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WINTER 2025

Bringing the Heat Also Inside:

• Year In Pictures • Prevent FOG Obstructions This Season • CGW Recognized for Excellent Service • Cookies for Santa Claus

THE Volume 1 • No. 4 • Winter 2025

In This Issue 3

Manager’s Corner

Bringing the Heat

Year in Pictures

Green Certification Class Tours Water Plant

Ways to Save Water

Thermal Dryer Tested for Performance

Payment Assistance is One Call Away

What to Do if You Smell Natural Gas

Employee Awards

22 Recipes

8 On the Cover

Clarksville Gas & Water participated in the Dec. 6 annual Lighted Christmas Parade, where its brightly decorated 2021 Peterbilt 367 and float won first place in the city/county department category. PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARKSVILLE GAS & WATER

Clarksville Gas & Water offers this publication at no additional charge to its customers. To opt out of the quarterly mailing of The Service Line, email gasandwater@cityofclarksville.com.

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A Year of Growth and Excellence We have experienced another successful year at Clarksville Gas & Water, full of employee hiring, promotions and retirements, capital project development, construction and completion, and positive state regulatory compliance inspection results. The North Clarksville Water Treatment Plant project is the City of Clarksville’s largest capital project to date, contracted at more than $210 million. This endeavor is four years into construction, with plans of pumping water sometime in the third quarter of 2026. The construction is now at a point where you can truly see the progression every day—painting, plumbing, HVAC, electrical and/or cabinetry work is being completed throughout the buildings on the top portion of the plant. The lower portion of the plant continues with construction of the metal building, stairwell and masonry, and the installation of two 30-inch raw water mains/pipes and electrical duct banks to the pump station. This first phase of the NCWTP will provide 12 million gallons of additional potable water to the CGW water system, providing redundancy and resilience to our existing customers and future service for new customers. As future needs arise, two additional 12-million-gallon phases will be constructed at this plant. Another significant capital project is our Wastewater Treatment Plant Biosolids Thermal Dryer, contracted at more than $53 million. This facility will produce a dry pelletized form of the biosolids sludge, achieving up to a 70% reduction in product volume, greatly reducing the odor of biosolids and making the disposal process much more manageable. Initially, this project was delayed approximately one year to allow us to apply for an American Rescue Plan Act grant—well worth the wait, as we were awarded $15 million. The physical construction of this project is complete.

We close on a four-week functional testing period followed by performance testing to ensure all aspects of the system are operating correctly and at maximum efficiency. This project has generated conversation about the possibility of applying the pelletized biosolids to land to offset rising fertilizer costs. While we are unsure what the future may hold for this possibility, I can assure you none of these pellets will be land-applied until—and only if—we know it is undeniably safe to do so. Capital projects are imperative, but so is the operation and maintenance of the existing infrastructure. I never tire of commending the entire CGW family for the outstanding and selfless work they do within the systems that service you, our family, friends and community. Testaments to just how well they answer this call are evidenced by the results of the multitude of federal, state and/or local regulatory compliance inspections and financial audits. Earlier this year, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation performed a sanitary survey of our Water Division, consisting of “a records review to document the operational performance of the system and an on-site inspection of the treatment plant and distribution system.” The Water Division earned a perfect score. The final statement of the inspection letter says it best, stating TDEC appreciates the Water Division’s “commitment to producing quality drinking water for the citizens of Tennessee.” In our Wastewater Division, the Wastewater Treatment Plant received the Clean Water Professionals of Kentucky & Tennessee Operational Excellence Award at the KY/TN Water Professionals Conference earlier this year. This award is presented for having no more than one violation of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit in a 12-month reporting period. Also

MANAGER’S CORNER

Mark Riggins

General Manager important to note is the closing statement from the last TDEC inspection letter: “Clarksville’s sewer treatment plant continues to improve its operational efficiency, effluent quality, setting a good example for other utilities.” More recently, a safety inspector with the Tennessee Public Utility Commission inspected the pipeline facilities on Fort Campbell Army Base, which is operated and maintained by our Gas Division. The inspection consisted of the review of policies, procedures and records, and field demonstrations showing gas pipeline safety standards compliance. The inspection letter stated no noncompliances from previous inspections remained open or were observed. There are many ways to gauge success in an organization. I am proud to say the employees at CGW who serve you every day are consistently successful in many ways, including financial responsibility, efficiency, operational productivity, preventive maintenance, proactive forecasting and more. From the hottest days of the year to the coldest nights, our employee family continues to work hard to provide your gas, water and sewer services so you can have peace of mind knowing they are readily available. Of the many assets and exceptional services we offer at CGW, our employee family is truly the best we have! W I N T E R 2025

FEATURE STORY

Bringing the Gas & Water employees compete for pit master title Clarksville Gas & Water employees brought the smoke at their fourth annual employee BBQ Cook-Off in early October. Judges were presented with delicious ribs and pulled pork from six competing teams. A point system was used to determine the overall winner, and prizes were awarded to the top three teams. Although it was a close competition, the coveted title of “Best Pit Master” went to Wes Page. Shout-out to all pit masters who set up and cooked throughout the night and to their support teams. They made it a tough competition. • Best Pit Master: Wes Page • Second Place: Joel Valencia • Third Place: Steven Mattingly Other participants were Brandon Cheek, Jessie Mattingly, Michael Gregory and Josh Rau.

ABOVE: Wes Page won the title of Best Pit Master.

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RIGHT: Joel Valencia placed second in the barbecue cook-off.

ABOVE: Pit masters and their support crews gather for a photo. BELOW: Steven Mattingly placed third in the barbecue cook-off. RIGHT: An entry in the barbecue ribs category is ready to eat.

PHOTOS COURTESTY OF CLARKSVIL LE GAS

& WATER

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2025 Year in YEAR IN PICTURES

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TOUCH-A-TRUCK: From left, Sam Clawson, Jack McCann, David Reid and Christian Allen volunteer at a Touch-A-Truck event.

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TOUCH-A-TRUCK: Clarksville Gas & Water’s Touch-A-Truck event gives local children a chance to see service trucks up close. In the cab are Hudson, left, and Weston Gallagher, the grandsons of Becky Adams, front.

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URES

PUBLIC NATURAL GAS WEEK: Employees at CGW’s South Service Center show off their Public Natural Gas Week shirts. In the back row, from left, are Sherry Pigg, Franchesca Conover, Cassie Creighton, Brittany Smith and Lori Currin. In the front row, from left, are Michaela Davis, Brandy Jarrell and Amanda Vivar.

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TOUCH-A-TRUCK: Blake Ruble, son of Bradley Ruble, wastewater construction and collection manager, takes the wheel of a service truck during CGW’s Touch-ATruck event.

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INAUGURAL EDITION: The inaugural edition of The Service Line made its way to customers in late January 2025. From left, holding the magazine, are North Service Center employees Andrea Lilly, Menik Sollazzo, Kristi Thomas and Pam Day. PUBLIC NATURAL GAS WEEK: From left, Jackson Griffey, Jordan Johnson, Abram “A.J.” Johnson, Aaron Thomack, David Johnson and Clayton Baggett help the Clarksville community celebrate Public Natural Gas Week, Oct. 5-11, 2025.

FLAG FOOTBALL: Clarksville Gas & Water employees participate in the fifth annual First Responders Charity Flag Football Tournament. In the back row, from left, are Tyler Hayes, Steve Reed, Jonathan Spencer, Jordan Bent and Troy Holland. In the front row, from left, are Ryan Tucker, Ian Hadley, Josh Rau, Tim Benson, Josiah Wright, Dale Wiggins and Daniel Byrd.

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CHRISTMAS PARADE FLOAT: Clarksville Gas & Water participates in the Dec. 6 annual Lighted Christmas Parade, where local businesses, organizations, clubs, municipal agencies, nonprofits and churches show off their floats and decorated vehicles. The parade is one of Clarksville’s most cherished holiday traditions. This year’s theme was “Christmas Through the Decades.” CGW’s float won first place in the city/county department category. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CLARKSVILLE GAS & WATER

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WATER DEPARTMENT

Green Certification Class Tours Water Treatment Plant The South Clarksville Water Treatment Plant hosted the Clarksville-Montgomery County Green Certification Program class in September. The class learned about how state-certified water plant operators take raw water from the intake at the Cumberland River through the process of treatment and filtration to make it safe for drinking. The class also learned about the miles-long delivery process from water main to customer tap. The class explored how improving water efficiency in homes and businesses can actively reduce utility costs and about the responsibility we share as environmental stewards to protect and preserve our waterways.

