John Tuohy
Indianapolis
@Indystar reporter covering Hamilton County. Reported in Chi.,Fla., & D.C. Compassionate skeptic. Rye toast enthusiast.
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Articles by John Tuohy
College pals hope to break Guinness World Record at Geist Half Marathon — in a caterpillar suit
College pals hope to break Guinness World Record at Geist Half Marathon — in a caterpillar suit John Tuohy Expectations are high at this year’s Geist Half Marathon, where a new world record could be set on the 13.1 mile course around the tony Hamilton County lake. Local race officials have been aware of the possibility for months and have worked with the possible record setters to handle any attendant hoopla. That the record in question would be for hasn’t dampened enthusiasm an inch.
Fishers nixes plans for another Allisonville roundabout after crash spike at 96th Street circle
Fishers nixes plans for another Allisonville roundabout after crash spike at 96th Street circle John Tuohy Fishers has scrapped plans to build a roundabout at 116th Street and Allisonville Road, opting instead to for a standard intersection with improvements to ease traffic flow. The decision comes less than a year after crashes started surging at a new roundabout at 96th Street and Allisonville Road.
A pedestrian bridge over White River opens this fall in Hamilton County. Here's where
A secluded Hamilton County bridge exclusively for pedestrians is scheduled to open over the White River in the fall. “This bridge will not only serve to connect parks in Carmel and Fishers along the White River, but it will also provide a scenic and safe route for pedestrians and bicyclists to enjoy when traveling between our communities,” Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Director Michael Klitizing said.
Noblesville housing project gets scaled back following councilor complaints
A developer has scaled back a residential project on State Road 32 near Promise Road after Nobleville councilors previously complained that it was too large. The Parks at Crossroads was proposed in May as 354 homes in a mix of single-family, townhouses and villas. The largest bunch of homes were the cheapest — 120 townhouses selling up for up to $375,000, all facing SR 32.
Effort to move 145-year-old covered bridge to Eagle Creek Park seeks donors Original
There’s just one hitch; organizers are still about $1 million short of the $2 million needed for the relocation and upkeep of the Trader’s Point Covered Bridge. “We are still trying to line up some financial support from foundations,” said Jane Elder, who heads Eagle Creek Nature Conservancy and Preservation, Inc. The bridge has been donated to Indy Parks and Recreation and will be installed at Eagle Creek Park over Lilly Lake when it is moved.
An airport, fairground expansion, 911 center; Big projects abound in Hamilton County
Hamilton County's fast growth and development has increased demand for basic infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, as well as public services, such as the court system. The county government has several large projects in the works to address the need. 911 Center Hamilton County is building a new $85 million 911 center in Noblesville, east of Indiana 37 and Indiana 38.
New 'urban village' is the latest development in Nickel Plate District south of 116th Street
A $33 million commercial and residential complex south of 116th Street in downtown Fishers is open as the suburb redevelops a part of the city that was once splayed with one-story bungalows and small shops. District South is an “urban village” on South Street near Lantern Road and the Nickel Plate Trail built by Rebar Development, of Fishers, according to the company. It includes a new headquarters for The Annex Group and four other buildings with offices, commercial suites and loft apartments.
Indiana’s other large cities have mass transit. Why don’t those in Hamilton County?
It’s dark outside and much of Indianapolis is still sleeping, but Carlos Wilson is boarding a shuttle bus that leaves downtown promptly at 5:10 a.m. The bus hustles up Interstate 65 to the Lafayette Square Mall and picks up two more passengers, joining Wilson, 39, on the morning commute. In a few minutes, Wilson gets off near the CSL Plasma Warehouse in Whitestown, where he works.
Fishers is building a pergola outside Fishers City Hall complex
Fishers is looking for a little more elbow room around the art center and the Nickel Plate Amphitheater. The Board of Public Works approved the rental of a large, heated tent on the Nickel Plate Amphitheater lawn for a series of Christmas events in December and the construction of a long veranda on the outside of the Fisher City Hall and Art Center to accommodate visitors outdoors during its Aug. 12 meeting.
Hamilton County may switch to vote centers for midterm elections. What the major change means
Hamilton County election officials want to eliminate precinct assignments in favor of vote centers during elections, saving the county money and increasing flexibility for voters. Sixty-seven of Indiana’s 92 counties, including Marion County, have switched to the centers, which reduce the number of polling places and often require voters to travel farther to cast a ballot — but also allows them to vote at any center.
