September 22, 2024 • 29 mins
Spend a few minutes talking issues facing education. Also, with cooler temps on the way, how about stepping up that fall BBQ? That and more in this week's "Kentucky Focus" with Scott Fitzgerald!
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
And welcome to Kentucky Focus. So I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Coming
up this week with the new school year. Well in
a way, we catch up with the superintendent of the
state's largest school district, doctor Marty Polio, as they entertain
educators from other states.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
We'll find out why.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
Also, football and fall outdoor activities.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Well they're heating up around the state.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
Will take a look at ways you can spice up
that barbecue and impress your friends.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Family, and well maybe some neighbors. Right.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
Finally, counties across the state are looking for a few
good folks who can make a difference when it comes
to children. I'm Scott Fitzgerald and this is Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the
show that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and it's citizens.
We cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 4 (00:53):
In sitcoms, when someone has a problem, they just blurt
it out and move on.
Speaker 5 (00:57):
Well, I lost my job and my power keet is missing.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
How is your day?
Speaker 4 (01:04):
But the real world is different. Managing life's challenges can
be overwhelming so what do we do?
Speaker 5 (01:09):
We get support.
Speaker 4 (01:10):
The Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the AD Council have
mental health resources available for you at Love Youormind Today
dot org. That's Love your Mind Today dot org. See
how much further you can go when you take care
of your mental health.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
Babes, what are you doing what? I'm just s mowing
the lawn.
Speaker 6 (01:27):
No, it's blazing hot and dry out here.
Speaker 7 (01:30):
Don't you remember Smokey Bear says.
Speaker 5 (01:32):
Avoid using power equipment when it's windy er dry. Where'd
you learn this?
Speaker 7 (01:37):
Oh, it's on.
Speaker 5 (01:38):
Schmokeybear dot com with many other wildfire prevention.
Speaker 8 (01:42):
Tips, right, thanks honey Bear.
Speaker 5 (01:45):
Because remember, only you can prevent wildfires.
Speaker 4 (01:49):
Brought to you by the USDA Forest Service, your state Forester,
and the AD Council.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Doctor Murdy
Pollio heads up the largest public schools system in the
Commonwealth of Kentucky and is no stranger to lawmakers in Frankfurt. Recently,
some positive light that was cast upon Jefferson County public
schools when officials from Central Arkansas came to Kentucky to
visit and check out some new opportunities for professional occupations.
Speaker 7 (02:17):
You know, it has been something we've been working on
for seven or eight years. It's been a passion of
mine being a high school former high school principal for
ten years, which is engaging kids in there something that
they're passionate about. And really it is about I know,
the old term is vocational education, but really it's career
in tech education. And so the old model of just
having a few kids get on a bus and go
(02:38):
to a vocational technical center does not give access to
a lot of kids. So what we did is we
built in these pathways in our high schools that are
what is really needed for employment in Jefferson County. So
we're talking things like you know, manufacturing it, healthcare, these
things that we're looking for position getting kids on these pathways,
(03:02):
getting them trained, getting business partners to partner with us,
and making sure kids graduate and they have a certification,
college credit hours ready to go right into the workforce.
And so we got twenty two thousand people say to me, like,
you know, we need to go back to vocational educ
We have twenty two thousand kids in vocational education right now.
We call it career in tech ed now. So really
(03:24):
proud of it, and we're seeing record numbers when it
comes to post secondary readiness and graduation rate. And when
we know we're you know, doing well, is when we
see other districts, four districts come to visit us to
see what we're doing.
Speaker 1 (03:36):
We're checking in with doctor Marty Polio, superintendent of the
state's largest school district, that would be Jefferson County Public Schools,
as he discusses some of the bigger issues at hand,
and for example, bussing, something that's garnered national attention recently.
Speaker 7 (03:50):
Well, I'm really pleased with what has had through very
very difficult times with transportation, with just millions of minutes
being lost over the past coup for years, and that
impacts student outcomes, There's no doubt. I mean, you can't
say a kid is missing school and that's not going
to impact student outcomes. But we've just about eliminated that
this year. We made tough decisions in the spring that
(04:12):
were very controversial obviously that a lot of people didn't like.
But you know, once again, my commitment is to what's
best for ninety six thousand kids, and I just can't
have thousands of kids being late to school every day,
and so it's going very well right now. As far
as adding back, I mean, we partnered with Tark, but
(04:33):
right now we're struggling to get you know, the amount
of drivers we need to add back to pass what
is called an ESS endorsement. So we've got about twenty
six right now past, but we've got to get up
to about fifty or sixty before we add back. And
my commitment is, you know, I will not add back
if it's going to impact kids getting to school on time.
(04:54):
And right now it's going very well. Kids are getting
to school on time, they're being picked up right after school,
and I want continue to do that.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
Doctor Marty Pollio, superintendent for the state's largest public school district,
checking in to talk about some of the issues facing
education in the state, and along the lines of bussing,
the issue of discipline can't be ignored, something doctor Pollio
at least well aware of.
Speaker 7 (05:14):
Yeah, well, it's very really really disappointing to see a
child make a decision and do what they did to
another young person, you know, really disappointing. And you know,
mart obviously goes out to the victim, you know, in
this but and I can't get into specifics about what
(05:36):
we do to individual students, but I will tell you
this two things. First of all, in recent years, we
are taking the most absolute assertive discipline we can against
students who have egregious violent behaviors and as I go
as far as I possibly can based on the law
(05:58):
and our policies, our board policies, and we absolutely do
as much as we possibly can, which usually includes removing
the student from that school setting. The other positive we
have now is we have our own police force. We
have or closing in on fifty five police officers. And
(06:19):
I'm not saying we couldn't press charges before, but we
have our own police force now, and so it is
much more I'm not saying better, but much more efficient
for us to be able to also have legal consequences
against young people who do these things because we have
our own police force. So I think that's been something
(06:41):
that has really benefited us. But you know, I can
tell you this, we are really taking the most assertive
stance we can, both discipline wise from a school perspective
and a legal perspective as well.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
This week on Kentucky Focus, doctor Marty Polio, superintendent of
the state's largest public School District is weighing in on
some of the issues facing education here in the Commonwealth,
and property values are one of those on the minds
of many. Surprisingly, a lot of the money is collected
don't even stay in Jefferson County.
Speaker 7 (07:12):
The SEEK Fund, which is equalization which came back in
the early nineties with the Rose case and KIRA, which
equalizes property assessments. So the higher the property assessment you
have in a community, the more or the less SEEK
money you get from the state. And so yes, we
(07:32):
only get somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty to thirty
five cents on the dollar because we are and I
believe this, we're an anomaly in this state, which is
we have very high property value and assessment across this community,
but we also have extreme poverty. And there's not many
districts like that. Usually the high property assessments have you know,
(07:58):
those are communities that don't have a lot of poverty,
and so you know that that is a struggle for
us because we do send a lot of our dollars
go out to other counties across the state. And so
you know, I believe in equalization. I think that's important,
but I also believe that the legislature needs to look
(08:19):
at that again and make sure that you know, we
have extreme poverty in this community. Seventy percent of our
students qualify for free who reduce lunch. So to say
that we're a property rich community and don't have poverty
is just not the case whatsoever.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
And finally, doctor Polio has this message regarding local property assessments,
and I.
