LINK Kenton Reader - Volume 3, Issue 20 - April 11, 2025
Zoning commission adds conditions to Alexandria Kroger
By Haley Parnell
Plans for a new Kroger store in Alexandria are moving forward.
Alexandria’s Planning and Zoning Commission heard the development plans and zoning change requests at its April 1 meeting. The site plans were approved 6-1, and the commission voted unanimously to approve two zoning changes. Commissioner Randy Nehus voted against the plan.
The new store, a 122,912-square-foot Marketplace with a fuel center and a wine and spirits shop, is slated for more than 31 acres on the east side of U.S. 27. The project is estimated to cost $35 million. Access to the new store would be from a proposed signal point that will align Commercial Circle with Sunset Drive to the west.
Though the planning commission approved the site plans, it did list conditions regarding traffic and the signage plans. Commissioners were concerned about the line of sight for drivers turning right out of the fuel center and with the proposed
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COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
NKY coming together to take care of its young people
By Meghan Goth
ental health is such a hard thing to talk about.
It’s even harder to talk about when it’s our kids: When they’re not OK, we, the adults, are supposed to have the answers.
The fact is, though, that many times we don’t. We don’t know what to say, let alone what to do, when multiple deaths by suicide are reported in close succession at one school district. We don’t know how to respond when there is a 35% increase in diagnosed mental health conditions among teens in the last seven years.
One of the ways we tackle these kinds of complex issues at LINK is to try to bring the community together to talk about it.
Who are the people in our community who have found creative solutions to our youth mental health crisis? What has worked? What hasn’t? What are the barriers that still exist, and what are the ways around those barriers that Northern Kentuckians have found?
We call these gatherings our Community Conversations. We meet every other month at the Erlanger branch of the Kenton County Public Library to hear from people who are finding innovative solutions to the
MAY 8 TH | 5:30
Rendering of a 122,912-square-foot Kroger Marketplace planned in Alexandria. Provided | Campbell County Planning, Zoning and Building
Northern Kentucky teens are in need of care, but they’re having trouble finding it. Provided | Matthew Ball via Unsplash
2025 COMMUNITY CONVERSATION SERIES:
APRIL 17
JUNE 12
AUGUST 14
OCTOBER 9
DECEMBER 4
All events will be held at the Erlanger Branch of the Kenton County Public Library from 6-7:30 p.m. Events will also be live-streamed on LINK nky’s Facebook page.
Scan the QR code to register
PRESIDENT & CEO Lacy Starling
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Meghan Goth
SPORTS EDITOR Evan Dennison
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monument sign. The commission also discussed possible complications from having just one exit from the store.
“If there’s a wreck right at the exit of the parking lot, there’s a fire truck there, nobody’s getting out,” Nehus said. “There’s just one entrance and one exit, and for that size of a store I would think there should be at least two and not one.”
Commissioners also voiced concerns about the requested sign being two feet higher than current zoning permits and about the number of signs allowed on the fuel canopy.
The conditions requested by the planning commission include:
• That the scope of the traffic study be expanded to address line of sight, internal circulation to the site and possible connectivity to adjacent properties. The study is coming back to the planning commission for further review following the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recommendations.
• That signage plans be amended and resubmitted to the planning commission to address the fuel canopy signs.
• Allowing the development center sign to include fuel pricing not to exceed 50% of the sign areas on both sides with an allowance to be no more than 82 square feet in total and no more than 12 feet in height.
The store is to feature produce, bakery, deli, floral, meat and Murray’s Cheese departments; a Starbucks; and home goods. Plans also include a double-lane pharmacy drive-through and an 8,000-square-foot wine and spirits store.
Voices for, against
Many residents showed up at the meeting and spoke both for and against it.
Campbell County resident Jeff Trauth said he feels Alexandria is being overdeveloped and that there are already close grocery stories and gas stations.
“We’re talking about destroying 20 acres,
and my common-sense question is, really, for what?” Trauth said. “We know that, if you drive in the vicinity of Alexandria, there are at least five different gas stations. Anybody want to take a guess as to how many miles it is from the spot here to Meijer? It’s 3.1 miles.”
The Kroger fuel center is proposed for 3.29 acres at 7940 Alexandria Pike next to Empress Chili. Commercial Circle would be extended to the east as a private drive to give access to the new Kroger. Access to the fuel center would be right-in/right-out-only to and from northbound U.S. 27.
David Barone spoke at the meeting in favor of the new Kroger. Barone said Alexandria is no longer a small town.
“If you do not want development, you buy the property, and you sit on it as long as you want,” he said. “Then you can control development in Alexandria or the county, but, until you do that, it’s going to be developed.”
The proposal calls for 570 parking spaces, including 20 ADA spaces and 15 spaces for customers who prefer to shop online and pick up their orders at the store. Three loading docks will be at the back of the building.
The new location is expected to employ 350 people.
Required zone changes
According to the staff report, the first parcel is approximately 39.5 acres and has been available for development for several decades. It is currently under contract for this development. Approximately 20.8 acres of the site is zoned as highway commercial. The planning and zoning commission approved rezoning the balance of the parcel, approximately 18.7 acres, from residential to commercial highway.