The Clarksville-Montgomery County Green Certification Program toured the South Clarksville Water Treatment Plant in September to learn about its operations. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CLARKSVILLE GAS & WATER

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City Recognizes CGW for Excellent Service At a city council regular session on Dec. 4, Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts presented Clarksville Gas & Water employees with certificates of recognition for excellent service. CGW received two significant awards in 2025. The Clarksville Water System earned a perfect score on its 2025 state sanitary survey by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. This accomplishment marked the sixth time CGW achieved a perfect score since 2010.

The Clarksville Wastewater Treatment Plant also received the Clean Water Professionals of Kentucky & Tennessee Operational Excellence Award at the KY/TN Water Professionals Conference on July 29. The award was presented to Clarksville for having no more than one violation of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit in a 12-month reporting period.

Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts, far right, presents Clarksville Gas & Water with a certificate of recognition. From left are Deanna McLaughlin, Phillip Whittinghill, Jason Fisher, Dustin Jackson, Chris Lambert, Randall Gillum, Josh Rau and CGW General Manager Mark Riggins.

From left, Deanna McLaughlin, Brian Shelton, Mayor Joe Pitts, Dalton Williams, Tommy McClellan, Jody Field, Wes Tierney and CGW General Manager Mark Riggins celebrate the wastewater treatment plant recognition.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside:

Tips to Protect Your Home Clarksville Gas & Water has you covered with these essential steps to protect your water pipes and plumbing fixtures when temperatures turn downright cold. • Close foundation air vents. • Unhook hoses from outdoor faucets and yard meters. • Insulate or add heat tape to exposed piping or outside faucets that need it to avoid freezing. • Open sink cabinet doors to allow heat to circulate around pipes, especially those on exterior walls. • Drain water from irrigation lines. • Keep water meter lids closed. • Winterize or protect backflow preventers.

• Find, then repair or caulk any

opening that allows the flow of outside air inside. • Turn on a trickle of water from the faucet to help prevent pipes from freezing. • When away, set the thermostat no lower than 55 F. Have someone check the home daily. • Know where the household water shut-off valve is in case of a household water pipe leak. • Clean and inspect natural gas heating systems routinely to increase safety and efficiency. Gas & Water is prepared to help with water emergencies around the clock. However, there may be longer response times during high-volume customer calls for help. We value you, and technicians respond to each call as quickly as possible. One thing to keep in mind: Gas & Water service technicians cannot repair

household water leaks, customer lateral line leaks or natural gas appliances. Call a licensed plumber for these repairs. If you heat your home or business with natural gas, pay attention to how your natural gas appliances perform. If you detect a strong odor of natural gas, which smells like rotten eggs, take the following safety steps. • Leave the premises at once while leaving doors open for ventilation. • From a different location, call Clarksville Gas & Water at 931-6457422. After hours—from 4:30 p.m. to 8 a.m.—and on weekends and holidays, call 931-645-0116. Call 911 if the odor is strong. • Do not turn electrical switches or devices on or off or use a phone or flashlight. An electric spark could ignite any natural gas in the air. To report a water leak, call 931-645-7400. Visit www.cityofclarksville.com/234/ColdWeather-Precautions for more cold-weather tips. W I N T E R 2025

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WATER DEPARTMENT

14 WAYS

TO SAVE

WATER Next to air, water is the most important element for preserving life. Water is a finite commodity that needs to be managed properly to avoid future shortages. Water conservation is crucial toward this goal. Read on for tips on how to use water wisely. 10

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ADOBE STOCK ILLUSTRATION BY ELENABSL

1. Check your toilet for leaks. Put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. If, without flushing, the coloring begins to appear in the bowl, you have a leak that may be wasting more than 100 gallons of water a day.

