In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☁️ Columbia Weather - Cloudy w/ high of 31 / low of 26.

📰 Icy Conditions Lead to Interstate Closures and Hours of Traffic Gridlock on Monday

📰 Commissioner Ray Jeter's Seat Declared Vacant After Move

📌 The Well Outreach Presents “Night of Hope” Concert With We The Kingdom

🎵 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!

Wednesday, January 8th

• Donate Tree Trimmings to The Elephant Sanctuary - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

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

• January Book Swap at Grinder’s Switch Winery - 6:30 - 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

Saturday, January 11th

• Columbia Farmers Market - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Icy Conditions Lead to Interstate Closures and Hours of Traffic Gridlock on Monday

There were multiple car crashes last night due to the winter weather. Three of them happened on a several mile stretch of I-65, many involving multiple cars. THP and Franklin Police responded to an 8-car crash which left I-65 shut down south of the McEwen exit. Just miles down from that location, another multi-car accident, closed an entrance ramp on I-65, blocking traffic for hours. There were also two crashes that happened within miles of each other on I-40 near Charlotte Avenue. 

Here’s Franklin Police Department’s post on X about the 8-car crash:

INTERSTATE CRASH. I-65 South just south of the McEwen exit is completely shut down due to a traffic crash involving at least eight vehicles. Fortunately, there are no serious injuries. This portion of the interstate will be closed for an undetermined amount of time. Please seek an alternate route. @TNHighwayPatrol is leading the investigation.

Several comments on that post shared their experiences…

Approached McEwen last night, traveling 70MPH, saw blue lights, hit the brakes, oh hell, I was on black ice! All wheels locked up and anti-lock was firing. After about 1/4 mile still sliding, stopped cars ahead went on shoulder, finally stopped 10’ from disaster. @28ppkd6gsc

I was just driving North on 65 and there was a weird cold patch between the 65 exit and Concord road where it was slick as crap. Had to put my Jeep in four high because I spun out twice. @captainbc52

Any updates?? We’ve been stuck in traffic for 2 hours and a half, it’s starting to snow and my heater isn’t working. @Laribfherrera

These are good reminders to be safe and be prepared in the coming days…

@TNHighwayPatrol shared:

Winter weather can play havoc on our vehicles. Do you have your vehicle prepared for the cold? It is a good idea to check your car's battery, fluids, wipers, and tires before the extreme cold, snow, and ice arrive. Have your vehicle stocked and prepared for the unknown.

Commissioner Ray Jeter's Seat Declared Vacant After Move

The Maury County Commission officially announced the resignation of 8th District Commissioner Ray Jeter during a special meeting on Monday, Jan. 6.

Jeter's resignation occurred automatically under state law after he reportedly relocated outside of his district.

Last year, Jeter sought the Republican nomination for State House District 64 but was unsuccessful in the primary against incumbent Scott Cepicky.

As of now, Jeter has not issued a formal statement regarding his departure. His profile has been removed from the Maury County Commission website, and his seat is listed as vacant.

The Well Outreach Presents “Night of Hope” Concert With We The Kingdom

The Well Outreach is pleased to present their 2025 "Night of Hope" on February 22nd, 2025 at Worldwide Stages featuring Christian Contemporary Artists, We The Kingdom! It's going to be an evening full of inspiring live music, worship, and hope - plus, your ticket helps feed local families in need.

What's Included:

- Your ticket feeds a family of four with groceries for a week

- VIP/Meet & Greet opportunities (with upgraded ticket)

- Small bites and tastings before the show

- A live auction to support The Well Outreach’s cause

- A powerful concert and worship experience with We The Kingdom

This event raises important funding for the rest of the year so that The Well can meet the needs of thousands of families coming to their food pantry with food insecurities. This is more than just a concert - it's a night to come together in faith and make a tangible impact on the lives of those who need it most. 

Tickets are still available, including limited seats to a special meet-and-greet with We The Kingdom plus tickets by the seat or table.

For more information on the work and mission of the Well Outreach, please visit their website: thewelloutreach.org

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Wednesday, January 8th

Austin Byrd, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Thursday, January 9th

Taylor Hughes, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM

Friday, January 10th

Nick Bentley, Grinder's Switch, 6-8 PM
Karli & James, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Escape, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, January 11th

TBD, Natchez Trace Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Frazier, Joies Cajun Market, 5 PM
Box of Rox, Puckett's7:30-9 PM
Zone Status, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM
Boomerang, The Boondox, 8-11 PM

Sunday, January 12th

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