The U.S. Smelter news once again puts Clarksville in the national – even global – spotlight. Here are some ways the news might play out locally. Plus: Whose fault is it when middle school kids don't get adequate recess? Are murder charges justified in fentanyl deaths? How you can help fill Clarksville with trees, and why Ryan still has Christmas nightmares about the Johnsons' glowing snowman.
With communities nearby struggling over job losses and dwindling population, Clarksville keeps landing new employers, and it was born of good decisions by city leaders in the 1970s and 80s. Speaking of growth, Britton Springs neighbors had a chance to decide how they grow, and that plan was torpedoed. What happens next? Plus, a new Charlie Kirk firing lawsuit, Whataburger closes two locations, and Chris and Ryan go WAY off script to talk ZZ Top, Steely Dan and Romeo Void.
Montgomery County has picked Republican Congressmen by 20-30 percentage points for the last 20 years. But this time, Republican Matt Van Epps won our county by only 8 points. Are we going purple? Plus, a breakdown of the contenders to replace Rep. Jeff Burkhart in the statehouse, cracks in the Kraft Street Bridge, J.D. Vance just might be right about turkey, and Ryan wins a case for his dad's old Cub Scout rifle.
This week, a new School Board member was sworn in, then resigned, then withdrew her resignation over the revelation that she appeared in an episode of Showtime's Gigolos. And it all started because political parties have taken over the Montgomery County Commission and School Board. Plus, updates on the big new Spring Creek Parkway, a state House member rescues a man from a burning vehicle, and Chris gets schooled on how to pronounce "Samhain."
With Mayor Joe Pitts announcing he won't run again, here's a breakdown on who all is running and how they stack up. Plus, why the city plans to move the CTS bus station, buying out flooded homes at "Lake Elberta" and Ryan tries to pick the burger, pizza and Mexican restaurant winners in Clarksville's Best.
With Vanderbilt taking over the Tennova hospital, Clarksville has ended up in the best of all worlds. Plus, four questions: How will our community help the thousands of Fort Campbell civilian employees going without pay? What would you do if you got a $1,000 water bill? Are solar farms really worth it? And is Chris going to hell for defending Halloween?
A state move to deny enrollment to undocumented students recently came up at the Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board. But is it the local board's business to weigh in on these issues? What's the point? Meanwhile, a judge says a Fort Campbell school has to put the banned library books back, the County Commission debates public notice, Gary the Guardrail lives on, and Chris explains why he's tired of Tom Petty.
Downtown Clarksville has plenty of places to park, but people seem confused about when it's free and when to pay. We've got you! Also, a flooding solution on one side of Interstate 24 will also solve an elevation problem on the other. And Ryan shares how he learned where babies – and steak – come from.
With the largest "purple" population in Congress District 7, Montgomery County will play a critical role in the upcoming race between Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn, and the outcome will nave national implications. Also, the city presents its solutions to Woodstock flooding, but they don't include sandbags along the state line. Plus, what happened to Petey at the bidet.
Crime keeps declining - both as a rate and in total numbers - despite what some people want to believe. Eh, whatcha gonna do? Also, what's ahead for the 200-acre Freedom Farms behind the mall, and Chris and Ryan share great ideas for how to force Congress do its job.
Ever wonder what the landfill does with the thousands of mattresses they get every year? Meet the shredder. Also, Fort Campbell updates its off-limits list, Congressman Mark Green explains his resignation, and Chris and Ryan argue over how you know it's a solid breakfast restaurant.
Controversy over an assistant football coach being asked to stop waving a Bible and "proselytizing" during a game raises a question: Where should the line be when it comes to religion in public high schools, and did the coach cross over it? Also, everyone's excited about getting a Sprouts grocery, the real history of the "Let's Go Peay" slogan, and Clarksville becomes the sweet, sexy side-piece as the Nashville Kats' eye begins to wander.
Dry weather has done a number on the taste of Clarksville's water, but don't worry: Those earthy flavors are safe, and things should be back to normal soon. Also, north Clarksville will get a new park, tourism saves you $500 a year in taxes, a new Mexican restaurant opens, and Chris shares horror stories about his brief stint as a sports editor.
Could it be an IKEA? Costco? Bass Pro Shop? Whichever major big box retailer is planning a spot in Clarksville, it will have a huge economic impact, with 800 jobs and millions in tax revenue to help pay for roads, schools and more. Speaking of which, why do people think we can get Nashville-size firefighter salaries on Clarksville-size tax burdens? Also, Ryan shares his dream "Clarksvegas" store: A combo car wash/nail salon/vape shop.
Was it strategy, opportunity or just coincidence that Tennova and Ascension Saint Thomas were trying to open hospitals next to one another? Whatever the cause, Tennova's plan was rejected, adding to their recent losses. Also, what should be done to improve safety at Billy Dunlop Park, can someone give answers to flooded Clarksville residents, and who's going to pay to save historic buildings?
A study shows we're falling behind in new home construction, driving up the costs for everyone in Clarksville. What can be done, and who's going to do it? Also, some solutions for running neighborhood stop signs, updates on Dunbar Cave Road and the Rollow Lane roundabout, and two Clarksville actors are in the national spotlight.
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. Here's a look behind the scenes. Plus, the latest on TVA building a Natural Gas Plant in our backyard, and Ryan reveals Clarksville's connection to the Coldplay scandal.
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. Plus, Tennova tells the state why we don't need new hospitals in Clarksville, Chris announces his decision on running for Congress, and Ryan talks to people about their meat.
A dig into local 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? Also, Congressman Green does great work, then walks away. Ryan goes on a (long) tirade about education. And Chris explains what NOT to do at our new beer place, Tap This.
Each hospital chief had 15 minutes to sell their plan to local business and community leaders. Here's how it went down, and what might happen next. Meanwhile, will the city's Stormwater Utility expert have the testicular (or ovarian) fortitude to force developers to do the right thing? Plus, Chris tours a mayo plant, and Ryan explains why Clarksville doesn't celebrate the Fourth on the fourth.