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Columbia Fire & Rescue Sends Six Firefighters to Texas to Battle Ross Fire

Issue #805

August 31, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Tuesday Weather - Sunny w/ high of 94, low of 71

🚒 Columbia Fire & Rescue Sends Six Firefighters to Texas to Battle Ross Fire

👉 Legacy Night to Honor the Visionaries Behind 30 Years of Boys & Girls Club Impact

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Columbia Fire & Rescue Sends Six Firefighters to Texas to Battle Ross Fire

Columbia Fire & Rescue will deploy personnel and equipment to Texas to assist with ongoing firefighting efforts related to the Ross Fire, following a request for assistance from the State of Texas to the State of Tennessee.

Columbia Fire & Rescue will participate as part of a Middle Tennessee deployment team. The department will send six personnel, one fire engine and one service/support truck to assist with firefighting operations in the area west of Fort Worth.

The Columbia Fire & Rescue team departed early Sunday morning, August 30, and travelled to its assigned rally point in Texas. The deployment is expected to last approximately 10 to 14 days, depending on operational needs and conditions.

During the deployment, Columbia Fire & Rescue will maintain continuous accountability of its personnel and apparatus through department software, allowing the department to monitor the team’s location and maintain communication while they are operating in Texas.

“We are proud of our firefighters for answering the call to assist another community during a time of need,” said Columbia Fire & Rescue Chief Chris Cummins. “Our personnel are prepared to serve wherever they are needed, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support the firefighting efforts in Texas.”

Columbia Fire & Rescue will maintain appropriate staffing and resources in Columbia throughout the deployment to ensure emergency services remain available to the community without interruption.

The City of Columbia asks the community to keep the deployed personnel, their families and all firefighters working the Ross Fire in their thoughts as they carry out this important mission.

Legacy Night to Honor the Visionaries Behind 30 Years of Boys & Girls Club Impact

The Columbia Peace and Justice Initiative (CPJI) will honor founding members of the Boys & Girls Club of South Central Tennessee, Hernandez “Paco” Havard and the late Rev. Talvin Barner, Jr., on Tuesday, September 29. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for fellowship and refreshments, followed by the program at 6 p.m. This free event, presented by title sponsor Heritage Bank & Trust, will be held at Maury Hills Church, located at 101 Unity Drive in Columbia.

“The CPJI board and Legacy Night committee want to honor the initial visionaries and recognize the continued success of the Boys & Girls Club of South Central Tennessee in preparing our youth to make a positive impact on our community,” said CPJI President Demetrius Nelson. “CPJI believes that nonprofit agencies should support, collaborate, and encourage one another to advance the progress and prosperity of everyone in our community.”

On July 28, 1995, two men had a bold vision to inspire, educate, and empower the youth of Maury County. Hernandez “Paco” Havard and the late Rev. Talvin Barner, Jr. refused to let drugs, gangs, poverty, and low academic standards dictate the future of young people in their community. Together, they launched and incorporated the Boys & Girls Club of Maury County with the support of a dedicated group of board members. For the past 30 years, this organization has provided thousands of youth with hope, assistance, and a sense of honor.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America is to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. The Boys & Girls Clubs exist to encourage three pillars of excellence:

• Academic Success: Ensuring every member graduates from high school with a concrete plan for the future.

• Good Character & Citizenship: Instilling leadership skills and encouraging youth to give back to their communities.

• Healthy Lifestyles: Providing guidance and activities that promote physical and mental well-being.

“Since its formation, the Boys & Girls Club now serves more than 1,500 youth annually across 14 sites in Maury and Giles counties,” said CPJI Legacy Event Co-Chair Trent Ogilvie. “This impact would not have been possible if it were not for the vision and dedication of the organization’s founders.”

In addition to Havard and Barner, visionaries included Ora Thompson, Dr. Eslick Daniel, Jennifer Graham, John Stevens, Kim Criswell and James Martin

“The community owes a debt of gratitude to the leaders and supporters who 40 years ago turned a vision into a movement that forever changed our community and provided inspiration for youth to reach their full potential,” said CPJI Legacy Event Co-Chair Patrick Carter.

Past CPJI Legacy honorees are community and higher education leader Dr. Christa S. Martin, retired Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) Executive Director Bernard Childress, Civil Rights Attorney Fred Gray, and educator Barbara Dobbins.

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Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Tuesday, September 1st

Wednesday, September 2nd

Thursday, September 3rd

Friday, September 4th

Saturday, September 5th

Sunday, September 6th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music


Tuesday, September 1
Songwriters Round - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6-9 PM

Thursday, September 3
Todd Ciprian - Tito's, 6-9 PM
Tommy Wheatley - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM

Friday, September 4
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Sam & Maria - Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
First Fridays with Troy Kemp - Puckett's, 6:30-8 PM
Yonder Grove - Grinder's Switch Winery, 7-9 PM
Pride of the North Bank - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM
Live on the Square - Wentzel Brothers Band - Puckett's, 8:30-9:30 PM

Saturday, September 5
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 2-5 PM
Sean Carson - Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
Box of Rox - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Labor Day Barn Bash - The Barn at the Phelps Farm, 5 PM
422 West - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5-9 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Jake Leg Stompers - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM

Sunday, September 6
TBA - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM
Covered Wagon Band - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 7 PM

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