Post a Pothole Pic... It Might Get Fixed!

Issue #351

12 Feb

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌤️ Columbia’s Thursday Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 39 & low of 21

📰 Post a Pothole Pic… It Might Get Fixed!

📰 Gov. Lee’s 2025 Plan: Road Repairs, Education Funding, and Housing Support

📌 April 5: Mule Kick 5k

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

❤️ Looking For Things To Do in Columbia on Valentine’s Day? Click Here

⛑ 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, February 12th

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

Thursday, February 13th

Friday, February 14th

Saturday, February 15th

Post a Pothole Pic… It Might Get Fixed!

On Tuesday night, Bedelia Ellison was driving past the Maury County TDOT building on Cayce Lane and “hit the mother of all potholes. Both tires popped and rim damage. I was not going more than 10 mph at best.” She posted her pics in the I Heart Columbia Facebook group and Columbia’s Mayor Chaz Molder happened to see it.

From the Mayor’s post today…

Social media is not for the faint of heart at times, but there’s always a positive takeaway that can result if you try hard. Last night as I was ‘scrolling through’ I noticed a post re a terrible pothole on Cayce Lane just in front of the local TDOT office. 

I forwarded on to our team, and by 8a this morning the hole had been repaired. Kudos to, once again, at City of Columbia Public Works. They are the best in the business. 

Many road complaints we receive are state roads and or highways and not part of our approximately 500 miles of city streets. But, Cayce Lane is a city street and we got this job done. 

Be on the lookout for a robust city paving budget in the upcoming budget cycle and feel free to leave in comments which city streets you believe need attention. As evidenced by this post, social media can be constructive. Let’s do more of that! —CM

It’s definitely pothole season… and lots of folks are complaining about all the others that need to be fixed around town. It’s encouraging to see this one get taken care of so quickly. Maybe we should start posting pothole pics more often?

Gov. Lee’s 2025 Plan: Road Repairs, Education Funding, and Housing Support

In his seventh State of the State address, Gov. Bill Lee outlined his plans to address rising costs for Tennesseans, focusing on housing, child care, and infrastructure. While calling 2025 a year for bold innovation, his proposed $58.4 billion budget largely maintains Tennessee’s current fiscal approach, reflecting slower state revenue growth and reduced federal funding.

Lee’s proposal does not include new tax cuts for individuals, nor does it allocate funds to repeal the state's grocery tax, despite bipartisan efforts to eliminate it. His administration instead focuses on initiatives like a $60 million Starter Home Revolving Loan Fund, aimed at increasing the supply of affordable housing through 0% interest construction loans. Additional housing tax credits passed in 2024 would continue supporting rural and workforce development.

Addressing child care challenges, Lee proposed expanding daycare availability by working with community organizations. His plan includes an $11 million investment in the Boys and Girls Club to support 7,500 low-income children, an expansion of the WAGES program to boost child care worker salaries, and increased access to the state’s subsidized child care program for low- and middle-income families. However, the details on how the state will significantly increase child care capacity remain unclear.

Infrastructure investment is another priority, with Lee’s budget dedicating $80 million in recurring funds and a one-time $1 billion investment for road improvements. A decline in projected transportation revenue prompted the administration to propose reallocating tire sales tax revenue to fund ongoing road maintenance.

Education funding would increase by $244 million for K-12 schools, including scheduled pay raises for teachers. Lee also introduced a new scholarship program to help Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) students cover costs for textbooks, tools, and other expenses not currently covered by tuition assistance.

Environmental concerns are also addressed, with more than $120 million directed toward the Duck River region. A $100 million investment would launch a pipeline project designed to reduce pressure on the ecologically sensitive waterway.

Lee’s address also included a review of recent policy wins, including the expansion of private school vouchers, a program he championed after previous legislative setbacks. His comments on immigration enforcement and school choice led to a walkout by a dozen Democratic lawmakers during his speech.

As legislative discussions continue, Lee’s proposals will require further approval and potential adjustments before final adoption.

April 5: Mule Kick 5k

Hosted by the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation and presented by First Farmers and Merchants Bank, the annual Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot will take place Saturday, April 5, at Riverwalk Park in Columbia.

Proceeds from the 2025 Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot provide funding for Maury Regional Health’s mobile medical unit, which delivers health care services to at-risk and underserved individuals throughout southern Middle Tennessee by providing basic health screenings, education and resources. A portion of the proceeds from the Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot will also support the Foundation’s Wellness and Aquatics Center Healthy Living Endowment and the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department. In addition, the Maury County school with the most participation in the event will receive a donation to their P.E. program from the Foundation.

“We’re proud to continue the tradition of the Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot, which helps deliver vital health services to individuals and communities in need. Events like this showcase the power of community and the role we all play in ensuring access to quality care,” said Courtney Lewandowski, development specialist at the Foundation. “We look forward to seeing runners, walkers and community members come together for another memorable day.”

On Saturday, April 5, the race will begin at Riverwalk Park in Columbia with an 8 a.m. start time for the 5K and a 9:15 a.m. start time for the 1-Mile Trot. Both runners and walkers are encouraged to participate. Participants may register for the race online at runsignup.com/MuleKick5K.

“Our partnership with the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation reflects our commitment to supporting healthier and stronger communities,” said Brian K. Williams, chairman and CEO of First Farmers. “We are excited to support this event once again, knowing it helps provide essential resources and care for those who need it most.”

In addition to presenting sponsor First Farmers and Merchants Bank, sponsorships ranging from $350 to $2,500 are still available for those who are interested in marketing exposure at this event. For additional information, contact the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation at 931.381.1111, ext. 1012.

To learn more about the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation, the Mule Kick 5K & 1-Mile Trot or to make a donation to the community health fund, which supports the mobile medical unit, visit MauryRegional.com/Foundation.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Wednesday, February 12th

Mika Lynch, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Thursday, February 13th

Oliver Pigott, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Mexican Grill, 6-9 PM
Admiral Radio, Cherry Theater, 7 PM
Murphy Ridge, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, February 14th

Annie Moses Band, Packard Playhouse, 6-7 PM
Open Mic, Grinder's Switch, 6-8 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary's Irish Pub,7-9 PM
Lynn Marie & E3, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Grace West Band, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, February 15th

Tarryn Aimee, Puckett’s, 10 AM-2 PM
Annie Moses Band, Packard Playhouse, 6-7 PM
The Def Leprechaun Band, McCreary's Irish  Pub, 7-9 PM
Kristy Cox, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Box of Rox, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, February 16th

Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 4-7 PM

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