CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – While it’s easy to focus on the negativity, there was a lot of good that came out of this past year. Here are eight local stories that touched our hearts in 2019.
Local Rescue Saves Yorkies
United Yorkie Rescue joined a group of rescues to save over 600 dogs from a puppy mill in Georgia. The local non-profit took in the animals, cleaned them up, and found many forever homes.
Soldier Surprises Girlfriend During Her School’s Pep Rally
What could be sweeter than a teacher, a mascot costume, and a surprise proposal from a returning soldier? In August, Julie Flowers, a teacher at Clarksville High School, got the surprise of a lifetime when her boyfriend, SGT Chris Hodges, showed up at a pep rally. The Fort Campbell soldier had just returned home. Watch the video here.
Community Steps Up for Veterans
In at least two different instances, the community came together to pay their respects to veterans being laid to rest. Hundreds came out to the funeral of Vietnam Veteran Michael Hardin. Another soldier, with no known family, received a proper burial with military honors, thanks to the dedication of a local funeral home.
The Community Embraces a Victim of Dog Fighting: Franky Finds a Home
Grab the tissues, if you don’t have them already. The beginning of this year, a dog was found on rural road in Montgomery County with severe and life threatening injuries. The extent of his abuse led investigators to believe he was the victim of dog fighting and had been used as a bait dog. The Montgomery County Angel Fund, Montgomery County Animal Care and Control, along with hundreds of supporters came together to cover the dogs medical expenses.
Franky, the sweet Pit Bull, began to recover. Just a few months later, he found his forever home with a combat veteran and his family. See the whole story here.
Hero Walk for Clarksville Teen
This tragic story of a life that ended too soon, but ended up saving the lives of others. In October, 18-year-old Antony Richardson was found shot in the head on the side of Britton Springs Rd. Just six-months-earlier, the young man had made the decision to become an organ donor.
On October 9, the staff at TriStar Skyline Medical Center gave Richardson a final goodbye with a “Hero Walk”. (Warning: the video may be upsetting to some readers)
Local Comedian Goes Viral with Adorable Son
Local comedian and entertainer, DJ Pryor, and his son Kingston went viral earlier this year after their conversation over a television show. Their chat ended up with over 1.5 million views in just two weeks. Following that, Pryor and his son were asked to be in a Denny’s commercial. This sweet family continues to entertain each other, and their friends and family, with hilarious videos.
Do you have a sweet story to share? Email us at news@clarksvillenow.com or go to our Submit News page. We’re always looking for positive, encouraging stories to share with the local community!