The Clarksville Rundown with Chris and Ryan

Here's what we know about the K-9 involved arrest, the warrants that led to it, and then the death of Darius Chappell in Montgomery County Jail. But what we don't know is Chappell's cause of death, and that's becoming a bigger problem the longer it's kept hidden from the public. Also, how a pair of Fort Campbell soldiers took down a drunk man with a gun, Wilma's going to get busy before it gets better, a new restaurant at Exit 8, and Ryan's hot take on what's wrong with J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek." 

If you're confused about what's going on with the city's move to take over the Ajax Turner Senior Center, you aren't alone. Here's an attempted explanation, and odds on what happens next. Plus, the council tries again to pass a budget with or without a tax hike, looking back at Clarksville's history through pictures - rotten teeth and all, and what should be done about neighborhood fireworks madness.

Families of kids hurt in the school bus crash are lashing out at the School Board. But there's a better place to direct that grief and anger: our state legislature (the one that limited their financial compensation). Also, the City Council can't land on a budget they like, we lay odds on what major retailer is coming to Tiny Town Road, the Traveling Wilburys bail out Clarksville veterans, and Ryan is totally done with Elmo. 

The great mysteries of our age: 1. Clarksville Fire Rescue responds to fires outside the city limits, but county taxes don't support CFR. 2. The city wants to pay more to take over the Ajax Turner Senior Center, despite that the city has a revenue crisis. 3. The state has a law that small contractors have to be licensed, but Montgomery County hasn't opted in. Can someone make it all make sense? 

A Clarksville man has been recording himself taunting Black people with racial slurs. This week, a confrontation ended in gunfire. Here's what led up to it and what happens next. Plus, a look into the disciplinary records of sheriff candidates, Ascension Saint Thomas seeks help building a massive medical campus, whining over Wawa, and Chris has a plan to replace Smart Glasses with Smart Braces.

Mayor Joe Pitts dropped some bombshells in the last week, with a proposed 31-cent property tax increase and a pullback of $3.5 million in sales tax revenue from schools. What's going on, why the surprises, and why isn't the city collaborating with other government agencies? Also, how to get rid of this political gerrymandering BS, and what you'll see on Ryan's love pants.

Seems simple enough: Require sprinklers in "stacked duplexes." But developers say the costs will make this option for low-cost housing too expensive to build. Also, an old DUI conviction raises questions about the state law on who can run for sheriff, Ryan and Chris take the Army's new Combat Field Test, Alabama's biggest hits, and how long until people start complaining about Long John Silver's?

In a couple of years, the 101st Airborne Division will begin flying the newly named "Cheyenne" tiltrotor instead of the Black Hawk helicopter. It's a critical change for important reasons, and no, this isn't an Osprey. Also, what's next now that the teacher who showed nude selfies has resigned, big changes at the Housing Authority, Montgomery County taxpayers spend $145,000 on four contested district races, and how lemon squares could reshape America's foreign policy.

Jason Steen's extortion-based Scoop Nashville / Clarksville Today social media pages are still haunting thousands of people across Middle Tennessee, but no one seems willing or able to do anything about it. Also, a neighborhood's beaver solution creates a stink about animal rights, the city is taking over the local senior center, and Chris and Ryan fight on whether the 101st Airborne flyby at Kid Rock's estate was all in good fun or a violation of Army standards. 

The under-construction Spring Creek Parkway has its first planned development, and it's Clarksville's massive new 4-story VA Clinic. Also, School Board leaders explain why they haven't weighed in on the scandal over a teacher's nude selfies, Charlie Daniels is coming back in hologram form, and Clarksville has a new slogan: "Home of Tennessee's Most Powerful Jeffs."

If you have porn selfies on your phone ... first, why? ... but why would you bring that to school, where you might accidentally (he said) show them to one of your students? A recent incident at Montgomery Central High School is raising all kinds of questions and complications. Also, another tornado swept across Clarksville, why that pedestrian bridge isn't finished, and Chris debunks the chemtrail theory. 

Checking into a repair contractor dispute led Clarksville Now to several similar complaints nationwide, along with concerns raised in two states about the company's CEO. Who knew? Also, flooding on a development off Old Russellville Pike may be tied to a clogged city stormwater drain, firefighters file a lawsuit, and Chris and Ryan get salty about the name "OpenGate" security system, each for their own ridiculous reasons.

A teacher was recently disciplined for leaving notes and then venting on social media about some of her students. But is it OK to feel this way about students? Or should people who feel that way not be teachers? Also, a first peek inside the Clarksville mayor's race, downtown is getting a new entertainment venue plus two new restaurants, and Chris and Ryan come to blows over the sorry state of rock music.

The new spec warehouse development in the Industrial Park has attracted a major "Fortune 50" company to Clarksville, and Ryan tries to guess who it is. Meanwhile, we have candidates lined up for county mayor and sheriff, questions are lingering about the City Council appointment vote, CPD gets drug-testing equipment, and the guys find a way to connect Heated Rivalry to Chick-fil-A's secret recipe. 

