Columbia State to Help Small Businesses Harness AI at October Conference
Columbia State Community College will host "AI for Small Business," a one-day conference designed to help entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals learn how to leverage artificial intelligence to streamline operations, strengthen marketing efforts and improve productivity. The conference will take place Friday, Oct. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Columbia State's Williamson Campus in Franklin. Registration is $75 per person and includes lunch. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the
Columbia Illegal Gambling Investigation Leads to More Than $1.3 Million in Cash Seized, 13 Arrests
Columbia, TN (August 26, 2026) - On Tuesday, Aug. 25, officers and agents simultaneously executed 22 search warrants at 20 Columbia businesses and the two residences. In total, authorities recovered $1,328,269 in cash, more than 100 pounds of kratom and THCA and 144 gambling machines, and made 13 arrests. The multi-agency operation included the Columbia Police Department, Gallatin Police Department, Portland Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Immigration
HOME Grant Helps Longtime Resident Remain Safely in His Home
Columbia, TN (August 20, 2026) - A longtime Columbia resident is safely back in the home he has known for more than 40 years following an extensive rehabilitation made possible through the HOME Grant Program. The City received a $750,000 grant in 2024 from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of single-family homes for qualifying low-income households. Following the grant award, applications were opened, and participants were reviewed and
Watershed Public Theatre hosts free community arts event featuring Cyrano
Riverwalk Arts FestivalWatershed Public Theatre hosts free community arts event featuring Cyrano (COLUMBIA, TN) August 18, 2026 – The Riverwalk Arts Festival returns to Columbia's Riverwalk Park with the opening of Watershed Public Theatre's 2026-2027 season. The featured play is Cyrano, adapted and directed by Payton McCarthy and originally written by Edmond Rostand. The festival runs for two weekends, opening each night at 6pm, when food trucks will begin serving. There is pre-show entertainment
City Council Accepts Donation to Support Columbia Fire & Rescue Emotional Support K-9 Program
Columbia, TN (August 19, 2026) - The Columbia City Council has approved a resolution accepting a donation from Sutton Circus K-9 Academy for professional K-9 training services valued at $4,270 in support of Columbia Fire & Rescue’s Emotional Support K-9 Program. The department’s newest Emotional Support K-9, Blaze, was donated through a partnership with the Maury County Animal Shelter and will continue the department’s commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of its firefighters. Blaze
City of Columbia to Host Public Meeting on Proposed Infill Development Standards
Columbia, TN (August 18, 2026) - The City of Columbia Development Services Department will host a public meeting on Monday, August 31, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall to discuss proposed infill development standards for the City’s zoning ordinance.Infill development standards would provide guidance for new residential development on vacant or underutilized lots within established areas. Updating the zoning ordinance to include infill standards would provide an opportunity to
City of Columbia Completes Historic Investment in Roadway Infrastructure
Columbia, TN (August 17, 2026) - The City of Columbia has completed a historic roadway paving project, with 31.5 miles of city streets paved between 2025 and 2026, the most miles paved during any two year period in Columbia’s history.The $5.7 million project, approved by the Columbia City Council, improved streets throughout Columbia and addressed roadway maintenance needs across the city.“This project reflects thoughtful planning and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” said Mayor Chaz Molder.
Highland Energy Celebrates 90th Anniversary
HOHENWALD, TENNESSEE (August 17, 2026) Highland Energy announces its 90-year anniversary of serving customers and communities across Tennessee. This year marks nine decades and four generations of family leadership, trusted partnerships and a steadfast commitment to service. Founded in 1936 by E.M. Adcox, the company has grown from a small fuel distributorship into a diversified energy organization that includes wholesale fuel distribution, company-operated convenience stores, commercial fueling, fuel
Experience the Fire Service with Columbia Fire & Rescue’s Citizens Fire Academy
Columbia, TN (August 17, 2026) - Columbia Fire & Rescue is now accepting applications for the 2026 Citizens Fire Academy, a free, hands-on learning experience for adults ages 18 and older. The six-week program provides participants with a behind-the-scenes look at life in the fire service, offering firsthand insight into the operations, challenges and teamwork that define Columbia Fire & Rescue’s commitment to protecting the community.“The Citizens Fire Academy is an important opportunity to strengthen
City of Columbia Now Accepting Applications for 2026–2027 Mayor's Youth Council
City of Columbia Now Accepting Applications for 2026–2027 Mayor's Youth Council Columbia, TN (August 3, 2026) - The City of Columbia is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Columbia Mayor's Youth Council (CMYC). Open to high school juniors and seniors throughout Maury County, including public, private, and homeschooled students, the program offers participants a unique opportunity to explore local government, build leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact in their community.The Mayor's Youth
Columbia State Pryor Art Gallery to Host Contemporary Collective Exhibit: ‘We Contain Multitudes’
(COLUMBIA, Tenn. – July 29, 2026) — The Columbia State Community College Pryor Art Gallery will soon host a new exhibit titled "We Contain Multitudes," beginning in early August. Contemporary Collective is a Nashville-based group of abstract artists who formed in 2012. Pryor Art Gallery Curator Tori Zemer, who was already familiar with the work of several of the Collective's artists, welcomed the opportunity to host the exhibition after connecting with group member and local artist Kim Sanderson. Though
Tennessee Lady Vols to Face Belmont at 2027 Midstate Classic in Columbia at Ridley Sports Complex
Tennessee Lady Vols to Face Belmont at 2027 Midstate Classic in Columbia at Ridley Sports Complex Columbia, TN (July 23, 2026) - The City of Columbia is excited to announce that the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers will take on the Belmont University Bruins at the 2027 Midstate Classic on Tuesday, April 13, 2027, at Ridley Sports Complex. University of Tennessee Head Coach Karen Weekly said her team is looking forward to returning to Columbia. "We’re excited to once again be coming to Columbia,
Puckett’s Columbia Launches “Live on the Square” Concert Series
Puckett’s Columbia Launches “Live on the Square” Concert Series Beloved Southern restaurant expands commitment to local music with new First Fridays partnership COLUMBIA, Tenn. – Puckett’s Columbia is turning up the volume on its live music roots with the launch of its new “Live on the Square” concert series, bringing family-friendly performances to downtown Columbia as part of the city’s popular First Fridays events. Hosted in the restaurant’s Guitar & Cadillac Hall, the series highlights local and
Youth Education Foundation Presents Columbia State with Expanded Scholarship Funding for Students
Youth Education Foundation Presents Columbia State with Expanded Scholarship Funding for Students(COLUMBIA, Tenn. – May 11, 2026) — Columbia State Community College recently hosted a scholarship signing with the Youth Education Foundation to strengthen ties and support for local students.The $10,000 scholarship will benefit students eligible for the Youth Education Foundation Tennessee Promise Scholarship Fund who are based in Maury County.While Tennessee Promise covers tuition, the YEF scholarship
Money Available Through Small Business Administration For Local Businesses
Title: Money Available Through Small Business Administration For Local BusinessesSub-Heading: Apply by January 11, 2027 Multiple federal agencies have programs to help residents recover when disaster strikes. In Cannon County, the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience is offering economic injury disaster loans to businesses that experienced financial losses due to Winter Storm Fern. The economic injury disaster loans, or EIDL, provide working capital to help
