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.

Weather
6 months ago
WEATHER ALERT: Heat Advisory issued for Montgomery County through 8 p.m. Wednesday

Clarksville weather: With highs in the mid-90s and heat indexes expected above 100 degrees all week, a Heat Advisory has been issued through Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Ascension Saint Thomas President and CEO Fahad Tahir speaks at the Aspire Clarksville Healthcare Forum on planned hospitals on June 17, 2025. (Chris Smith)
Business
6 months ago
Do we need more hospitals? State records show arguments surrounding TriStar, Ascension Saint Thomas proposals

Documents filed with the state give some insight into arguments surrounding proposals for two new hospitals in Clarksville. Among them: that the patient outmigration from Montgomery County is almost 50%, yet we are the second-worst in the state for population per hospital.

News
6 months ago
Montgomery County plans EMS station for future Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital campus

Montgomery County Government and Ascension Saint Thomas this morning announced a strategic public-private partnership to establish a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) facility at Exit 11 off Interstate 24, on the campus of the planned new hospital.

Weather
6 months ago
Work week weather: Heat Advisory Sunday and Monday, highs in mid-90s all week

Clarksville forecast: With heat indexes Sunday and Monday expected to approach 110 degrees, Heat Advisories have been issued for both days from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Clockwise from the top left, fairgrounds site on Arkadelphia Road, downtown parking, Kamari Blair, Choppin' Block.
News
6 months ago
News in Clarksville: Fairgrounds plans, Speedway deal, Choppin’ Block closing and other top stories this week

Here’s a look at the top local news stories from Clarksville Now this week, including Montgomery County fairgrounds plans, a Clarksville Speedway deal, and Choppin’ Block closing.

News
6 months ago
Flash Flood Warning issued for Montgomery County

The National Weather Service in Nashville has issued a Flash Flood Warning for central Montgomery County until 10:30 p.m.

Plans for Ascension Saint Thomas Clarksville (left) and Tristar Clarksville Hospital (right) recently submitted for state approval. (Contributed)
News
6 months ago
Hospitals line up transportation to Nashville meeting, Tennova listed on agenda as ‘opposition’

As the state hearing for proposed Clarksville hospitals approaches on Wednesday, both Ascension Saint Thomas and TriStar have lined up transportation arrangements for people wanting to attend.

The annual Montgomery County Fair, held at the Clarksville Speedway on August 2, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Podcasts
6 months ago
The Clarksville Rundown: What to expect from new Montgomery County fairgrounds | PODCAST

With the Clarksville Speedway being purchased by the city, and Montgomery County building a new fairgrounds, big annual events are in limbo. Here’s what’s happening and what could come next in our ongoing fairgrounds shuffle.