I was out of pocket for a time this past week, so here is an update on what has been happening in Fishers lately:
–When $63,000 was raised in less than a month to fund an additional pair of Pickleball courts at Cyntheanne Park, one person’s large contributions made that happen. The benefactor was revealed this week as Steve Cage, who wrote a check for $63,000 to make the two additional courts a reality. Steve Cage is the founder and former owner of Stratosphere Quality, based in Fishers, Indiana, and also is behind Cage Campus, a real estate venture. The park now will have a total of 8 Pickleball courts once construction is complete, and will reduce the wait times on good weather days to play Pickleball. The park could also host regional tournaments in the future.
–Janet Pritchett has filed as a candidate for Hamilton Southeastern School Board in District 2. Frank Whelan has already filed in that district as a candidate. Michelle Fullhart fixed her filing glitch and is now a certified candidate for re-election in District 3. Brad Banks has filed in District 4. No filings yet in District 1.
–Both the Indianapolis Star and Indianapolis Business Journal have published stories that U.S Rail Holdings has filed a petition before the federal Transportation Safety Board to use the Nickel Plate rail line for transporting grain by rail. The board has not acted on the petition, and the city says this is the equivalent of a football “Hail Mary” pass. Fishers is moving forward with plans to convert the rail line to a trail. I will keep on eye on this.
–Former Fishers Police Chief Mitch Thompson has been formally charged with OWI (operating while intoxicated) and endangering a person, according to several Indy-area media outlets. The former chief is allowed to ask for a hearing before the local Merit Board if he wishes to continue as an officer with Fishers at a lower rank. In the meantime, he is on paid administrative leave. Thompson stepped down as chief in a letter to Mayor Fadness the day after the traffic accident that resulted in his arrest.