Speaker 7 (08:40):
Want to be clear that JCPS has nothing to do
with setting property assessment. So when the value goes up
on a home, you know, I do get some communication
from folks saying that we have some kind of hand
and that we have nothing to do with the property assessment.
That's actually why we have to drop the tax rate,
because property assessments go up. So for a lot of people,
actually you're not reassessed. Your tax bill went down this year.
Speaker 1 (09:03):
Well that is doctor Marty Polio, superintendent of the state's
largest public school district. Thank you again, doctor Polio. Coming
up well with fall door activities like tailgating, or maybe
you're heading to one of our state parks and you
want to step up your barbecue game, We've got just
the person for you. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. It's all coming
up on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 9 (09:25):
Every flu season, thousands of children younger than five are
hospitalized from flu complications. Each year, children die from flu.
You have the power to protect your loved ones this
flu season. CDC recommends everyone six months in older get
an annual flu vaccine. Some children will need two doses
to be fully protected, so don't wait. Get yourself and
(09:49):
your family vaccinated today. Learn more at CDC dot gov
slash fight Flu Hi.
Speaker 10 (09:55):
We're the Goo Goo Dolls. We're fortunate that our daughters
have what they need to grow and learn, but that
isn't the case for nearly thirteen million kids in the
US that struggle with hunger.
Speaker 11 (10:03):
Childhood hunger is a heartbreaking reality that Feeding America is
working to change. Each year, the Feeding American network of
food banks rescues billions of pounds of good food that
would have gone to waste and provides it to families
and children in need.
Speaker 10 (10:15):
You can help kids in need in your community by
visiting Feeding America dot org.
Speaker 12 (10:20):
Brought to you by Feeding America and the AD Council.
Speaker 13 (10:23):
The phones blow in up, but you're in the jovasee.
Ignore the bus, keep your eyes on the street, no
tax back, no scow, just that anyway, sen you in
on the road. That's the only way.
Speaker 8 (10:35):
Fhlles blow in.
Speaker 13 (10:37):
You're in the javasy. Ignore the bus, keep your eyes
on the street, No tax pack, no scow, stay.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
Away, don't drive distracted.
Speaker 4 (10:46):
A message brought to you by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration, Project yellow Light and the AD Council.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
Welcome back.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
I'm Scott Fitzgerald and you're listening to Kentucky Focus Well,
summer maybe drawing a close. That doesn't mean you have
to stop grilling out. Joining us is Erica Roby. She's
an acclaimed pitmaster, attorney and Navy wife. She needs to
wear a few more hats and she of course one
season two of Barbecue Brawl on the Food Network, and
(11:14):
following that appearance, eric had tied for first and Memphis
set the May World Championship Barbecue Cooking contest. She's now
turned her love for barbecue into another positive working with
Operation Barbecue, providing meals to those in need while inspiring
young people to get into cooking. Greetings, Erica, thanks for
taking time to join us.
Speaker 14 (11:34):
Oh, thank you for having me excited to talk to you.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
Oh, it's great because I love me some barbecue and
I love to grill out. And as I was telling
you off the air, I'm a Navy vet.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
You're a Navy wife.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
So as a Navy vet, how did you find time
to do all of this?
Speaker 15 (11:49):
You know?
Speaker 16 (11:49):
It was one of those things where I knew that
I had to do something. I had a brand new
baby at home and I couldn't leave the house. So
I would wait until took naps and I would figure
out what I was going to do. And then all
of a sudden, I saw the grill in my backyard.
I called up my dad and I was like, teach
me this right And I didn't know it would take
(12:10):
off so far.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
Oh and it did. Boy, you were on your way.
Erica Roby's joining us.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
She is, of course, a claimed pitmaster and winner of
season two of Barbecue Brawl in the Food Network.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
So why barbecue? What got you?
Speaker 1 (12:21):
Why not something maybe other of the culinary arts? What
got you into barbecue?
Speaker 2 (12:25):
Erica?
Speaker 16 (12:26):
So, my family is really big into barbecue. That's just
what we do. So it's been something that's in my
life ever since I was a child. I can still
remember flipping my first steak and just knowing that was
a huge honor because my dad never let anybody touch
the grill and he had me come over at nine
years of age and flip the steak. And you know,
I flipped that steak like my life depended on it.
(12:47):
So it's just one of those things that's always been ingrained,
just in the culture and fabric of my life.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
Erica Robe joins us now.
Speaker 1 (12:53):
She's winner of season two of The Barbecue Brawl, and
she's working with Operation Barbecue providing meals to those in need.
Speaker 2 (12:59):
Well also getting young folks into cooking, and so, Erica,
how many times did you have to fail at.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
Something before you got it right? And what kept you
from getting discouraged?
Speaker 16 (13:09):
I've probably failed at least three thousand times at everything
I've ever tried. And you know what, I like the steaks.
I like the odds. So the more I fail at something,
the harder I work at it to overcome it. That's
really what it is, that dogged determination.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
Right Erica Robbie joining us. She was winner of season
two of Barbecue Brawl. She's with us of course courtesy
of Operation Barbecue, providing meals to those in need, and
Erica Okay, So there's a ton of different types of
barbecue out there. Do you have a favorite style? Are
you Memphis, are you Carolina? Do you like tangy deal
like heat? What's your favorite?
Speaker 16 (13:43):
I'm definitely a beef girl, and I am Texas barbecue
through and through right.
Speaker 1 (13:49):
Right, So when we look at Texas can be a
little bit more spicier, if I'm not mistaken, right, Yes, there's.
Speaker 16 (13:55):
A lot of black pepper used because we are very predominantly,
very heavy on beef, so you know, coarse ground black pepper.
It just lends itself to beef and to smoke.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
And if you're looking for that right kick, what gives
you the most kick when it comes to barbecue, Is
there a certain spice that folks should look at?
Speaker 16 (14:12):
So it's definitely plain with your salts and your peppers.
There are so many different types of salts and peppers
to use, and now international ingredients as well, and incorporating
them in cuman is something that used with moderation. But
it's beautiful and those are the kind of things that
you can do, especially if you're making a brisket. You
can try out a lot of different types of spices
(14:33):
and seasonings.
Speaker 12 (14:34):
On your brisket.
Speaker 16 (14:35):
I mean you can do half and half, so you
can actually experiment and see what works for you and
what works with the smoke that you're rolling.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
And again we're talking with Erica Roby.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
She's a claimed pit master, attorney and Navy wife and winner.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
Of season two's Barbecue Brawl.
Speaker 1 (14:49):
She works with Operation Barbecue, providing meals to those in need,
and she also gets younger folks into cooking as.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
Well, which is awesome. Eric.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
I got to ask you, someone who's so involved in food,
do you see our dining habits changing, you know, especially
with grocery prices kind of being all over the map?