Hamilton County may switch to vote centers for midterm elections. What the major change means
Hamilton County election officials want to eliminate precinct assignments in favor of vote centers during elections, saving the county money and increasing flexibility for voters. Sixty-seven of Indiana’s 92 counties, including Marion County, have switched to the centers, which reduce the number of polling places and often require voters to travel farther to cast a ballot — but also allows them to vote at any center.
With Kincaid House gone, these are the oldest buildings in Fishers no
A member of the family for which the Kincaid House is named claimed her grandfather would be “spinning in his grave,” if he knew the 164-year-old brick farmhouse in Fishers had been torn down. “It was pretty beat up and in bad shape,” said Kincaid, who had posted a comment about Donald Kincaid’s grave spinning on Facebook. “But my grandfather put $70,000 into fixing it up in the 1990s when people were interested in buying it and preserving it.
The latest SR 37 headache will be around awhile. When the 141st Street overpass will be completed
As the dentist might say near the end of a root canal: Hang tight, we’re almost all done here. Fishers officials said the latest traffic disruptions on State Road 37 and 141st Street will be here for a while but will be the last — though some numbness may remain for frustrated commuters. The current closures include reduced lanes on Interstate 37, with some exit and entrance ramps closed and a detour at 141st Street.
Despite warnings of energy shortages, Hamilton County rejects plans for battery storage plant
John Tuohy Indianapolis Star An energy company is mum on whether it will appeal a zoning board’s rejection of a battery storage complex in rural Hamilton County near the White River, but warned that the county could soon face a dire energy supply shortage. That means even if Aypa Power doesn't appeal the decision, a similar facility could pop up elsewhere in the county.
Despite warnings of energy shortages, Hamilton County rejects plans for battery storage plant
An energy company is mum on whether it will appeal a zoning board’s rejection of a battery storage complex in rural Hamilton County near the White River, but warned that the county could soon face a dire energy supply shortage. That means even if Aypa Power doesn't appeal the decision, a similar facility could pop up elsewhere in the county. Aypa asserted the storage was needed to answer increased energy demand as the county is being developed.
Get a sneak peek at the Pacers' G-League's new home at Noblesville arena
The Noblesville Arena at Innovation Mile that will be home to the Indiana Pacers' G-League basketball team, the Noblesville Boom, will have a decidedly local flair. Pacers Sports and Entertainment and Noblesville officials provided an advance tour of the arena July 30. It will officially open Aug. 8 for Mayor Chris Jensen's State of the City Address, followed by a ribbon-cutting.
A well-known steakhouse is coming to the Fishers District. Here's what else is planned
A steakhouse by the owner of Prime 47 at Carmel's Clay Terrace will open at The Crossings at Fishers District near the Fishers Event Center. The plan was revealed during a groundbreaking by BW Development for the Crossings, part of the larger $750 million, 123-acre Fishers District expansion of homes, offices and retail spots that includes other sections called the Union and Slate at Fishers District.
An upscale Italian restaurant is coming to Noblesville SR 32 development. What else is coming
An upscale Italian restaurant, a cake shop and chicken wing hut are among a host of businesses coming to a new strip mall in west Noblesville. They’ll be joined by Prime IV Hydration & Wellness health spa, Swig, which serves custom sodas, Petfolk veterinary clinic, Noble Wine & Spirits and Farmer’s Bank. One retail space remains.
After 164 years, Fishers farmhouse along I-69 to be demolished
The city announced Tuesday, July 22, that the 19th century farmhouse house along I-69 north of 106th Street would be “deconstructed,” but some of its bricks repurposed. “We’re at a point where there is such an advanced level of deterioration that rehabilitating the structure would be a significant financial and logistical undertaking, and the house likely wouldn’t survive another move,” Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said in a news release.
Watch where you park: Permit parking is coming to parts of Fishers Nickel Plate District
Permit parking with much higher fines for violators is coming to two neighborhoods near downtown Fishers. Gephart said the police have been flooded with complaints from residents for nearly two years that guests at the mosque and brewery park on side streets, take spots from homeowners or their visitors, block driveways or, near King Jugg, create disturbances.