2. Put a plastic bottle in your toilet tank. Put an inch or two of sand or pebbles in the bottom of a 1-liter bottle to weigh it down. Fill the rest of the bottle with water and put it in your toilet tank, safely away from the operating mechanism. In an average home, the bottle may save 5 gallons or more of water every day without harming the efficiency of the toilet. If your tank is big enough, you may even be able to put in two bottles.

8. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and washing your hands. Before brushing, wet your brush and fill a glass for rinsing your mouth. When washing your hands, turn off the water while lathering and scrubbing your hands until you’re ready to rinse.

9. Use your washing machine only for full loads. Your washer uses 30 to 35 gallons per cycle. If possible, consider investing in a more efficient washer. An Energy Star-certified washer uses 20% to 30% less water than regular washers.

10. Use your dishwasher for full loads only.

3. Check faucets and pipes for leaks.

Every time you run your dishwasher, you use about 25 gallons of water.

Leaks waste water 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Even a small drip can waste 50 or more gallons of water a day. An inexpensive washer is usually enough to fix the problem.

11. Don’t let the faucet run while cleaning vegetables.

4. Take shorter showers.

Rinse your vegetables instead in a bowl or sink full of clean water.

A typical shower uses 5 to 10 gallons of water a minute. Limit your showers to the time it takes to soap up, wash down and rinse off.

12. If you wash dishes by hand, don’t leave the water running for rinsing.

5. Install water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors.

If you have two sinks, fill one with rinse water. If you have only one sink, gather all your washed dishes in a rack, then rinse them quickly with a spray device or a pan of water.

Your hardware or plumbing supply store stocks inexpensive showerheads or flow restrictors that will cut your shower flow to about 3 gallons a minute instead of 5 to 10. They are easy to install, and your showers will still be cleansing and refreshing.

13. Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator.

6. Take baths. A partially filled tub typically uses less water than all but the shortest showers.

7. Turn off the water while shaving. Fill the bottom of the sink with a few inches of warm water to rinse your razor.

This stops the wasteful practice of running tap water to cool it for drinking.

14. Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings. Leaks outside the house are easier to ignore since they don’t mess up the floor or keep you awake at night. However, they can be even more wasteful than inside water leaks—especially when they occur on your water service line. W I N T E R 2025

WASTEWATER DEPARTMENT

ABOVE: A glimpse inside the new biosolids thermal dryer facility shows where functional testing was recently completed. RIGHT: The thermal dryer facility project produces Class A biosolids. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CLARKSVILLE GAS & WATER

Thermal Dryer Tested for Performance The Clarksville Wastewater Treatment Plant completed the physical construction phase of its biosolids thermal dryer facility in October, followed by a functional testing period. Additional performance takes place in December. These tests ensure all aspects of the system operate properly and at maximum efficiency. The thermal dryer facility project produces Class A biosolids and includes a bioscrubber for the first phase of odor control. Once the facility is operating, Clarksville Gas & 12

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Water will evaluate if a second-phase odor control is needed. About the Thermal Dryer Project The thermal dryer project consists of a new thermal dryer facility to dry and stabilize biosolids generated in the treatment of wastewater, as well as a bioscrubber odor control system to mitigate odors generated from the solids handling processes. The contract amount was $53 million and partially funded with a $15 million grant through the American Rescue Plan.

Prevent Drain Obstructions This Holiday Season Holidays are a special time of year to celebrate with food, family and friends. November through January is also the time when Clarksville Gas & Water documents an increase in sewer obstructions related to fats, oils and grease—known as FOG. You can help keep our system clean. Reduce the possibility that sewer obstructions will hinder

your happy holidays with inconvenient, messy and costly sewer overflows by always discarding fats, oils, grease and food scraps in the trash and never in household drains. For more information on what you can do to help prevent sewer obstructions, visit clarksvillegw.com or call 931-645-7495 for the grease management office.

ADOBE STOCK IMAGES BY QUALIT DESIGN, PAPRIKA

Learn more about Clarksville FOG awareness at clarksvilletn.gov/317/Fats-Oils-Grease.

