Columbia Pursues Grant to Install Tornado Warning System Downtown

Issue #213

17 Sep

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌤 Columbia Weather - Mostly sunny with a high of 80

📢 Columbia Pursues Grant to Install Tornado Warning System Downtown

📰 Ridley Park Could Get 12 New Pickleball Courts with $1M Grant

🏐 Hustle Factory Volleyball Club Hosts September Tryouts in Spring Hill and Columbia

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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Upcoming Local Events

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Tuesday, September 17th

Wednesday, September 18th

Thursday, September 19th

Friday, September 20th

Saturday, September 21st

Sunday, September 22nd

Columbia Pursues Grant to Install Tornado Warning System Downtown

In response to the recent tornado that hit Columbia in May, the Columbia City Council has applied for a grant to fund the installation of an emergency alarm system for the downtown area. The grant is part of the State of Tennessee Small Cities Development Block Grant program and was pursued following the May 8 tornado, which caused extensive damage in rural areas along Bear Creek Pike and resulted in one fatality.

The proposed emergency system would provide early warnings to residents in case of future catastrophic events. Columbia currently lacks a citywide warning system, with only a limited siren located at Columbia State Community College. The new system would use a multi-faceted approach, including tone/voice sirens, wireless alerts, and televised warnings, offering broader and more effective coverage.

The city is seeking $420,000 through the grant, with a total project budget of $525,000. If the grant is approved, the funding would cover the entire cost without requiring any financial contribution from the city or taxpayers. Columbia Fire & Rescue, along with Councilman Danny Coleman, played key roles in submitting the grant application.

The need for the system became evident during the May tornado when many residents, including those in schools, were unaware of the approaching danger due to the absence of widespread emergency alerts.

Ridley Park Could Get 12 New Pickleball Courts with $1M Grant

Columbia's City Council has voted to pursue a grant that could fund the installation of 12 pickleball courts and six tennis courts at Ridley Park. The 2024 Blue Cross Healthy Places Grant, if approved, would provide up to $1 million for the project.

Columbia Parks and Recreation Director Mack Reagan noted that pickleball's increasing popularity makes it a valuable addition to Ridley Park, complementing other sports activities hosted there. The courts are expected to bring significant economic benefits to the area, contributing to the park's already substantial financial impact from various sports tournaments. Ridley Park's current events, including premier girls' softball, generate millions in revenue, and the new courts are projected to enhance that impact.

The proposed courts will be multi-purpose, with the potential to host pop-up basketball tournaments as well. The flexibility of the design means that the courts will serve the community in various ways and are anticipated to be in high demand from day one.

Vice Mayor Randy McBroom highlighted pickleball’s growing popularity in Columbia, sharing his personal experience of seeing large turnouts for local tournaments, reinforcing the potential success of the new courts.

🏐 Hustle Factory Volleyball Club Hosts September Tryouts in Spring Hill and Columbia

Are you looking for a place where young athletes can grow not only in their volleyball skills but also as individuals? Discover Hustle Factory Volleyball Club (HFVC).

Located at Hustle Factory Sports Complex in Spring Hill and their new branch in Columbia, HFVC offers an inclusive environment for girls ages 7-18 to thrive both on and off the court.

“Hustle Factory helped our daughter grow in her confidence as an athlete. She was taught skill and was challenged in ways that made her want to improve.”
-Katie Day (parent) 

Founded in 2022 by Tim Cooper, HFVC aims to inspire and challenge players, fostering growth in all aspects of life. Tim’s extensive background, including playing and coaching volleyball for nearly a decade, informs the club’s holistic approach. His experiences range from coaching beginners to college athletes and even leading teams in international competitions in Thailand and West Africa.

“Our club is distinctive from other volleyball and youth sports clubs in that we are focused on the individual’s holistic development. While developing their athletic skills is a priority for our club it does not override the importance of character development and helping them to mature into kind, responsible and confident adults. We believe that a coach is able to connect with young athletes in a way parents, teachers and peers cannot. Our coaches are trained and encouraged to look for teachable moments and to develop healthy coach/player relationships throughout the season.” 

Keeping volleyball affordable and accessible is one of our priorities and we are proud to say we have not raised our club costs in 3 seasons. Over 50% of our families chose to participate in fundraisers last season which helped cover a significant portion of their athletes club dues. 

Important Dates: 

September 22: Pre-season Warmups. Come join us for our pre-season play date to meet our coaches, check out the facility and get in some touches before tryouts! Register Here. 

September 22: An online informational meeting about the upcoming club season for parents starts at 6:30 PM. Link to the meeting will be posted on all our socials and sent to those on our email list.

Spring Hill - HF Sports Complex HS & MS Tryout Dates: Sept. 28, Oct. 5 & 6 - click here for details

COLUMBIA Tryout Dates: Sept. 28, Oct. 5 - click here for details

*Make up tryout dates TBD later in October

Locations:

Hustle Factory Sports Complex - 5191 Joe Peay Rd, Spring Hill, TN 
HFVC Columbia - 501 Armstrong St., Columbia, TN

“My friends at Hustle Factory are some of my greatest memories. I love when we get to play 6 on 6 during practice. The last practice of the month is a lot of fun when we get to dress up.”
-Hanna (athlete) 

For more information, visit Hustle Factory Volleyball Club. Join HFVC and be part of a community that’s about more than just sports—it’s about shaping future leaders.

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, September 17th

Jay Hoppus, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

Wednesday, September 18th

Austin Byrd, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

Thursday, September 19th

Oliver Pigott, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Codetta South, Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito's Spring Hill, 6-9 PM
Murphy Ridge, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM

Friday, September 20th

Kristin Larkin, Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Alyssa Hart, Grinder's Switch, 7-9 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Rory Feek, Homestead Hall, 7:00 PM
The Heels, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Bald Kernal, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, September 21st

The Unforgettables, Puckett's, 10 AM - 2  PM
Grasskickers, Amber Falls Winery, 3-7 PM
TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Jennifer Leigh & Cody Hunt, Buck & Board, 5-8 PM
Bobcat, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Matt Nicholls Trio, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Polly's Pocket, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, September 22nd

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Carson Phillips, Amber Falls Winery, 1-5 PM
Kenny Durham, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

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