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Bill Protecting Duck River Moves Forward After 7–2 Subcommittee Vote

Issue #683

March 11, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Thursday Weather - Mostly sunny w/ high of 55, low of 33

📰 Bill Protecting Duck River Moves Forward After 7–2 Subcommittee Vote  

📰 Sterling Marlin is Announced as 2026 Mule Day Parade Grand Marshal

🗓 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!

Bill Protecting Duck River Moves Forward After 7–2 Subcommittee Vote 

From the Duck River Conservancy’s post today… 

HB1510 has passed the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee and is now moving on to the full committee and the landfill amendment was NOT adopted!

The bill passed with a 7–2 vote, proving that your voices truly matter. Thanks to your support, over 6,000 emails were sent to representatives urging them to protect the Duck River.

This is a huge step forward in protecting the most biologically diverse river in North America, but the work isn’t finished yet. HB1510 now heads to the full committee for the next vote.

Thank you to everyone who spoke up, shared posts, and contacted legislators. Grassroots action works. Let’s keep the momentum going to protect the Duck River for future generations!

Gabe Howard shared this video of the vote.

When asked about what comes next in the process, Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt said, “I will keep you posted, but it goes to Ag Full next. Most likely next week, with no amendments. That’s a good thing! The Senate has passed it already without the amendment, so when we get out of Ag Full we are on to Calendar and Rules and then the House Floor. This was a major hurdle. Let’s keep paying attention and get it all the way through!” 

HB1510 broadens Scenic River designation on the Duck River and other beautiful Middle Tennessee streams such as the Buffalo and Piney. The 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.  

Sterling Marlin is Announced as 2026 Mule Day Parade Grand Marshal

From Mule Day’s post today… 

Mule Day is excited to Announce the 2026 Mule Day Parade Grand Marshal, Sterling Marlin! 

2026 Mule Day Parade, Saturday - April 11 at 11:00 AM - Downtown Columbia! 

Sterling Marlin, a proud Maury County native from Columbia, TN and is celebrated for his back-to-back Daytona 500 victories in 1994 & 1995. He is also recognized  as one of NASCAR’s top 75 drivers of all time! Inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, Sterling still calls this community home. His family has farmed this land for hundreds of years, and his roots run deep… just like his legacy.

Upcoming Local Events

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

Thursday, March 12th 

Friday, March 13th

Saturday, March 14th

Sunday, March 15th

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, March 12
Todd Ciprian – Tito’s, 6–9 PM
The Kody Norris Show – Cherry Theater, 7 PM
Emily Otteson – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, March 13
South Margin – Turnpike Tavern, 6–9 PM
Shannon McCue & The Harpeth River Boys – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
The Bird & The Bear – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Eastern Dreamer – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Escape – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, March 14
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Tom Wheatley & The Dead Strings – The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Savanna Kirby – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
South Bound Crows – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

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