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Major Drug Bust in Columbia Sparks Regional Crackdown Across Four Counties

Issue #496

July 15, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 92, low of 72.

📰 Major Drug Bust in Columbia Sparks Regional Crackdown Across Four Counties

📰 Why This Local Youth Pastor Is Becoming the Go-To Insurance Agent for Maury County Families

🌭 July 16: Your Chance to Win FREE Hot Dogs For Life!! 🌭

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

👉 Your Guide to Summer Camps & Kids Activities in July! 

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

Major Drug Bust in Columbia Sparks Regional Crackdown Across Four Counties

A multi-county crackdown on drug trafficking is gaining momentum across Middle Tennessee, as the 22nd Judicial District Drug Task Force intensifies its efforts to disrupt illegal narcotics operations. Beginning July 1, law enforcement agencies in Wayne, Giles, Lawrence, and Maury counties launched a new wave of targeted investigations aimed at dismantling organized drug networks.

The latest operation kicked off in Columbia, where members of the Spring Hill Police Department led a raid on a residence along East 9th Street. After securing the property, officers executed search warrants that uncovered a major cache of illegal drugs and weapons.

Authorities recovered over $20,000 in cash, a high-powered assault rifle, hundreds of oxycodone tablets, half a pound of methamphetamine, four pounds of marijuana, and a staggering 10 pounds of cocaine—an estimated street value of $100,000.

Investigators say the scale of the bust points to a much broader distribution network. Drugs sourced from the Columbia location are believed to have been distributed throughout the region, with ties reaching into Spring Hill, Pulaski, Lawrenceburg, and Wayne County. Officials describe the operation as part of a larger criminal enterprise, with connections spanning across multiple jurisdictions.

What initially appeared to be a single-location drug house quickly revealed signs of a larger supply chain. Officials observed a pattern of constant vehicle traffic to and from the property, indicating frequent and organized drug sales.

The task force has indicated that this is only the beginning. Officials are actively building cases, increasing surveillance, and expanding personnel resources. More arrests and indictments are expected as investigations continue across all four counties.

One mid-level suspect has already been identified in connection with the Columbia raid. As law enforcement continues to trace the distribution web, more individuals tied to the operation are expected to face charges.

Residents in affected communities can expect an increased law enforcement presence as part of the ongoing initiative. Authorities say their goal is to reduce the availability of hard drugs and prevent the personal and public harms associated with widespread narcotics use.

Why This Local Youth Pastor Is Becoming the Go-To Insurance Agent for Maury County Families

When it comes to insurance, most people don’t expect a personal touch. But that’s exactly what you get when you sit down with Avery Worstell.

A born-and-raised Spring Hill native, Avery grew up attending local schools, now lives in Columbia, and is raising a young family of his own right here in Maury County. He’s also the youth pastor at Lifehouse Church, where he mentors over 30 students each week. And in his full-time role as a licensed agent with Country Financial, he’s on a mission to make insurance simple, personal, and genuinely helpful.

His entry into the industry wasn’t exactly planned.

“When my wife and I got married, I remember trying to figure out car, home, and life insurance—and it was overwhelming,” Avery recalls. “We didn’t understand half of what we were being told. That stuck with me. Now I try to be the kind of agent I wish we had back then.” 

That mindset—educator over salesperson—has shaped how Avery serves clients today. Whether he's helping a young couple buy life insurance for the first time or reviewing policies for a longtime homeowner, the focus is always the same: clarity, honesty, and what’s best for the person sitting across from him.

He shared one story about a client who was unknowingly carrying a $2 million umbrella policy that didn’t match her actual needs. After walking her through a quick liability review, Avery was able to adjust her coverage and significantly reduce her premium. In another case, a newly graduated physician was still using the state’s minimum liability limits—Avery helped him upgrade to coverage that better matched his financial future.

“We’re not here to scare people into more coverage or upsell them,” he says. “We're here to make sure you're actually protected.”

Avery represents Country Financial, a 100-year-old company with A+ financial ratings and a deep-rooted mission of service. It was founded in 1925 by farmers who wanted affordable, reliable insurance—and that mission still shapes how they operate today.

“You don’t see us running celebrity commercials,” Avery says. “Instead, Country invests in its employees and local communities.” Each year, the company gives team members funds to donate to charities of their choice. “It’s a culture of generosity—and that’s something I’m proud to be part of.”

But what really makes Avery stand out is how accessible he is. He offers free policy reviews, answers questions by phone or text, and checks in annually with clients to make sure their plans still match their lives.

He’s also passionate about life insurance—especially helping young families understand their options. “A lot of people assume the policy through their job is enough,” he says. “But those often don’t follow you if you leave. And many are underinsured without realizing it.” Even a basic term life policy, he adds, can make a huge difference.

And he doesn’t just talk about it—he walks it out. As someone deeply involved in his church and community, Avery’s work is rooted in a genuine desire to serve. “This is a way I can support families, relieve some stress, and make sure people don’t fall through the cracks.”

Because at the end of the day, insurance shouldn’t feel confusing or impersonal—and with Avery, it never does.

WATCH the interview to get to know more about how Avery can help!

Would you like your business featured in What’s Up Columbia? Reach out here.

July 16: Your Chance to Win FREE Hot Dogs For Life!!

Want hot dogs for life??

For National Hot Dog Day (July 16), Daddy’s Dogs is giving you your chance. 

All you have to do is purchase something at each of their stores on July 16th. 

Here’s how it works:

Every location opens at 11:00 AM. Whichever location you start at, you’ll be given a passport where you can mark off each restaurant you’ve been to. When you make a purchase at the location, you’ll also get a stamp on your passport. 

Can you buy other stuff besides hot dogs? Yep! You can buy sodas, milk shakes, merch or whatever you like. 

Once you’ve filled up your passport, you turn it in to the last location you visited and it will be submitted to the drawing.

See the list of 5 locations (plus 2 bonus spots) here.   

*All completed entries get a limited edition merch pack.

Yeah, it’s a bit of a drive to their restaurants in Nashville (the closest Daddy’s Dogs is in Franklin), but… can you imagine hot dogs for LIFE???

Upcoming Local Events

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

Tuesday, July 15th

Wednesday, July 16th

Thursday, July 17th

Friday, July 18th

Saturday, July 19th

Sunday, July 20th

MORE EVENTS COMING SOON!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

July 26: The Awaken House 1 Year Birthday Party
July 26: 4th Annual Rebel Rouser Cruise-in
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, July 15th

Justen Harden, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Songwriters Open Mic, Whiskey Alley, 4:00 - 10:00 PM
Austin Gray, Rebel Bar & Grill, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Open Mic, The Mulehouse, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, July 16th

Rob Harris, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, July 17th

Rhonda Funk, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Second Chance Bluegrass Band, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Friday, July 18th 

Live Music, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Rubiks Groove, The Mulehouse, 7:00 PM
Jason Acy, Grinder’s Switch, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Tom & Robert, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Kristy Cox, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Benji & The Jets, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
The Outliers, The Boondox, 8:00 PM

Saturday, July 19th

Miles Damaso Group, Puckett’s, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Grasskickers, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Pickin’ in the Park, Harvey Park, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Song Writers Round, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
MFT, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
8-Track, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Dust & Daisies, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Sunday, July 20th

Jim Fox Trio, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Aaron Sizemore Band, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:00 PM 
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Reba’s Hairdo, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill 4:00 - 7:00 PM

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