Maury County Included in $200 Million Tennessee Broadband Expansion

Issue #684

March 12, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Friday Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 68, low of 39

📰 Maury County Included in $200 Million Tennessee Broadband Expansion  

🎓 TriStar Bank to Fund $1,000 Scholarships for Maury County Students

🗓 List of Upcoming Events - Updated!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

✨ Read our most recent LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT!  👈

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

Maury County Included in $200 Million Tennessee Broadband Expansion 

Maury County is one of 74 counties included in a major broadband expansion announced by the State of Tennessee.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced on March 5th the approval of a historic broadband expansion through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The state-administered broadband investment plan will bring more than $200 million in BEAD funding to unserved and underserved communities across the state.

When Gov. Lee took office in 2019, more than 20% of Tennesseans had no access to high-speed internet. That percentage will become zero upon completion of the funded projects, further supporting this administration’s goal of ensuring every Tennessean has access to reliable, high-speed broadband by 2028.

The $202 million in state-administered federal funding awards 128 projects across 74 counties to deliver broadband service to more than 43,000 previously unserved and underserved locations. Additionally, grantees will provide $200 million in matching funds, bringing the total combined investment in Tennessee broadband infrastructure to more than $402 million for the BEAD Program. These projects align with the state’s broader strategy to expand high-speed internet and ensure long-term connectivity for all Tennesseans.

“High-speed internet is essential for every Tennessean, which is why we’ve made strategic investments in broadband infrastructure and digital opportunity programs to expand access to education and skills training,” said Gov. Lee. “From day one in office, I’ve been clear that opportunity should not be defined by zip code, and that includes making sure rural Tennessee is not left behind. I’m proud to announce that once completed, this historic funding will ensure all Tennessee businesses and residents have high-speed internet.”

The BEAD Program is a federally funded initiative administered by TNECD in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The funding will support the deployment of high-speed broadband infrastructure in areas that currently lack access to service meeting minimum speed standards, with a focus on long-term sustainability and affordability.

“The projects funded through today’s announcement will ensure that all Tennessee residents and businesses have access to broadband,” said Deputy Gov. McWhorter. “High-quality job training starts with access to high-speed internet, and I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished, thanks to the leadership and forethought of Gov. Lee, in investing a total of $1 billion to expand broadband infrastructure and digital literacy since 2019.”

This milestone brings the state’s total investment in broadband infrastructure and adoption programs to $1 billion since the start of the Lee administration, expanding high-speed internet access to more than 613,000 Tennesseans.

TNECD will continue working closely with local governments, internet service providers and community partners to implement BEAD-funded projects and support successful deployment statewide.

Tennessee’s BEAD-funded projects have an anticipated completion date of December 2028. The state broadband accessibility map can be utilized as a resource to search locations, addresses, and the internet service provider that was awarded in the area.

TriStar Bank to Fund $1,000 Scholarships for Maury County Students

Maury County Public Schools is partnering with TriStar Bank to offer the Maury County Public Schools – TriStar Bank Work Ethic Distinction Scholarship to graduating seniors who have earned the Tennessee Work Ethic Distinction. 

The scholarship is open to any senior in Maury County Public Schools who has successfully earned the Tennessee Work Ethic Distinction, a recognition that highlights a student’s career readiness. The distinction reflects a student’s demonstrated strengths in time management, initiative, industry skills, community involvement, planning, and work experience. 

Qualifying students may obtain the scholarship application link from their school counselor or Work Ethic Distinction coordinator. The application window is open now through March 31. 

Students must register at tnworkethic.com to submit required evidence demonstrating they meet the Tennessee Work Ethic Distinction standards. 

Three $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Funds may be used to support expenses for students attending technical schools, community colleges, or four-year institutions. A scholarship committee will review all submitted applications and select three recipients. The winners will be announced during the Maury County Work Ethic Distinction Celebration on April 27. 

TriStar Bank has committed to funding the scholarships for the next five years and has been a longstanding partner of the Maury County Work Ethic Distinction initiative, participating annually in the celebration and associated job fair. 

“A strong partnership with TriStar Bank allows us to expand opportunities for our students and recognize those who have gone above and beyond to demonstrate career readiness,” said Tristan Brown, CTE College and Career Coordinator with Maury County Public Schools. “The Work Ethic Distinction sets a high standard, and this scholarship reinforces the value of professionalism, responsibility and community involvement as students transition to the next phase of their education.” 

Michael Franks, Maury County president, and Chief Lending Officer of TriStar Bank, said the scholarship reflects the bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting local students and workforce development. “At TriStar Bank, we believe investing in students who demonstrate strong work ethic and character is an investment in the future of our Maury County,” Franks said. “Our partnership with Maury County Public Schools helps ensure students are recognized and supported as they pursue technical training, community college, or four-year degrees. We are proud to stand behind this initiative for the next five years.” 

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
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

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