Pacers G-League arena won't break even some years. Why Noblesville leaders aren't concerned
Noblesville officials are counting on their new sports arena, which will open within weeks, to be more than just a pretty space. The 199-page Market and Financial Feasibility Study by Hunden Partners, of Chicago, found that the 3,400-seat arena itself would operate at a deficit after four years of profit, largely because of reduced rent payments by its main tenant, the Noblesville Boom, the Indiana Pacers G-League Basketball Team.
Crashes at Allisonville, 96th Street roundabout drop slightly but are still higher than before
Crashes at a new roundabout in Fishers have declined by more than 20% in the last five months compared to the first three, but still occur more frequently than they used to under the old intersection alignment. From February through June, there have been 70 crashes at the roundabout at 96th Street and Allisonville Road, about 3.3 per week, according to data supplied by Fishers police. City officials declined to discuss the latest data but signaled no changes were imminent.
Midland Trace continues to attract development with two more projects in Noblesville
Two new apartment complexes could be coming to the Midland Trace trail in Noblesville, an increasingly popular destination for developers. Both developments were introduced at a Noblesville City Council meeting on July 15. “With Janus being the owner of the land and being right next door and the need, what better location than this?” said Michael Surak, president of Real America, told councilors.
What's coming to Fishers?: Target, Meijer and specialty butcher among projects planned
Fishers’ commercial development continues apace with its fast population growth in projects big and small planned downtown and beyond. The city’s population recently jumped to more than 104,000, making it the fourth biggest city in Indiana. The city’s development dashboard lists 111 commercial and residential projects under review or in the construction phase. Target Plans are underway to bring a second Target to the city.
Hamilton County courts can't keep up with population growth. Will this change decrease wait times?
Ahead of a major courthouse expansion project, Hamilton County has added two magistrates with two Superior Court judges coming next year to ease judge workloads and speed up the legal process for people in both the criminal and civil systems. Magistrates Karen Morris and Sarah Shields will hear a broad range of civil cases, such as adoptions, divorces, contract disputes, and tort claims, and certain criminal initial hearings and probation violations. Two new judges will be seated in 2027.
This Hamilton County VFW is cranking out Chicago pizzas with an old Italian family recipe
Friday nights at VFW Post 6246 in Noblesville run at a low hum with occasional yelps as bingo numbers are read and winners announce them themselves in the spacious community room. Nearby, the bar rumbles with low conversation, the clinking of glasses and the snap of beer cans opening. Lately though, barely noticed by the tab pullers, are lines of hungry customers in a far corner as they wait for their payoff — real Chicago pizza in Hamilton County.
Tech leader in digital documents moves from Fishers to Denver Original
A Fishers company that makes user-friendly programs for digital documents and saw explosive growth followed by sudden layoffs is changing its name and relocating outside of Indiana. Formstack, founded in 2006 in Indianapolis, is now named Intellistack, and has moved its headquarters to Denver, Colorado as it pursues growth into AI-driven data automation, according to a company spokesperson.
Noblesville roundabout construction to close busy intersection for 3 months
A busy intersection near downtown Noblesville will be closed for several months while a roundabout is built. The intersection is being reconstructed as a multi-lane roundabout, with pedestrian tunnels under both State Road 32 and Pleasant Street to provide unfettered crossings for users of the Midland Trace and Hague Road trails. Work on the project should begin July 7.
Restaurants fill in bustling Federal Hill area in Noblesville
Two restaurants have joined Indie Coffee Roasters at Federal Hill Apartments in Noblesville, the ever-expanding residential, retail and recreational area across the White River from downtown. Café Noricha, which serves specialty drinks, brunch and dinner, was the latest. It follows Bocado Brunch and Te’Kila, which opened in May, and flagship Coffee Roasters, which moved into the building in 2024. Norircha sells bubble drinks, fruit teas, milk teas, soups, salads and steak and chicken entrees.
Restored covered bridge 'a work of art and engineering' opens on Geist Greenway Original
The historic centerpiece of a new greenway is now in place. After a six-year restoration project, the Bell Ford Covered Bridge is open on the Geist Greenway at 104th Street and Florida Road over Fall Creek in Geist Park. The result: a 160-foot bridge using 40% of the original timber and 60% of the steel beams, with a couple of modern touches like translucent side panels and soft lighting inside.
