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Advocates Urge Support for Duck River Protection Bill Before March 11 Vote

Issue #680

March 06, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛈️ Columbia’s Saturday Weather - Potential for severe thunderstorms w/ high of 71, low of 57

📰 Advocates Urge Support for Duck River Protection Bill Before March 11 Vote

👉 3/28: Rippa Villa Hosts Living History Day

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

✨ Read our most recent LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT!  

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

Advocates Urge Support for Duck River Protection Bill Before March 11 Vote

A “call to action” related to legislation protecting the Duck River is circulating online as a key vote on the bill approaches. The message urges residents to contact lawmakers about House Bill 1510 ahead of a scheduled committee vote next week. The post below is being shared widely and is reproduced here for readers who want to learn more.

CALL TO ACTION

HB1510 broadens Scenic River designation on the Duck River and other beautiful Middle Tennessee streams such as the Buffalo and Piney. It is scheduled for a vote by the Tennessee House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee on March 11.

This bill will expand existing segments of Scenic River designation to include the entire Duck River as a Scenic River, protecting recreational values, water quality, wildlife, and the beauty of the river. Many activities, including agriculture, and recreational access are allowed under the designation.  

Opponents of this action include the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and landfill companies. Are they acting in the best interests of the Duck River and all of the communities in the watershed? Our voices matter, so PLEASE speak up for the Duck.

Take a moment and contact members of the House Agriculture Subcommittee to tell them that you support designating the Duck River as a Scenic River. Please see the membership list below and email them to tell them you support HB 1510. Share this Call to Action with friends and neighbors who support protecting the Duck River. We need immediate action to pass this important bill.

Here are a few words to get you started. Make it personal.

Dear Rep. ____________,

I live near the Duck River in _________ County. The Duck River, the most biodiverse river in North America, means a lot to me and is facing growing threats. It is at a fragile tipping point and needs protection. I support HB 1510 to designate the Duck River as a scenic river. Please VOTE YES on HB 1510.

Please send individually, not in a group:

Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt, mentioned on her version of this post that “Things are moving fast and furious in the General Assembly right now!”

She also mentioned that “a suggested email is provided but a personal note from you is best rather than multiple people sending the exact same email.”

Here is also a link to the subcommittee members and their emails.  

3/28: Rippa Villa Hosts Living History Day

From Rippa Villa’s post on Thursday…

Join us on March 28 for a living history day at Rippa Villa! The Independent Rifles will be portraying the occupation of Rippa Villa which occurred in March 1862. We are offering special abbreviated tours for $15, or you can pre-purchase those tickets online through March 27 for only $10. Activites will be happening throughout the day and your ticket grants you access to all of those. 

Schedule of events:
9:00 - Federals arrive at Rippa Villa
10:00 - Setting up Camp
11:00 - Company Drill
12:00 - Lunch 
2:00 - Platoon Drill
3:00 - Company Drill

Visitors are always welcome to walk through camp, ask questions to the guys and talk to the men cooking for the company about what they ate on campaign.

This is the first event of its kind at Rippa Villa and we hope you can join us!! For more information and to buy tickets, visit here.

Upcoming Local Events

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

Friday, March 6th

Saturday, March 7th

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

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, March 6
Chief Smiley Ricks & The C-Town Specials – Daniel’s Barbershop, 6:00 PM
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
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 PM
Winter Series: The Bourbon Gospel – 7:30 PM
Herrick Duo – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Fractured Rose – Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Eden Storm – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Sunday, March 8
Vince & Brett – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 2:00 PM

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