The fuel center site also required rezoning. Its 3.24-acre parcel at 7940 Alexandria Pike is currently used as a single-family residence (which will be removed). The commission approved rezoning the site from residential to highway commercial.
Two lots on the site are marked for future development.
The zone changes still require approval by Alexandria City Council. Because of the request to review the traffic study, the plans must also return to the planning commission for approval once that has been completed by the Transportation Cabinet.
The site for the proposed Kroger store is on the east side of U.S. 27. Provided | Campbell County Planning, Zoning and Building Inspection Department
Campbell County resident Jeff Trauth spoke at the April 1 meeting against the development. Photo by Haley Parnell | LINK nky
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region’s challenges. Panelists have a conversation with moderator and local media personality Evan Millward, and audience members are invited to participate in real time by asking questions online.
Past Community Conversation events have been about the controversial Amendment 2, which would have allowed lawmakers to pave the way for school vouchers in Kentucky; and how to get more involved in Northern Kentucky.
At April’s event, in addition to speakers, more than a half-dozen organizations from around Northern Kentucky who help young people with their mental health challenges will be on hand to answer questions and provide resources to parents, educators and anyone who is interested.
The event is free, but we ask that you RSVP (use the QR code) so we can make sure we have enough seats. If you can’t make it in person but still want to participate in the conversation, watch live on our Facebook page.
To read more about what people across Northern Kentucky are doing to tackle this very nuanced issue, go to linknky.com/ nky-mental-health-challenges.
If You Go
• What: Community Conversation about youth mental health.
• Where: 410 Kenton Lands Road, Erlanger.
• When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 17
• Cost: Free
• To register: Scan the QR code.
Brittanie Apke is a social worker at St. Elizabeth Physicians. She is a licensed clinical social worker and has been in the field of social work for 15 years.
For the last five years, Apke has worked with St. Elizabeth Physicians, specifically with Florence Pediatrics as a therapist for children and adolescents.
Apke has lived in the Northern Kentucky area her entire life and called Florence home for the last 15 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Morehead State University and a master’s in social work from the University of Louisville.
Meet the panelists
Crystal Leugers is a licensed clinical social worker and the chief programming officer at CHNK Behavioral Health. She began working as a therapist at CHNK in January 2013 after earning her bachelor’s in social work at Xavier University and her master’s in social work from the University of Cincinnati.
Leugers started her professional career at Women’s Crisis Center, providing crisis counseling and safety planning to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. While there, she also began working at Family Nurturing Center, where she remained for seven years as a domestic violence group facilitator.
Millie Mcglone is a student at Newport Central Catholic and youth ambassador for Hopeful Empowered Youth, known as HEY!
HEY! is a coalition of community groups, health care providers, educators, policymakers, families and young people who work collaboratively to create a community that supports the wellbeing of all young people, especially those facing the greatest barriers and disparities.
Mcglone is passionate about mental health and helping other people. She enjoys science classes and playing softball.
Ross Meyer is vice president of strategy at Interact for Health.
Meyer previously served as interim president and CEO of United Way of Greater Cincinnati, leading the agency through a critical period of significant change. Ross also served as senior vice president and chief impact officer of United Way. He previously served as executive director of Partners for a Competitive Workforce.
Meyer earned a bachelor of philosophy in interdisciplinary studies from Miami University and a master of public administration from New York University.
A native Cincinnatian, Ross lives in the Clifton neighborhood with his wife and their three sons.
Brittany Apke Crystal Leugers
Millie Mcglone Ross Meyer
Owen family petitions Elsmere for virtual council meetings
By Mildred Nguyen
The family members of Elsmere Councilmember Serena Owen petitioned Elsmere City Council to grant her request for virtual meeting attendance at the council’s April 1 caucus meeting.
The council unanimously voted in March to remove her from her duties after voting in January to reject Owen’s request for virtual meetings. Owen has requested to attend council meetings remotely since September 2024 over what she has described as concerns about people in chambers carrying unloaded weapons.
Serena Owen’s husband, Larry Owen, emphasized her public service and dedication to the local community, as well as her fear for her personal safety in the Elsmere council chamber.
Owen’s mother, Renee Wilson, a member of Erlanger City Council, said councilmembers Lisa Mitchell and Aaron Moore were allowed to attend meetings via
Zoom in 2021 and 2022.
“Your council is refusing to accommodate Councilwoman Owen so she can safely attend meetings for medical reasons,” Wilson said. “You gave other council members accommodation. How is she willfully neglecting her duties if she’s been trying to serve since September 2024?”
Councilmember Gloria Grubbs reminded the petitioners that the council has voted to permanently close the question of virtual attendance because it would be difficult to implement and technical issues could complicate council business. The past council members had attended one or two meetings remotely while being out of town, she said.
Next steps include a public hearing, the date of which has not yet been determined.
Learn more
Scan the QR code to learn more about what has happened since Owens has stopped going to Elsmere council meetings.
Elsmere Councilmember Serena Owen. Provided | City of Elsmere
Serena Owen’s mother, Renee Wilson, spoke at Elsmere city council’s April 1 caucus meeting. Wilson serves on Erlanger’s city council. Photo by Mildred Nguyen.
Covington may open more streets to golf carts
By Nathan Granger
Covington is considering allowing golf carts on all city streets or, at least, expanding the current number of city roads on which residents could drive carts and other slow-moving vehicles.
