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Dangerous DUI Trucking Incident on I-65: Local Drivers & Quick Police Response Save Lives

Issue #165

31 Jul

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

⛅️ Columbia Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 94

🚨 Dangerous DUI Trucking Incident on I-65: Local Drivers and Quick Police Response Save Lives

📰 Local Entrepreneurs Win Big at Second Annual WIRED Pitch Contest

🎶 Star-Studded Lineup Announced for 23rd Americana Honors & Awards at the Ryman

📌 First Friday Block Party!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

📣 We Want To Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

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

Upcoming Local Events

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

Wednesday, July 31st

Thursday, August 1st

Friday, August 2nd

Saturday, August 3rd

Sunday, August 4th

Dangerous DUI Trucking Incident on I-65: Local Drivers and Quick Police Response Save Lives

Be sure to watch the dramatic video footage above - this is WILD!

What would you do if you saw a truck veering dangerously on the highway? On July 12, local motorists faced this exact situation when a Chicago truck driver endangered lives on I-65 North. The harrowing pursuit ended with the arrest of the driver, thanks to vigilant citizens and the swift response of Spring Hill Police.

Multiple motorists began calling 911 and filming the erratic driving of Bohdan Matiuk, a 29-year-old truck driver from Chicago. The truck swerved off Interstate 65 into the grass, nearly rolling over before over-correcting and crossing two lanes of traffic into the median. Witnesses described the truck’s wild path as a dust cloud swirled around the highway, creating a dangerous situation for everyone on the road.

Motorists even attempted to prevent Matiuk from continuing his reckless drive by getting out of their cars to stop him. Despite their efforts, he managed to keep driving until Spring Hill Police intervened near the 51-mile marker. Officers quickly surrounded the vehicle and removed Matiuk from the cab, noticing he smelled of alcohol and exhibited slurred speech. The driver claimed other motorists were trying to brake-check him.

A search of the truck’s cab revealed two open beer containers and several sealed beers in a refrigerator behind the driver's seat. Witnesses reported seeing Matiuk get out of the truck, urinate on the ground, and then get back in, further endangering lives by attempting to continue driving. After failing a field sobriety test, Matiuk was arrested and taken to the hospital for a blood draw before being transported to the Maury County Jail.

Spring Hill Police Lt. Mike Foster praised the cooperation between citizens and officers, crediting the motorists' quick actions for preventing a potential tragedy. This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and teamwork in ensuring safety on our roads.

The truck driver, charged with driving under the influence, violating open container laws, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon (his truck), is due back in court on August 21.

Local Entrepreneurs Win Big at Second Annual WIRED Pitch Contest

Credit: Maury Alliance Facebook Page

Last week, Maury Alliance teamed up with the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce to host the second annual WIRED Pitch Contest! Local entrepreneurs had the chance to present their innovative ideas, with the WIRED Mastermind Group awarding $10,000 to help accelerate their businesses. After impressive presentations and careful deliberation, the group selected Christine Cole of Cammellia Chocolates and Donna Parker of Blondy's Baked Goods the winners. Each of the businesses received a prize of $5,000! 

In 2021, Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance and Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce launched WIRED – A Mastermind Group for local entrepreneurs and CEOs. WIRED Mastermind is designed to foster growth and development through the sharing of experiences, lessons-learned, and game-changing moments. The 2023-2024 Wired Mastermind Group is comprised of five local Entrepreneurs and CEO’s that were selected through an application process. Each year, the group hosts an annual Pitch Contest for early businesses poised for growth in Maury County.

Learn more about the initiative at www.mauryalliance.com/wired.

Star-Studded Lineup Announced for 23rd Americana Honors & Awards at the Ryman

The Americana Music Association has revealed an impressive roster of performers for the 23rd annual Americana Honors & Awards, set to take place on September 18 at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

This year's event promises a dynamic mix of award-winning legends, rising stars, and fan favorites. The lineup includes Blind Boys of Alabama, Brandy Clark with SistaStrings, Charles Wesley Godwin, Dave Alvin, Dwight Yoakam, Fantastic Negrito, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Jobi Riccio, Kaitlin Butts, Larkin Poe, The Milk Carton Kids, Noah Kahan, Sarah Jarosz, Shelby Lynne, Sierra Ferrell, Turnpike Troubadours, The War And Treaty, Waxahatchee with MJ Lenderman, and Wyatt Flores.

The ceremony is the centerpiece of the 24th annual AMERICANAFEST, which will be held from September 17-21, featuring events at various new and historic venues throughout Nashville.

First Friday Block Party!

Bad Idea Brewing + Ollie & Finn's are hosting the First Friday Block Party on August 2, 2024 and Box of Rox will be providing the music! Come on out and let's have some fun!

6:00 PM
510 N. Garden St., Columbia

🎵 This Week’s Live Music 🎵

Wednesday, July 31st

Kayleigh Mathews, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

Thursday, August 1st

Taylor Hughes, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Neal Pennington, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, August 2nd

Box of Rox, Grinder's Switch Winery, 7-9 PM
The Sternwheelers, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
The Austin Brothers, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Black Hole Sons, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, August 3rd

Crossbridges, Amber Falls Winery, 3-7 PM
Tom Saffel & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
2 Way Mirror, The Tilted Mule, 7 PM
Boomerang, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
New Binge Music, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM
The Wentzel Brothers Band, Ember’s Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, August 4th

Braise Killen, Amber Falls Winery, 1-5 PM
Gentry Blue, Rebel Bar & Grill, 4-7 PM
Archer, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 5-8 PM
Brian & Aletha Golden, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

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