  2-1 series advantage – the Bulldogs winning the last meeting in 2007.

Arkansas-Little Rock returns six letterwinners from last season’s team, which posted a 16-14 overall mark. Trojans head coach Van Compton, entering her 22nd season with the team, added five newcomers to the mix this season. UALR was recently picked to finish third in the Sun Belt Conference’s West Division. Junior Kristi Block is one of three returning starters and averaged 1.60 kills per set last season. The Lady Govs will seek their first-ever victory against the Trojans, who have won the three previous meetings in the series, the last occurring during the 2007 campaign.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi posted a school-record for victories, finishing last season with a 9-22 record. The Islanders were picked to finish sixth in the Southland Conference’s West Division in 2010 and return just five letterwinners from last season’s team while adding 10 newcomers to the mix. Senior outside hitter Emma Ridley was named to the All-Southland Conference preseason team. Austin Peay and TAMCC met last season in Clarksville, their only previous meeting, with APSU grabbing the victory.

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APSU, APSU Women’s Volleyball, Arkansas-Little Rock, Austin Peay State University, Calyn Hull, Haley Janicek, Ilyanna Hernandez, Jessica Mollman, Kayla Grantham, Kirstin Distler, Lady Govs, Lauren Henderson, Mississippi State, Montana, Nikki doyle, Sarah alisaleh, Stephanie Champine, Taylor Skinner, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi

Join Clarksville Parks and Recreation this Saturday, August 28th, at Heritage Park Soccer fields for this month’s Movies in the Park event, featuring the hit movie – The Dark Knight, which is rated PG-13.

Movie will begin at dark, with pre-show activities beginning around 6:30pm. 

Be sure to bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs.  As always, you are welcome to bring your picnic basket, but concessions will be available. 

Admission to the movie is free.

Become a member of the Movies in the Park Facebook group and let us know what you want to see next season by searching “Clarksville Movies in the Park” on Facebook and leaving a comment!

Movies in the Park is also sponsored by Daymar Institute, Amerigroup Community Care, Premier Medical Group, Clarksville’s Best Buys, Clarksville Family Magazine, Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union, The Leaf Chronicle, WJZM, Q108, Eagle 94.3, The Beaver 100.3,  and Z97.5.

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Amerigroup Community Care, Clarksville Family magazine, Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department, Clarksville’s Best Buys, Daymar Institute, Fort Campbell Federal Credit Union, Heritage Park Soccer Fields, Movies in the Park, Premier Medical Group, The Dark Knight, The Leaf Chronicle, WJZM

The Tennessee Titans final training camp open to the public is tomorrow, Thursday, at 3:30pm. The camp is being held at the Baptist Sports Park. This will be your last chance to see the Titans training this year. All remaining practices will be closed to the public.

LeGarrette Blount, Samkon Gado, Justin Gage, Troy Kropog, Marc Mariani, Ricky Schmitt, and Craig Stevens will be available after practice for a free autograph session.

The players usually sign autographs along the sideline of the field nearest to the fan entrance.

Additional players may choose to sign autographs at their discretion.

The players’ time is limited, however, and fans are not guaranteed to receive autographs.

The autograph schedule is subject to change without notice.

Training Camp Essential Fan Information

Training camp is the best time for fans to get an up-close look at the current Tennessee Titans. It is the only time of the year when practice is open to the public.  For more information on Titans training camp, fans can call the team’s training camp hotline at 615-565-4190 or log on to the team’s official website, www.TitansOnline.com.

Fan Admission and Parking

Admission to practice and parking for fans is free at Baptist Sports Park. Fans attending training camp can park directly across the street from Baptist Sports Park in the CVS/Caremark corporate offices at 445 Great Circle Road.

Directions to Training Camp Parking

• From Interstate 65 in downtown Nashville, take Exit 85 (Rosa Parks Boulevard) North.
• Proceed on Rosa Parks Boulevard and turn right on Athens Way.
• Turn left on Great Circle Road.
• Security officials will direct fans to the parking lot on the right and assist crossing the street into Baptist Sports Park.

At the practice facility, fans are permitted to walk along and watch from the outside perimeter of the three outdoor practice fields. Gates to the practice field generally open 15 minutes prior to the scheduled practice. Fans should be prepared to stand during practice, as bleacher seating is very limited. Workouts inside the practice “bubble” are closed to the public.

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Autographs, Baptist Sports Park, Craig Stevens., Justin Gage, LeGarrette Blount, Marc Mariani, Ricky Schmitt, Samkon Gado, Tennessee Titans, Training Camp, Troy Kropog

Dr. Tosha Diggs has been named principal at West Creek High School. She has served as assistant principal at Clarksville High since joining the school system in July 2009.

She previously worked as guidance counselor at Pearl-Cohn Business Magnet Comprehensive High School in Nashville.

Prior to her position there, she served three years as Dean of Academics and Counseling Services at George Washington Carver School of Health and Research in Atlanta where she fulfilled the duties of a traditional high school assistant principal.

She also has worked in high schools in North Carolina as a guidance counselor and counseling department chair.

She earned her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, as well as her educational specialist degree. She earned her master’s in school counseling and a B.A. in history at the University of North Carolina in Asheville.

Chief Academic Officer B.J. Worthington has served as interim principal since July.

Dr. Tosha Diggs

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B.J. Worthington, Clarksville Montgomery County School System, CMCSS, Pearl-Cohn Business Magnet Comprehensive High School, Principal, Tosha Diggs, West Creek High School

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Water Department” width=”195″ height=”66″/>Hornberger Lane will be closed to southbound traffic from College Street to Franklin Street on Tuesday, August 24th beginning at 7:00pm to approximately midnight.

Franklin Street will also be closed from Hornberger Lane to E. College Street while Gas and Water construction workers repair an eight-inch sewer main line near the intersection of Hornberger and Franklin.

Traffic will be detoured.

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CG&W, Clarksville Gas and Water Department, College Street, East College Street, Franklin Street, Hornberger Lane, Road Closure, Sewer Main