Judge Weighs Fate of Proposed Landfill Near Duck River

Issue #671

February 23, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛅️ Columbia’s Tuesday Weather - Clouds/sun followed by cloudy skies w/ high of 49, low of 41

📰 Judge Weighs Fate of Proposed Landfill Near Duck River

🗳️ Maury County Republicans Select Nominees at Saturday Caucus

🎭 2/27-3/22: Packard Playhouse Presents Annie Get Your Gun

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Judge Weighs Fate of Proposed Landfill Near Duck River

A Davidson County judge is considering the next step in a legal dispute over a proposed landfill expansion near the Duck River in Maury County.

The case stems from an April 10, 2023 vote by the Marshall/Maury Municipal Solid Waste Planning Region Board to deny an application from Louisiana-based Trinity Business Group to reopen and expand a landfill on property that once housed a Monsanto chemical plant. The proposed facility would sit less than two miles from the Duck River, widely recognized as North America’s most biologically diverse freshwater river, and would accept up to 1,000 tons of waste per day — much of it from outside the region.

Following strong public opposition, the board rejected the application in a 7-1 vote. Residents raised concerns about potential risks to drinking water sources, including a downstream water intake, as well as the broader environmental impact. The former Monsanto site has a complicated history, including multiple areas designated as Superfund sites after the company ceased operations in 1989.

Trinity Business Group’s local subsidiary, Remedial Holdings, filed suit a month after the vote. At a Feb. 20 hearing, attorneys debated whether the board complied with the Tennessee Open Meetings Act when it voted without formal deliberation following public comment. The judge, Chancellor I’Ashea Myles, has not indicated when she will issue a ruling.

The court’s options include upholding the board’s denial, sending the matter back for another vote, or reversing the decision. However, even if the board’s vote were overturned, the project would still face a lengthy regulatory process involving state agencies.

Adding another layer to the dispute, Gov. Bill Lee signed legislation on April 22, 2023 designating the Duck River as a Class II scenic river. That classification bars new landfill development within two miles of the river.

The proposed expansion includes a 305-acre site for household waste and a separate 79-acre area for construction debris. The judge’s forthcoming decision could determine whether the application is revived or remains denied.

Maury County Republicans Select Nominees at Saturday Caucus

The following candidates for county commission were chosen to run on the Republican ticket:

Jerry Strahan and Tim Holt for District 1
Patti Hollinsworth and Wayne Romesburg for District 2
Jennifer Gerrard for District 3
Connie Green and Mike Kuzawinski for District 4
Scott Sumners and Sam Barnes, District 5
Rebecca Haines and Cindy Hestla for District 6
Kenny Morrow and Richard Baud for District 7
Steve Burford and Melissa Phillips District 8
Kevin Markham and Brent Coen District 9
Greg Combs and Danny Grooms, District 10
Chad Brothers and Tim Mullen, District 11

For School Board Positions, the following were chosen by the Republicans to run:

Kristen Shull, District 1
Kris Guilstein, District 3
David Moore, District 5
John Lawson, District 7
Steve McGee, District 9
Kathy Mikula, District 11

For elected officials:

Sheila Butt received the Republican Nomination for County Mayor
Randy McNeece, County Trustee
Joey Allen , County Clerk
John Fleming, Register of Deeds
For Constable, the following candidates received the Republican endorsement:
Patrick Ryan, District 7
Ron Shelton, District 8
Mark Lee, District 9
Steve Mangrum, District 10
Aaron Easton, District 11

The Democrat Party will hold their own caucus next Saturday.

2/27-3/22: Packard Playhouse Presents Annie Get Your Gun

The Packard Playhouse is thrilled to bring one of Broadway’s most beloved musical comedies to the stage—Annie Get Your Gun, the toe-tapping, heart-warming classic packed with unforgettable songs, sparkling romance, and Old West swagger.

Based on the true story of legendary sharpshooter Annie Oakley, this iconic musical follows her rise from backwoods talent to national sensation—and her fiery rivalry (and romance!) with fellow marksman Frank Butler. With humor, heart, and some of the most famous tunes ever written, Annie Get Your Gun is a celebration of confidence, competition, and love.

Shows run from 2/27 - 3/22
Tip: Packard Playhouse shows regularly sell out - grab your tickets while you can!

Upcoming Local Events

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

Tuesday, February 24th

Wednesday, February 25th

Thursday, February 26th

Friday, February 27th

Saturday, February 28th

Sunday, March 1st

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, February 24
Songwriters Round – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6–9 PM

Thursday, February 26
Todd Ciprian – Tito’s (Spring Hill), 6–9 PM
Rianna Marie – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, February 27
Open Mic Night – Grinder’s Switch, 6–9 PM
Tommy Wheatley – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Brittany Elise – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
The Mulehouse Songwriters Series – The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Backlit – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, February 28
Winter Series: The Bourbon Gospel – 7:30 PM
Resurrection – A Journey Tribute – The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Vintage Voltage – Gary’s Place, 8–11 PM
Rubiks Groove – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM


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