Commissioner Tim Acri proposed the ordinance change at the city commission’s April 1 meeting. Although the commission eventually allowed the ordinance amendment to go onto the next week’s agenda for a first reading, there were concerns among the other commissioners about whether the change was a good idea. It’s possible the ordinance will be amended before votes are cast.
“Right now [the ordinance] allows golf carts to be operated – I’m sorry, low-speed vehicles – to be operated between the Ohio River, 12th Street, the Licking River and Phil-
adelphia [Street],” Acri said, “and I would like to amend that to include all non-state routes.”
The current ordinance doesn’t mention golf carts specifically, instead referring generally to “low-speed vehicles.” The amendment as presented April 1 would add language referring to golf carts explicitly and would allow them to be driven on any city-owned road.
They would not be allowed on state roads, and owners would need to carry insurance for the vehicles, have proper safety equipment installed on the carts, such as mirrors, turn signals and horns, and be fully licensed. The broadening of the ordinance would also extend to other “low-speed vehicles,” such as electric and gas-powered scooters.
“What’s the recourse if, say, a person in a golf cart is pulled over, and they don’t have
that insurance?” asked Commissioner Tim Downing.
“They would be cited by a police officer,” said City Attorney Frank Schultz, adding that he believed such an offense would be a misdemeanor “just like a normal traffic stop.”
Downing was concerned about being overly permissive with allowing carts around the city for fear that cart traffic could spill over onto state routes, which the city doesn’t control. Several state thoroughfares run through Covington.
“When we allow residents to do this unilaterally across the whole city without having kind of a focused area, we’re going to end up having people that are naturally going to start exploring the state routes using these vehicles, regardless of whether or not it’s legal,” Downing said.
The commissioners did not know off-hand what parts of the city contained higher numbers of cart owners. At any rate, Downing recommended narrowing the regions that permit carts to areas that could manage cart traffic, rather than enabling residents to drive them on any city road.
“In the various areas that I’ve talked to, no one’s ever brought this up, but it may just be that I’m not talking to the right people,” Downing said.
The commission will engage in more discussion on the ordinance, possibly make official amendments and give a first reading at its next meeting. It would then give a second reading and cast a final vote on the ordinance at the legislative meeting on April 22.
Golf carts would still not be allowed on state roads under a new Covington proposal. Provided | Dean via Unsplash Covington City Commissioners James Toebbe, left, and Tim Acri at the April 1 commission meeting. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky
Charges dismissed as River Metals moves shredding to Cincinnati
By Haley Parnell
River Metals Recycling has officially moved its shredding operations out of Newport. As a result, charges against the company have been dismissed.
Newport City staff and residents spent roughly four years in a court case requiring RMR to comply with noise regulations after neighbors reported sporadic and sometimes daily explosions for years.
Campbell County District Court Judge Cameron Blau determined on March 31 that RMR had fully complied with the terms and timeline outlined in a February 2024 agreement with the city and officially dismissed the charges.
Neal Coulardot, River Metals’ regional manager, said shredding operations in
Newport were discontinued as of March 10 and moved to the company’s Cincinnati scrap recycling facility.
“RMR appreciates that both the City of Newport and Campbell County agree that it has fully complied with the Order of Diversion,” said Coulardot in a statement to LINK nky. “The Newport RMR facility will continue to operate as a collection, processing and transfer site. RMR fulfilled its commitment to the Court, the City of Newport and the community.
“RMR has invested millions of dollars to modernize its Cincinnati scrap recycling facility, including the installation of a pre-shredder, which is state-of-the-art in the metal recycling industry and the first of its kind in this region.”
Campbell County Property Valuation Administration records show that RMR pur-
chased the Newport site at 1220 Licking Pike from Kirschner Properties LLC on Jan. 31 for $4 million.
Newport resident Annette Kitchen, who chairs the RMR Citizens Group, has been involved with the case since the beginning. She said that, as RMR continues to operate as a collection site, large piles of scrap have begun to form there.
“It took many years, charges and a court order to get RMR to stop shredding operations in Newport,” Kitchen said. “Though, look at what the residents are left with.
Large junk piles throughout the campus and continued air quality levels [per an ongoing study] from their continued intake, sorting and other operations here in Newport. We will continue working with all partners to resolve this nuisance.”
Newport city officials said they will contin-
‘N Issues Cybersecurity: Risk Mitigation for Your Business
ue to monitor the site.
“The City of Newport is pleased that River Metals Recycling has fulfilled its court-ordered obligations,” said Assistant City Manager Brian Steffen. “We are optimistic this outcome will benefit nearby residents and improve quality of life in the surrounding area. While the settlement allows RMR to potentially resume shredding operations at the site, the city will remain vigilant in monitoring their activity to ensure compliance with the agreed order.”
GABY BATSHOUN
The River Metals Recycling facility in Newport, seen on April 3, has piles of scrap. Provided | Annette Kitchen
Shredding operations at the River Metals Recycling facility in Newport have been halted. Provided | WCPO
New play equipment coming this year to 35th and Carlisle Park
Covington’s city commission heard a proposal April 1 from the city’s neighborhood services department to replace the outdated equipment at the 35th and Carlisle Park in the city’s Latonia neighborhood.
