Maury Commission Says No to Policing Online Behavior

Issue #510

July 29, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Mixed sun & clouds. High of 96, low of 73.

📰 Maury Commission Says No to Policing Online Behavior

🍔 Whataburger Plans New Spring Hill Location at Former KFC Site

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Maury Commission Says No to Policing Online Behavior

A proposed rule to discourage Maury County commissioners from criticizing each other on social media failed to move forward last week, after a majority of commissioners voted to strike it from the agenda before any vote could be taken.

The proposed Rule 8.3 aimed to set expectations for online conduct among commissioners:

“Commissioners should refrain from specifying any one commissioner’s comments or actions in a negative light,” the draft read, “and should maintain professional conduct when making comments regarding county business.”

The rule was drafted following public disputes between Commissioners Gabe Howard and Eric Previti over the county budgeting process. Supporters of the rule, including Commissioner Kathey Grodi, said it was meant to formalize respectful behavior and prevent public attacks between officials. Grodi described the effort as a way to reinforce basic decorum.

However, many commissioners felt that formalizing such a rule was unnecessary. Commissioner Scott Sumners, who initially voted to advance the rule out of committee, later introduced the motion to remove it from the agenda entirely. He said the commission should hold itself accountable without needing written rules for behavior outside of official meetings.

Commission Chair Kevin Markham responded that if common sense had been consistently applied, the rule wouldn’t have been proposed in the first place.

County Attorney Daniel Murphy noted that while the proposed rule lacked enforceable consequences, maintaining decorum was still important—especially when considering the county’s reputation with outside investors. He warned that other regions competing with Maury County for economic development could use social media posts or video clips to portray the commission in a negative light.

Commissioner Gwynne Evans expressed concern about even discussing the rule, stating that Robert’s Rules of Order does not support regulating behavior outside of meetings. Still, he said it was unfortunate that such a discussion had become necessary.

While commissioners ultimately voted against the rule, Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt urged her colleagues to reflect on the tone of their public discourse. She drew on her experience in the Tennessee General Assembly, where she’s seen political conversation become increasingly divisive, and cautioned the commission not to follow the same path.

“Every one of us should be able to [talk to] another person… but take it off of Facebook,” Mayor Butt said. “Let’s be professional and let’s be colleagues, who care about Maury County more than we care about [advertising] our own opinion.”

Whataburger Plans New Spring Hill Location at Former KFC Site

The Spring Hill Planning Commission reviewed a proposal yesterday for a new Whataburger restaurant at 3004 Belshire Village Drive. The 1.12-acre site was previously home to a KFC, which closed in 2022.

This isn’t Whataburger’s first attempt to open in Spring Hill. In 2022, the popular Texas-based chain received approval to build at the former Burger King site on Highway 31 but ultimately chose not to proceed with those plans.

The current proposal outlines a conversion and reuse of the existing structure, including a drive-thru, along with a new sidewalk and crosswalk connecting to Belshire Way. Plans include a brick veneer exterior painted in alternating tones of Arizona Tan and October Sky. The Main Street-facing side will alternate the two colors between window sections. The HVAC enclosure is planned to be wood.

In February, the Columbia Planning Commission approved for a Whataburger restaurant to be built on the site of the former Ford dealership on James Campbell Boulevard. Read more about that here. Whataburger also recently opened a location in Brentwood in April 2025.   This year marks the company’s 75th anniversary since its founding in San Antonio, Texas.

Upcoming Local Events

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Tuesday, July 29th

Wednesday, July 30th

Thursday, July 31st

Friday, August 1st

Saturday, August 2nd

Sunday, August 3rd

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Aug 1-9: Williamson County Fair
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 

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🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, July 29th

Songwriters Open Mic, Whiskey Alley, 4:00 - 10:00 PM
Justen Harden, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Wednesday, July 30th

Austin Byrd, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Songs for the Carolinas Benefit, The Mulehouse, 7:00 PM
Vet2Vet Open Mic, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Thursday, July 31st

Radio Farm, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
The Nature Project, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Friday, August 1st

Live Music, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Jack Fiddler, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
The Fletcher Bothers, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
South Margin, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Saturday, August 2nd

Cross Bridges, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Tom & Robert, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Aberration, Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Song Writers Open Round, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Cross Bridges, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Eaglemaniacs, The Mulehouse, 8:00 PM
South Bond Crows, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, August 3rd 

The Sins, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Texas Flood Relief Concert, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 1:00 - 7:00 PM
Elmer’s Tunes, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

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