Clarksville Conversations with Charlie Koon

Marcus Ufeanyui and Julius Anderson work at the Retirement Services Office on Fort Campbell. They join Charlie and Katie to talk about what services the office provides to soldiers as they get ready to retire, and an event coming up in early October. This Fort Campbell episode is brought to you by F&M bank.

Marcia and Nathan Clark live on a farm that has been in her family since 1886 and has been designated by the State of Tennessee as a Century Farm. They decided after encouragement from friends to open an event venue on the farm called the Ruby Cora so others could enjoy the space. Hear all about life on the farm and the ups and downs of running one of the most popular event venues in Montgomery County on this episode of Clarksville’s Conversation.

Gerald Harrison is the Director of Athletics for Austin Peay State University. He stops by to talk about some fun new events coming to Fortera Stadium for Govs Football. He also shares some big improvements made to the Athletic facilities and gives us a little peak into his life as not only an Athletic Director but the Father of teenage girls.

Andrew Arbogast was a soldier who served on Fort Campbell. After leaving the Army he had an idea to start his own business based on his Dad’s cheese dip recipe, and Arbo’s Cheese Dip was born. What started out as a regional treat is expanding into markets all over the south, and you’ll soon be able to find it on Clarksville shelves.

Robert Coonce is the Fire Chief on Fort Campbell. He has served with the Department of Defense all over the world, and is now happy to call Fort Campbell home. He talks about the incredible partnership between the City of Clarksville, Montgomery County and Fort Campbell Fire and Rescue, and more. This Fort Campbell Episode brought to you by F&M Bank.

Clarksville Dad Edward Gaither and his daughter Kaeli decided to do something big this past summer, a motorcycle ride across the country. They rode over 5000 miles and saw 30 states and made lots of memories along the way. Hear all about their adventure and their plans for future daddy daughter rides.

As students get ready to head back to Clarksville Montgomery County Schools get to know the new Director of Schools Doctor Jean Luna-Vedder. She shares her experience with the district as a teacher, principal, and parent, and what lead her to pursue the top spot in Clarksville Montgomery County Schools.

Doug Englen is a retired pilot formerly with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. He recently joined Bell Helicopters as part of their program to replace the Blackhawk Helicopter with a new, faster aircraft. He joins Charlie and Katie to talk about Bell's exciting new V-280 aircraft and how it could change the skies and economy of Clarksville and Fort Campbell.

Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett joins Charlie and Katie on part 2 of this 2 part episode looking back at the 8 years he spent as Mayor, from challenges to triumphs Mayor Durrett shares stories about his time running one of the fastest growing Counties in Tennessee.

Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett joins Charlie and Katie on part 1 of this 2 part episode looking back at the 8 years he spent as Mayor, from challenges to triumphs Mayor Durrett shares stories about his time running one of the fastest growing Counties in Tennessee.

Caleb Slaughter was a Clarksville Fire Fighter for over 20 years, he decided to share his passion and knowledge for all things Fire Fighting with area kids and created the Fire Science Program at Rossview High School, where students can begin their journey toward becoming Fire Fighters. He joins Charlie and Katie to share his story of going from the fire house to the classroom on this episode of Clarksville’s Conversation.

Clarksville Chief of Police David Crockarell joins Charlie and Katie on this episode to talk about his first couple of years on the job and some of the things he has learned running a growing department. He also shares some of the exciting things going on in the department that helps them better serve the community

David “Buck” Dellinger is the CEO of the Clarksville Montgomery County Economic Development Council. He joins Charlie and Katie to chat about managing Clarksville’s incredible growth in a responsible manner, including plans for Redevelopment Districts throughout the city.

Ryan Noble is the Community Recreation Officer for MWR on Fort Campbell. He joins Charlie Koon to share not only his story of serving Military families, but he also goes in depth into what the community can expect at this year’s Week of the Eagles. This Fort Campbell Episode is powered by F&M Bank.

Riley Jenkins was just 6 years old when he performed "Blue Suede Shoes" on stage at the West Creek Elementary talent show. That performance would set him on the path to becoming an Elvis Tribute Artist. He joins Charlie and Katie to share his incredible story of paying tribute to the King of Rock and Roll all over the world.

Sherry Nicholson is the Founder and President of Yai Pak Outreach, an organization that serves the homeless, hungry, and needy in Clarksville and the surrounding area. Hear her amazing story of coming out of homelessness herself, to her life changing encounters serving the less fortunate in the area. Get ready to be inspired by an incredible woman who's faith has lead her to help those right here in our community.

