HB1510 Advances, Expanding Protections for Duck River

Issue #697

March 31, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛅️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 81, low of 64

📰 HB1510 Advances, Expanding Protections for Duck River

👉 Where’s Maury the Mule Passport Adventure Starts April 1st

🍳 April 17: Farm City Breakfast

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

HB1510 Advances, Expanding Protections for Duck River

Legislation aimed at expanding protections for the Duck River cleared a key hurdle this week at the Tennessee General Assembly.

HB1510 passed out of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee in its final meeting of the session — and notably, it advanced without amendments. The bill now heads to the full House floor, where supporters say it appears positioned for favorable consideration.

Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt celebrated the vote publicly, writing, “OUR VOICES WERE HEARD! HB1510 PASSED WITHOUT AMENDMENTS!!”

She also thanked Representative Pat Marsh for his role in supporting the measure, encouraging residents to reach out to him directly in appreciation.

The bill would extend scenic river protections to the entire Duck River, adding additional regulatory standards tied to issues such as landfill placement and water withdrawals. Supporters say the measure creates clearer guidelines for how development and infrastructure projects are evaluated near the river.

The Duck River is a major drinking water source and is widely recognized for its biodiversity. As population growth continues across the region, conversations around water usage, conservation, and oversight have intensified.

Mayor Butt also acknowledged the public engagement surrounding the bill’s progress.

“Thanks to every person who engaged and sent emails, made calls, and spoke up!” she wrote, adding, “This is what a Representative Republic is all about!”

If the bill passes on the House floor, it will continue through the legislative process before becoming law.

Where’s Maury the Mule Passport Adventure Starts April 1st

Maury Alliance’s annual “Where’s Maury the Mule?” shop local passport adventure starts on Wednesday, April 1st.

The rules are simple: pick up a passport, find Maury the Mule hidden in as many businesses as possible, and turn your passport in at the Maury Alliance office located at 106 West 6th St in Columbia by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, April 14th. Share your adventure on social media using the hashtag “maurythemule” so everyone can follow along!

Ways to Win:

• Visit 30 businesses for a single entry into the GRAND PRIZE DRAWING

• Visit 35 businesses for a double entry into the GRAND PRIZE DRAWING

• Visit 40 businesses for a triple entry into the GRAND PRIZE DRAWING

• Visit at least 5 businesses for a chance to win Local First gift cards and other prizes

• There will be two Grand Prize winners, each will receive $500 in gift cards from participating businesses.

April 17th: Farm City Breakfast

The Maury Alliance Agribusiness Committee invites you to the annual Farm City Breakfast honoring the agriculture and agribusiness industry of Maury County.

This year's Farm City Breakfast will be held on Friday, April 17th, at the Ridley 4-H Center

4-H Center. The breakfast line opens at 6:45 am with the program beginning at 7:00 am and concluding by 8:30 am. 

The Keynote Speaker is Colonel Littleton, and a Maury County Century Farm will be honored.

There is no charge to attend the breakfast, however they will be collecting donations during the event for the 2026 Farm City Scholarship Memorial Fund. This year, scholarships will be given in memory of Mary Susan Kennedy.

The Agribusiness Committee invites you to become a sponsor of the 2026 Farm City Breakfast! Your contribution allows us to continue this successful event as well as provide scholarships to Maury County students.

Upcoming Local Events

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

Wednesday, April 1st

Thursday, April 2nd

Friday, April 3rd

Saturday, April 4th

Sunday, April 5th

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, April 2
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s, 6–9 PM
A Night of Worship - The Mulehouse, 6:30 PM
Karaoke - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 7–11 PM

Friday, April 3
Michael Forkuo of Pardon The Rebels - Buck & Board, 6–8 PM
Chief Smiley Ricks & The C-Town Specials - Daniel’s Barber Shop on the Square, 6–7:30 PM
Nkahootz - Grinder’s Switch, 6–9 PM
First Fridays with The Fletcher Brothers - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
The 77 Experience - The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Live on the Square - Smith & Gone - Puckett’s Upstairs, 8:30–10 PM

Saturday, April 4
Grasskickers - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
The Prickly Pair - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Twilight Train - The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Stranger Than Fiction - Embers, 8–11 PM

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