Speaker 16 (15:06):
Yes, and I mean even in my own household, I
am now looking to stretch a dollar and to make
sure that I'm dining in and I'm i utilizing leftovers,
and especially with the fall coming up, I want to
make my comfort dishes, and I of course I love
cooking beef, so I am looking at new ways of
making my beef comfort dishes, but adding different types of
(15:28):
international spices in there so that my family can always
stay on their toes when I'm cooking well.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
And I was going to ask you that, Erica, what
are some of your favorite dishes to make. Like you said,
you're very beef heavy, which is an excellent source of
protein by the way, very good for folks. What are
some of the favorite dishes you.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
Like to make?
Speaker 16 (15:44):
So I am all about comfort bowls because you can
sit on the couch and feed them and not worried
about his spelling. But I love Korean beef, will go yes, yes, yeah,
there's some of my favorites. And you can use so
many different cuts of beef in there. I know that,
Like I have a recipe for you that calls for,
you know, a ribbi, but you can use anything that
(16:05):
you find and just have it cut thin. I know
there's a lot of pre cut beefs now and local
grocery stores or your butcher can do it and you
can substitute that. So if you find something on sale,
go ahead grab it and use it and then using
leftover rice, you know, because rice is better to make
it to stir fry if it's a day old and
if it's hardened up a little bit. So those are
(16:26):
things that are really beautiful because then you can add
a lot of citrus flavors in there.
Speaker 10 (16:31):
I like chili paste.
Speaker 16 (16:32):
The Korean gochajong because it's delicious. There's just so many
things you can do into a bowl and make it
a comfort dish that the family will not get tired of.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
And Erica, will I have you?
Speaker 1 (16:43):
Because we are talking beef centric here, the age old question.
Obviously you don't want too much fat, but you do
want some when it comes to either your steaks or
maybe it's your hamburg How important is the fat content
when grilling out?
Speaker 16 (16:55):
You know, it's really about how you're gonna grill. If
you're doing low and slow, you want that protective fat
layer because that piece of beef is going to be
out there longer. But you know, if you're doing hot
and fast and you know it's going to be on
there for you know, maybe five up to ten minutes max,
then it really is about how you're handling your meat
(17:17):
on the grill and how you're actually seasoning it, and
just making sure that you're being cognizant of where you're
at when the fat is melting on there and your temperatures.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
Right right, So slow and low is important.
Speaker 1 (17:31):
And while't we have you again, Eric and Robbie's joining
us for just a few minutes.
Speaker 2 (17:34):
She was winner of season two of Barbecue Brawl.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
She's working with Operation Barbecue to provide meals to those
in need, as well as giving us some tips done
what we want to do because we can grill out
year round right here in Kentucky.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
What can you tell us about Blue Smoke Blas Barbecue Academy.
Speaker 16 (17:47):
Yeah, so down at my ranch in Texas, I teach people.
It's completely hands on and I teach them everything they
need to know about barbecue and different grills, everything like that,
so that you really are confident and you really are
that backyard barbecue hero before.
Speaker 2 (18:03):
We let you go. You do work with youngsters.
Speaker 1 (18:06):
You encourage, you know, cooking, whether it be grilling out
or just getting into the culinary art. How do you
see this next generation coming up? And you know, because
for us, I don't know how old you are, but
for me growing up in the eighties and the nineties,
it was all instant microwave, let's.
Speaker 2 (18:18):
Knock this out. And now I love being in I
can spend all day in the kitchen. How do you
see this younger generation coming up?
Speaker 16 (18:24):
The younger generation, I think is the foody generation because
they have more options than we did and they are
very exposed to food and how the different ways it
can be cooked, what it can look like, different cultures
and cuisines. So I think that we just have a
whole generation of foodies coming up, and I think that's
going to be a beautiful thing.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
So where do you go from here?
Speaker 3 (18:43):
Erica?
Speaker 1 (18:43):
You've already won season two of Barbecue bra. You're an
attorney or a Navy wife.
Speaker 2 (18:48):
What do you do now?
Speaker 16 (18:49):
You know, I just I love to be in my
house now. I love to cook with my kids and
just really try and encourage them to be that next generation.
And I promoted my youngest son. He's six. He is
now Soux chef, so I got him on ground beef duty.
And you know, it's just really trying to impart some
of my recipes and what I know onto the next generation.
(19:11):
And I'm doing that right inside my home, and also
bringing that pitmaster experience into my house and showing that
even if you don't cook outside, you can still cook
delicious meals, especially beef fowles and things like that, steaks,
you can do that right inside your house.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
Now I'm really hungry, and of course this has been
a treat but intended Erica.
Speaker 2 (19:30):
Okay, before we let you go. If folks want to
get in touch with you, or want.
Speaker 1 (19:33):
To learn more about the good work you're doing, or
just get some good recipes, where can they go?
Speaker 16 (19:37):
So if you want to have an arsenal of recipes
this fall, go to beef It's What's for Dinner dot
Com and you will be set.
Speaker 2 (19:44):
You're awesome, Erica, thanks so much. I appreciate you. Good luck.
Speaker 1 (19:47):
I hope we can talk again maybe once the weather
gets a little better too, and heading into summer. I
love me some barbecue and you and I I love
Texas barbecue too.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
So thanks an down all.
Speaker 1 (19:57):
Getting a special thank you to Erica Roby, winner of
season two of Them The Food Network's Barbecue Brawl. For
more information on how to step up your game is fall,
visit bee It's What's for Dinner dot Com? Coming up,
The Commonwealth is looking for a few good folks who
want to make a difference in a child's life. I'm
Scott Fitzgerald and you're listening to Kentucky folks.
Speaker 15 (20:19):
While serving in Vietnam, a grenade took my ability to
see today, I'm a sculptor. Now my fingers are my eyes.
I'm Michael Nranho, As a veteran, I know the challenges
of life can be great in my art, turning a
lump of play into something beautiful that is worth doing.
(20:40):
Life is like that. We each must use where we
can to make things better.
Speaker 17 (20:45):
DAV helps veterans like Michael get the benefits they've earned.
They help more than a million veterans every year in
life changing ways.
Speaker 15 (20:53):
Now I show others how they can create something with
their own hands. I know it can do a lot
of good. With support from DAV, more veterans can shape
their lives into a thing of beauty. My victory is
bringing beauty into the world.
Speaker 17 (21:10):
Michael Nuranjo. May your victories inspire many more. Support more
victories for veterans. Go to DAV dot org.
Speaker 2 (21:19):
Welcome back.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
I'm Scott Fitzgeralden. This is Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (21:23):
More than half of Kentucky's counties are.
Speaker 1 (21:25):
Looking for select volunteers who want to make a difference
in a child's life. Seventy five to be exact citizen.
Foster care review boards are seeking volunteers who can conduct
interactive reviews on children and make recommendations to the Cabinet
for Health and Family Services on state courts for each child.
These boards recommend services to help children and advocate for
(21:45):
placing children in safe permanent homes as soon as possible.