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NEED TO KNOW

Payment Assistance Is One Call Away Clarksville Gas & Water is a municipally owned utility providing water and wastewater services to the citizens of the city of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Montgomery County. We are the local natural gas supplier to Clarksville and neighboring counties in Tennessee and Kentucky. Our mission is to deliver safe, reliable and affordable gas, water and sewer service to our customers, our businesses and our community. We offer a variety of bill payment options to help customers choose the best way to manage their utility bills. We also network with local agencies that offer utility assistance programs. Contact them directly to learn about their programs. • Automated Bank Draft: Save money by reducing check costs and postage and never worry about mailing that check again by signing up for automatic bank draft. Call 931-645-7400 or the toll-free number, 888-800-4020. You can also stop by one of our convenient customer service centers with a voided check to sign up. • Payment Agreement Extension: Upon request of the

customer, we offer two yearly 14-day bill payment extensions from their scheduled last day to pay. Two payment extensions per account may be allowed per 12-month period. A second extension may not be used concurrently with a previously agreed-to extension. • Community Assistance Network: Clarksville Gas & Water has a long-standing relationship with local community agencies that offer utility assistance programs. One such program is Project Help. Project Help provides assistance distributed through local charitable agencies. The funds come from donors who contribute an extra dollar or two on their gas and water bills each month. Learn more at cmccaa.com/project-help. A list of local community agencies that can help is available at bit.ly/4pc5fvX. Contact Us—We’re Here to Help Clarksville Gas & Water continually researches options to improve and enhance customer service. Visit our website for updates or call our customer service office.

CALL

931-645-7400; Toll-Free 888-800-4020

clarksvillegw.com

Email gasandwater@cityofclarksville.com, or use the provided QR code, to submit service- or industry-related questions. 14

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Freeze Out Fraud This Winter

ADOBE STOCK IMAGES BY DAIYAN MD TALHA, FEODORA, OLGA MOONLIGHT, REDEMPTION_ART

Holidays are a joyous time of year to celebrate with family and friends, but be aware—scammers never take a break. Clarksville Gas & Water advises customers to be cautious of potential fraud and scammers throughout the year and especially around holidays. If you suspect suspicious communications by any method involving your CGW utility bills or service, stop communication immediately and call our office to check the status of your utility account. A customer service representative is happy to help with any questions about your account. You can also access your account at clarksvillegw.com. CGW service and field technicians are easily identifiable by their uniform and official identification badge. If in doubt, call our office at 931-645-7400 to verify. Phone Scam Prevention Tips • Hang up right away. Do not continue to converse with an unsolicited caller who is gathering information while keeping you on the line. • Never trust the caller ID number. The telephone number displayed can be manipulated with software. • Authenticate phone calls from unsolicited parties who demand your information for payment. Call the customer

service number on your utility bill. This ensures you are speaking to a real representative. • Never be pressured to make payment by prepaid debit cards or wire transfers. This is an immediate red flag. Never give your personal or banking information to an unverified caller. • Always document details, and report misleading or suspicious communications right away. Take measures to protect your identity and financial information. The AntiFraud Hotline (U.S. Senate Aging Committee) can be reached at 855-303-9470. Report Fraud and Scams Several online resources can help you learn more about fraud and scam prevention and how to report a complaint. • Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs: tn.gov/ attorneygeneral/working-for-tennessee/consumer-affairs.html. • Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee: bbb.org and bbb.org/scamtracker. • Federal Communications Commission: fcc.gov or ReportFraud.ftc.gov. By staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity, you help safeguard your household and the Clarksville community this holiday season.

Stay In the Know Sign up for alerts and notifications, and update your contact information today Sign-up to receive Clarksville Gas & Water important alerts and notifications at clarksvilletn.gov/136/Alerts-Notifications. Follow the prompts to register and choose the method of notification: email, text message or both. CGW works diligently to ensure customers are notified in advance of planned utility construction work for water outages, road closures or other work through the channels below: • Local media news releases.

• City of Clarksville, TN, Gas & Water official website and Facebook. • Email or text message sent from the city of Clarksville official “News Flash” notification system. • Customer phone message notifications. Prerecorded phone messages about planned utility work only call the phone number listed on customer accounts. To ensure you receive notifications, update your account information today.

We understand how important utility services are to you and your families as you go about your busy days. CGW construction crews work hard to minimize the time you are affected by necessary utility work impacting services. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we perform repairs and maintenance throughout the service system to ensure a safe, reliable and efficient utility system for all customers. W I N T E R 2025

NATURAL GAS DEPARTMENT

What to Do if You Smell Natural Gas Clarksville Gas & Water reminds customers to call the Gas Department office immediately if you smell natural gas in or around your home or business. If the odor is very strong call 911. Natural gas is odorless, so gas suppliers add a chemical called mercaptan. This chemical has an aroma similar to rotten eggs. Teach your family to recognize the smell of natural gas. A gas leak could be dangerous. If you smell natural gas: • Leave immediately, and leave the doors open for ventilation. • Go to a neighbor’s and call the gas company at 931-645-7422 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For after-hours emergencies and on weekends or holidays, call 931-645-0116. • If the odor is very strong, call 911. • Don’t turn electrical switches on or off—or use a flashlight or phone—because an electric spark could ignite the gas, causing an explosion. If Children Smell Gas Teach children what to do while you are away. Instruct children to leave the house and call the gas company from a nearby phone if they smell a gas leak while you are out. Safety Drills Practice a safety drill for getting your family out of the house at night in the event of a gas emergency. Open windows and do not turn lights on or off. Practice the drill in daylight first. Play Safely Keep little ones out of trouble. Teach small children to stay away from the gas range, furnace and other gas-burning appliances. Remind them to keep toys and papers away from appliances, too. Protect Gas Pipes Prevent bending and breakage by following the tips below: • Do not let children swing from pipes or play with flexible connector hoses leading to water heaters or ranges. • Do not hang things from gas pipes. • Do not sit, climb or stand on the gas meter. Your Gas Logs Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when operating gas logs.

Call 931-645-7422 or 911 immediately if you smell natural gas in or around your home or business. 16

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Gas Division Expands

Safety Expertise The Clarksville Gas Division hosted and participated in training for employees this fall. Incident Investigation, Root Cause Analysis, and Management Oversight and Risk Tree—or MORT—was conducted in mid-October. MORT, a certified five-day workshop, is NorthStar Performance Improvement’s premier training course on root cause analysis. This training has been conducted to a wide variety of industries, such as public utilities—including nuclear, fossil, hydroelectric, gas and oil—pharmaceutical, engineering, manufacturing, and domestic and international regulatory agencies.

This training was funded by the Pipeline Emergency Response Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Clarksville Gas & Water competed for the funds against gas providers throughout the country and successfully received the grant in 2023. Grant funds were used to train eight employees in 2024 and 10 employees in 2025. Participants earned 40 professional development hours for professional and/or four continuing education units. Congratulations to employees who successfully completed this training.

Gas Division employees participate in a certified five-day workshop on incident investigation and root cause analysis to improve safety and performance. PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARKSVILLE GAS & WATER W I N T E R 2025

NATURAL GAS DEPARTMENT

Inspection, Training Strengthens Gas Division Congratulations to the Clarksville Gas Division, Fort Campbell Gas Operations on a successful Natural Gas Safety Inspection Evaluation in late August by the Tennessee Public Utility Commission gas pipeline inspector. The inspection took place over several days, and the results showed no violations in the complete inspection of Clarksville Gas & Water’s natural gas distribution and transmission pipeline facility. The mission of the Gas Pipeline Safety Division is to contribute to the safety and reliability of natural gas distribution and transmission pipeline facilities in Tennessee. Incident Command System and Response Training CGW hosted and participated in the Tennessee Gas Association

regional training with Glen Boatwright of Boatwright Consulting on incident command system and response training in late October. The instruction for Middle Tennessee natural gas employees focused on how to better integrate and communicate with public sector responders at the scene of emergencies within a unified command structure, orientation on tactical response, and considerations and basic tips for interactions with news media. Participants reviewed pipeline emergency case studies from an incident command perspective. The session concluded with a customized role-playing and tabletop exercise.

