Early Voting Begins Friday, Here’s What You Need to Know

Issue #773

July 16, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛈️ Columbia’s Friday Weather - Showers & scattered thunderstorms w/ high of 88, low of 71

🗳️ Early Voting Begins Friday, Here’s What You Need to Know

📰 Maury County Honors NASCAR Legend Sterling Marlin with Highway Dedication

✏️ 7/17: Back to School Bash & Resource Fair at Riverwalk Park

🗓 List of Upcoming Events - Just Updated!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Early Voting Begins Friday, Here’s What You Need to Know

Early voting in Maury County-level elections starts this Friday, July 17. Accordingly, the county Election Commission and the candidates themselves have helpfully provided the following information to help early voters pull the lever.

Voters can cast their 2026 ballots at one of the two early-voting precincts, which will be open from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays.

The two precincts are:

Maury County Election Commission office
1207 Tradewinds Drive
Columbia, TN 38401

Early voting dates: July 17-Aug. 1

Spring Hill Community Center — Winchester Building
563 Maury Hill Street
Spring Hill, TN 37174

Early voting dates: July 22-25, 2026

Those voting early or on Election Day must present a current or expired photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee state government when you vote in person. College student IDs, non-U.S. Citizen ID’s and IDs issued by local governments or other states are not accepted. To learn more about exemptions and how to get a free photo ID, along with more information about early voting, visit your trusted source for election information, GoVoteTN.gov.

Maury County Honors NASCAR Legend Sterling Marlin with Highway Dedication

From Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt’s post…  

Today, our community came together to celebrate an extraordinary Maury Countian as a portion of Highway 31 was officially dedicated as the Sterling Marlin Highway.

From growing up just off this very stretch of road to becoming one of NASCAR's most accomplished drivers, Sterling Marlin has never forgotten his Maury County roots. His remarkable career, highlighted by back-to-back Daytona 500 victories, numerous NASCAR wins, and recognition as one of NASCAR's 75 Greatest Drivers, has made him a respected name in racing and a proud ambassador for our community.

It is only fitting that this highway now bears the name of someone whose hard work, determination, and character have inspired so many. May this designation serve as a lasting tribute to Sterling's incredible accomplishments and the legacy he continues to leave both on and off the track.

Congratulations, Sterling! Thank you for representing Maury County with humility, integrity, and excellence throughout your remarkable career. We are proud to celebrate one of our own.

From What’s Up Columbia’s feature last year…

Marlin is the son of racing icon Clifton “Coo Coo” Marlin. He graduated from Spring Hill High School before launching a professional career that spanned more than three decades. From 1976 to 2010, he competed at the highest level of NASCAR, earning his place among the sport’s “75 Greatest Drivers.” He also secured back-to-back Daytona 500 victories in 1994 and 1995 — an achievement reached by only a handful of drivers — and was twice named Tennessee Professional Athlete of the Year.

7/17: Back to School Bash & Resource Fair at Riverwalk Park

Need school supplies before classes start? A free Back to School Bash in Columbia this Friday will offer backpacks, school supplies, family activities, and helpful community resources all in one place.

Hosted by the Mental Health Cooperative of Columbia, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 17, at Riverwalk Park. Families from Maury, Giles, Marshall, Lawrence, Lewis, and Williamson counties are invited to attend.

Along with free school supplies and backpacks, the event will include a Touch-A-Truck display, children's activities, giveaways, food, and entertainment from a live DJ.

Upcoming Local Events

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

Friday, July 17th

Saturday, July 18th

Sunday, July 19th

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, July 17
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Lydia Rae - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Dust & Daisies - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Vintage Voltage - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, July 18

Box of Rox - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 12-6 PM
The Grasskickers - Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
Carson-Phillips - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
TBA - River Terrace, 6-8 PM
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Sweet T & Trailer Trash - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Late Bloomers - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Stevierock Acoustic - Twisted Copper, 8-10 PM
Rubiks Groove - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, July 19

John Salaway - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM
CJ Conklin - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 2-5 PM

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