“I believe that playground equipment has been around since I was a child,” Commissioner James Toebbe quipped at the meeting.
The contract proposal between the city and company County Line Companies/Play Pros calls for a maximum cost of about $120,000. The contract states the work would be completed by June 6.
Covington touts progress with development, jobs in 2024 Impact Report
Covington’s Economic Development Department released its 2024 Impact Report at the end of March. The report details the city’s economic progress over the past year.
In a release announcing the report’s publication, the city touted some highlights, including 514 new and retained jobs, $42.8 million leveraged in private investments, $136,000 in incentives awarded to small businesses, 30 city-organized ribbon-cutting events for small retailers and restaurants, and 142 staff visits to 105 companies.
“The 2024 Impact Report demonstrates that momentum builds on momentum,” said Susan Smith, Covington’s business attraction manager, in the release. “It’s an
exciting time for the Cov.”
In addition, the release detailed significant progress at the Covington Central Riverfront site. The street grid is starting to come together, with roads and sidewalks being laid by construction crews. The city has also secured several development contracts, including:
• $7 million for 16 Drees Homes townhomes.
• $67.2 million for 257 apartments, 7,700 square feet of retail and 194 parking spaces by Silverman and Co. Inc.
• $8.45 million for 10 single-family homes and two corner mixed-use buildings by Funke Real Estate group.
TANK raises fares, offers rewards for loyal riders
Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky riders now have to pay more for bus fares, but the transit authority has a program to offset costs for those who rely on the system for transportation.
It’s been more than 15 years since the transit authority raised its prices. Some TANK riders interviewed by LINK media partner WCPO already feel the impact of the increased fares.
“I just think it’s unfortunate,” one rider, D.J., said. D.J. has been a regular TANK rider for two years. He told WCPO he feels the 50cent increase the most since he has a low income.
TANK has increased its rates to meet the demand for local funding. The fares are:
• Fixed routes, local and express: $2 (up from $1.50).
• Southbank Shuttle: $2 (from $1).
• Reduced fare (seniors and disabled): $1 (from 75 cents).
• TANK day pass: $4 (from $3.50).
• TANK 30-day pass: $70 (from $66).
• Game Day pass: $4 (from $2).
Some riders told us they understood TANK had to raise bus fares, but they hope the transit authority can create something better to help relieve the stress for some riders just trying to get to work and home.
Along with the fare hike, some routes have been eliminated. Those are:
• 17x (Buttermilk Pike).
• 22x (Mount Zion Road).
• 32x (Aero Parkway/ Burlington).
• 61 (Covington Health Connection).
• 62 (CVG Shuttle).
The Southbank Shuttle comes every 15 minutes.
“It was time for us to look at how we provide the service and have the funds to do so,” said Jenny Kammes, marketing manager at TANK.
To help alleviate the effects of the increase, Kammes said TANK has instituted a new reward program for loyal riders. “You earn 75 points twice a week, and, once you hit 400 points, you can turn that in for a free fare.”
D.J. said it still isn’t enough since he fears the prices will continue increasing. “It’s gonna be unaffordable, like I have friends and family in Cincinnati I can’t even go see and check on because I can’t afford the fares,” he said.
NKU student, Scott grad honored for good citizenship
2024 Scott High School graduate and NKU neuroscience student Christina Gogzheyan has been honored with the Good Citizen Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution, a legacy service organization dedicated to cultivating American patriotism and civic virtue.
“The DAR Good Citizens Committee is privileged to recognize those outstanding high school seniors who exemplify the characteristics of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism upon which of most of our programs are founded,” said Pamela Edwards Rouse Wright, DAR madame president general, at a special ceremony last year in Washington, D.C.
Gogzheyan studies neuroscience at NKU and is on track to graduate in May, meaning she’ll have completed her undergraduate studies in two years.
She plans to take part in an undergraduate research program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center this summer.
Covington, Newport boards to look at shared programs at scheduled joint meeting
The Covington Independent Public Schools Board of Education tentatively set a June date for a joint meeting with the Newport Independent Board of Education. Covington Board President Tom Haggard said the idea came after conversations with Newport Board Chair Ramona Malone.
Haggard described what he hoped to achieve by meeting with his Newport counterparts: “How do we have more programs we can share with students, where maybe they’re doing some sort of program at their high school that we don’t offer?” Haggard said.
“We can send kids there and vice versa. We do a little of that now. How can we continue
The playground at 35th Street and Carlisle Park in Covington. Photo by Nathan Granger | LINK nky
TANK has increased its fares, cut underused routes and started a rewards program for frequent riders. Provided | TANK Instagram
Christina Gogzheyan, center, is honored with the Good Citizen Award. Also pictured are DAR Madame President General Pamela Edwards Rouse Wright, left, and DAR Good Citizen Committee Chair Cindi Newbold. Provided | Daughters of the American Revolution
to do that and grow that? And, additionally, how can we do some joint professional development to put all of our efforts together, maybe save some money?”
Newport offered to host the first meeting, Haggard said. Representatives of Newport were not present at the meeting. The board set a tentative date of the meeting for June 19, although that may change due to it coinciding with Juneteenth.
