Pet Alligator Among Animals Saved in Tuesday Night House Fire

Issue #678

March 04, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛅️ Columbia’s Thursday Weather - Mix of clouds & sun w/ high of 79, low of 58

🚒 Pet Alligator Among Animals Saved in Tuesday Night House Fire

🗳️ Democratic Caucus Marks Next Step in Maury County Election Season

👉 Saturday: Two Free Arts & Crafts Projects

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Pet Alligator Among Animals Saved in Tuesday Night House Fire

Click the image to see 16 more photos from MCFD

From Maury County Fire Department’s post… 

On Tuesday, 3/3/26, at 8:20PM units were dispatched to Lisa Lane for a possible back deck on fire, called in from one street over. As units were responding the homeowner called in also reporting the fire and stating the home was also on fire. Responding units: Engines 21, 27, 30, 32, Tankers 21, 23, 28, 30, 32, Truck 21, Brush 32, District 30, Safety 20, Ops 20, Deputy 20, Columbia Fire & Rescue Tanker 1 and Car 3 on mutual aid. 

Units arrived to heavy fire involvement in the rear of the home with fire in the first floor and through the attic. An offensive fire attack was conducted along with coordinated vertical ventilation to stop the fire. Three animals were safely rescued including a snake, turtle, and a caiman alligator. 

No injuries were reported. 

Special thanks to off duty Franklin FF, and former MCFD member, Josh Cole for helping pull lines and take over pumping to allow more of our members to focus on fire attack. Strong work. 

Democratic Caucus Marks Next Step in Maury County Election Season

As the 2026 election season gains momentum, the Maury County Democratic Party held its caucus Feb. 28 at Columbia State Community College’s Ledbetter Auditorium to select nominees for the August primary ballot.

A total of 59 people attended the caucus, with 55 eligible votes cast. The party nominated Winston Harlin for Maury County Commission District 3 and Democratic Party Chairman James Dallas for District 4.

The Democratic caucus followed the Maury County Republican Party’s caucus held the previous week. At that event, Republican voters selected incumbent Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt as their party’s nominee, along with candidates for County Commission, Constable and School Board races.

Meanwhile, District 8 Commissioner Gabe Howard, who had previously announced plans to run for county mayor as a Republican, confirmed he will instead remain in the race as an independent candidate.

Saturday: Two Free Arts & Crafts Projects

Columbia Parks & Recreation Department is hosting two different free arts and crafts activities this Saturday. Take your pick!

Cardboard Art Project

Turn everyday materials into something extraordinary!

Join us on Saturday, March 7 at 10:00 AM at the Dr. Christa S. Martin Community Center (871 Ironbridge Rd.) for a hands-on Cardboard Art Project designed to spark creativity and imagination.

This program encourages youth to explore how recyclable materials—like cardboard and other items commonly found around the house—can be transformed into unique works of art. Participants will have the opportunity to design, build, and create while learning the value of resourcefulness and creative thinking.

This program is FREE and open to all. Come ready to imagine, construct, and create!

Sand & Strand

Create something colorful, creative, and completely your own!

Join us on Saturday, March 7 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Woodland Park for Sand & Strand, a hands-on crafting experience filled with fun and creativity. Participants will design vibrant sand bottle art and create custom bead bracelets alongside our staff.

This program is a great opportunity to express creativity, enjoy time outdoors, and leave with handmade pieces you can keep or share.

This event is FREE and open to all. Come ready to mix, layer, string, and create!

Upcoming Local Events

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

Thursday, March 5th

Friday, March 6th

Saturday, March 7th

Sunday, March 8th ⏰ Daylight Savings Time (set clocks forward 1 hr)

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, March 5
Todd Ciprian – Tito’s (Spring Hill), 6–9 PM
Brent Loper with the All-Star Band – The Mulehouse, 7 PM
Billy Wilson – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, March 6
Vintage Voltage – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–10 PM
Brandt Archer – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Troy Kemp – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Reba’s Hairdo – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, March 7
Winter Series: The Bourbon Gospel – 7:30 PM
Herrick Duo – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Eden Storm – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

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