🌱 How high could Columbia water bills go under this new plan?
Morning Columbia! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How high could Columbia water bills go under this new plan?
- How Columbia firefighters kept an Owen Avenue blaze from spreading
- Which Columbia shops make the cut for a perfect holiday day trip?
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Columbia? Post it to Columbia photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: An a.m. shower; mostly cloudy, with a high of 54 and low of 45 degrees.
- Thursday: Windy with rain and a t-storm, temps: high: 58, low: 26.
- Friday: Mostly sunny and chilly, with a high of 44 and low of 27 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Proposed Columbia water rate increase for new infrastructure clears first vote (newsfromthestates.com) — Columbia residents could see water bills climb by as much as 20% a year for the next five years after the City Council narrowly advanced a major rate-hike plan tied to a new Duck River intake and treatment plant. The proposal, which also raises impact fees, has drawn pushback from regional leaders and farmers worried about costs, with public hearings set for Jan. 8, 2026. 
2. Columbia Fire & Rescue Quells Blaze Near Owen Avenue, Ensures Neighborhood Safety (hoodline.com) — Columbia Fire & Rescue quickly contained a structure fire near Owen Avenue and Hatcher Lane, briefly disrupting neighborhood traffic while crews worked the scene. By 6:34 p.m., firefighters reported operations complete and began clearing, while remaining on-site for overhaul to ensure the area was fully safe for residents and drivers.
3. 5 small towns in Middle Tennessee made for a holiday shopping day trip (theleafchronicle.com) — Holiday shoppers in Columbia can make a full day of exploring the vibrant downtown square, from Muletown Coffee Roasters to home-goods favorite Smith & York Co. and Duck River Books. The guide also spotlights similar small-town shopping trips in Springfield, Dickson, Goodlettsville, and Granville for those willing to drive a bit farther.
4. OBITUARY: Jennifer Pilgreen (maurycountysource.com) — Columbia readers are invited to remember former resident Jennifer Pilgreen at a celebration of life on January 17, 2026, at Heritage Funeral Home on Bear Creek Pike. Jennifer, who once called Columbia home before moving to Tracy City, is remembered as a warm, hardworking friend to many, survived by her husband, children, and extended family.
📸 Around Columbia
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓
Upcoming Events in
Columbia
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
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Early Dismissal
Spring Hill High School , 1 Raider Ln , Columbia
7:45 am -
A MULEHOUSE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
Maury Alliance Chamber of Commerce , 106 W 6th St , Columbia
10:00 am
Friday December 19
Saturday December 20
📣 Columbia Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
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Networking Mashup with Connect Spring Hill
Viking Pizza , 3525 Kedron Road , Spring Hill
9:00 am -
Connect Spring Hill
Viking Pizza Company - Spring Hill , 3525 Kedron Rd , Spring Hill
9:00 am -
Legos at the Library
Bethesda Branch Library , 4905 Bethesda Road , Thompson's Station
4:00 pm -
Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting
Spring Hill, TN Calendar , 199 Town Center Parkway , Spring Hill
6:00 pm -
BrainBlast Christmas Vacation Trivia
Amigo's Mexican Grill , 1025 Crossings Blvd. , Spring Hill
7:00 pm -
Early Dismissal
Spring Hill High School , 1 Raider Ln , Columbia
7:45 am -
Winter Solstice Celebration
Maury County Park , 1018 Dr , Columbia
10:00 am -
The Jesus Story: Live Nativity & Worship
The Awaken House , 3035 Reserve Blvd , Spring Hill
6:00 pm -
Keep Spring Hill Clean!
Spring Hill Public Library , 144 Kedron Parkway , Spring Hill
8:00 am -
Bob Ross for Kids - Through the Window - LV - Dec 20
Longview Recreation Center , 2909 Commonwealth Dr , Spring Hill
9:30 am
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
Saturday December 20
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Saw this dog roaming on Patterson Drive close to Bear Creek Pike.
I realize it’s not a good pic but I saw this dog run across the road this afternoon. He had a collar on and he may belong to the home he was in front… (Nextdoor Baker Road) - At&t has been down in my neighborhood for 2 days.
Who uses them? Update in my neighborhood thieves stole the copper wire. If you have ATT here you may never get it back unless you move to their… (Nextdoor Redwood Circle)
- Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate in Columbia. Apply here.
- American Health Partners posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Columbia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbia here.
Ok Columbia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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