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$4 Million Paving Initiative to Improve Nearly 20 Miles of Columbia Roads

Issue #389

25 Mar

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia’s Weather - Sunny w/ high of 73 & low of 45

📰 $4 Million Paving Initiative to Improve Nearly 20 Miles of Columbia Roads

🎤 Eagleville Teen Mattie Pruitt Wins Golden Ticket on ‘American Idol’

📰 Spring Hill Families Push for Safer Crosswalks After Near-Tragic Accident

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Upcoming Local Events

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

Tuesday, March 25th

Wednesday, March 26th

Thursday, March 27th

Friday, March 28th

Saturday, March 29th

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

$4 Million Paving Initiative to Improve Nearly 20 Miles of Columbia Roads

The Columbia City Council has approved a historic $4 million paving initiative, the largest in the city’s history, to improve 19.6 miles of roads. This major investment is aimed at enhancing infrastructure, ensuring safer and smoother streets for residents and visitors.

Mayor Chaz Molder expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This paving plan is a major step forward for the City of Columbia. I’m especially proud of the technology we've introduced, which has streamlined the entire process. The computerized system that grades the streets ensures transparency and fairness, allowing us to make data-driven decisions that truly prioritize the most critical areas.”

The paving plan was developed based on a 2020 street assessment using RoadBotics, a technology that utilizes machine learning and high-resolution cameras to evaluate pavement conditions. City officials then personally inspected the roads identified as most distressed to ensure the plan focused on the highest-priority areas.

City Manager Tony Massey emphasized the strategic nature of the project, saying, “This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure and ensuring that our streets are in optimal condition.”

The paving work will be completed in phases, with the city providing regular updates about road closures, detours, and construction schedules to minimize disruptions. As Columbia embarks on this record-breaking infrastructure improvement, city leaders are committed to ensuring its timely and effective completion.

Eagleville Teen Mattie Pruitt Wins Golden Ticket on ‘American Idol’

Just down the road from Columbia, 15-year-old Mattie Pruitt from Eagleville is making waves on American Idol. Her powerful rendition of “How Could You” by Jessie Murph captivated the judges and earned her a golden ticket to Hollywood Week.

Pruitt was accompanied by country artist Craig Campbell, a longtime friend of judge Luke Bryan, who played piano during her audition. Bryan immediately recognized Campbell, reminiscing about their long history, including a special moment when their children were born just days apart.

The young singer’s performance left the judges in awe. Lionel Richie was nearly speechless, overwhelmed by her talent. Carrie Underwood praised Pruitt’s vocal maturity, noting that despite her age, her voice carries a depth well beyond her years.

While Pruitt is still new to performing in front of large audiences, she has experience singing the national anthem at events and playing at Campbell’s coffee shop, Grindstone Cowboy, in Eagleville. According to a news release from the TV show, Mattie comes from a large blended family with 12 siblings.

Fans can follow Pruitt’s American Idol journey as the competition continues each Sunday at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.

Spring Hill Families Push for Safer Crosswalks After Near-Tragic Accident

Families in Spring Hill are calling for enhanced safety measures on a busy Williamson County road following a serious pedestrian accident. A mother and her daughter were struck while crossing the street near Commonwealth Drive and Allerton Way, leaving the young girl with severe injuries.

Concerned about the safety of children walking to Longview Elementary School, one local mother has taken it upon herself to assist students crossing the street each morning. She volunteers her time to ensure they reach school safely, hoping to prevent further tragedies.

In response to growing concerns, residents have called for improvements such as better lighting, designated crossing guards, and increased police patrols. The city has since ordered materials for solar-powered pedestrian lights, and additional streetlights will be installed in the area. The Spring Hill Police Department has also introduced a speed trailer to monitor traffic, though data has not indicated significant speeding violations. However, community members remain concerned, as vehicles have been observed exceeding the school zone speed limit.

A shortage of crossing guards has also contributed to the issue, with law enforcement agencies struggling to meet the demand for personnel in school zones. To address the immediate need, officials have offered to work with parents to train and equip volunteers who can serve as crossing guards in the short term.

With safety upgrades still weeks away from implementation, families continue to push for immediate action, emphasizing the importance of protecting children on their daily routes to school and nearby recreation areas.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, March 25th

Justen Harden, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

Wednesday, March 26th

Mika Lynch, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Open Mic Night (Vet2Vet), McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Thursday, March 27th

Josey Clay, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Codetta South & Bronwen Fair, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, March 28th

Open Mic Night, Grinder's Switch, 6-8 PM
WTFUNK, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Box of Rox, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Tennessee Stills, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, March 29th

Tim Turner, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 5:30 PM
The Nature Project, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Lynnmarie & E3, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Forever Abbey Road, The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Zone Status, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM
Open Range, The Boondox, 8-11 PM

Sunday, March 30th

TBA, Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM
Jacob Frish, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 4-7 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

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