Chris Smith

Chris Smith is editor-in-chief of Clarksville Now. He has been a trusted professional journalist for over 30 years, with the last 25 years here in Clarksville, TN. You can reach him by email at csmith@clarksvillenow.com or call 931-648-7720.

People line up along the wall to speak during public comments at the Clarksville CON hearings at the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission on July 23. 2025. (Jordan Renfro)
Podcasts
6 months ago
The Clarksville Rundown: What happened behind the scenes on state hospital decision | PODCAST

As the state decided this week to give TriStar and Ascension Saint Thomas permission to build hospitals in Clarksville, over objections from Tennova, there were eye-opening comments and questions.

Kyle King and Tiffany Hill on the air with the Kirkwood High School Marching Band for Q-Up the Classroom radiothon for Teachers Warehouse at 5 Star Media Group on July 24, 2025. (Chris Smith)
Lifestyle
6 months ago
Q-Up the Classroom raises over $21,000 in first day, nearing last year’s $27,000 total

The Q-Up the Classroom radiothon continues today, with a goal of raising $40,000 for the Clarksville-Montgomery County Teacher Warehouse.

The men of the Civitan Club of Clarksville cooking some amazing food at the Annual Lone Oak Picnic. July 27, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Entertainment
6 months ago
Weekend top picks: Lone Oak Picnic, ‘Elemental’ at Commons, Republican Women Wine Tasting

Things to do in Clarksville this weekend: Here are our top picks, including the Lone Oak Picnic, ‘Elemental’ at Downtown Commons, and the Red River Republican Women Wine Tasting.

A tractor-trailer fire on Interstate 24 on July 24, 2025. (Montgomery County Fire Service video, contributed)
News
6 months ago
UPDATE: Blown tire leads to tractor-trailer catching fire on I-24, secondary wreck | VIDEO

Interstate 24 was locked up in Clarksville Thursday morning after an incident near mile marker 15.

News
6 months ago
Weekend weather: Highs in mid-90s with heat indexes up to 106 expected

Clarksville forecast: Highs of 94 and heat indexes of 106 are expected today and Friday, and a Heat Advisory has been issued.

Crime
6 months ago
Wanted in Clarksville: Women steal purse, use credit cards at Governor’s Square Mall

The Clarksville Police Department is investigating an identity theft that occurred July 19 at Governor’s Square Mall.

The crowd reacts to the vote during the Clarksville CON hearings at the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission on July 23. 2025. (Jordan Renfro)
Business
6 months ago
UPDATE: Ascension Saint Thomas and TriStar both approved to build hospitals in Clarksville

Clarksville’s healthcare future was on the line Wednesday morning as two hospitals went before the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission requesting permission to build here, amid objections from Clarksville’s only existing hospital, Tennova-Healthcare.

Business
6 months ago
TriStar Health claims 20,000 signatures on petition for new hospital, 1,500 letters of support

TriStar Health says it has collected and submitted over 20,000 signatures on its petition for a new hospital in Clarksville, along with over 1,500 letters of support.