Rosalind Patent Pelt is the state Vice Chair for the
Citizen's Foster Care Review Board, and she has this message.
Speaker 14 (21:57):
I and hundreds of volunteers like me make an important
difference in the lives of these children by reviewing their
cases from the state's Cabinet for Child Welfare. We make
recommendations to courts to ensure that children are getting what
they need while and out of home care. A lot
of people don't know that there is a way to
help children and care other than being a foster parent,
(22:19):
but CFCRB volunteers do just that. Volunteers also play a
role in making sure children are placed in safe permanent
homes as soon as possible, whether that means being reunited
with their families or being adopted by another It takes
a lot of wonderful people to do this meaningful work,
and we are greatly in need of more volunteers to
(22:41):
join us. I know you are busy, but volunteers only
meet once a month and it's online. This fulfilling opportunity
is open to anyone over the age of eighteen and
who passes a background check and completes training. Foster children
in Kentucky are our children, are our future educators, students,
(23:01):
and leaders. Come join us to be a voice for
them again.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
That is Rosalind Patent Pealt.
Speaker 1 (23:07):
She is the state Vice chair for the Citizen's Foster
Care Review Board and of course, created in nineteen eighty
two to decrease children's time in out of home care.
The CFCRB has more than seven hundred dedicated volunteers across
the state, with.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
The average length in service around six years.
Speaker 1 (23:24):
In fiscal year twenty twenty three, volunteers reviewed twenty thousand,
one hundred and forty two cases involving over eleven thousand children.
Speaker 2 (23:32):
If you think you can or want to help, reach
out today, I'm Scott Fitzgeralden. We're back to wrap things
up after this.
Speaker 6 (23:42):
Out here in the middle of all these acres, it
can feel like you're the only person on earth, And
sometimes that's how it feels when you're going through tough times.
Stress builds up, you have trouble sleeping, maybe your mind
is racing and you just don't feel like yourself. So
what do we do get help. Lots of people are
(24:02):
struggling with their mental health. It's more common than you think.
The good news is there are people in our community
who are here for us when times are tough. Sometimes
just talking to someone can make all the difference in
the world, so we don't feel so alone. One thing
you can do is visit love youormind Today dot org
for simple steps you can take to find the right
(24:23):
solution for you, whether it's hearing stories about what other
people are going through or finding the resources we need
to navigate the stresses in our lives. Visit Love Yourmind
Today dot org. That's Love your Mind Today dot org,
brought to you by the Huntsman in the Twilfth Institute
and the ad Council.
Speaker 4 (24:41):
Car is making a strange noise. No matter what it is,
you can't just pretend it's not happening.
Speaker 5 (24:50):
That's an interesting sound.
Speaker 4 (24:52):
It's like your mental health. If you're struggling and feeling overwhelmed,
it's important to do something about it. It can be
as simple as talking to someone in your community or
just taking a deep, calming breath when you need it.
Ah Nice. For mental health resources, check out Loveyourmind tooday
dot org. At Loveyourminddoday dot org. You'll find information that
(25:14):
may help you get through a tough time, things like
tips for dealing with stress, how to navigate difficulties like
financial worries, anger, substance use, and more. You can also
find real stories of how people navigated their own mental
health challenges, because once you start to address the problem,
you can go so much further. Visit Loveominddoday dot org.
(25:34):
That's loveomind today dot org. Brought to you by the
Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the ad Council.
Speaker 8 (25:40):
Get hurt in the game, we tough it out, feel exhausted,
we push on feeling down. We pull ourselves up by
the bootstraps. But there are times when bootstraps aren't enough,
when stress gets to us and we need to talk
to someone about what we're really going through. So we're
going to reach out because sometimes mental health is not
(26:02):
a one person job, is it.
Speaker 5 (26:04):
Love your Mind Today dot org.
Speaker 8 (26:05):
That's love your Mind Today dot org brought to you
by the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the Head Council.
Speaker 2 (26:11):
That'll do It.
Speaker 1 (26:12):
For this week's Kentucky Focus, a special thank you to
doctor Marty Hollly o Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent, whose
district is already garnering national attention for their Vocation Workforce initiative.
Also thank you to Erica Roby, winner of season two
of The Food Network's Barbecue bro All. She gave us
some great tips on how to step up our fall
tailgate barbecue game. And again, if you want to help
(26:33):
change the lives of young people in the state and
do some good and Commonwealth is looking for volunteers for
its citizens.
Speaker 2 (26:38):
Foster Care Review Board.
Speaker 1 (26:40):
For all of us at Kentucky Focus and the Kentucky
News Network, I'm Scott Fitzgerald saying, make it a safe
and happy week. We'll talk to you next time on
Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (26:50):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and it's citizens. We
cover state politics, in history, stories, sports, and even entertainment.
It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 12 (27:10):
Have you noticed bad behavior has become normalized at interscholastic
athletic events. Some fan seem angry, they lack civility toward
one another, Some even get aggressive and unruly.
Speaker 2 (27:23):
Time out.
Speaker 12 (27:24):
What is going on?
Speaker 13 (27:26):
This has to stop.
Speaker 12 (27:28):
Let's not forget school sports aren't just about winning, and
they're definitely not an excuse to take your frustrations out
on the official or the opponent. They're about teaching lessons
like perseverance, respect, and empathy so students can learn and
grow as people, not just as players. We all have
a role to play in setting a good example for
(27:49):
our students and teaching them these important values. So fans,
it's time to step up your game and behave positively
at Interscholastic Athletic Events in Kentucky.
Speaker 18 (28:00):
Brought to you by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association
and the Kentucky Athletic Administrators Association. You say you'd never
give into a meltdown, never let kids toys take over
the house, and never fill your feet with kid photos.
(28:21):
You'd never plan your life around their schedule, never lick
your thumb to clean their face, and you'd never let
them leave the house looking like less than their best.
You say you'd never put a pacifier in your mouth
to clean it, never let them stay up too late,
(28:42):
and never let them run wild through the grocery store.
And so when you say you'd never let them get
into a car without you there, No it can happen.
One in four hot car deaths happen when a kid
gets into an unlocked car and can't get out. What
never happens before you leave the car? Always stop look lock.
(29:05):
Brought to you by NITSA and the AD Council.
Speaker 2 (29:08):
Don't you wish Your life came with a warning app.
Speaker 17 (29:10):
That dog does not want to be petted?
Speaker 1 (29:13):
Well, life doesn't always give you time to change the outcome,
but pre diabetes does.
Speaker 2 (29:17):
Take the one minute test today at do I Have.
Speaker 4 (29:19):
Prediabetes dot org brought to you by the AD Council
and It's pre Diabetes Awareness partner.