Clarksville Gas Division Manager Troy Jones, second from left, and Middle Tennessee area gas employees complete incident command training in October. PHOTO COURTESY OF BOATWRIGHT CONSULTING

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g n i l e e F

Festive?

ADOBE STOCK IMAGES BY AMAZEINDESIGN, PINIPIN

Remember to call before you dig or stake decorations outside for the holidays. W I N T E R 2025

CAREER CORNER

Clarksville Gas & Water is looking for skilled and ambitious candidates to join our team of utility professionals. We offer a competitive salary; a robust benefits package, including employer-paid retirement and holidays; on-thejob training; and various paths for career advancement in a satisfying work environment. Please visit our job opportunities website or scan the QR code to learn more or to apply today.

Gas & Water job openings as of December 2025: • Engineer • Water Construction Worker • Wastewater Construction Worker • Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

www.clarksvilletn.gov/gaswaterjobs

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CGW Congratulates Newly State-Certified Employees Clarksville Gas & Water employees continue to step up to the next level in their fields of expertise. We are proud to announce our latest group of newly state-certified employees. Employees put in the work and extra study hours to prepare for the rigorous state certification exam. The testing session involves informational and math equation questions concerning all areas of water distribution, wastewater collections systems or treatment plants depending on the certification type. We proudly announce and congratulate our newly state-certified employees.

TN Grade II Water Distribution System Operator • Phillip Whittinghill III • Alonso Jacobo-Rodriguez • Dylan Williams • Ryan Brisson • Bryce Field • Thomas Hamilton • Josiah Wright TN Grade II Wastewater Collection System Operator • Mathew Davis • Javen Chew

TN Grade IV Water Treatment Plant Operator • Kristopher Keenan • Timothy Paris • Scott Ryan • Justin Tisdale TN Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator • Jason Krebs • Josh Bent

Employee of the Quarter Award Winners Announced for Quarters 1 and 2

Congratulations to our top-notch employees who earned the title of Employee of the Quarter in early November. Employees nominate a deserving co-worker who demonstrates outstanding job performance during the quarter. The management team then selects winners for excellence of service to customers and their fellow employees in five categories: customer service, administration, water, wastewater and natural gas operations. Employee of the Quarter Award Winners for January, February and March: • Rob Vaughan, Administration • Robert Lewis III, Water Division • Jeffrey “J.R.” Woodall, Wastewater Division • Ricky Smith, Gas Division • Brady Devers, Customer Service

Employee of the Quarter Award Winners for April, May and June: • Jessica Biter, Administration • Adam Collins, Water Division • Paul Bratcher, Wastewater Division • Matthew Jacobs, Gas Division • Brittany Smith, Customer Service

Thank you, and keep up the great work.

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IN THE KITCHEN

FOR SANTA CLAUS Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature ½ cup salted butter, softened to room temperature 1 extra-large egg 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Recipes by Gertrude Treadaway PHOTO BY KATIE WILCOX

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Pinch of salt 15.25-ounce package red velvet cake mix ½ cup white chocolate chips Powdered sugar Green sugar sprinkles

Heat oven to 350 F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla and salt. Mix until incorporated. Add cake mix, and mix until a dough forms. It will be thick. Fold in white chocolate chips. Using a small cookie scoop, form 1-inch dough balls. If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to make it easier to work with. Place cookies 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until centers are set. Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkles.

Gingerbread Slice-and-Bake Cookies 1¾ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon ground allspice ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed 1 stick salted butter, room temperature ¼ cup molasses 1 extra-large egg 1½ teaspoons maple extract Turbinado sugar

Whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, salt, cloves and nutmeg in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar and butter. Beat with a mixer until fluffy, about 1 minute. Drizzle in the molasses, beating well and scraping down the bowl halfway through. Beat in the egg until combined, then beat in the maple extract. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in two or three batches, beating until just combined after each addition. Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape half of the dough into a thick log on the plastic. Wrap the dough in the plastic. Shape into a firm 7-inch log, about 2 inches thick. Repeat with the remaining dough to make another log. Chill until firm. Heat oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the dough logs into ¼-inch-thick rounds. Place them 1 inch apart on the baking sheets. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Bake, switching and rotating the pans halfway through, until the edges of the cookies are set, about 12 minutes. Let cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes, then move the cookies to cooling racks.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies 1½ cups all-purpose flour ¾ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 1 stick salted butter, softened 1 cup creamy peanut butter ¼ cup granulated sugar ¾ cup light brown sugar