Rich Holladay is the Executive Director of Leadership Clarksville and also the co-owner of Water Dogs SCUBA and Safety. He joins Charlie and Katie to talk about why he and his family decided to call Clarksville home after serving in the Army, the local SCUBA scene and more.

Congressman Mark Green joins Charlie Koon, Katie Gambill and Chris Smith of Clarksvillenow.com on this special episode. The Congressman shares stories from his recent trips to Ukraine, Poland, and Romania. He gives a look into the conflict there, what American troops are doing in the region and what the city of Clarksville can do to support our soldiers who are working hard in this very volatile region of the world.

There is only one Kevin Kennedy. Lawyer, tv host, philanthropist, Tik Tok Star, and so much more. He joins Charlie and Katie to share his story. From growing up in a family that has been in Clarksville since shortly after the Revolutionary war, to law school, and serving his community.

The Wear Blue Run to Remember is coming to the Nashville Rock and Roll Marathon creating a mile for runners to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Kristi Murtha from the Christian County Chamber of Commerce and Catherine Bertoldi of the Clarksville Chamber talk about teaming up for this event, and how you can be a part of it.

Anne Fugate is the Transitioning Service Manager for the TAPs Program on Fort Campbell. She joins Charlie and Katie to talk about life as a military brat and how she ended up in Clarksville. She also shares the mission of TAPs, and talks about services like the spouse employment center. This Fort Campbell series is brought to you by F&M Bank.

Someone told Nicholas Nicoletta that Clarksville was a biscuit town and not a bagel town, he took that as a challenge and has opened up a new bagel shop in Clarksville. He joins Charlie and Katie to talk about this new culinary adventure, he recent weight loss journey, and some of his favorite foods.

Judge Ashleigh Travis is the Child Support Magistrate Judge for the 18th and 19th Judicial Districts. She joins Charlie and Katie to share her story of growing up in Clarksville, being the first class at Austin Peay under the Hope Lottery Scholarship, going to Law School in Nashville and serving her community from the bench.

Terry Jalinsky is the President of the Korean American Association. She joins Charlie and Katie to talk about how she came to call Clarksville home. She also shares the Association's mission of helping Koreans adjust to life in Clarksville, and sharing Korean culture with the community.

The Candlelight Ball is back, after a cancellation and a virtual year due to Covid, the incredible fundraiser for APSU Students is back in person. Nikki Peterson and Betsy Baggett stop by to talk about all of the fun you can expect at this year’s event.

Get to know Colonel Andrew Jordan, the Garrison Commander of Fort Campbell. Find out why he was excited to return to the Clarksville area after serving with the 5th Special Forces Group, what a day in the life of a Garrison Commander looks like, and big projects and events coming to post. This Fort Campbell Series is Presented by F&M Bank

Tangi Smith is the woman behind Women Elevated, an organization whose primary mission is to assist women veterans. She joins Charlie and Katie to talk about her coming to call Clarksville home through the Army and her desire to serve and help the town she has grown to love.

Kylie Wilkerson is the General Manager of the F&M Bank Arena, currently under construction in downtown Clarksville. She joins Charlie and Katie to talk about her rise from an internship with the Sabertooth Sports and Entertainment Management Company to running the new arena, she also gives an update as to when we could see the arena open. Then Charlie and Katie have a chat with Joe Maynard about "Operation Honor", and event taking place in Clarksville that aims to provide food, toys and essentials to Active Duty Military, Veterans, and their families.

Dr. Carol Clark is the Chief Government and Community Relations Officer and Secretary to the Board of Trustees at Austin Peay State University. She joins Charlie and Katie to talk about her twenty years at APSU, serving under four University Presidents and the incredible growth of the University over the past two decades.

Shea Hopkins is the Vice President of Industrial Development for the Clarksville Montgomery County Economic Development Council. She joins Charlie and Katie to talk about what made her decide to move her family to Clarksville, what new industry she would like to see move in, and the unseen benefits of all the incredible growth we are seeing.

Judge John Peay is the grandson of former Tennessee Governor and University namesake Austin Peay. He was born in Clarksville in 1935 and has spent his entire life living and working in Clarksville. He joins Charlie and Katie to share stories about his life and how he has watched the city grow through the years.

11 year old Brody Sims joins Charlie and Katie to share the incredible story of how he rescued his four younger siblings from a house fire. He also talks about how his bravery turned into an unforgettable ride to school curtesy of the Clarksville Fire Department.

Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson joins Charlie and Katie to talk about the recent string of threats and weapons found at Clarksville Montgomery County Schools. The Sheriff goes in depth about how the Sheriffs Department partners with the School System to keep students safe, and a new law that could lead to jail time for someone who threatens a school.

Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett stops by for a fun chat with Charlie and Katie that looks back at some of his favorite moments from 2021. Mayor Durrett also talks about things he would like to accomplish before he leaves office and gives us a sneak peak of what retirement might look like.

Colonel Vince Myers is the new Commander of Blanchfield Army Community Hospital. He joins Charlie and Katie to share his story, from joining the Army after receiving a nursing scholarship, serving in Afghanistan as a young officer, to taking command of a Hospital that serves thousands.

The Clarksville Foundry has been in business since before the Civil War and has been in Charlie Foust’s family for going on four generations. Charlie stops by to talk about learning the family business, what a foundry does, and how the foundry has helped create some iconic landmarks around the city.

Listen to part 2 of our interview with Retired 5th Group Green Beret Joe Shakeenab on this episode.

Get to know the amazing Joe Shakeenab in part one of our interview with the retired Green Beret who has made a home in Clarksville.

Turkeys for Troops is an event that provides free Turkeys to Active-Duty Military, Veterans and Military families while supplies last. Find out how you can take advantage of this incredible event and hear about the local businesses who make this a Thanksgiving priority.

Clarksville and Montgomery County continue to grow, and with that growth come changes to the city wards and county districts. Regional Planning Commission Director Jeffrey Tyndall and Montgomery County Administrator of Elections Elizabeth Black talk about the complex process of redistricting, and the challenges they face.

Norman Quirion was born and raised in Clarksville. He joins Charlie and Katie to share some stories about growing up in Clarksville and witnessing the incredible growth of the city. He also talks about the impact that Leadership Clarksville has had on his life, and why he thinks everyone needs to be an advocate for Clarksville.

Downtown Clarksville is changing fast, and for the better. Not only is the F&M Bank Arena starting to take shape, but another amazing building is starting to rise not too far from the new arena. Joe and Cathi Maynard join Charlie and Katie to talk about their amazing new three story restaurant, Shelby’s Trio, that is currently under construction. Shelby’s Trio will feature three distinct dining experiences, one on each floor. Hear all about his dream turned into reality.

Judge Adrienne Fry is a Circuit Court Judge for District 19, she chats with Charlie and Katie about what made her want to become an Attorney. She also talks about how she thought taking a job in Clarksville after law school would lead to a job back home in Nashville, but she would fall in love with Clarksville and call it home. She also talks about starting her own Law Firm and the process of being appointed to the Circuit Court.

Charlie and Katie chat with Enrico Lopez-Yanez, the Principal Pops Conductor of the Nashville Symphony as they prepare for their free concert at the Downtown Commons.

Erinne Hester was born and raised in Clarksville, and after some time away in College she came back to make Clarksville home. She joins Charlie and Katie for a conversation about growing up in Clarksville, and witnessing the incredible growth of the city through out the years. She also talks about why she decided to run for Montgomery County Assessor of Property, and what exactly it is that the office does.

Private First Class Mohammad Zekria Yousufi, who goes by Zach, grew up in Afghanistan. He talks about what it was like living under the Taliban, his decision to help the Army as an interpreter, and then deciding to join the Army. He also shares the story of going to Captain Jon McNeal with a plea to help his family leave Afghanistan as the war was winding down, and how they were able to get his family to safety.

Alex Villa is the CEO of Tennova Hospital in Clarksville. He joins Charlie and Katie on this episode to talk about Tennova's response to the COVID 19 Pandemic and a new partnership the hospital has with Vanderbilt.

Bill Hagerty is in his first term as a US Senator, he joins Charlie and Katie to talk about his very personal connection to Clarksville. He also shares some of the issues he has had to deal with during his first term, including the boarder crisis, the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and his current Tennessee Economic Development tour. all on this episode of Clarksville’s Conversation.

Dr. Angela Huff is the interim Director of the Clarksville Montgomery County School system. She joins Charlie and Katie to talk about her new role with the school system, some exciting programs being offered, and what we can expect in this new school year.

Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett and Danny Butler of the Nashville Predators join Charlie and Katie to reveal the name of the Multi Purpose Event Center coming to downtown Clarksville. They also share some things you can expect to see there, and when it will open.