Speaker 6 (29:22):
Out Here in the middle of these acres, it can
feel like you're the only person on earth. That's how
it feels when you're struggling with your mental health. But
you don't have to feel alone. Find more information that
love your mind today dot Org brought to you by
the Huntsman Mentalth Institute in the AD Council
And welcome to Kentucky Focus. So I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Coming
up this week with the new school year. Well in
a way, we catch up with the superintendent of the
state's largest school district, doctor Marty Polio, as they entertain
educators from other states.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
We'll find out why.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
Also, football and fall outdoor activities.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Well they're heating up around the state.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
Will take a look at ways you can spice up
that barbecue and impress your friends.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Family, and well maybe some neighbors. Right.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
Finally, counties across the state are looking for a few
good folks who can make a difference when it comes
to children. I'm Scott Fitzgerald and this is Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the
show that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and it's citizens.
We cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 4 (00:53):
In sitcoms, when someone has a problem, they just blurt
it out and move on.
Speaker 5 (00:57):
Well, I lost my job and my power keet is missing.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
How is your day?
Speaker 4 (01:04):
But the real world is different. Managing life's challenges can
be overwhelming so what do we do?
Speaker 5 (01:09):
We get support.
Speaker 4 (01:10):
The Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the AD Council have
mental health resources available for you at Love Youormind Today
dot org. That's Love your Mind Today dot org. See
how much further you can go when you take care
of your mental health.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
Babes, what are you doing what? I'm just s mowing
the lawn.
Speaker 6 (01:27):
No, it's blazing hot and dry out here.
Speaker 7 (01:30):
Don't you remember Smokey Bear says.
Speaker 5 (01:32):
Avoid using power equipment when it's windy er dry. Where'd
you learn this?
Speaker 7 (01:37):
Oh, it's on.
Speaker 5 (01:38):
Schmokeybear dot com with many other wildfire prevention.
Speaker 8 (01:42):
Tips, right, thanks honey Bear.
Speaker 5 (01:45):
Because remember, only you can prevent wildfires.
Speaker 4 (01:49):
Brought to you by the USDA Forest Service, your state Forester,
and the AD Council.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Doctor Murdy
Pollio heads up the largest public schools system in the
Commonwealth of Kentucky and is no stranger to lawmakers in Frankfurt. Recently,
some positive light that was cast upon Jefferson County public
schools when officials from Central Arkansas came to Kentucky to
visit and check out some new opportunities for professional occupations.
Speaker 7 (02:17):
You know, it has been something we've been working on
for seven or eight years. It's been a passion of
mine being a high school former high school principal for
ten years, which is engaging kids in there something that
they're passionate about. And really it is about I know,
the old term is vocational education, but really it's career
in tech education. And so the old model of just
having a few kids get on a bus and go
(02:38):
to a vocational technical center does not give access to
a lot of kids. So what we did is we
built in these pathways in our high schools that are
what is really needed for employment in Jefferson County. So
we're talking things like you know, manufacturing it, healthcare, these
things that we're looking for position getting kids on these pathways,
(03:02):
getting them trained, getting business partners to partner with us,
and making sure kids graduate and they have a certification,
college credit hours ready to go right into the workforce.
And so we got twenty two thousand people say to me, like,
you know, we need to go back to vocational educ
We have twenty two thousand kids in vocational education right now.
We call it career in tech ed now. So really
(03:24):
proud of it, and we're seeing record numbers when it
comes to post secondary readiness and graduation rate. And when
we know we're you know, doing well, is when we
see other districts, four districts come to visit us to
see what we're doing.
Speaker 1 (03:36):
We're checking in with doctor Marty Polio, superintendent of the
state's largest school district, that would be Jefferson County Public Schools,
as he discusses some of the bigger issues at hand,
and for example, bussing, something that's garnered national attention recently.
Speaker 7 (03:50):
Well, I'm really pleased with what has had through very
very difficult times with transportation, with just millions of minutes
being lost over the past coup for years, and that
impacts student outcomes, There's no doubt. I mean, you can't
say a kid is missing school and that's not going
to impact student outcomes. But we've just about eliminated that
this year. We made tough decisions in the spring that
(04:12):
were very controversial obviously that a lot of people didn't like.
But you know, once again, my commitment is to what's
best for ninety six thousand kids, and I just can't
have thousands of kids being late to school every day,
and so it's going very well right now. As far
as adding back, I mean, we partnered with Tark, but
(04:33):
right now we're struggling to get you know, the amount
of drivers we need to add back to pass what
is called an ESS endorsement. So we've got about twenty
six right now past, but we've got to get up
to about fifty or sixty before we add back. And
my commitment is, you know, I will not add back
if it's going to impact kids getting to school on time.
(04:54):
And right now it's going very well. Kids are getting
to school on time, they're being picked up right after school,
and I want continue to do that.
Speaker 1 (05:01):
Doctor Marty Pollio, superintendent for the state's largest public school district,
checking in to talk about some of the issues facing
education in the state, and along the lines of bussing,
the issue of discipline can't be ignored, something doctor Pollio
at least well aware of.
Speaker 7 (05:14):
Yeah, well, it's very really really disappointing to see a
child make a decision and do what they did to
another young person, you know, really disappointing. And you know,
mart obviously goes out to the victim, you know, in
this but and I can't get into specifics about what
(05:36):
we do to individual students, but I will tell you
this two things. First of all, in recent years, we
are taking the most absolute assertive discipline we can against
students who have egregious violent behaviors and as I go
as far as I possibly can based on the law
(05:58):
and our policies, our board policies, and we absolutely do
as much as we possibly can, which usually includes removing
the student from that school setting. The other positive we
have now is we have our own police force. We
have or closing in on fifty five police officers. And
(06:19):
I'm not saying we couldn't press charges before, but we
have our own police force now, and so it is
much more I'm not saying better, but much more efficient
for us to be able to also have legal consequences
against young people who do these things because we have
our own police force. So I think that's been something
(06:41):
that has really benefited us. But you know, I can
tell you this, we are really taking the most assertive
stance we can, both discipline wise from a school perspective
and a legal perspective as well.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
This week on Kentucky Focus, doctor Marty Polio, superintendent of
the state's largest public School District is weighing in on
some of the issues facing education here in the Commonwealth,
and property values are one of those on the minds
of many. Surprisingly, a lot of the money is collected
don't even stay in Jefferson County.
Speaker 7 (07:12):
The SEEK Fund, which is equalization which came back in
the early nineties with the Rose case and KIRA, which
equalizes property assessments. So the higher the property assessment you
have in a community, the more or the less SEEK
money you get from the state. And so yes, we
(07:32):
only get somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty to thirty
five cents on the dollar because we are and I
believe this, we're an anomaly in this state, which is
we have very high property value and assessment across this community,
but we also have extreme poverty. And there's not many
districts like that. Usually the high property assessments have you know,
(07:58):
those are communities that don't have a lot of poverty,
and so you know that that is a struggle for
us because we do send a lot of our dollars
go out to other counties across the state. And so
you know, I believe in equalization. I think that's important,
but I also believe that the legislature needs to look
(08:19):
at that again and make sure that you know, we
have extreme poverty in this community. Seventy percent of our
students qualify for free who reduce lunch. So to say
that we're a property rich community and don't have poverty
is just not the case whatsoever.
Speaker 1 (08:35):
And finally, doctor Polio has this message regarding local property assessments,
and I.
