BusinessWeek’s fourth annual survey calculated information from several categories. Affordability, safety*, and school test scores were given the greatest weight.

“It makes sense. We have beautiful parks, Greenways and a Riverwalk. Families can afford to buy a home in safe neighborhoods. They have easy access to jobs, with more on the way through HSC. Clarksville really is Tennessee’s Top Spot” said Mayor Johnny Piper.

Parents pushing their children on the swings at one of Clarksville TN's may Parks

Other criteria included number of schools, household expenditures, air quality, job growth, family income, museums, parks, theaters, other amenities, and diversity.

Recently, Clarksville was also named by CNN as the fourth best city in the country to start a business and .

Clarksville is Tennessee’s fifth largest city and the ninth fastest growing city in the U.S.

Nashville

Dominick Shon Dre Hodges, 21, last known address 942 Vanleer Drive, Clarksville, TN was wanted by the Clarksville Police Department for First Degree Murder. The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force picked him up at an apartment on South Langley in Chicago, IL without incident. He was involved in a murder that occurred on July 22, 2009 at the A&W Motel on Madison Street. Hodges and an accomplice entered a motel room intending to rob the victim. The victim was shot during the robbery and died.

Dominick Shon Dre Hodges

Hodges has a criminal history in Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois including Rape of a Child and drug charges. He’s being held in the Cook County Jail awaiting extradition.

Operation Rising Star is an American Idol style singing competition which is hosted by the United States Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command (MWR),  and Army Entertainment. The Semi-finals are being held at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, until November 21st.

Thea had this to say:

I need your help! I made the top 6 according to the voting site and now it is up to the public to pick who the top 3 are. The judges liked all of us, so the public will be the deciding factor. Today is the voting!

They are wanting the top 6 this morning to practice in case we make the top 3. So I am getting ready to leave.

Clarksville is a big city. Let’s bring this hometown girl back with the title of Operation Rising Star! I know Clarksville can do it, if they knew.

Thanks for all your help and whatever you can do!!

“Behind every number is a student whose dreams are being realized here at Austin Peay,” President Tim Hall said during a public announcement and celebration this morning at the main campus. Faculty, staff, alumni and students attended the event, which culminated in the distribution of free commemorative T-shirts to the campus community.

Now that Fall II 2009 figures from the Austin Peay Center @ Fort Campbell are complete, APSU’s enrollment is 10,188 for the Fall 2009 semester, pending approval from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission when it meets for its quarterly meeting Nov. 19.

The magic number

Unlike any other state university in Tennessee, APSU cannot file final enrollment data until after the 14th day of classes of the Fall II Term at the Austin Peay Center @ Fort Campbell, which was Nov. 6.
For 2009-10, the University has 9,296 undergraduate students and 892 graduate students, for a total of 10,188 – an 8.37 percent increase from Fall 2008 when the enrollment was 9,401.

APSU President Tim Hall addressing the audience

The number of students attending APSU full time this year is 8,002 – compared with a full-time equivalency (FTE) enrollment of 7,498 in Fall 2008. That represents a 6.7 percent increase.
Enrollment in the APSU College of Graduate Studies has grown 49 percent in a five-year period since 2004. In each of those years, the number of graduate students has increased.

In addition to Hall, Provost Dr. Tristan Denley and Student Government Association President Chris Drew offered comments at today’s event. Former APSU President Dr. Sherry Hoppe, whose administration helped the institution to usher an enrollment growth, also attended, as well as local and state dignitaries.

This week, several activities and events have been planned to celebrate reaching 10,000 students, including student giveaways and faculty and staff receptions.

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Nashville − The Department of Health urges Tennessee smokers to take part in this year’s Great American Smokeout on November 19, 2009. The goal of this annual health observance is to encourage smokers toquit for one day in the hope they may quit for good. In Tennessee,tobacco users can call the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine free of charge at1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-800-784-8669 to set a plan for how to quit.

“Tennesseans who want to start the process of quitting smoking have a powerful tool available to help them in the QuitLine,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “Research shows that smokers who have a cessation plan and a support system have a much better chance of success with their quit attempt.”

The Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine offers personalized support for Tennessee residents who want to quit smoking by connecting them with trained coaches to guide them through the quitting process. Callers will receive ongoing professional coaching via individually scheduled calls with a quit coach personally assigned to them. This convenient and confidential service is free and available to Tennessee residents in both English and Spanish. The service is also available for the deaf and hard-of-hearing at TTY 1-877-559-3816.