SparkHaus partners with DAV on boot camp for entrepreneur veterans
SparkHaus, Northern Kentucky’s future entrepreneurial hub, is teaming up with the Disabled American Veterans on an entrepreneurial boot camp for veterans.
The DAV Patriot Boot Camp aims to help transitioning service members, veterans and their spouses with free startup education, mentorship and a supportive community to help them succeed as business founders and job creators.
“There are more than 1.6 million veteran-owned businesses in America, and we want SparkHaus to be part of as many of those entrepreneurs’ journeys as possible,”
Blue North Executive Director Dave Knox said in a release. Knox also serves on the DAV National Veterans Entrepreneurship Council.
The DAV is a more than century-old national nonprofit headquartered in Erlanger. The boot camp, according to the organization, helps bridge the accessibility gap for funding, education and mentorship.
“As an organization born in Over-theRhine and now headquartered in Erlanger, DAV is particularly eager and grateful for this opportunity to support local veterans and their families in a unique, powerful way,” DAV CEO Barry Jesinoski said in the release. “Through SparkHaus, we will be able to provide our entrepreneurs with a new resource and help connect them with a vibrant community of like-minded innovators and difference makers
SparkHaus aims to be a space where NKYbased founders, investors and support organizations can collaborate in one central office hub. Upon completion, SparkHaus will house many of the region’s preeminent venture capital firms, entrepreneurial development organizations and startups.
Fort Mitchell to begin testing fire hydrants
Fort Mitchell Fire Department will start its annual fire hydrant testing in April or May. The city aims to test every hydrant annually for clogs and other malfunctions.
“Hydrants need to deliver enough water at the right pressure to effectively fight fires,” Fort Mitchell Fire Department Chief Dave
Slusser told LINK. “Testing helps measure the water flow and pressure, ensuring the hydrant can handle the demands of firefighting operations.”
If Slusser or his team find a hydrant operating ineffectively, they report it to the Northern Kentucky Water District.
“As an added benefit, testing hydrants allows our firefighters to become more familiar with their locations.”
Slusser also said that, while hydrant testing will have a minimal effect on residents, they should be aware. “Residents may experience low water pressure and/or discolored water in homes around testing sites,” Slusser said.
The department will strive not to affect traffic.
“Our firefighters are aware of their surroundings when testing hydrants,” Slusser said. “Every attempt is made not to allow water to free flow into the roadway.”
Once Fort Mitchell has coordinated its testing effort with the Northern Kentucky Water District, it will have more specific dates for testing hydrants.
Kenton County approves $26M apartment project
Kenton County is full-steam ahead on developing a new apartment building next to the county’s administrative building.
On March 25, Kenton County Fiscal Court approved an agreement that allows for the
construction of a $26 million apartment building atop the new parking garage at the Kenton County Government Center. The government center, at 1840 Simon Kenton Way in Covington, is the administrative home of Kenton County, housing entities like the fiscal court and clerk’s office.
The new apartment complex will be named Bavarian Flats, a nod to the defunct Bavarian Brewing Co., which occupied the government center building from 1911 to 1966.
The project is a joint venture between Cincinnati-based Merus, previously known as Al. Neyer, and Urban Sites. The apartment building will have approximately 125 units. Construction on the apartments is expected to begin once the parking garage is finished.
Merus President Dan Ruh told the fiscal court that the company was excited to take on the project.
“That we’re planning next door is really a Class A project,” Ruh said March 25. “We’ve been working hard at it for several months. It is a tight budget, and we’re hoping that construction costs hold firm.”
The exterior of SparkHaus, under construction in Covington. Provided | Kenton County
Bavarian Flats rendering. Provided | Kenton County
community voices
‘One Page Comics with Two Page Turns’
By Thomas Boeing
This Community Voices column is written by Thomas Boeing, who owns indie Northern Kentucky in Dayton with his wife, Ren. Each month, Boeing writes about a different artist featured at iNK. You can write to him at tom@indienky.com.
When you enter Indie Northern Kentucky – iNK for short – and scan the wall of zines and comics, you’ll see something that doesn’t seem to fit in: a container full of business envelopes.
You’re looking at comics made by Northern Kentucky cartoonist Will Hinnefeld.
Hinnefeld rediscovered comics after college but didn’t begin creating his own until his daughter (who is now 3) was born.
“I think there was a link there,” Hinnefeld said. “I wanted her to follow her dreams, and I wanted to model that. I think it was a suppressed, background dream.”
His first self-published work was more of a long form comic. He was concerned about the length.
“There was a barrier for people reading it, and it took so long to make,” he said.
Hinnefeld wanted to remove the barrier and make shorter stories that were more accessible to the general public. He calls them envelope comics or One Page Comics with Two Page Turns. Inside the business envelope is a tri-fold paper; the story unfolds as the paper does.
“I give myself a deadline,” Hinnefeld said. “I do one of these a month.”
He said he finds these constraints as well as the constraints of his chosen medium
refreshing.
“You can just drag on and on and keep thinking about it, but, if you’ve got to get it out every month, you’ve got to stop thinking about it and start doing it,” Hinnefeld said.
He has to limit the scope of the stories, the dimensions of the panels, and he says they’re even cheap to print. “I print at the Kenton County Public Library for 10 cents a page,” he said.