Spark!Fishers fest kicks off with drone show, free concert
The Spark!Fishers festival five-day festival kicks off June 24 with a concert followed by a drone show, and concludes June 28 with a street fair and parade. The free opening concert will feature Sixteen Candles, an 80s band touring since 2003, at the Nickel Plate Amphitheater at 8 p.m., with the drone show to follow. A 5K Walk/Run will be held June 25 and on June 26 the Car & Art Show will be at the Municipal Complex.
Bakery, dog park and homes for people with disabilities planned on Noblesville's Midland Trace Original
A housing project for people with disabilities, dog park, trailhead and a cafe is being planned along the Midland Trace in Noblesville next to Janus Developmental Service. The project would be east of Willowview Road and south of State Road 32 in a swath of land owned by Janus, a Hamilton County non-profit that provides transportation and job training for people with disabilities.
Bioscience firm moving from California to Fishers
A California-based pharmaceutical company will relocate to Fishers, citing lower state taxes among several reasons it chose Indiana. Economic Development Director Megan Baumgarten told the Fishers City Council on June 16 that 1Elevan Bio Pharmaceutical would bring 120 jobs to the city in the next 10 years and was seeking 10-year tax abatements on property taxes to refurbish a vacant industrial building at 12001 Exit Five Parkway. The council approved the tax break in a 9-0 vote.
Bioscience firm moving from California to Fishers
A California-based pharmaceutical company will relocate to Fishers, citing lower state taxes among several reasons it chose Indiana. Economic Development Director Megan Baumgarten told the Fishers City Council on June 16 that 1Elevan Bio Pharmaceutical would bring 120 jobs to the city in the next 10 years and was seeking 10-year tax abatements on property taxes to refurbish a vacant industrial building at 12001 Exit Five Parkway. The council approved the tax break in a 9-0 vote.
Apartment complex, Topgolf-style clubhouse, planned at Gray Eagle Golf Course
A long-dormant plan for an apartment complex and clubhouse with two-level driving range at Gray Eagle Golf Club appears ready to tee off. The Fishers City Council was scheduled to consider an economic development agreement with builder J.C. Hart that would provide up to $7.75 million from the city for construction costs at 126th Street and Brooks School Road, a plan first announced in 2021. A hearing is set for June 16 at Fishers City Hall and Art Center.
The $65M Fishers community center to open in fall. How much it will cost to be a member
The new Fishers Community Center won’t open until fall but officials said memberships are selling already — and at a faster clip than expected. “About 2,000 people have memberships, which we had hoped for by the end of the year,” said spokeswoman Ashley Elrod. The Fishers City Council will vote June 16 on a $65 million bond issue to pay for the construction of the center, which the city will own and operate.
With urban squeeze on all sides, this artisan well in Carmel has flowed non-stop for 120 years
Cradling plastic bottles, cups, containers and jugs, the visitors drifted to the Flowing Well every few minutes, eagerly filling their vessels until they overflowed while giving their faces a splash for good measure or taking a quick gulp for personal quality control.
Free Pacers watch parties at Fishers Nickel Plate Amp Original
No need for Hamilton County residents to travel to Gainbridge Fieldhouse for a giant Indiana Pacers watch party. Fishers will host parties for the remaining NBA Championship games at the Nickel Plate Amphitheater. And this outdoor bash is free. Additionally, you can bring food, although food trucks and beverage vendors will be on site. City spokesperson Ashley Elrod said spectators are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets. A giant screen TV will be set up near the stage.
Exclusive new condos could come to Fishers. But these cribs are for your precious car.
A developer is proposing a unique condominium in Fishers that offers a place for motor enthusiasts to store their collections in style and show them off over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. The suites will hold up to a half dozen cars, have bathrooms, bars and entertainment areas. Stairs leading to a second-floor mezzanine will offer a bird's-eye view of the vehicles.
Upscale meat market with catchy name hopes to snag new residents near Geist
A four-in-one specialty shop serving prime meats, homemade ice cream and sourdough bread is being planned on Olio Road in the rapidly developing southeast corner of Fishers. The Butcher, The Baker, The Ice Cream Maker would face 104th Street and be behind an FC Tucker office that fronts Olio Road at the corner. It would have a parking lot, a drive-through window and, possibly, a playground or terrazzo in the rear for musicians.
