J.E. Woodard Elementary Named Among Top 40% of Tennessee Schools

Issue #605

November 06, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛈️ Columbia’s Thursday Weather - Scattered thunderstorms developing in afternoon w/ high of 72, low of 53

📰 J.E. Woodard Elementary Named Among Top 40% of Tennessee Schools

📰 Motorhome Fire Contained After Late-Night Blaze in Honey Farms Subdivision

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

Check Out This Week’s Feature Story! 👇

J.E. Woodard Elementary Named Among Top 40% of Tennessee Schools

J.E. Woodard Elementary School ranks among the top 40% of elementary schools in Tennessee, according to U.S. News & World Report. Placing 355 out of 926 elementary schools in Tennessee.

"The 2026 Best Elementary rankings highlight institutions that excel in fostering student achievement and providing exceptional learning environments for all," said Dr. LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for education at U.S. News. "These rankings offer communities and families valuable insights into schools dedicated to preparing students for future success."

Schools were assessed on their shares of students who were proficient or above proficient in their mathematics and reading/language arts state assessments. Half of the formula assessed the scores themselves, and the other half incorporated the test results in the context of socioeconomic demographics.

“Being named among the best in the state is a tribute to our teachers, staff, students and families working together toward excellence,” said Julie Wolaver, principal of J.E. Woodard Elementary School. “We are immensely proud and honored to be recognized in this report.”

“J.E. Woodard Elementary School’s recognition should give our community a sense of pride and affirmation of the many great things happening in Maury County Public Schools,” said Lisa Ventura, Superintendent of Maury County Public Schools. “This achievement reflects both the dedication of the J.E. Woodard Elementary School staff and the support of the Columbia community.”

View the complete list of Best Tennessee Schools, at www.usnews.com/education 

Motorhome Fire Contained After Late-Night Blaze in Honey Farms Subdivision

From Maury County Fire Department’s post… 

MOTORHOME FIRE  

At 11:06PM last night units were dispatched to the Honey Farms Subdivision for a possible structure fire. Our Tanker 21 responded on automatic aid to the City of Columbia. During the response the location was updated by a second caller to Canyon Drive, which was now in our jurisdiction with the caller reporting an RV on fire connected to a racing trailer which was loaded with racing fuel and equipment.

Columbia’s Truck 5, Tanker 1, and Battalion 1 diverted to the corrected address and went from receiving auto aid to now providing auto aid. 

MCFD responded additionally with Engine 21, Squad 32, Tanker 32, and Deputy 20. 

Columbia Truck 5 arrived and went to work stopping the spread of fire to the trailer. MCFD units arrived and supplied their apparatus with water and joined their members attacking the fire. Units operated on scene for almost two hours. 

This is another great example of the success of automatic aid and sending the closest unit to a fire. 

Upcoming Local Events

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Friday, November 7th

Saturday, November 8th

Sunday, November 9th

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, November 6th

Todd Ciprian — Tito’s Spring Hill, 6–9 PM
Gwynne Alden — Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, November 7th

Box of Rox — Grinder’s Switch Winery, 6–8 PM
Neal Pennington — McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Mary Lou Lackey — Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Troy Kemp — Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Wentzel Brothers Band — Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, November 8th

Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints — McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7–9 PM
Fall Series: The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Makin Merri — Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
The Howlin Embers — Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Nkahootz — The Boondox, 8 PM
Eden Storm — Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Sunday, November 9th

Wicked Chowdah — Rebel Bar & Grill, 4 PM

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