Columbia to Host NCAA Midstate Classic Featuring Lady Vols vs. EKU

Issue #331

21 Jan

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia’s Weather - Sunny w/ high of 26 / low of 5.

🥎 Columbia to Host NCAA Midstate Classic Featuring Lady Vols vs. EKU

📌 Feb. 8th: Maury County Harvest Share’s 14th Annual Soup-N-Bowl

🚨 THP Highlights Top Causes of Tennessee Crashes in 2024

🎵 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!

Tuesday, January 21st

Wednesday, January 22nd

Thursday, January 23rd

Friday, January 24th

Saturday, January 25th

Columbia to Host NCAA Midstate Classic Featuring Lady Vols vs. EKU

The Lady Volunteer softball team from the University of Tennessee will face off against Eastern Kentucky University in the NCAA Midstate Classic Collegiate Softball Tournament on March 18 in Columbia. This event provides an opportunity for fans to enjoy top-tier collegiate softball without traveling to Knoxville.

The tournament will take place at the Ridley Sports Complex and will feature three games: Columbia Central High School vs. Spring Hill High School at 10 a.m., Columbia State Community College vs. Calhoun Community College at 1:30 p.m., and the NCAA showdown between UT and EKU at 5:30 p.m.

Both the Lady Vols and EKU Colonels are entering the tournament after achieving 40-win seasons, making this year’s NCAA matchup the most competitive in the event’s history. This marks UT's return to the Midstate Classic after the 2024 event was canceled due to weather.

The Midstate Classic has been a staple in Columbia since 2014, showcasing local and collegiate teams and fostering excitement for the sport. Fans attending the event can enjoy high-quality softball, hospitality, and a strong community atmosphere.

Gates open at 7:30 a.m., and general admission tickets are available for $10, providing access to all three games. ADA transportation will also be provided for attendees. Tickets can be purchased online at here or by calling 931-388-8119. 

Feb. 8th: Maury County Harvest Share’s 14th Annual Soup-N-Bowl

Prepare your taste buds for an exhilarating culinary adventure as Maury County Harvest Food Pantry showcases a sensational selection of soups from over 15 incredible restaurants in the area, all competing for the coveted title of "Best Soup of Maury Co." This is not just a contest; it's a flavor-packed journey that promises to tantalize your senses!

The following restaurants have already committed to donating their soup to the contest: Prime and Pint, Square Market Cafe, Columbia Health, Little Juice Co, Betty's, 8th and Main, Rebel, Katie Pies and Sons, Ollie and Finn, Cabin Coffee, Catfish Campus, Buck and Board, and Vida Nova. We also have other local bakeries and restaurants that are donating bread, desserts and drinks including but not limited to Savarino's, Emerald Cake Co, Prevail Bakehouse, and Nashville Tea. 

With almost 100 exciting items up for grabs between their silent and live auctions, there's no shortage of thrilling opportunities to bid on unique experiences and delightful treats. Each item is a chance to take home something special while supporting a great cause! Local businesses have donated everything from experiences, services, vacations, gift baskets, gift cards, or items relative to their business. 

Every dollar raised during this event will go directly towards purchasing food for distribution at the local food pantry, providing essential grocery assistance to residents of Maury County in need. Join us in making a difference while enjoying a delightful afternoon filled with warmth, community spirit, and, of course, delicious soups!

Don't miss out on this fantastic event—come taste, bid, and help the food pantry bring comfort to those who need it most!

About Maury County Harvest Share Food Pantry:

“At Harvest Share Food Pantry, we are dedicated to creating a positive impact by connecting surplus food from local businesses and individuals with those in need. Our mission is to reduce food waste, combat hunger, and build a stronger, more resilient community. Through collaboration and compassion, we strive to ensure that no one goes hungry in our neighborhoods. Within our mission, we also have a Paw Pantry that serves our families with pets (dog or cat) with a once a month food assistance program. We serve approximately 420 Maury county families a month!”

THP Highlights Top Causes of Tennessee Crashes in 2024

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is emphasizing the importance of safe and respectful driving following an analysis of crash data from 2024. Data released in collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security and the Tennessee Integrated Traffic Analysis Network (TITAN) highlighted key causes of crashes and provided insights into the state’s traffic trends.

In January 2024 alone, failure to yield the right of way led to 1,590 crashes, making it the top cause of accidents for the month. The second most common cause was failure to stay in a proper lane, contributing to 1,445 incidents. Other major causes included improper following, resulting in 1,424 crashes, careless or erratic driving with 530 crashes, and distracted driving, which accounted for 516 crashes.

Over the course of the year, more than 181,000 crashes occurred statewide where driver actions were either unknown or not listed, indicating gaps in understanding driver behavior.

The counties with the highest number of crashes in 2024 included Shelby (56,604), Davidson (47,511), Hamilton (19,101), Knox (18,133), and Rutherford (17,230). In contrast, the counties with the lowest number of drivers involved in crashes were Lake (71), Pickett (88), Clay (90), Perry (91), and Hancock (105).

THP is urging drivers to prioritize safe driving practices and remain vigilant to reduce the risk of accidents statewide.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, January 21st

Rob Harris, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Wednesday, January 22nd

Rhonda Funk, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Thursday, January 23rd

Radio Farm, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
The Nature Project, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, January 24th

Bronwen Fair & Codetta South, Grinder's Switch Winery, 6-8 PM
Victoria Shaw & Friends, The Mulehouse, 7 PM
The Def Leprechaun Band, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Troy Castellano, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Downsouth Band, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, January 25th

TBA, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Lisa Law Trio, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Black Hole Sons, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, January 26th

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

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