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.

Rep. Jay Reedy, right, with Gov. Bill Lee in July 2018.
Elections
6 months ago
Rep. Jay Reedy won’t run for Congress, Mark Green endorses Matt Van Epps

State Rep. Jay Reedy of Houston County, who has been discussed as a main contender to replace Rep. Mark Green in Congress, said Tuesday he won’t be running for the position.

Business
6 months ago
Tennova sends letters to state opposing Ascension Saint Thomas, TriStar hospitals in Clarksville

Tennova sent letters dated July 8 to the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission claiming that the hospitals are not needed, that they will increase the cost to consumers, that they won’t stem “outmigration” and that they will hinder Tennova’s efforts to hire and retain quality staff.

Weather
6 months ago
Work week weather: Hot, muggy weather all week, with chance of storms each day

Clarksville forecast: We have a hot and muggy week ahead with a chance of showers and thunderstorms every day.

The Bon Jovi tribute band Crush performed during Downtown @ Sundown at Downtown Commons on July 11, 2025. (Hannah Hutchins)
Lifestyle
7 months ago
Bon Jovi tribute band Crushes Downtown Commons | PHOTOS

The Downtown Commons was rocking with the best of Bon Jovi for the tribute band Crush on Friday night.

News
7 months ago
News in Clarksville: Our hospital ownership history, Green’s final day in Congress and other top stories this week

Here’s a look at the top local news stories from Clarksville Now this week, including our hospital ownership history, Rep. Mark Green’s final day in Congress and more.

A line of thunderstorms near Clarksville, seen from Old Russellville Pike. (Chris Smith)
Weather
7 months ago
Strong thunderstorm moving toward Montgomery County

A strong thunderstorm was moving toward Montgomery County Friday evening.

Podcasts
7 months ago
The Clarksville Rundown: How a corporate buyout created Clarksville’s Tennova hospital | PODCAST

A dig into Clarksville history shows we could have sold our hospital to Vanderbilt or Saint Thomas two decades ago, but we rolled the dice on Triad. Remember them?

Ascension Saint Thomas President & CEO Fahad Tahir at the Ascension Saint Thomas preview at Boyd Family Farm on June 4, 2025. (Wesley Irvin)
Business
7 months ago
Ascension Saint Thomas campus to include new locations for Tennessee Oncology, Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance

Two major Middle Tennessee physician groups – Tennessee Oncology and Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA) – plan to join the future Ascension Saint Thomas Clarksville Hospital on its 96-acre healthcare campus.