Since the launch of the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine in August 2006, more than 33,000 Tennesseans have called the service. More than 10,800 callers completed the intake process and were assigned to a quit coach, and more than 7,450 people have enrolled in the iCanQuit tobacco cessation program. QuitLine callers have complimentary access to relapse prevention techniques, printed resource materials, information on nicotine replacement therapies and other services to aid in the quitting process. One QuitLine client who has been tobacco-free since June 2008 shared this story of her success:

“I went through your program; I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve smoked since I was 9 years old. This is the only program I was able to go through and quit smoking. I really enjoyed working with your coach. The coach that I was assigned to was excellent; she was a lot of help.” Janet S., Dickson

Smoking cessation services are also available at Tennessee’s county health department clinics. All patients are screened for tobacco use and asked if they are interested in quitting. Those who want to quit are evaluated by medical professionals to determine the best course of treatment to help them stop smoking. These services are offered on a sliding fee scale based on income.

Smoking is responsible for almost one in five deaths in the United States, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking accounts for approximately 9,400 deaths in Tennessee every year, nearly half of which are due to lung cancer. Secondhand smoke is another serious problem in Tennessee. An estimated 1,730 Tennesseans die every year due to exposure to secondhand smoke.

The healing process begins almost immediately after quitting smoking. Within 20 minutes of giving up tobacco, elevated heart rate and blood pressure decrease; in 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal; within two weeks to three months, circulation improves and lung function increases; and in one year after quitting, the risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half.

The Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine (1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-800-784-8669) is a statewide toll-free telephone tobacco cessation treatment program made possible through the Tennessee Department of Health. There is no charge to callers for services and callers have unlimited access to a quit coach through the QuitLine. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central  time.

• Pay attention to deer warning signs – drive with caution.
• October through December are peak periods for deer related traffic accidents
• Higher risk periods are from sunset to midnight and then shortly before and after sunrise
• When there is no oncoming traffic, use high beams; it will help illuminate the deer’s eyes closer to the roadway. It will allow you more time to react.
• If you see a deer on the road, dim your headlights, since it may make startle the deer and they will freeze in position rather than move.
• If you swerve to avoid a collision, try to maintain control of your vehicle. You could easily end up in oncoming lane of traffic or a ditch. Also if you make a sudden stop, it may result in another vehicle colliding with you.
• The higher the speed of the roadway, the longer it will take you react. So be especially aware on the interstate.
• If there is one deer, there are usually more to follow. Be prepared for multiple deer to cross in front of your vehicle.

The purpose of the ISA Certification Program is to improve the level of knowledge and standard of practice within the tree care profession.  It is designed to assist the public in identifying those professionals in arboriculture who have demonstrated, through a professionally developed examination and education program, a thorough knowledge of tree care practices.  All Certified Arborists carry a wallet identification card for verification.  *Certification is valid for three years.  The ISA program tests and certifies an individual’s knowledge in the field of Arboriculture.

The International Society of Arboriculture is a scientific and educational organization devoted to the dissemination of information in the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees.

ISA’s Certification Program is designed to promote the professional development of those involved in the field of arboriculture or tree care.  When contracting for your tree care needs, contact individuals who are certified through this voluntary program.

The prize is part of a nationwide blitz, with one lucky winner in each of 101 cities. “Some folks don’t believe that we are “for real” or that we really give away real big checks” said Dave Sayer, the Prize Patrol Chief who appears in the company’s TV commercials. “All across the country we’re awarding 101 “Reality Checks” of $10,000 each – We are giving away over a million dollars – to show that winning at Publishers Clearing House and pch.com is a definite reality.”

PCH Prize Patrol Deputy Al Guerra holds one of the 101 Reality Checks

With so much geography to cover in the space of a few days, Publishers Clearing House employees Al Guerra and Sheryl Schlameuss were part of a group of 60 deputized to help deliver scores of prizes from coast to coast. This was to be their third delivery in the last few days. They had already awarded prizes in Columbus IN, and Lebanon Junction KY.

In each case, there was a chance that the person who won would not be home. If that occurred the Prize Patrol deputies would endeavor to track the winner down. ” We interview the winners neighbors and ascertain where the person was and when they would return. If the person was at work the prize patrol would make the delivery there.” said Al Guerra.  “Workplace deliveries are so exciting, there are usually so many people around” said Sheryl Schlameuss, “On one delivery the winner was a teacher, and the principal allowed us to make the delivery at the school in front of her students, it was a lot of fun!”

Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol Deputy Al Guerra attempting to notify Cindy Milliron of her prize

We arrived at the address for Mrs Milliron, and moved up to the door to award the prize. It turned out that she wasn’t home, and after getting our hopes up for a workplace delivery, we found out from a her landlord Gary R. Lehman that she had recently relocated when her husband a military contractor was transferred from Fort Campbell, KY to Fort Rucker, AL.

The Prize patrol deputies were able to reach her via telephone and made the official notification via telephone.

Cindy Milliron being notified by phone that she won $10,000 from Publishers Clearing House

This week’s winners are still eligible to win in the much bigger multi-million dollar giveaways. Consumers can enter by responding to company mailings, or by going online to their increasingly popular website, pch.com where prizes are awarded each day.

About Publishers Clearing House

Publishers Clearing House is a multi-channel direct marketer of magazine subscriptions and merchandise. They were founded in Port Washington NY in 1953. Its name has become synonymous with the sweepstakes and prizes it has used since 1967 to draw attention to the “unbeatable” deals and values offered in their colorful mailings. Nearly half of Publishers Clearing House profits are donated to charitable causes ranging from Social Services to the Environment.

During WWII Fort Campbell served as a prisoner of war camp, and housed a number of German Prisoners. According to Fort Campbell:

Victory in North Africa in 1942 netted an unplanned capture of a quarter-million German soldiers, mostly from the famed Africa-Corps. Prisoners held at Fort Campbell were segregated between three stockades by rank and by Nazi vs. Anti-Nazi sympathies. Many German officers and NCOs were utilized in post support details, while many of the enlisted German soldiers were available for hire on a daily basis to local farmers and dairies.

During the war five of the German soldiers died while being held at Fort Campbell.

• Eugen Ulrich (Dec. 3, 1944)
• Kurt Franke (Jan. 2, 1945)
• Herbert Lindner (Jan. 11, 1945)
• Josef Reidinger (Jan 22, 1945)
• Gunter Cassens (Sept 15, 1945)

After the war several of the former Fort Campbell POW’s immigrated to the U.S., And returned to Clarksville. Some would later became Edelweiss Club members. They are all now deceased, but their widows still live in the area.

Boy Scout Troop 525

As an ongoing project, Boy Scout Troop 525 assists the Edelweiss Club with maintaining the cemetary. They keep the grass mowed, pick up leaves and other debris, and twice a year mulch the cemetery. This year they also had to reset and level the grave markers, and give them a much needed cleaning.

Editor’s Note: Clarksville Online held this story for publication on Veterans Day.

Ringing will take place November 13 and 14 then starting November 21, ringing at all sites, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. The last day of ringing will be December 24. Locations are: St. Bethlehem, Sango and Fort Campbell Wal-Marts; Kroger on Lowe’s Drive, Madison Street and Dover Crossing; Sam’s Club; Walgreens on Madison Street and Hilltop Grocery Store. Friday,

November 27 is Kettle Day. Kettle Day is ringing at all sites with a goal of $25,000. Funds raised support the work and mission of the Clarksville Salvation Army Shelter operations.

Governor's Square Mall

Several men enter the mall, moving quickly towards the mall office. A suspicious activity call goes out to the police department. The intruders pull weapons from under their clothing. One a pistol another a shotgun. Gunshots ring out sounding unbelievably loud in the confined space. People panic, some hide while others attempt to flee! 35 people are killed or injured. Several minutes later the police start to arrive. After organizing they enter the mall as a mass with guns drawn. They find a scene of carnage and chaos. The less severely injured, some in shock have started to try to make their way from the mall. Officers order everyone to the floor, they have no way of knowing who is a victim and who may be a perpetrator. Some of the officers are left to manage the survivors while the rest continue their sweep. Bodies are strewn everywhere. Two explosives device are found! The bomb squad is called out. A suspect is located in the mall office. Negotiations begin…

One of the gunmen (in black) shoots a Mall Patron

Over 200 local emergency responders, Gateway Medical Center personnel, and volunteers took part in a full-scale crisis response training exercise at Governor’s Square Mall this morning. The exercise was set up for a scenario involving “Black Friday” at the Mall. This allowed for a unique opportunity for many agencies to interact that don’t operate together on a routine basis. The training exercise was successful in identifying ways to improve procedural and operational methods during a critical incident response.

This multi-agency drill was the first of it’s kind held in Montgomery County, but will most likely not be the last. The Drill involved the particpation of the Clarksville Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department and Bomb squad, the Clarksville Fire Department, Governors Square Mall Security, TEMA, The Department of Homeland Security, Montgomery County EMS, First Call Ambulance Service, and the staff of Gateway Medical Center among others. Evaluators from organizations across several different states also participated.

