After 8 Days on the Run, Ed the Zebra Finally Captured

Issue #461

June 09, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌥️ Columbia’s Weather - Fair w/ high of 75 & low of 61

🦓 After 8 Days on the Run, Ed the Zebra Finally Captured

📰 City of Columbia Awarded $425K Waste Reduction Grant to Expand Recycling Services

🚒 Maury County Fire Dept. Academy Applications Now Open

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

After 8 Days on the Run, Ed the Zebra Finally Captured 

After more than a week on the run, a zebra that escaped from a Rutherford County home on May 31 has finally been captured. The animal, affectionately named "Ed" by social media users, was spotted in various locations across Middle Tennessee — from neighborhood streets to highways near Interstate 24, roughly 35 miles south of Nashville.

On Sunday, efforts to locate the zebra paid off. Law enforcement used a drone to track the animal in a field in Christiana, just south of Murfreesboro. Once located, the zebra was tranquilized and then airlifted by helicopter back into captivity, where it could be evaluated by a veterinarian.

The week-long saga sparked widespread attention online. Videos of the zebra wandering through subdivisions and sprinting down rural roads led to a flood of memes and viral posts. The final dramatic image of the zebra being flown through the sky, its head peeking from the transport bag, added to the surreal story.

Residents of the Christiana subdivision, where the zebra had been frequently seen, witnessed the unusual scene as it unfolded. The neighborhood had become a hub of activity, with law enforcement working to contain the animal and locals sharing sightings via home security cameras. Though the zebra’s adventure is now over, the community is already joking about which wild animal might show up next.

City of Columbia Awarded $425K Waste Reduction Grant to Expand Recycling Services

The City of Columbia is proud to announce it has been awarded a Waste Reduction Grant for a total project value of $425,200.00 from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Solid Waste Management (DSWM), Materials Management Program (MMP). This significant funding includes a 30% match from the City of Columbia, and will facilitate the purchase of a new recycling truck, enhancing the city's waste management and sustainability initiatives.

This investment underscores Columbia's commitment to responsible environmental stewardship and efficient public services. The acquisition of this new recycling truck is a pivotal step in increasing the city's capacity to handle larger recycling volumes and directly supports Columbia's broader vision for a more sustainable community.

"This grant is a testament to our ongoing dedication to environmental sustainability and the well-being of our community," stated Mayor Chaz Molder. "A new recycling truck will significantly improve our capacity to serve residents and reinforce Columbia's position as a leader in responsible waste management. We are incredibly grateful to TDEC for their partnership and support in achieving our green goals."

The City of Columbia has consistently prioritized initiatives that contribute to a cleaner environment, understanding that effective waste reduction and recycling programs are fundamental to this effort. This grant will allow the Public Works Department to operate with greater efficiency and reach more households, making recycling more accessible and convenient for all citizens.

City Manager Tony Massey highlighted the importance of the award. “This grant award allows the City to expand and enhance our solid waste recycling efforts to our citizenry. Less solid waste going to the landfill and instead being repurposed is good for the environment, saves landfill space, and is fiscally responsible.”

Public Works Director Jeff DeWire emphasized the direct impact on daily operations and resident services. “This new recycling truck will be an excellent addition to our fleet, significantly enhancing our ability to serve the community. It will allow for more efficient collection routes, reduced operational costs, and ultimately, a more reliable and expanded recycling service for every resident.”

The grant contract is expected to be finalized swiftly, with a tentative contract delivery date set for June 30, 2025. The City of Columbia looks forward to integrating the new recycling truck into its fleet and continuing its efforts to promote a cleaner, greener future for all its residents.

Maury County Fire Dept. Academy Applications Now Open

Credit: Maury County Fire Department

MCFD RECRUIT ACADEMY AND LATERAL ACADEMY OPPORTUNITIES  

Maury County Fire Department is excited to announce the 2025/2026 Recruit Fire Academy and the 2025 Lateral Academy opportunities. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter through our department, we want to talk with you!

We will be holding a lateral academy for CURRENT certified firefighters that want to join our volunteer fire side as well as our recruit academy for those with NO FIRE EXPERIENCE who want to become certified firefighters.

If interested, please fill out an interest form here. If you have already applied, we have your application and you are already on our email list! We will be sending out further information with next steps via email later this week.

Upcoming Local Events

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

Monday, June 9th

Tuesday, June 10th

Wednesday, June 11th

Thursday, June 12th

Friday, June 13th

Saturday, June 14th

Sunday, June 15th

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

June 21: Experience Spring Hill, The Event

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Monday, June 9th

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

Tuesday, June 10th

Justen Harden, Puckett's, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Open Mic Night, The Mulehouse, 6:00 PM

Wednesday, June 11th

Radio Farm, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, June 12th

Josey Clay, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00-9:00 PM
The Grove Trio, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:00 PM

Friday, June 13th

Open Mic Night, Grinder’s Switch Winery, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Shannon McCue, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Josh Hastik, Grazie Italian Eatery, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Velvet Troubadours, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
TBA, The Spot Burgers & Beers, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Lynnmarie & E3, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Rob Harris, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Saturday, June 14th 

The Bird & The Bear, Grazie Italian Eatery, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
Andrew Pearson, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Sean Carson, Keg Springs Winery, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Box of Rocks, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Summer on the Rocks Party, Southern Tre/ Whiskey Alley Saloon, 4:00 PM
Ricky Ray, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Escape, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, June 15th

Carson Phillips, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00-5:00 PM
Jacob Frish, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00-7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00-7:30 PM

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