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Hundreds Flock to Columbia for “Kamp Karlyn”Led by NCAA Softball Star

Issue #497

July 16, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly cloudy w/ high of 93, low of 74.

🥎 Hundreds Flock to Columbia for “Kamp Karlyn”Led by NCAA Softball Star

📰 Ultium Cells Expands Spring Hill Operations with New Lithium Iron Battery Line

🚒 Applications Open For 2025 Citizens Fire Academy

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

👉 Your Guide to Summer Camps & Kids Activities in July! 

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

Hundreds Flock to Columbia for “Kamp Karlyn”Led by NCAA Softball Star

Credit: City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Dept.

More than 400 young athletes from across the country gathered at Ridley Park in Columbia, TN for “Kamp Karlyn,” a two-day softball clinic led by standout University of Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens. The camp reflected not only the rising popularity of women’s sports but also the expanding reach of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities for female student-athletes.

Campers traveled from at least 20 different states, including Connecticut, Florida, and Pickens’ home state of North Carolina. The event featured instruction from Pickens and several of her teammates, including Columbia native Saviya Morgan and former Forrest High School star Laura Mealer.

The clinic is part of an ongoing effort by the Boost Her Club, an organization dedicated to creating NIL opportunities for Lady Vol athletes. Since its founding in 2021, the club has grown from supporting just four players to backing more than 70 across all Tennessee women’s athletic programs. It was founded by Terri Holder, who had long supported Lady Vol athletics and previously operated a merchandise business dedicated to the program.

Boost Her Club camps like this one serve a dual purpose: empowering college athletes through NIL while offering high-level instruction and mentorship to the next generation of softball players. Merchandise featuring Pickens and her teammates was nearly sold out by the end of the weekend, showcasing both the enthusiasm of attendees and the impact of NIL branding.

Pickens, fresh off a record-setting season in which she threw the fastest recorded pitch in NCAA softball history at 79.4 mph, served as the event’s headline instructor. She also earned SEC Pitcher of the Year honors for the second year in a row and helped lead the Lady Vols to another postseason run. Her achievements, along with the camp's turnout, highlight her growing influence both on and off the field.

Camp activities included small group sessions like a Friday evening pitching “chalk talk” and broader skill clinics on Saturday attended by hundreds. Though NIL benefits played a role in the event, the athletes involved emphasized the importance of mentorship and skill development.

Morgan, who had an impressive freshman season with the Lady Vols, saw the experience as an opportunity to give back and inspire future collegiate athletes. She, along with her teammates, hoped the event would ignite a love of the game and help young players develop confidence, connection, and purpose in their own softball journeys.

Despite the Lady Vols falling short of a national championship this season, players like Pickens see this year’s experience as laying the groundwork for future success. The team’s ongoing commitment to growth, mental toughness, and leadership continues to shape a program that’s helping define the future of women’s sports.

Ultium Cells Expands Spring Hill Operations with New Lithium Iron Battery Line

Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, will upgrade its Spring Hill, Tennessee battery cell manufacturing facility to scale production of low-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, building on a $2.3 billion investment announced in 2021. Conversion of battery cell lines at Spring Hill to produce LFP cells will begin later this year, with commercial production expected by late 2027.

“At GM, we’re innovating battery technology to deliver the best mix of range, performance, and affordability to our EV customers,” said Kurt Kelty, VP of batteries, propulsion, and sustainability at GM. “This upgrade at Spring Hill will enable us to scale production of lower-cost LFP cell technologies in the U.S., complementing our high-nickel and future lithium manganese rich solutions and further diversifying our growing EV portfolio."

GM’s flexible EV platform has been architected to enable the quick integration of multiple cell chemistries and form factors. The Ultium Cells plant in Warren, Ohio will continue producing cells with nickel cobalt manganese aluminum chemistry, which has been key to GM delivering a range of crossovers with more than 300 miles of range on a charge. With LFP battery technology, GM is targeting significant battery pack cost savings compared to today’s high-nickel battery pack while increasing consumer EV choice.

“The upgrade reflects the continued strength of our partnership with General Motors and our shared commitment to advancing EV battery innovation,” said Wonjoon Suh, executive VP and head of the Advanced Automotive Battery division at LG Energy Solution. “We will bring our extensive experience and expertise in U.S. manufacturing to the joint venture facility, further accelerating our efforts to deliver new chemistries and form factors that effectively capture the unmet needs in the EV market.”

The Spring Hill facility currently employs about 1,300 people. With the ability to manufacture battery cells in multiple cell chemistries, Spring Hill will help drive U.S. battery innovation, manufacturing, and consumer choice in the EV market.

“Ultium Cells’ additional investment and commitment to innovating and enhancing its Spring Hill operations is a testament to the state’s longstanding, cohesive partnerships, which started with General Motors, and grew to include LG Energy Solution in 2021, and we stand ready to continue supporting these companies and their joint venture for years to come,” said TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter.

“We are grateful for the continued partnership and support we've received from the State of Tennessee as we continue to advance our lead in EV battery cell manufacturing,” said Kee Eun, President and CEO of Ultium Cells. “This investment expands our capabilities beyond a single battery cell chemistry, allowing us to produce new chemistries alongside our existing cells. Expanding our product portfolio ensures Ultium Cells will remain at the forefront of battery cell innovation and sustain our commitment to be a stable, long-term employer for the communities we serve.”

Applications Open For 2025 Citizens Fire Academy

Columbia Fire & Rescue is now accepting applications for its 2025 Citizens Fire Academy—a free, hands-on learning experience for adults age 18 and older.

This six-week program provides a behind-the-scenes look at life in the fire service and offers a unique opportunity to build relationships, educate citizens, and showcase the outstanding work performed by CFR personnel each day.

Participants will take part in interactive activities including:

Live equipment demonstrations
CPR training
Station tours
Presentations from CFR’s Emergency Management, Fire Marshal, and Training divisions
A hands-on mock fire scene drill with hose deployment, ladders, and search-and-rescue tactics

Led entirely by CFR personnel, the Citizens Fire Academy is all about strengthening the department’s connection with the community through education and engagement.

The program begins Monday, August 11, 2025, and runs through Monday, October 13, 2025.

Upcoming Local Events

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

Wednesday, July 16th

Thursday, July 17th

Friday, July 18th

Saturday, July 19th

Sunday, July 20th

MORE EVENTS COMING SOON!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Wednesday, July 16th

Rob Harris, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Thursday, July 17th

Rhonda Funk, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Second Chance Bluegrass Band, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Friday, July 18th 

Live Music, The Spot, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Rubiks Groove, The Mulehouse, 7:00 PM
Jason Acy, Grinder’s Switch, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Tom & Robert, McCreary’s Irish Pub, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Kristy Cox, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Benji & The Jets, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
The Outliers, The Boondox, 8:00 PM

Saturday, July 19th

Miles Damaso Group, Puckett’s, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Grasskickers, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Pickin’ in the Park, Harvey Park, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Song Writers Round, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
MFT, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
8-Track, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Dust & Daisies, Puckett’s, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Sunday, July 20th

Jim Fox Trio, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Aaron Sizemore Band, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:00 PM 
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Reba’s Hairdo, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill 4:00 - 7:00 PM

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