A social media policy from Montgomery County Government fell flat this week when it became clear that certain provisions violated the First Amendment. Turns out, if the county creates a public forum, it has to allow the public to take part. Also, the Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital rebranding is about more than rebranding (we hope), "lasagna ice" becomes "Zamboni ice," and Ryan has doubts about "The Muppet Show." 

Some people freaked out about a forecast of 17 inches of snow, when we got only 3 inches. It wasn't that the experts were wrong – people just weren't listening to the actual experts. Plus, how the Clarksville Jeep Crew almost helped a man escape from police, what happens when you don't clear your car of ice and snow, and blocked sidewalks send pedestrians onto Madison Street. 

Good news about the new hospitals comes with some hangnails, including that Premier won't build a planned new clinic, and we're going to take a $2 million hit in tax revenue. Or maybe Chris is just a party-pooper. Also, the Roxy moves to a temporary home, a new gas pipeline is coming, the commission's deputy joins the commission, and an amazing buzzer-beater creates true joy on video. 

A plan to consolidate homeless outreach services downtown blew up at the gate, but that doesn't mean it's a bad idea. Here's how the city, nonprofits and downtown stakeholders can sort things out. Plus, Sen. Marsha Blackburn creates a $500,000 nightmare for APSU over Charlie Kirk, the Highway 374 extension finally sees progress, and Ryan reveals he's never tried hummus. 

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. 

Documents show local leaders knew back in the mid-90s that Woodstock flooding would be a problem, and they never fixed it in the 2010s. Also, with three new hospitals proposed for Clarksville, the ideal choice is "all of the above." Plus, Rep. Mark Green's resignation, and what the heck should we call the new MV-75 aircraft that will replace the 101st Airborne Division's Black Hawks?

The new requirement for more recess in schools started right here in Clarksville, and now it's catching on in other states. Let's go! Also, new plans for the Performing Arts Center include tearing down the old Roxy, and it's about time. Plus, Chris and Ryan share their favorite high school make-out spots, in hopes that the unfinished end of Spring Creek Parkway makes the list.

CMCSS will ban phones during school hours this fall, and it can't come soon enough. Imagine kids having to speak to each other in the hallways! Plus, Clarksville gets two minor tornadoes and its first mental health crisis unit. And Chris tries to explain Wagyu, toro and izakaya.

Clarksville is finally in line for a second full-service hospital, bringing competition to Tennova with Ascension Saint Thomas. Also, what's behind the push for a city property tax increase (and why it's still a bargain). Plus, Chris has a change of heart about PETA after getting an unexpected email, coffee mug and tote bag.

Another roundabout is coming, but will this one earn its own name? Plus, a UPS driver is caught on Ring camera smashing into a pickup and driving off. What was he thinking? Also, Replant Clarksville launches, farmers markets open, rating the tribute bands at Downtown @ Sundown, and Chris offers PETA some substitutions for "killing two birds with one stone."

Tempers flared this week over flood damage in Clarksville, but what can be done to stop it? Maybe a giant wall of sandbags? Also, plans for The Joseph being built around the Dunlop House were approved, the backlash over an ethics complaint against Rep. Aron Maberry, and what is the correct way to pronounce "manure"?

With over 220 homes damaged by flooding, whose fault is it? The homeowners, the developers, the city/county government, the Industrial Park? Or is anyone really to blame when we're at 245% of normal rainfall? And what do we do about it? Also, the city decides not to replace the New Providence Indoor Pool dome, and the debate over who has the best hamburgers in Clarksville. 

Flooding complaints are weighing on the City Council, but do they have a solution for stormwater? Also, Fort Campbell ends its annual Boots Display memorial over complaints about older soldiers being left out, the story of K9 Merlin the drug-sniffing dog, and Chris' plan to smoke SO MUCH pot when he turns 90.

A 15-year-old boy rescues his younger siblings as a tree crashes into their house. Plus, Austin Peay State University is planning a tuition increase, Ryan has advice for new Police Chief Ty Burdine, and new playgrounds are built around town. Also, as Holland premieres this weekend, Ryan reveals why a Nicole Kidman movie about Holland, Michigan, was filmed in Clarksville. 

Is DEI all about lowering standards? Or is the push against it just racist hostility? Chris and Ryan do some explaining and try to find a reasonable middle ground. Also, a new butcher shop opens, the 101st Airborne is going back to Europe, and Ryan hopes Clarksville's Jay Ammo loses on "The Voice" (just like Morgan Wallen). 

What would you do if you were trapped in a swing 65 feet up for four hours? It happened in Erin, and they had to be rescued by Montgomery County volunteer firefighters. Plus, Clarksville is starting demolition on a long list of abandoned buildings, Chris uncovers some forgotten civil rights history involving Wilma Rudolph, and Ryan explains why he once bought a PlayStation for R. Kelly. 

After weeks of closeout sales, Big Lots dropped a big surprise this week: They'll reopen with new owners. Meanwhile, the planned five-story apartments next door failed to get rezoning. Here's what all of that means for plans to attract a grocery to Riverside Drive. Also, Clarksville gets a new coffee shop, you can help a 7-year-old girl get a service dog, and Ryan tries really hard not to say the word "crack."