• What's Up Columbia!
  • Posts
  • $700K Roundabout Project to Anchor Thurgood Marshall Statue in Columbia

$700K Roundabout Project to Anchor Thurgood Marshall Statue in Columbia

Issue #404

April 10, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌨️ Columbia’s Weather - Light rain with high of 66 & low of 50

📰 $700K Roundabout Project to Anchor Thurgood Marshall Statue in Columbia

📰 Scholarships Presented at Columbia Central High School

🚒 MCFD Responds to Heavy Structure Fire on Monday

🎵 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!

Thursday, April 10th

Friday, April 11th

Saturday, April 12th

Sunday, April 13th

Monday, April 14th

Tuesday, April 15th

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

April 19: Columbia Cars & Coffee 
April 19: Big Bleu Pickin’ Party

$700K Roundabout Project to Anchor Thurgood Marshall Statue in Columbia

Credit: Columbia Peace & Justice Initiative

The Columbia City Council will vote today on a proposal to install a new roundabout at the intersection of South Main and East 8th Streets, which will also serve as the site for a future statue of Thurgood Marshall.

The project, included on the council's consent agenda, would award a $701,276.50 construction bid to Nickell Contracting. Originally launched in 2021, the project began with a $106,841 engineering agreement with Nee-Schaffer aimed at improving traffic flow and enhancing the visual appeal of the area.

The roundabout will feature a raised center island, a concrete truck apron, and stonework similar to another roundabout located at North Main and East 6th Streets. It will include crosswalks, repaving, and new striping.

Construction will require the intersection to be closed for approximately 120 days, with work expected to begin shortly after the contract is finalized.

In 2023, the council approved the Columbia Peace & Justice Initiative’s request to place a statue at the site commemorating the 1946 Columbia Uprising, with Thurgood Marshall selected as the figure to honor. In July 2024, artist David Alan Clark was chosen to create the sculpture.

From the Columbia Peace & Justice Initiative’s website:

“In February 1946, a riot erupted in Columbia, following the arrest of a young Black World War II veteran named James Stephenson. CPJI is dedicated to ensuring the true story of 1946 is told, how it set in motion civil rights efforts across the nation and the long-lasting ripples that are still seen today.” Learn the details of what happened in 1946 here.

City officials anticipate the timing of the statue's installation will align closely with the completion of the roundabout.

Scholarships Presented at Columbia Central High School

From City of Columbia, TN - Government’s post…

Recently, Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, and members of the James Craig Foundation, had the honor of presenting scholarships at Columbia Central High School. These scholarships were made possible through the James Craig Foundation, which was established by Dr. James Craig, a 1951 graduate of CHS, and his wife, Bobbie Craig.

For over 20 years, the foundation has played a pivotal role in supporting CHS students, providing scholarships, and contributing to various operations at the school. Dr. Craig's lasting legacy continues to positively impact Columbia Central High School, making a difference in the lives of students year after year.

Congratulations to the scholarship recipients:

-Tre'Veonte Martin 
-Ke'Veontae Martin 
-Kayla Crawford
-Angie Lin 
-Macie Bonet (not pictured)

MCFD Responds to Heavy Structure Fire on Monday

Click the image for more dramatic photos

From Maury County Fire Department’s post…

On Monday at 2:40PM units were dispatched to a reported house fire on Dean Lane. Responding units: Engines 21, 26, 30, Tankers 21, 23, 26, 30, Squad 32, Ops 20, and Deputy 20. 

Units arrived to find heavy fire from the front of the home and commenced with an offensive fire attack and vertical ventilation. A primary and secondary search of the home were negative. The fire was controlled in less than 5 minutes and units operated for over 2 hours. No injuries were reported. 

Special shout out to our engine crew: from the parking brake being set to the nozzle through the door on the fire was 45 seconds. To add, the nozzleman and backup FF just graduated from our recruit school this year and this was their first fire on the nozzle. Great job guys. 

Agencies on scene/involved: 

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, April 10th

Rhonda Funk, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Columbia State - Cherry Theater, 7 PM (Sold Out)

Friday, April 11th

Mike Peters, Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
ATA Artists Showcase, Just Love Coffee - Spring Hill, 6 PM
Garrett Boys, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM

Saturday, April 12th

Sean Carson, Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
Box of Rox, Amber Falls Winery, 3-7 PM
Lydia Rae, Buck & Board, 5-8 PM
Spoken, New Song Church (2585 Zion Rd), 6 PM
Scotty Morton, Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Boomerang, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Tough Enough, The Boondox, 8-11 PM

Sunday, April 13th

John Salaway & Raw Radick, Amber Falls Winery, 1-5 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk