In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia Weather - Sunny w/ high of 40 / low of 28.

📰 Medal of Valor Awarded to Nashville Officers for Heroic Response to Covenant School Shooting

📰 Mount Pleasant Businesses Struggle Amid Highway 243 Bridge Repairs

📌 Jan. 10: Comedy Night at The Mulehouse With Karen Mills

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

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

Upcoming Local Events

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

Saturday, January 4th

• Monster Jam at Bridgestone Arena - 6:30 PM

Sunday, January 5th

• Monster Jam at Bridgestone Arena - 1:00 PM

Monday, January 6th

• Vet 2 Vet Breakfast Meet Up at Puckett’s - 7:00 - 9:00 AM

• Maury County Chorale “The Follies” Meet & Greet - 6:30 PM

Tuesday, January 7th

• Network Columbia - Business Networking at The Factory at Columbia - 9:00 AM

Wednesday, January 8th

• Vet 2 Vet Meet Up at McCreary’s Irish Pub - 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, January 9th

• Connect Spring Hill at Viking Pizza - 9:00 - 10:00 AM 

• Florida Citrus Sales Event at Tripp’s ACE Hardware - 10:30 - 11:30 AM

• Sweet Maggie Rose Ribbon Cutting - 12:00 PM

Friday, January 10th

• Cheers to the New Year at The Farm at Golston Hill - 5:00 - 9:00 PM

• Karen Mills Comedy Night at The Mulehouse - 7:30 PM

Medal of Valor Awarded to Nashville Officers for Heroic Response to Covenant School Shooting

On Friday morning, five Nashville police officers—Sgt. Jeffrey Mathes, Detectives Michael Collazo, Ryan Cagle, Zachary Plese, and Officer Rex Engelbert—were awarded the Medal of Valor for their heroic response during the March 27, 2023, mass shooting at The Covenant School. The officers ran toward gunfire, confronted the shooter, and stopped the attack, saving lives.

From the White House’s announcement: "The officers rushed to the scene, and as they arrived, the shooter opened fire on them. Still, the officers entered the school, cleared classroom after classroom, and ran towards the sounds of gunfire where they encountered the shooter. They took down the shooter."

The tragic shooting claimed the lives of six individuals, including three 9-year-old students and three school staff members. The officers have also received multiple accolades for their bravery, including honors from local and national organizations.

Three additional public safety officers from across the U.S. also received the Medal of Valor for extraordinary acts of courage, including rescuing individuals from drowning and burning buildings.

Mount Pleasant Businesses Struggle Amid Highway 243 Bridge Repairs

The Highway 243 bridge connecting Mount Pleasant to Columbia is undergoing repairs, significantly impacting local businesses. Many report steep declines in revenue due to reduced traffic, with some fearing closures if the project extends into summer 2025.

The Pizza Place highlighted the struggles in a social media post, noting declines of 30-50% for Main Street businesses. Though they did not comment further, other business owners shared similar challenges. Tietgens Cee Bee Store, the main grocery store in Mount Pleasant, has seen a 20% drop in sales, with projections worsening after the holidays. The closure has disrupted access for a portion of the city, forcing customers to take detours via Highway 43 and other routes.

Businesses near the bridge, such as Rocky Top Café and Joe’s Market, face even steeper declines. Rocky Top Café has lost 20-25% of evening business and had to cut hours and wages, while Joe’s Market reports a 75% drop in sales. Reduced traffic has led to shorter operating hours, lower gas sales, and logistical challenges for deliveries.

Downtown businesses are also struggling due to concurrent challenges: the bridge closure and a beautification project limiting parking access. Mount Pleasant Nutrition, for example, has been affected by both issues, noting reduced traffic flow and accessibility.

The bridge closure has created a "Route 66" effect, leaving many businesses grappling with how to sustain operations while awaiting the bridge's reopening.

Jan. 10: Comedy Night at The Mulehouse With Karen Mills

Karen Mills has been a nationally touring comedian for over twenty-five years. She can be heard daily on SiriusXM comedy channels and clips from her comedy special "Pink Pants" have gotten over 21 million views. Karen appeared on Season 12 of America’s Got Talent and has had numerous appearances on The Grand Ole Opry. She is currently touring theaters across the country with Leanne Morgan. Karen and Leanne have worked together since 2004 when they first met doing the Southern Fried Chicks comedy tour.

Karen has a straight-forward approach to the realities of life. Her smart, funny, keen observations will keep you laughing at yourself as you relate to her experiences. Even Ovarian cancer couldn’t stop her from turning her pain into punchlines.

Go here for more information and to purchase tickets.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Saturday, January 4th

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Herrick, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
South Bound Crows, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, January 5th

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM