Columbia Teen Identified in Duck River Tragedy

Issue #525

August 13, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛅️ Columbia’s Weather - Mostly cloudy w/ High of 87, low of 70.

📰 Columbia Teen Identified in Duck River Tragedy

📰 Tennessee Requests Federal Waiver to Modify Food Stamp Purchases

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Columbia Teen Identified in Duck River Tragedy

From Columbia Police Department’s post…

On Tuesday, August 12th , 2025, at approximately 9:30am Columbia Police

Department and Columbia Fire and Rescue responded to the area of the Duck River near the Hwy 31 bridge for a possible deceased person in the water. Upon arrival, emergency personnel were able to remove the person from the water and confirm that he was deceased. The identity of the person has been confirmed as an eighteen-year-old male from Columbia and next of kin have been notified.

This is currently an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

The Columbia Police Department and City of Columbia extends its thoughts and prayers to the family of the involved individual.

Any person with additional information that may assist in this or any other investigation is encouraged to contact Columbia Police Department Dispatch (24 hours) at 931-388-2727, Maury County Crime stoppers at 931-381-4900, or Columbia Police SAFE Tip Email to Safe[email protected] 

Columbia Police Department, 707 North Main St, Columbia, TN 931-388-2727

Later on Tuesday, this was shared online…

Afternoon CHS family,

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our fellow Lion, Javorri Kirk, who departed this life on Friday. Funeral arrangements are currently pending due to financial constraints.

To support Javorri's family during this difficult time, we are collecting donations to help cover funeral expenses. If you would like to contribute, please submit your donation by Friday, August 15, 2025, to Mrs. Rosel Wright. All collected funds will be delivered directly to the funeral home.

Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated as we come together to honor the memory of our beloved Lion. 

Tennessee Requests Federal Waiver to Modify Food Stamp Purchases

Governor Bill Lee is seeking federal approval to make changes to Tennessee’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. The request, submitted to the United States Department of Agriculture, includes two major proposals.

One would allow SNAP recipients to purchase certain hot prepared meals, such as items from a grocery store deli, provided they are not breaded or fried. The other would prohibit the purchase of processed foods where sugar, corn syrup, or high fructose corn syrup is listed as the first ingredient. Drinks with carbonated water and sugar as the first two ingredients would also be ineligible.

Supporters of the hot meals change say it could give families more flexibility, but some advocates have raised concerns about the restrictions on certain foods and beverages. They note that while the intent is to encourage healthier choices, it could create new inconveniences for low-income families—especially for those living in food deserts or without easy access to fresh produce.

Organizations like the Tennessee Justice Center continue to emphasize the importance of addressing access to healthy food rather than just limiting certain purchases. In Knoxville, Nourish Knoxville offers programs to help SNAP families buy more fresh produce, including initiatives that allow SNAP benefits to be used at farmers markets. Their “Double Up” program matches benefits spent on fruits and vegetables up to $20 per visit, helping families stretch their grocery budgets while improving access to healthier options.

Several other states have implemented similar changes. West Virginia restricted soda purchases, while Indiana limited candy and soft drink purchases. If Tennessee’s waiver request is approved, the new rules could take effect next year.

Upcoming Local Events

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

Wednesday, August 13th

Thursday, August 14th

Friday, August 15th

Saturday, August 16th

Sunday, August 17th

📌 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


Wednesday, August 13th

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

Thursday, August 14th

Robb Harris, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Neal Pennington, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
TBA, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 - 9:00 PM

Friday, August 15th

TBA, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Ryan Keeler, Buck & Board, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Karaoke Night, Grinder’s Switch Winery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Tom & Robert, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Eastern Dreamers, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
TBA, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Lydia Rae, Grazie! Italian Eatery, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
Zone Status, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Song Writers Round, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM

Saturday, August 16th

Miles Damaso Group, Puckett’s 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Grasskickers, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Bethany Trainor, Buck & Board, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
The Howlin’ Embers, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
DNR, Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Mike Peter’s, Grazie! Italian Eatery, 7:30 - 9:30 PM
The Ultimate 90’s Experience, The Mulehouse, 8:00 PM
Tough Enough, The Boondox, 8:00 PM 
Box of Rox, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, August 17th 

TBA, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Vince & Brett, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

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