Will’s goal with the envelope comics is to have a big mailing list where each month his comics are sent all over the country.
“I want to have to buy stamps in bulk,” Hinnefeld said.
You can sign up to receive Will’s comics in the mail via his Patreon account ($2 a month) or you can pick up his comics at iNK or at his day job – did we mention he’s an amazing baker at Allez Bakery in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine?
Will’s comics are unique, innovative, skillfully drawn and accessible. But he has one goal with his comics: “I want to harness the power of narrative to create unity among the laboring class.”
Have an idea?
If you have an idea for a Community Voices column, email Meghan Goth at mgoth@linknky.com or scan the QR code.
A panel from one of Will Hinnefeld’s comics. His goal is to create one a month. Photos provided | Thomas Boeing via iNK
A sampling of Will Hinnefeld’s work.
By Maria Hehman
TDiscover new tastes in Bellevue and Dayton
his week we check out the newest eateries on Fairfield Avenue in Bellevue and its alter ego, Sixth Avenue in Dayton. From homemade bread to tacos to delicious pizza, there’s something for you. Join us as we visit Tulum, the Breadsmith and Wayfarer Tavern.
Tulum
Tulum may be tiny on the inside, but what it offers more than makes up for the small space. The ambiance, food and drinks are truly unmatched.
Tulum in Bellevue may be the next best thing to actually vacationing in Tulum, the city on the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Guests order from the authentic menu when they enter and can order drinks while waiting. On the weekends, there may be a wait for tables, but nothing helps pass time better than a margarita. Tulum’s space is adorably adorned with plants, neon signs and rattan light fixtures – the perfect backdrop for the most picturesque meals.
Tulum’s menu consists of tacos, quesadillas, burritos and enchiladas as familiar favorites. It also offers two unique items,
birria ramen and Mexican hot dog. The most popular and craveable item, the birria ramen, consists of ramen noodles cooked in birria broth and served with cilantro, lime and boiled egg. The Mexican hot dog is wrapped in bacon and served with sauteed onions, mustard, mayo and ketchup. Elote makes for the perfect pairing to any of Tulum’s meals, or opt for house-made guacamole, salsa or queso.
With spring around the corner, the spacious patio will be the place to be this summer.
Breadsmith of Bellevue offers guests freshmade loaves of bread in a vast variety of styles and flavors. It makes for a quick convenient stop to get quality fresh bread whether for your everyday needs or a large gathering.
There’s no need to ask an acquaintance for sourdough starter, only to mess it up. Breadsmith has fresh made sourdough on the ready. Ciabatta, French baguette, whole wheat or rye – they’ve got the bread you need. Some of the other sweets and specialties carried daily include croissants, cookies, muffins, biscotti, pizza dough and scones. In addition to daily offerings, it also rotates weekly offerings, making it hard to visit just once.
Wayfarer
Tavern
Head east on Fairfield Avenue and you’ll find yourself on Dayton’s Sixth Avenue. A few blocks down the street sits a pizza joint that serves slices of unique pies that hungry patrons can’t get enough of.
Best known for innovative pizza flavors, Wayfarer’s other menu items shouldn’t be overlooked. Appetizers feature a variety that one wouldn’t expect from a pizza joint: Oysters, shrimp cocktail, chicken liver pate are just some of the options. Marinated olives are a great, light snack before indulging in a pizza. The pitted olive blend comes with almonds, goat cheese, lemon oil, garlic confit, hummus and focaccia. Other popular light bites are horseradish onion dip and peppadew peppers.
The main event, though, is the pizzas. The moment I saw a picture of Wayfarer’s Pickle Power pizza online, I knew I had to try it myself. (Just doing my civic duty on your behalf.) The pickle pizza features a garlic confit cream white sauce as the base, topped with dill pickle slices, onion, three cheese blend, chive and housemade ranch, topped with potato chips. No words other than genius can describe this scrumptious pie.
The bulk of the pizzas here are just as innovative: Korean corn cheese (with corn and BBQ sauce), devil’s backbone (Glier’s goetta) and Big Mike (a spin on a Big Mac pizza) are just a few standouts. There’s also a rotating specialty pizza of the month.
A full drink and bar menu complete this establishment, so it’s no wonder it’s always packed. Those wanting to ensure they get a slice of pickle power should make reservations. Wayfarer’s large space fills up quickly.
A picture perfect margarita from Tulum. Photos by Maria Hehman | LINK nky contributor Tulum’s exterior at night.
Wagyu beef carpaccio from Wayfarer Tavern.
A Pickle Power pizza from Wayfarer Tavern.
Swim and dive team from Highlands named LINK Team of Season
With the winter high school sports season at its end, the LINK nky Team of the Season winner is the Highlands swim and dive team.
The Bluebirds were one of 12 teams during the winter season that won LINK nky Team of the Week and came away as the Team of the Season after compiling nearly half of the total votes with 24,827. We received over 56,000 votes.
The Bluebirds will be awarded a commemorative plaque and a student-athlete of the school’s choice will be awarded a $500 scholarship, thanks to OrthoCincy’s sponsorship. The Bluebirds will be presented with the plaque and scholarship at a later date.
