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Earn Prizes for Picking Up Trash: TDOT’s Trash Masters Program Rolls Out for Memorial Day

Issue #448

May 26, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☁️ Columbia’s Weather - Cloudy, chance of rain shower w/ high of 72 & low of 65

📰 Earn Prizes for Picking Up Trash: TDOT’s Trash Masters Program Rolls Out for Memorial Day

🇺🇸 A Heartwarming Reminder of What Memorial Day is All About

🚒 MCFD Responds to Fiery Vehicle Accident

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Earn Prizes for Picking Up Trash: TDOT’s Trash Masters Program Rolls Out for Memorial Day

As Tennesseans take to the roads for the unofficial start of summer, the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) litter prevention campaign, Nobody Trashes Tennessee, is encouraging residents and visitors alike to do their part in keeping the state safe and beautiful. With thousands expected to travel this Memorial Day weekend, the campaign reminds everyone to dispose of litter properly and participate in the Trash Masters Rewards program. 

Trash Masters Rewards is a new, digital loyalty program that motivates residents to take action against litter through interactive and rewarding experiences. Participants earn points by completing tasks such as taking a litter quiz or joining a local cleanup. Double points may also be earned on the road when visiting one of the state’s 16 Welcome Centers during the Memorial Day weekend and throughout June and July. After putting litter in its place, participants of Trash Masters Rewards may scan the QR code located on trash receptacles to earn additional points. These points may be redeemed for prizes like exclusive Nobody Trashes Tennessee swag and discounts at participating local businesses.

“Memorial Day weekend kicks off the busy summer travel season, and it’s more important than ever that we all do our part,” said NAME. “Every piece of litter removed – or never tossed in the first place – makes a difference. Through the Trash Masters Rewards program, we’re keeping Tennessee beautiful and recognizing and rewarding the people making it happen.” 

At this very moment, more than 88 million pieces of litter are on Tennessee’s public roads, and TDOT encourages everyone to do their part to help end littering. Litter damages the environment, enters our waterways, endangers our wildlife, detracts from our beautiful state, and costs TDOT more than $35 million a year to clean up.

The Welcome Centers, operated by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, are ideal places for travelers to learn about the state’s attractions, lodging, and restaurants while also providing the opportunity to participate in this new environmental effort. By combining fun, education, and ecological responsibility, the Trash Masters Rewards program aims to build lasting habits that contribute to a cleaner, greener Tennessee year-round.

Litter Prevention Tips for Memorial Day Travelers

  • Bag it up: Always keep a small trash bag in your car for snack wrappers, drink bottles, and other waste.

  • Use designated trash receptacles and recycling bins: Welcome Centers, rest stops, parks, and gas stations provide trash receptacles. Use them when making stops along the way.

  • Don’t toss it out: Never throw trash, food, or cigarette butts out of vehicles, and be sure items are secure, so you don’t litter unintentionally.

  • Get kids involved: Set a good example when disposing of trash and make litter prevention a family habit.

  • Spread the word: Participate in and encourage others to join in on TDOT’s and your local community’s litter prevention activities and get rewarded through Trash Masters Rewards.

A Heartwarming Reminder of What Memorial Day is All About

The Gary Sinise Foundation, who has been serving veterans across the country for years (and recently moved their headquarters to Franklin, TN) posted this heartwarming video today that shows families honoring those they have lost. It’s a great reminder of what Memorial Day is all about.

In Gary’s words, “Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and reflection where we acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice made by those who gave their lives defending the freedoms and values of the United States. Memorial Day also serves as a time to recognize the families of those who have lost a loved one in military service.

Each Memorial Day weekend The Gary Sinise Foundation brings families of our fallen to Washington D.C. to honor their loved ones, make new friends and new memories.” 

For nearly 20 years Gary Sinise has hosted the national Memorial Day concert at the U.S. Capitol building. This takes place the Sunday night before Memorial Day and you can watch the recording here. 

Freedom and security are precious gifts that we, as Americans, should never take for granted. We must do all we can to extend our hand in times of need to those who willingly sacrifice each day to provide that freedom and security. While we can never do enough to show gratitude to our nation's defenders, we can always do a little more. -Gary Sinise

MCFD Responds to Fiery Vehicle Accident

From Maury County Fire Department’s post…

Saturday night at 10:25PM units were dispatched to I-65 at the 39mm northbound for an MVA rollover with entrapment. 911 advised 5 adults were in the vehicle. Additional information stated the vehicle was catching on fire. 

Responding units: Rescue 21, Engine 30, Squad 32, Deputy 20, Chief 20. Units arrived to find fire from the engine compartment and all occupants had just escaped the vehicle. EMS was updated that one patient was critical “red tag” and the other four had minor injuries “green tags”. A full fuel tank that was ruptured required a foam operation to bring the fire under control. 

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Upcoming Local Events

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

Tuesday, May 27th

Wednesday, May 28th

Thursday, May 29th

Friday, May 30th

Saturday, May 31st

*More events coming soon!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

June 5-8: CMA Fest
June 7-8: Nashville Comicon
June 7-8: Great Tennessee Air Show
June 21: Experience Spring Hill, The Event

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🎵 Today’s Live Music

Monday, May 26th

Austin Byrd, Puckett's, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Tuesday, May 27th

Justen Harden, Puckett's, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Open Mic, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Wednesday, May 28th

Matt Marinchick, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, May 29th

Radio Farm, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00-9:00 PM
Second Chance Bluegrass, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Friday, May 30th

TBA, The Spot Burgers & Beer, 5:00-8:00 PM
Rob Harris, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
The Nature Project, Buck & Board, 6:00-9:00 PM
Ryan Keeler, Gracie Italian Eatery, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
TBA, Grinder’s Switch, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Herrick, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Rhiannon: The Stevie Nicks Experience, The Mulehouse, 8:00 PM
No Fun Intended, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Saturday, May 31st

Martin Lane, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
TBA, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Los San Petricios, McCreary’s Irish Pun 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Vinyl 4, Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Troy Castelland, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Broke By Monday, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Zone Status, The Boondox, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

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