Speaker 7 (08:40):
Want to be clear that JCPS has nothing to do
with setting property assessment. So when the value goes up
on a home, you know, I do get some communication
from folks saying that we have some kind of hand
and that we have nothing to do with the property assessment.
That's actually why we have to drop the tax rate,
because property assessments go up. So for a lot of people,
actually you're not reassessed. Your tax bill went down this year.
Speaker 1 (09:03):
Well that is doctor Marty Polio, superintendent of the state's
largest public school district. Thank you again, doctor Polio. Coming
up well with fall door activities like tailgating, or maybe
you're heading to one of our state parks and you
want to step up your barbecue game, We've got just
the person for you. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. It's all coming
up on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 9 (09:25):
Every flu season, thousands of children younger than five are
hospitalized from flu complications. Each year, children die from flu.
You have the power to protect your loved ones this
flu season. CDC recommends everyone six months in older get
an annual flu vaccine. Some children will need two doses
to be fully protected, so don't wait. Get yourself and
(09:49):
your family vaccinated today. Learn more at CDC dot gov
slash fight Flu Hi.
Speaker 10 (09:55):
We're the Goo Goo Dolls. We're fortunate that our daughters
have what they need to grow and learn, but that
isn't the case for nearly thirteen million kids in the
US that struggle with hunger.
Speaker 11 (10:03):
Childhood hunger is a heartbreaking reality that Feeding America is
working to change. Each year, the Feeding American network of
food banks rescues billions of pounds of good food that
would have gone to waste and provides it to families
and children in need.
Speaker 10 (10:15):
You can help kids in need in your community by
visiting Feeding America dot org.
Speaker 12 (10:20):
Brought to you by Feeding America and the AD Council.
Speaker 13 (10:23):
The phones blow in up, but you're in the jovasee.
Ignore the bus, keep your eyes on the street, no
tax back, no scow, just that anyway, sen you in
on the road. That's the only way.
Speaker 8 (10:35):
Fhlles blow in.
Speaker 13 (10:37):
You're in the javasy. Ignore the bus, keep your eyes
on the street, No tax pack, no scow, stay.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
Away, don't drive distracted.
Speaker 4 (10:46):
A message brought to you by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration, Project yellow Light and the AD Council.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
Welcome back.
Speaker 1 (10:54):
I'm Scott Fitzgerald and you're listening to Kentucky Focus Well,
summer maybe drawing a close. That doesn't mean you have
to stop grilling out. Joining us is Erica Roby. She's
an acclaimed pitmaster, attorney and Navy wife. She needs to
wear a few more hats and she of course one
season two of Barbecue Brawl on the Food Network, and
(11:14):
following that appearance, eric had tied for first and Memphis
set the May World Championship Barbecue Cooking contest. She's now
turned her love for barbecue into another positive working with
Operation Barbecue, providing meals to those in need while inspiring
young people to get into cooking. Greetings, Erica, thanks for
taking time to join us.
Speaker 14 (11:34):
Oh, thank you for having me excited to talk to you.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
Oh, it's great because I love me some barbecue and
I love to grill out. And as I was telling
you off the air, I'm a Navy vet.
Speaker 2 (11:42):
You're a Navy wife.
Speaker 1 (11:43):
So as a Navy vet, how did you find time
to do all of this?
Speaker 15 (11:49):
You know?
Speaker 16 (11:49):
It was one of those things where I knew that
I had to do something. I had a brand new
baby at home and I couldn't leave the house. So
I would wait until took naps and I would figure
out what I was going to do. And then all
of a sudden, I saw the grill in my backyard.
I called up my dad and I was like, teach
me this right And I didn't know it would take
(12:10):
off so far.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
Oh and it did. Boy, you were on your way.
Erica Roby's joining us.
Speaker 1 (12:14):
She is, of course, a claimed pitmaster and winner of
season two of Barbecue Brawl in the Food Network.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
So why barbecue? What got you?
Speaker 1 (12:21):
Why not something maybe other of the culinary arts? What
got you into barbecue?
Speaker 2 (12:25):
Erica?
Speaker 16 (12:26):
So, my family is really big into barbecue. That's just
what we do. So it's been something that's in my
life ever since I was a child. I can still
remember flipping my first steak and just knowing that was
a huge honor because my dad never let anybody touch
the grill and he had me come over at nine
years of age and flip the steak. And you know,
I flipped that steak like my life depended on it.
(12:47):
So it's just one of those things that's always been ingrained,
just in the culture and fabric of my life.
Speaker 2 (12:52):
Erica Robe joins us now.
Speaker 1 (12:53):
She's winner of season two of The Barbecue Brawl, and
she's working with Operation Barbecue providing meals to those in need.
Speaker 2 (12:59):
Well also getting young folks into cooking, and so, Erica,
how many times did you have to fail at.
Speaker 1 (13:05):
Something before you got it right? And what kept you
from getting discouraged?
Speaker 16 (13:09):
I've probably failed at least three thousand times at everything
I've ever tried. And you know what, I like the steaks.
I like the odds. So the more I fail at something,
the harder I work at it to overcome it. That's
really what it is, that dogged determination.
Speaker 1 (13:24):
Right Erica Robbie joining us. She was winner of season
two of Barbecue Brawl. She's with us of course courtesy
of Operation Barbecue, providing meals to those in need, and
Erica Okay, So there's a ton of different types of
barbecue out there. Do you have a favorite style? Are
you Memphis, are you Carolina? Do you like tangy deal
like heat? What's your favorite?
Speaker 16 (13:43):
I'm definitely a beef girl, and I am Texas barbecue
through and through right.
Speaker 1 (13:49):
Right, So when we look at Texas can be a
little bit more spicier, if I'm not mistaken, right, Yes, there's.
Speaker 16 (13:55):
A lot of black pepper used because we are very predominantly,
very heavy on beef, so you know, coarse ground black pepper.
It just lends itself to beef and to smoke.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
And if you're looking for that right kick, what gives
you the most kick when it comes to barbecue, Is
there a certain spice that folks should look at?
Speaker 16 (14:12):
So it's definitely plain with your salts and your peppers.
There are so many different types of salts and peppers
to use, and now international ingredients as well, and incorporating
them in cuman is something that used with moderation. But
it's beautiful and those are the kind of things that
you can do, especially if you're making a brisket. You
can try out a lot of different types of spices
(14:33):
and seasonings.
Speaker 12 (14:34):
On your brisket.
Speaker 16 (14:35):
I mean you can do half and half, so you
can actually experiment and see what works for you and
what works with the smoke that you're rolling.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
And again we're talking with Erica Roby.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
She's a claimed pit master, attorney and Navy wife and winner.
Speaker 2 (14:47):
Of season two's Barbecue Brawl.
Speaker 1 (14:49):
She works with Operation Barbecue, providing meals to those in need,
and she also gets younger folks into cooking as.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
Well, which is awesome. Eric.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
I got to ask you, someone who's so involved in food,
do you see our dining habits changing, you know, especially
with grocery prices kind of being all over the map?
Speaker 16 (15:06):
Yes, and I mean even in my own household, I
am now looking to stretch a dollar and to make
sure that I'm dining in and I'm i utilizing leftovers,
and especially with the fall coming up, I want to
make my comfort dishes, and I of course I love
cooking beef, so I am looking at new ways of
making my beef comfort dishes, but adding different types of
(15:28):
international spices in there so that my family can always
stay on their toes when I'm cooking well.
Speaker 1 (15:33):
And I was going to ask you that, Erica, what
are some of your favorite dishes to make. Like you said,
you're very beef heavy, which is an excellent source of
protein by the way, very good for folks. What are
some of the favorite dishes you.
Speaker 2 (15:43):
Like to make?
Speaker 16 (15:44):
So I am all about comfort bowls because you can
sit on the couch and feed them and not worried
about his spelling. But I love Korean beef, will go yes, yes, yeah,
there's some of my favorites. And you can use so
many different cuts of beef in there. I know that,
Like I have a recipe for you that calls for,
you know, a ribbi, but you can use anything that
(16:05):
you find and just have it cut thin. I know
there's a lot of pre cut beefs now and local
grocery stores or your butcher can do it and you
can substitute that. So if you find something on sale,
go ahead grab it and use it and then using
leftover rice, you know, because rice is better to make
it to stir fry if it's a day old and
if it's hardened up a little bit. So those are
(16:26):
things that are really beautiful because then you can add
a lot of citrus flavors in there.
Speaker 10 (16:31):
I like chili paste.
Speaker 16 (16:32):
The Korean gochajong because it's delicious. There's just so many
things you can do into a bowl and make it
a comfort dish that the family will not get tired of.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
And Erica, will I have you?
Speaker 1 (16:43):
Because we are talking beef centric here, the age old question.
Obviously you don't want too much fat, but you do
want some when it comes to either your steaks or
maybe it's your hamburg How important is the fat content
when grilling out?
Speaker 16 (16:55):
You know, it's really about how you're gonna grill. If
you're doing low and slow, you want that protective fat
layer because that piece of beef is going to be
out there longer. But you know, if you're doing hot
and fast and you know it's going to be on
there for you know, maybe five up to ten minutes max,
then it really is about how you're handling your meat
(17:17):
on the grill and how you're actually seasoning it, and
just making sure that you're being cognizant of where you're
at when the fat is melting on there and your temperatures.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
Right right, So slow and low is important.
Speaker 1 (17:31):
And while't we have you again, Eric and Robbie's joining
us for just a few minutes.
Speaker 2 (17:34):
She was winner of season two of Barbecue Brawl.
Speaker 1 (17:36):
She's working with Operation Barbecue to provide meals to those
in need, as well as giving us some tips done
what we want to do because we can grill out
year round right here in Kentucky.
Speaker 2 (17:44):
What can you tell us about Blue Smoke Blas Barbecue Academy.
Speaker 16 (17:47):
Yeah, so down at my ranch in Texas, I teach people.
It's completely hands on and I teach them everything they
need to know about barbecue and different grills, everything like that,
so that you really are confident and you really are
that backyard barbecue hero before.
Speaker 2 (18:03):
We let you go. You do work with youngsters.
Speaker 1 (18:06):
You encourage, you know, cooking, whether it be grilling out
or just getting into the culinary art. How do you
see this next generation coming up? And you know, because
for us, I don't know how old you are, but
for me growing up in the eighties and the nineties,
it was all instant microwave, let's.
Speaker 2 (18:18):
Knock this out. And now I love being in I
can spend all day in the kitchen. How do you
see this younger generation coming up?
Speaker 16 (18:24):
The younger generation, I think is the foody generation because
they have more options than we did and they are
very exposed to food and how the different ways it
can be cooked, what it can look like, different cultures
and cuisines. So I think that we just have a
whole generation of foodies coming up, and I think that's
going to be a beautiful thing.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
So where do you go from here?
Speaker 3 (18:43):
Erica?
Speaker 1 (18:43):
You've already won season two of Barbecue bra. You're an
attorney or a Navy wife.
Speaker 2 (18:48):
What do you do now?
Speaker 16 (18:49):
You know, I just I love to be in my
house now. I love to cook with my kids and
just really try and encourage them to be that next generation.
And I promoted my youngest son. He's six. He is
now Soux chef, so I got him on ground beef duty.
And you know, it's just really trying to impart some
of my recipes and what I know onto the next generation.
(19:11):
And I'm doing that right inside my home, and also
bringing that pitmaster experience into my house and showing that
even if you don't cook outside, you can still cook
delicious meals, especially beef fowles and things like that, steaks,
you can do that right inside your house.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
Now I'm really hungry, and of course this has been
a treat but intended Erica.
Speaker 2 (19:30):
Okay, before we let you go. If folks want to
get in touch with you, or want.
Speaker 1 (19:33):
To learn more about the good work you're doing, or
just get some good recipes, where can they go?
Speaker 16 (19:37):
So if you want to have an arsenal of recipes
this fall, go to beef It's What's for Dinner dot
Com and you will be set.
Speaker 2 (19:44):
You're awesome, Erica, thanks so much. I appreciate you. Good luck.
Speaker 1 (19:47):
I hope we can talk again maybe once the weather
gets a little better too, and heading into summer. I
love me some barbecue and you and I I love
Texas barbecue too.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
So thanks an down all.
Speaker 1 (19:57):
Getting a special thank you to Erica Roby, winner of
season two of Them The Food Network's Barbecue Brawl. For
more information on how to step up your game is fall,
visit bee It's What's for Dinner dot Com? Coming up,
The Commonwealth is looking for a few good folks who
want to make a difference in a child's life. I'm
Scott Fitzgerald and you're listening to Kentucky folks.
Speaker 15 (20:19):
While serving in Vietnam, a grenade took my ability to
see today, I'm a sculptor. Now my fingers are my eyes.
I'm Michael Nranho, As a veteran, I know the challenges
of life can be great in my art, turning a
lump of play into something beautiful that is worth doing.
(20:40):
Life is like that. We each must use where we
can to make things better.
Speaker 17 (20:45):
DAV helps veterans like Michael get the benefits they've earned.
They help more than a million veterans every year in
life changing ways.
Speaker 15 (20:53):
Now I show others how they can create something with
their own hands. I know it can do a lot
of good. With support from DAV, more veterans can shape
their lives into a thing of beauty. My victory is
bringing beauty into the world.
Speaker 17 (21:10):
Michael Nuranjo. May your victories inspire many more. Support more
victories for veterans. Go to DAV dot org.
Speaker 2 (21:19):
Welcome back.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
I'm Scott Fitzgeralden. This is Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (21:23):
More than half of Kentucky's counties are.
Speaker 1 (21:25):
Looking for select volunteers who want to make a difference
in a child's life. Seventy five to be exact citizen.
Foster care review boards are seeking volunteers who can conduct
interactive reviews on children and make recommendations to the Cabinet
for Health and Family Services on state courts for each child.