The Highlands boys and girls swim and dive team posted a strong season and finished runner-up for the combined KHSAA swim and dive state title. The boys swim and dive team finished fifth while the girls placed fifth as well, giving them a combined team score of 243, behind only Ryle’s 305.5 points.
Among those placing in the championship final heats for the girls were Sarah Jones in fifth in the 50-yard freestyle, the girls 200-yard freestyle team of Ragan Moore, Ella Kate Reynolds, Keira Kobida and Sarah Jones in third, and the girls 400-yard freestyle team of Moore, Reynolds, Kobida and Jones in third.
For the boys in the championship heats and those placing were the 200-yard med-
ley relay team of Luke Deegan, Griffin Barlow, Noah Gracey and Chanith Abeysinghe in third, Abeysinghe in eighth in the 100yard freestyle, Barlow in fifth in the 500yard freestyle and second in the 100-yard breaststroke.
Ryle cracks top 10 in coaches’ initial boys volleyball poll
The Kentucky Volleyball Coaches Association has released its first boys volleyball poll. This year is the first for boys volleyball as a KHSAA sanctioned sport.
The Ryle boys are ranked fifth in the initial poll, picking up a first-place vote as well. They are the lone Northern Kentucky team in the poll. KVCA members voted and ranked the top 10 teams based on their performance so far. Ryle is off to a 9-0 start (as of April 1).
St. Xavier was ranked No. 1 with 11 first place votes. Trinity is second with two first place votes, followed by DeSales, Henry Clay and the Raiders rounding out the top five. Completing the top 10 were West Jessamine, Lafayette, Paul Laurence Dunbar, North Oldham and Tates Creek.
An updated poll is planned to be shared every two weeks through the season.
The top five teams in Region 6 with teams in Northern Kentucky are Ryle, Oldham County, North Oldham, Calvary Christian and Dayton.
Sixty-one schools are listed on the KHSAA website as having a team this year. Complete polls are listed at kvca.org/KVCA_Polls.
Boys volleyball, lacrosse among new spring sports
Girls and boys lacrosse and boys volleyball are the newest of the 14 sports and six sport-activities the Kentucky High School Athletic Association sanctions.
Lacrosse has a centuries-old history. In his 1970 book “Lacrosse,” Howard Liss wrote the game was first played by Native American communities as early as the 11th century.
Some of the boys and girls rules are similar: Defenders and attackers must stay in their respective zones; midfielders can go anywhere; games are played in four, 10-minute quarters, and the teams switch ends after each quarter; a zone behind the goal called the “X”; only four players may use the six-foot-long defender sticks; offside rules when too many players are in the offensive and defensive sides; .
There are also differences:
• The girls field dimensions are 120 yards x 60 yards, while the boys field measures 120 x 65.
• The girls have 12 players on the field (a goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and four attackers, while the boys play with 10 (keeper and three defenders, midfielders and attackers).
• Boys wear helmets, gloves and shoulder pads, while girls, except for the goalkeeper, who wears a helmet and gloves, wear only protective goggles. Contact rules are stricter for girls, at least until the game has been around for a few years.
• Boys volleyball: Northern Kentucky schools listed with a team are Calvary Christian, Dayton, Ryle, Scott and Walton-Verona.
Ryle’s McClain among 45 invited to women’s Team USA minicamp
Ryle 2029 power forward Jayden McClain was invited March 26 to the 2025 USA Basketball Women’s Junior National Team minicamp. McClain, who is 6-foot-6, averaged 10.2 points and 8.8 rebounds as an eighth-grader competing on the Ryle varsity girls basketball team this past season.
The third annual women’s minicamp took place April 3-6 in Tampa, Florida, in conjunction with the NCAA Women’s Final Four. The athletes and coaches were selected by the USA Basketball Women’s Developmental National Team Committee.
Minicamp participants represent the high school graduating classes of 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029. McClain was one of 45 athletes invited.
Besides on-court drills and scrimmages, the athletes participate in a series of educational presentations and attended the college basketball national semifinal games April 4.
McClain is the daughter of former University of Cincinnati men’s basketball player Anthony McClain and former Cincinnati State women’s basketball player Samantha McClain.
Jayden McClain has scholarship offers that include UC, Xavier, Ohio State, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Southern Methodist University, University of Central Florida, Clemson, Florida State, University of Kentucky and Pittsburgh.
McClain set a Ryle single-season record with 128 blocks, according to Haitz. McClain continues to improve in the post along with her shooting and court vision with passing.
The USA Basketball Junior National Team minicamp group returns 20 athletes with prior USA Basketball experience, 14 of whom participated in the USA Women’s U17 National Team trials in 2024.
• On face-offs at midfield after every goal, girls stand up and touch the ball with the back of their sticks’ webs, while the boys crouch.
The out-of-bounds rule is sometimes confusing. When a team that misses a shot on goal, whichever team is closest when the ball goes out retains possession switches if there’s no shot.
• Girls lacrosse: Notre Dame, Cooper, Dixie Heights and Ryle field teams. Notre Dame has had lacrosse for at least 11 years, playing teams in Cincinnati and Louisville.
• Boys lacrosse: Cooper, Covington Catholic, Dixie Heights, Ryle, St. Henry and Walton-Verona have teams.