These are the deadliest roads in Fishers
Speeding, aggressive driving and red-light running were major safety concerns for Fishers commuters, who also say a shortage of street lights and safe intersection crossings make driving dangerous. The findings were in a survey conducted by the city as it prepares to apply for a federal Safe Streets For All grant. The government requires public input and a crash analysis of the most dangerous streets in the city to qualify for the money.
Hamilton County parks stock-piles land as availability rapidly shrinks. Here's where
Construction has begun on a 107-acre natural park with walking trails in northern Hamilton County as park officials continue developing a large inventory of acquired land. Seven Streams Park, at the southwestern corner of 216th Street and Hinkle Road, will have five miles of trails, a suspension bridge and a wooden boardwalk around several restored wetlands.
Commuters rejoice! Driving across Allisonville Road and 146th Street is about to get easier
For the first time since construction began three years ago, the roundabout and overpass at 146th Street and Allisonville Road will be open in all directions beginning June 2, with no restrictions on turns. But that doesn’t mean drivers can expect open highway and blue skies just yet — drivers will only be able to use one lane in each direction to cross 146th Street without using the roundabout, there will be a 35-mph speed limit on both streets and work crews will be in and out of the roadway.
Commuters rejoice! Driving across Allisonville Road and 146th Street is about to get easier
For the first time since construction began three years ago, the roundabout and overpass at 146th Street and Allisonville Road will be open in all directions beginning June 2, with no restrictions on turns. But that doesn’t mean drivers can expect open highway and blue skies just yet — drivers will only be able to use one lane in each direction to cross 146th Street without using the roundabout, there will be a 35-mph speed limit on both streets and work crews will be in and out of the roadway.
Proposal for 354 homes along SR 32 has Noblesville City Council worried about high density Original
A Noblesville residential development of 354 homes proposed on the northeast side along State Road 32, with homes selling for as much as $800,000, sparked some questions about the project’s density.
Affordable housing coming to Hamilton County shows 'momentum,' advocates say Original
But even that limited forward progress counts as giant steps in a field where funding, commitment, cooperation and available land are scarce. In addition, two developments by HAND were completed last year: Cumberland Cottages in Fishers and in Noblesville’s Plum Prairie district. “Our goal now is to identify two projects every year that we can pursue,” Davis said.
Ranked 4th best city last year, Fishers can't crack top 100 this year. What happened? Original
At first glance it appears to be a remarkable decline, a possible indicator of severe suburban decay or a hidden menace that makes residency suddenly intolerable. Fishers, which was ranked fourth on the Best Places to Live in the U.S. list last year by Livability.com, didn’t crack the top 100 in its 2025 annual survey. To add insult to intrigue, its neighbor and friendly rival, Carmel, was ranked second in this year’s survey following a first-place ranking last year.
Ranked 4th best city last year, Fishers can't crack top 100 this year. What happened?
At first glance it appears to be a remarkable decline, a possible indicator of severe suburban decay or a hidden menace that makes residency suddenly intolerable. Carmel promptly touted its achievement in a news release, as cities do when they rank high in one of the many “best of” lists now abundant in email queues across America. “Carmel is the only city in Indiana to receive a top-tier ranking. The City of Bloomington was included in the Top 100,” Carmel noted.
Another Chick-fil-A is opening in Noblesville. What else is coming to busy SR 37 intersection
Chick-fil-A has begun construction of a restaurant at the corner of 146th Street and State Road 37, its third Noblesville location, while a popular coffee chain from Oregon also prepares to open its first Indiana spot at the busy intersection. The restaurant is just four miles from a Chick-fil-A at the Hamilton Town Center near Interstate 69 and three miles from another location at 16685 Mercantile Blvd. along State Road 37 to the north.
Another Chick-fil-A is opening in Noblesville. What else is coming to busy SR 37 intersection
Chick-fil-A has begun construction of a restaurant at the corner of 146th Street and State Road 37, its third Noblesville location, while a popular coffee chain from Oregon also prepares to open its first Indiana spot at the busy intersection. The drive-through Chick-fil-A will be next to the Tom Wood Volkswagen and Costco on the northeast corner of the intersection. Construction is scheduled to be completed in October, according to the city of Noblesville Development Dashboard.
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