Maury County Animal Shelter Breaks Ground on Long-Awaited Expansion

Issue #776

July 21, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Morning showers, partly cloudy in afternoon w/ high of 87, low of 68

🐶 Maury County Animal Shelter Breaks Ground on Long-Awaited Expansion

🚒 State Grants Awarded to Three Maury County Fire Departments

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Maury County Animal Shelter Breaks Ground on Long-Awaited Expansion

A new chapter is underway for Maury County Animal Services as the shelter officially broke ground today on a long-awaited expansion and renovation project.

Shelter officials described the groundbreaking as a significant milestone following a lengthy process that required years of planning and work behind the scenes. The expansion is expected to provide the shelter with additional space and improve its ability to care for animals and serve the growing needs of the community.

Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt credited Animal Services Director Kim Raufaff with being a strong advocate for the project. Raufaff repeatedly presented plans to the County Commission and City of Columbia as she worked to secure the expansion.

With the county's population continuing to grow, the need for additional space and services has grown as well. The mayor praised Raufaff for her dedication and persistence in improving the shelter and its ability to serve both the animals and the community.

"This has been a long time coming," the shelter said in a message to the community. "As the first phase of the project comes to a close, so starts the next big phase."

The shelter also thanked the Maury County Commission for supporting and approving the expansion, along with local officials and community members who have helped make the project possible.

The Maury County Animal Shelter is located at 1233 Mapleash Avenue in Columbia.

The shelter is open to the public seven days a week, and no appointment is necessary. Hours are 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, contact:

Intake Center: 931-375-1401
Adoption Center: 931-375-1406
Animal Control: 931-375-1403

The public is encouraged to check the Maury County Animal Services Facebook page and Adopt a Pet to see the animals currently available for adoption.

State Grants Awarded to Three Maury County Fire Departments

Three Maury County fire departments are among 27 volunteer fire departments in four Middle Tennessee counties receiving a combined $1.35 million in state grant funding to purchase critical firefighting equipment.

The Volunteer Firefighter Equipment and Training Grant program, administered by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, provides funding to help departments improve emergency response capabilities and enhance firefighter safety.

In Maury County, Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $14,228, the Maury County Fire Department received $41,184, and Columbia Fire & Rescue was awarded $9,450. Together, the three departments received more than $64,000 in grant funding.

The remaining grants went to departments in Lawrence, Wayne and Hardin counties, with Lawrence County receiving the largest number of awards.

Volunteer firefighters make up a significant part of Tennessee's emergency response system. According to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, 71% of the state's fire departments are staffed entirely by volunteers, with more than 12,000 volunteer firefighters serving communities across Tennessee.

State Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown, announced the grants last week and highlighted the role volunteer firefighters play in communities, particularly in rural areas where departments rely heavily on volunteers to respond to emergencies around the clock.

Upcoming Local Events

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Wednesday, July 22nd

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Saturday, July 25th

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🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, July 23
Todd Ciprian - Tito's, 6-9 PM

Friday, July 24
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Jane & Jo - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
Open Mic - Grinder's Switch Winery, 6-8 PM
Music City Dueling Pianos - The Mulehouse, 7 PM
Kenny & Bob Acoustic Duo - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM

Saturday, July 25
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 12-6 PM
CrossBridges - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Sins Country - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5-9 PM
Def Leprechaun Band - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 6 PM
TBA - River Terrace, 6-8 PM
The Velvet Troubadours (Music on the Porch Series) - Manor Hall, 216 Pleasant St, Mt Pleasant, 6-9 PM
Shannon & The Harpeth River Boys - McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Karli & James - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Nashville Yacht Club Band - The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Vaughn Station Band - The Boondox, 8 PM
Downsouth Band - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, July 26
Maddie Rose - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM
Parker & Joe - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 2-5 PM

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