These boards recommend services to help children and advocate for
(21:45):
placing children in safe permanent homes as soon as possible.
Rosalind Patent Pelt is the state Vice Chair for the
Citizen's Foster Care Review Board, and she has this message.
Speaker 14 (21:57):
I and hundreds of volunteers like me make an important
difference in the lives of these children by reviewing their
cases from the state's Cabinet for Child Welfare. We make
recommendations to courts to ensure that children are getting what
they need while and out of home care. A lot
of people don't know that there is a way to
help children and care other than being a foster parent,
(22:19):
but CFCRB volunteers do just that. Volunteers also play a
role in making sure children are placed in safe permanent
homes as soon as possible, whether that means being reunited
with their families or being adopted by another It takes
a lot of wonderful people to do this meaningful work,
and we are greatly in need of more volunteers to
(22:41):
join us. I know you are busy, but volunteers only
meet once a month and it's online. This fulfilling opportunity
is open to anyone over the age of eighteen and
who passes a background check and completes training. Foster children
in Kentucky are our children, are our future educators, students,
(23:01):
and leaders. Come join us to be a voice for
them again.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
That is Rosalind Patent Pealt.
Speaker 1 (23:07):
She is the state Vice chair for the Citizen's Foster
Care Review Board and of course, created in nineteen eighty
two to decrease children's time in out of home care.
The CFCRB has more than seven hundred dedicated volunteers across
the state, with.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
The average length in service around six years.
Speaker 1 (23:24):
In fiscal year twenty twenty three, volunteers reviewed twenty thousand,
one hundred and forty two cases involving over eleven thousand children.
Speaker 2 (23:32):
If you think you can or want to help, reach
out today, I'm Scott Fitzgeralden. We're back to wrap things
up after this.
Speaker 6 (23:42):
Out here in the middle of all these acres, it
can feel like you're the only person on earth, And
sometimes that's how it feels when you're going through tough times.
Stress builds up, you have trouble sleeping, maybe your mind
is racing and you just don't feel like yourself. So
what do we do get help. Lots of people are
(24:02):
struggling with their mental health. It's more common than you think.
The good news is there are people in our community
who are here for us when times are tough. Sometimes
just talking to someone can make all the difference in
the world, so we don't feel so alone. One thing
you can do is visit love youormind Today dot org
for simple steps you can take to find the right
(24:23):
solution for you, whether it's hearing stories about what other
people are going through or finding the resources we need
to navigate the stresses in our lives. Visit Love Yourmind
Today dot org. That's Love your Mind Today dot org,
brought to you by the Huntsman in the Twilfth Institute
and the ad Council.
Speaker 4 (24:41):
Car is making a strange noise. No matter what it is,
you can't just pretend it's not happening.
Speaker 5 (24:50):
That's an interesting sound.
Speaker 4 (24:52):
It's like your mental health. If you're struggling and feeling overwhelmed,
it's important to do something about it. It can be
as simple as talking to someone in your community or
just taking a deep, calming breath when you need it.
Ah Nice. For mental health resources, check out Loveyourmind tooday
dot org. At Loveyourminddoday dot org. You'll find information that
(25:14):
may help you get through a tough time, things like
tips for dealing with stress, how to navigate difficulties like
financial worries, anger, substance use, and more. You can also
find real stories of how people navigated their own mental
health challenges, because once you start to address the problem,
you can go so much further. Visit Loveominddoday dot org.
(25:34):
That's loveomind today dot org. Brought to you by the
Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the ad Council.
Speaker 8 (25:40):
Get hurt in the game, we tough it out, feel exhausted,
we push on feeling down. We pull ourselves up by
the bootstraps. But there are times when bootstraps aren't enough,
when stress gets to us and we need to talk
to someone about what we're really going through. So we're
going to reach out because sometimes mental health is not
(26:02):
a one person job, is it.
Speaker 5 (26:04):
Love your Mind Today dot org.
Speaker 8 (26:05):
That's love your Mind Today dot org brought to you
by the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the Head Council.
Speaker 2 (26:11):
That'll do It.
Speaker 1 (26:12):
For this week's Kentucky Focus, a special thank you to
doctor Marty Hollly o Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent, whose
district is already garnering national attention for their Vocation Workforce initiative.
Also thank you to Erica Roby, winner of season two
of The Food Network's Barbecue bro All. She gave us
some great tips on how to step up our fall
tailgate barbecue game. And again, if you want to help
(26:33):
change the lives of young people in the state and
do some good and Commonwealth is looking for volunteers for
its citizens.
Speaker 2 (26:38):
Foster Care Review Board.
Speaker 1 (26:40):
For all of us at Kentucky Focus and the Kentucky
News Network, I'm Scott Fitzgerald saying, make it a safe
and happy week. We'll talk to you next time on
Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 3 (26:50):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and it's citizens. We
cover state politics, in history, stories, sports, and even entertainment.
It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 12 (27:10):
Have you noticed bad behavior has become normalized at interscholastic
athletic events. Some fan seem angry, they lack civility toward
one another, Some even get aggressive and unruly.
Speaker 2 (27:23):
Time out.
Speaker 12 (27:24):
What is going on?
Speaker 13 (27:26):
This has to stop.
Speaker 12 (27:28):
Let's not forget school sports aren't just about winning, and
they're definitely not an excuse to take your frustrations out
on the official or the opponent. They're about teaching lessons
like perseverance, respect, and empathy so students can learn and
grow as people, not just as players. We all have
a role to play in setting a good example for
(27:49):
our students and teaching them these important values. So fans,
it's time to step up your game and behave positively
at Interscholastic Athletic Events in Kentucky.
Speaker 18 (28:00):
Brought to you by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association
and the Kentucky Athletic Administrators Association. You say you'd never
give into a meltdown, never let kids toys take over
the house, and never fill your feet with kid photos.
(28:21):
You'd never plan your life around their schedule, never lick
your thumb to clean their face, and you'd never let
them leave the house looking like less than their best.
You say you'd never put a pacifier in your mouth
to clean it, never let them stay up too late,
(28:42):
and never let them run wild through the grocery store.
And so when you say you'd never let them get
into a car without you there, No it can happen.
One in four hot car deaths happen when a kid
gets into an unlocked car and can't get out. What
never happens before you leave the car? Always stop look lock.
(29:05):
Brought to you by NITSA and the AD Council.
Speaker 2 (29:08):
Don't you wish Your life came with a warning app.
Speaker 17 (29:10):
That dog does not want to be petted?
Speaker 1 (29:13):
Well, life doesn't always give you time to change the outcome,
but pre diabetes does.
Speaker 2 (29:17):
Take the one minute test today at do I Have.
Speaker 4 (29:19):
Prediabetes dot org brought to you by the AD Council
and It's pre Diabetes Awareness partner.
Speaker 6 (29:22):
Out Here in the middle of these acres, it can
feel like you're the only person on earth. That's how
it feels when you're struggling with your mental health. But
you don't have to feel alone. Find more information that
love your mind today dot Org brought to you by
the Huntsman Mentalth Institute in the AD Council
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