Spring Hill Officer Honored for Heroism in Columbia Shooting Incident

Issue #521

August 09, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Weather - Mostly sunny w/ High of 90, low of 69.

📰 Spring Hill Officer Honored for Heroism in Columbia Shooting Incident

📰 August 16: Health Care Town Hall

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Spring Hill Officer Honored for Heroism in Columbia Shooting Incident

The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) meeting on July 21 opened with recognition for Capt. Justin Whitwell, who received the Police Star from the Columbia Police Department for his exceptional actions during the May 31 shooting in northern Columbia.

While off duty, Whitwell responded to gunfire in his neighborhood, apprehending a suspect accused of killing two people and injuring another. He detained the man until Columbia police arrived, stopping him from returning to his home, where authorities later discovered additional threats. Officials credited Whitwell’s quick intervention with saving lives, both among first responders and local residents.

The Police Star is awarded only in cases of extraordinary bravery or heroism, especially during high-pressure situations that demand exceptional judgment and skill.

August 16: Health Care Town Hall

Local activists, including Indivisible Nashville, Indivisible TN-7, and citizens in Maury and Williamson counties, are planning a town hall event to discuss citizen concerns about health care policy and the impacts of recent federal legislation on health care and other social services (including on Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits). This event is open to all local residents, including all voters in Tennessee's 5th Congressional District.

Former congressional candidates Kiran Sreepada and Maryam Abolfazli, along with several healthcare professionals and non-partisan policy experts, are expected to speak. Republican and Democratic elected officials, including Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Culleoka), have also been invited. The final speaker/panelist roster is still being developed.

Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions. A light lunch or snack will also be offered to attendees. Candidates and other civic organizations will also be allowed table space to meet with attendees before or after the town hall.

What: Taking Care Of Our Community Town Hall

When: Saturday, August 16, doors open at 10 a.m, event starts at 11 a.m.

Where: UAW Local 1853 Hall, 125 Stephen P. Yokich Pkwy, Spring Hill, Tennessee, 37174

Upcoming Local Events

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

Saturday, August 9th

Sunday, August 10th

Monday, August 11th

Tuesday, August 12th

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Aug 14 - 23: Tennessee State Fair (Lebanon)
Aug 22: Tennessee Titans First Pre-Season Home Game
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Saturday, August 9th

Nick Bentley, Keg Springs, 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Box of Rox, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Trevor Clark, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Brooks Huntley, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
NKahootz, Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Benji & The Jets, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, August 10th 

The Jim Fox Trio, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
CJ Conklin, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

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