Gov. Bill Lee Gives Final State of the State Address

Issue #657

February 03, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☁️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Cloudy w/ high of 37, low of 21

📰 Gov. Bill Lee Gives Final State of the State Address

📰 CPWS Shares Letter of Gratitude

👉 Update on Tree Limb / Debris Disposal

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Gov. Bill Lee Gives Final State of the State Address

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Gov. Bill Lee delivered his final State of the State address Monday, opening with a somber reflection on last month’s deadly winter storm and honoring the Tennesseans affected, as well as the first responders, utility crews, and transportation workers who responded during the crisis.

Much of the address looked back on Lee’s time in office while outlining priorities for the year ahead. Education remained a central focus, with Lee highlighting gains in student performance, increased school funding, and a proposal to invest an additional $340 million in public education. He also pointed to growing interest in Tennessee’s school choice program and called for its expansion.

Public safety was another major theme. Lee cited significant crime reductions in Shelby County, announced new funding to support ongoing efforts in Memphis, and pledged additional Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers both in Shelby County and statewide.

Lee also emphasized support for rural Tennessee, particularly healthcare access. He urged lawmakers to modernize decades-old regulations that he says limit competition and restrict medical services in rural areas, positioning the state to take advantage of new federal rural health funding opportunities.

Economic development rounded out the address, with Lee highlighting major investments across the state, continued growth in rural communities, expanded nuclear energy development, and a new initiative aimed at positioning Tennessee as a leader in quantum research and workforce training.

For more highlights and to read the speech, go here.

A Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget overview can be found here.

CPWS Shares Letter of Gratitude

From the CPWS website…

As the final circuits are energized and our crews return to their families, we at Columbia Power & Water Systems (CPWS) want to take a moment to reflect on the unprecedented winter storm that recently tested our community.

At the height of the storm on Sunday morning, our system faced a peak of 8,500 customers without power. The damage was significant: freezing temperatures, hazardous roads and the heavy toll of eight broken poles replaced in a single day.

The recovery was a testament to tireless dedication. By Monday, we reduced outages to 1,050; by Wednesday morning, only 79 remained. Our efforts weren't limited to electricity. Our teams repaired five water main breaks, including a critical fix in Williamsport and despite some close calls in the Hampshire community, ensured water was safe and available. Crews also worked tirelessly to restore broadband services for the customers affected.

Thank you to the customer service teams and to our dispatchers who absolutely shined during the last week.

This restoration was not a solo effort. We are incredibly grateful to Lewisburg Electric System for their mutual aid, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our teams to expedite the recovery.

Perhaps most moving was the response from the people of Maury County. As our crews worked in the field, they were met with more than just patience – they were met with kindness.

  • To those who brought hot coffee and snacks to the crews: Your generosity fueled our progress.

  • To those who offered words of encouragement on social media: Your patience while we cleared primary lines gave us the focus needed to work safely.

  • To every neighbor who checked on another: You reminded us why we are proud to serve this city.

We are more than just a utility provider; we are your neighbors. While we hope for calmer skies ahead, we stand ready for whatever the next season brings.

Update on Tree Limb / Debris Disposal

From Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt’s post…  

IMPORTANT UPDATE ON WHERE TO DISPOSE OF TREE LIMBS AND DEBRIS FROM MAURY COUNTY SOLID WASTE

Beginning Monday, February 2nd, Maury County Solid Waste is opening their center at 1233 Lawson White Dr for those with debris related to Winter Storm Fern. 

If you are a Maury County Citizen, there is no limit to vegetative debris that you can take to the Solid Waste Headquarters, located at 1233 Lawson White Drive (between 8 am and 2 pm Monday - Saturday). 

Any contractors will pay a nominal fee to dispose of debris. All vegetative debris will need to be brought to 1233 Lawson White by February 28th, 2026

We also welcome and encourage residents of Maury County to use any of our 9 convenience centers but please limit loads to two cubic yards (a full-sized pickup truck bed) per day. Any contractors will pay a nominal fee to dispose of debris. All vegetative debris will need to be brought to 1233 Lawson White by February 28th, 2026. 

To obtain a burn permit outside of City of Columbia, Spring Hill or Mt. Pleasant;

Call: 877-350-BURN (2876)

Upcoming Local Events

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

Wednesday, February 4th

Thursday, February 5th

Saturday, February 7th

Sunday, February 8th

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, February 5
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s Spring Hill, 6–9 PM
Ashton Smith - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, February 6
Scotty Freel - Grinder’s Switch Winery, 6–8 PM
Chief Smiley Ricks and The C-Town Specials - Daniel’s Barber Shop on the Square, 6–8 PM
Kirwan, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Rett Stockstill’s Ministry of Fun - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
The Deltaz - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Benji & The Jets - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, February 7
Tom & Robert - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Winter Series - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Taylor Hughes - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Vintage Voltage - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

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