Maury County Schools Debates $500K Surplus from Battle Creek Project

Issue #572

October 02, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Weather - Mostly sunny w/ High of 84, low of 59

📰 Maury County Schools Debates $500K Surplus from Battle Creek Project

⚽️ Nashville SC Makes History, Wins 2025 U.S. Open Cup

🗓 List of Upcoming Events - Just Updated!
 
🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Maury County Schools Debates $500K Surplus from Battle Creek Project

The Maury County School Board is weighing how to use nearly $500,000 in leftover funds from the Battle Creek High School construction project, with board members divided on whether the money should go toward athletics or instruction.

The project’s budget left a contingency of $496,994.82, which by the original plan was earmarked for athletic facilities at Hampshire Unit School. Some board members, however, suggested shifting at least part of the funds toward academic needs that would serve all students, such as curriculum support or additional resources for struggling learners.

School leaders noted that the money was originally tied to athletics, with the intent of funding a new sports complex at Hampshire. They acknowledged that while the board could amend the plan, such a transfer might require further approvals depending on how the funds are categorized.

Officials also explained that the athletics allocation was partly intended as a reimbursement, since funds had previously been redirected to turf fields at Battle Creek during construction. Plans for Hampshire’s facility are reportedly in progress, though costs remain unclear.

The discussion closed with agreement that the board should honor past commitments but also review options for directing any additional funds to instruction once those obligations are met. The matter is expected to come up again at the school board’s Oct. 14 meeting.

Nashville SC Makes History, Wins 2025 U.S. Open Cup

Nashville SC claimed its first-ever trophy on Oct. 1, defeating Austin FC 2-1 to win the U.S. Open Cup final. The victory also secured the team a berth in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Hany Mukhtar put Nashville on the scoreboard in the 17th minute, assisted by Jacob Shaffelburg. Just two minutes later, Austin had a chance to equalize on a penalty, but Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake made a crucial save. Austin found its goal in first-half stoppage time, tying the game at 1-1 heading into the break.

In the second half, Nashville regained control after Jeisson Palacios was fouled in the penalty area. Sam Surridge converted the penalty in the 60th minute, scoring his 28th goal of the season and sealing the 2-1 victory.

The U.S. Open Cup, the country’s oldest soccer competition at 111 years, began with 96 teams spanning multiple levels of American soccer. This year’s tournament ended with Nashville and Austin, both making their first-ever appearance in the final.

Nashville’s tournament run included wins over Chattanooga Red Wolves, Orlando City, D.C. United and Philadelphia Union. Austin reached the final with victories against El Paso Locomotive, Houston Dynamo, San Jose Earthquakes (via penalties) and Minnesota United (in extra time).

The title marks a historic milestone for Nashville SC, which recently clinched an MLS playoff berth after overcoming a difficult stretch midseason.

Upcoming Local Events

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Thursday, October 2nd

Friday, October 3rd

Saturday, October 4th

Sunday, October 5th

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Oct 11: Columbia Fall Fest
Oct 11: Whole Hog Festival

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🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, October 2nd

Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Chords for a Cause, The Mulehouse, 7:00 PM
Jordan Priest, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 – 9:00 PM

Friday, October 3rd

TBA, The Spot: Burgers & Beers, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Tommy Wheatley, Buck & Board, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Mike Peters, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Josh Keas & Roxy, Grinder’s Switch Winery, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Scott Southwest & The Honky Tonk Anonymous Band, Puckett’s, 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Ministry of Fun, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 – 9:00 PM

Saturday, October 4th

Crossbridges, Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Andy Ross Band, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:00 PM
Bethany Trainer, Buck & Board, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Rett Stocstill & The Ministry of Fun, Twisted Copper Brewing Company, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
The Heels, Puckett’s, 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Fall Series, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM

Sunday, October 5th

Braise Killen, Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1:00 – 5:00 PM

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