2 tablespoons honey 1 extra-large egg 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips Flaky sea salt

Heat oven to 350 F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside. Beat the butter, peanut butter, sugars and honey in the bowl of a stand mixer on medium speed until creamy and light, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix well. Add the flour mixture in increments, mixing on low to combine completely in between each addition. Stir in the chocolate chips. Scoop balls of dough, about 2 tablespoons each, and roll into neat balls. Divide the balls between the baking sheets. Using a fork, press the cookies down to about ½-inch thick. Turn the fork 90 degrees and press again to make a crisscross pattern. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, just until the bottom edges look light brown, rotating the trays from top to bottom oven racks halfway through baking. Cool the cookies for 5 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to a cooling rack. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Cake Mix Cookies 15.25-ounce box white cake mix ½ cup salted butter, melted and cooled

½ teaspoon cinnamon 2 large eggs ¾ cup colorful sprinkles, plus more to top

Heat the oven to 350 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, butter, cinnamon and eggs. Beat with a mixer until well combined. Stir in the sprinkles. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Top with additional sprinkles. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly brown on the bottom edges. Let cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Brown Butter Snickerdoodles 8 ounces unsalted butter 2¾ cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons cream of tartar 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon kosher salt ½ cup light brown sugar, packed

1¼ cups granulated sugar, divided 2 extra-large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Line two large-rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking often, until butter begins to brown and smells nutty, about 5 minutes. Pour the butter into the bowl of a stand mixer. Chill in the refrigerator until set but not firm, about 45 minutes. Whisk together flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Add brown sugar and 1 cup of the granulated sugar to the browned butter. Beat with a paddle attachment on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Add eggs and vanilla. Continue beating until well combined, about 1 minute. Add flour mixture. Continue beating until just combined, about 1 minute. Cover and chill until firm, at least 45 minutes or up to 24 hours. Heat oven to 375 F, with oven racks positioned in the upper and lower thirds of the oven. Stir together cinnamon and remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar in a small bowl. Scoop dough into 36 portions, about 1½ tablespoons each. Gently roll each dough portion into a ball. Roll dough balls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, and place on prepared baking sheets at least 3 inches apart. Bake cookies until golden brown and edges are set, about 11 to 13 minutes. Rotate baking sheets halfway through baking time. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. W I N T E R 2025

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HILLSBORO, OR PERMIT No. 66

OFFICE 2215 Madison St. Clarksville, TN 37043 PHONE 931-645-7400 888-800-4020 OFFICE HOURS 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday EMERGENCY AFTER-HOURS 931-645-0116 4:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays REPORT A GAS LEAK Day: 931-645-7422 After Hours: 931-645-0116 or 911

If you smell a strong natural gas odor, call 911! MAYOR The Honorable Joe Pitts CHIEF OF STAFF James Halford GAS & WATER COMMITTEE Deanna McLaughlin, Chair Stacey Streetman Travis Holleman Jerry Haywood Carlos Peters GENERAL MANAGER Mark Riggins

Clarksville Gas & Water wishes customers a safe, warm and joyful holiday season. We appreciate the support you have shown us this year.

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER Patrick Chesney ENGINEERING DIVISION MANAGER Garth Branch, P.E. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Dawn Thomack CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGERS Brandy Jarrell Eddy Glenn GAS DIVISION MANAGER Troy Jones WATER DIVISION MANAGER Chris Lambert WASTEWATER DIVISION MANAGER Brian Shelton

OFFICE CLOSURES Wednesday, Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve Thursday, Dec. 25 - Christmas Day Friday, Dec. 26 - Day after Christmas Thursday, Jan. 1 - New Year’s Day Monday, Jan. 19 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, Feb. 16 - Presidents Day