The Exercise was suggested by Governors Square Mall management who loaned their facility to the City and County to serve as the location for the drill.

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The Blue Star Memorial unveiling

On a fair and sunny November day, almost 100 people gathered together on the courthouse lawn to dedicate a new memorial honoring all those who have served, are serving, and will serve in Armed Forces of the United States.

The project was made possible by donations from the members of the Beachaven Garden Club, the Clarksville Garden Club, and the Les Candides Garden Club. “We want to show our deep support and appreciation of those who have defended our freedom in the past, those who are at great risk in defending us today, and those who may do so in the future.”

Sandra Watson, President Beachaven Garden Club; Edith Hudson, President Les Candides Garden Club; Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn; Annette Shrade, Chairwoman Blue Star Memorial Committee; Pat Arendt, President Clarksville Garden Club

Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn addresses the crowd

Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn spoke briefly acknowledging the sacrifice and dedication of America’s service members, and honoring both those currently serving, and past veterans.

The memorial was accepted on behalf of Montgomery County by Mayor Carolyn Bowers who assured those assembled, “This monument will be always be watched over and maintained under my watch!” She was followed by Clarksville Mayor Johnny Piper who accepted the memorial on behalf of the City of Clarksville.

The Monument faces north and south along South Third Street, and is easily visible to traffic driving by.

A driver looks at the Blue Star Memorial as he drives by

The Blue Star Memorial Program of the National Garden Clubs, Inc., began in 1945 to honor the men and women serving in the Armed Forces during World War II. The name was chosen for the iconic Blue Star appearing on flags and banners displayed in homes, churches, and businesses to honor sons and daughters away at war. Garden clubs envisioned a ribbon of living memorial plantings traversing every state. The designation of Blue Star Highways was achieved through petitions to state legislatures and through cooperation with Departments of Transportation. A uniform Memorial Marker was designed to identify the highways.

The Blue Star Memorial Program has grown to extend thousands of miles across the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. Markers continue to be dedicated each year, not just on highways but at veterans’ facilities, National Cemeteries, parks, and civic historic sites. The Memorial Markers are a fitting tribute to show our appreciation for the men and women in our Armed Forces who fly our skies, sail our seas, and guard our shores, service members who stand ready at a moment’s notice to defend our country.

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We would appreciate your support in the form of a gift card, non-perishable canned goods, turkeys, etc. All donations are tax deductible.

Please call us at Phone (931) 249-5330 or Phone (931) 980-6316 and we will pick-up at any location in Clarksville.

Thank you for all your support and for granting these families a memorable Thanksgiving with your generosity.

The last day we may receive donations is November 20th, so that we may deliver on November 21st and 22nd.

For more information on the Hispanic Organization for Progress & Education at www.latinohope.com

Customers may pay their bill at the department’s main location at 2215 Madison Street. In addition, the following authorized bill collection agents are available for bill payment or choose from the convenient payment options listed below.

Authorized Collection Agents (all Clarksville locations)

• Legends Bank
• Planters Bank
• US Bank
• Heritage Bank

Additional Payment Options

• Online Bill Payment
• Night Deposit
• Automatic Bank Draft
• Pay By Phone With Visa or MasterCard

Customer service center hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone (931) 645-7400.

The task force began tracking cases with the beginning of the fall semester Aug. 29. During the previous two weeks the task force saw 21 cases Oct. 10-16 and 11 cases Oct. 21-23. There was no reporting for Oct. 17-20 due to fall break. The University task force is collecting data from faculty and staff who report cases to a campus e-mail address set up through the APSU Health Services Web site for task force efforts. Student cases are reported to the task force by faculty who have been contacted by their students who are absent and indicate they are experiencing flu-like symptoms or have been diagnosed by a private physician. Student cases are also reported when diagnosed by the APSU Health Services staff.

University officials continue to educate and remind the University community of preventative measures you can use to avoid flu viruses that include:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching or associating with people who are coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose, or when you have done any of these behaviors.
• Cover your cough with your sleeve or with a tissue and dispose of the tissue afterward.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Disinfect commonly used surfaces; viruses remain infectious on non-porous surfaces for up to 24 hours.
• If you are sick with flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches, chills, nausea, diarrhea), it is recommended that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the aid of fever reducing medications.

For the most current information regarding swine flu cases and actions planned by the University you can visit http://www.apsu.edu/healthservices/H1N1.aspx.