Ryle’s Jayden McClain was recently invited to a Team USA minicamp. Provided | Charles Bolton
Highlands recently won LINK nky’s Team of the Season after it finished runner-up for the combined KHSAA swim and dive title. Provided | KHSAA
Drew Stropko (27) sets up a Ryle teammate in a recent match. Provided
Notre Dame’s Andrea Carothers has five goals and a team-high nine assists in the early part of the season. Provided | Matt Carothers
Amended Fischer Homes development clears planning commission
By Nathan Granger
The Kenton County Planning Commission approved an amendment April 3 to a development plan from developer Fischer Homes that called for a grouping of 48 single-family detached homes. The new plan calls for greater density on the site.
The homes are slated to be built on 17 acres just south of Bristow Road in the unincorporated county. It’s part of a much larger development plan, 67 acres in total, the commission approved in 2009.
The original 2009 plan called for 42 lots rather than 48. Staff from Kenton County Planning and Development Services recommended approval of an updated development plan for 40 of those 67 acres, which included the 17 acres on the recent docket, in 2014.
The land’s zoning is for residential use, but there’s currently agricultural and open recreational space in the parcel, too. Additionally, there are existing Fischer Homes developments adjacent to the land. Documents that county staff presented to the commission indicate the homes would on average contain three bedrooms and would range in price from $300,000 to $400,000.
Although the county’s professional staff eventually recommended approval of the amended development plan, it said there wasn’t enough information to know if the price range of the homes – an issue that’s come before the planning commission previously – was appropriate for the goals of the county comprehensive plan.
“Although average bedroom counts and proposed price range has been submitted, we do not have enough information to determine if this development qualifies as income-aligned,” said Adelaide Sheets, the planning intern who presented the amendment’s information to the commission. “However, since the development has already been approved for 42 lots, the addition of six, 50-foot lots and the reduction of one lot from 60 foot to 50 foot will provide additional housing opportunities on medium-sized lots than what was previously approved.”
Amanda Webb, a planning and entitlement manager with Fischer Homes, said that, even though the company was amending its development plan, most of the plan
hadn’t changed, including the street layout and the amount of green space. “As our product has changed over time, dimensions-wise, once we started looking at this, we realized we could be a little bit more efficient with [the] layout,” she said.
There was some concern about the properties’ proposed front setback distance of 25 feet. Houses on the adjoining land have 30-foot setbacks. One resident who spoke during the public comments section, Paul Metzger, advocated for consistency between the developments. He also worried the shortened setbacks might lead to vehicles hanging out of driveways onto sidewalks, a worry shared by Tom France, Ludlow’s commission representative.
“If you have two cars parked in tandem, they’re clearly going to overhang that sidewalk at a 25-foot setback,” France said.
Commissioners Gabriella DeAngelis, Covington’s representative, and Gailen Bridges, Bromley’s representative, both felt a consistent 30-foot setback would be more appropriate.
Joe Kramer of Cardinal Engineering, Fischer Homes’ contracted engineering firm, said the reduced setbacks were the result of changes in development trends and costs.
“The houses are getting narrower; we’re getting deeper,” Kramer said. “It’s just the world we’re living in. And we’re trying to utilize as much of that front foot as we can because of development costs.”
After further discussion, the commission asked Webb if she would be willing to revise
the development plan to have 30 foot setbacks. She finally she would if it would increase the chances the amendment would be approved that night. The commission then cast a unanimous vote in favor of the amendment.
Since the development is on unincorporated land, the commission’s decision will stand, unless someone appeals its decision within 21 days – by April 24. If appealed, the decision would then go before the Kenton County Fiscal Court for final approval.
A map showing the land parcel in Kenton County where Fischer Homes hopes to build. Provided | Kenton County Planning and Development Services
A map of Fischer Homes’ plan for a residential development in Kenton County. Provided | Kenton County Planning and Development Services
Address: 3068 Lyndale Court, Edgewood
Price: $815,000
Bedrooms: Five
Bathrooms: Three (plus one half bath)
Square footage: 2,757
School district: Erlanger-Elsmere Independent
County: Kenton
Special features: This Edgewood home offers a first-floor primary suite with a glass-enclosed shower, private toilet and custom walk-in closet. The deluxe kitchen features granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a large pantry with a coffee bar. The finished basement includes two bedrooms, a full bath and a family room. A second-level bedroom with a kitchen area is ideal for an office or independent living.
Four-bedroom Edgewood home
Kentucky now allows for Public Notices to be published digitally on LINK nky’s website. You can find public notices for the following organizations on our site at https://linkreader.column.us/search
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that Jeff Garnett 12964 Ryle Rd. Union, Ky 41091, has filed an application with the Energy and Environmental Cabinet to Build a 1920 square ft. Single Family Home. The property is located at 12964 Ryle Rd. Union, Ky approximately 2 miles from Beaver Road, 6 miles from US 42 and 10 miles from Richwood Ky. Located on the Ohio River. Any comments or objections can be submitted via email to DowFloodplain@kentucky.gov
Kentucky division of water, floodplain management section, 300 Sower Blvd. Frankfort, KY 40601 Call 502-564-3410 with questions
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An exterior view of this Edgewood property. Photos provided | Aaron Smith with eXp Realty
A view of this home’s open concept kitchen and living room. This home’s finished basement offers two bedrooms and a family room.
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