September 4, 2025 • 29 mins
This week on "Kentucky Focus", Scott Fitzgerald dives into two very different—but equally powerful—stories. First, he explores a movement that’s putting protection and peace of mind front and center in our Kentucky communities. Then, he heads to the mountains, where the air is crisp, the views are breathtaking, and traditions turn into lifelong memories. From building safer spaces to chasing the colors of fall, Scott brings you a conversation that will leave you both inspired and ready to plan your next adventure.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Well, no doubt
we've got some warmer days still ahead of us, but
the recent cooler temperatures savus thinking about the leaves starting
to turn in the air getting just a bit crisper.
Of course, all of us around the Commonwealth of Kentucky
during up for a season of family fall fun, whether
it be heading to your favorite orchard, going out color watching,
(00:22):
or just simply getting away for a long weekend. Well,
we've got scenic mountain getaways, we got holiday displays, there
experiences that draw millions each year around our great state,
and some new attractions are opening up, not just in
our state nearby. We'll talk about those, but it's not
just about full escapes. Schools across Kentucky are also unfortunately
(00:42):
having to turn their focus to something critical that would
be safety. On the flip side of that, we're blessed
to have one dedicated initiative in this state that's helping students, teachers,
and communities take proactive steps to create secure learning environments
in schools all across the Commonwealth. Coming up on this
week's show, we'll explore some must see full deskin nations,
and of course we'll talk with a key voice when
(01:03):
it comes to Kentucky school safety about keeping our kids
safe when they head off to school. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
We're back after this on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
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 3 (01:27):
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(01:49):
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(02:11):
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Speaker 1 (04:28):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Well, today
we're shining a spotlight on a topic that effects every parent, teacher,
and student in Kentucky. We're talking about school safety September
eighth through the twelfth of Mark Kentucky Safe Schools Week,
and this year's theme is, of course, a focus on
school safety. Joining us is Patricia Grier, resource Center director
(04:51):
for the Kentucky Center for School Safety at Murray State University,
to talk about what this week means, why it is
so important, and how schools across the Commonwealth taking proactive
steps to keep students and staff is safe. Patricia, good
morning to you, thanks for joining us.
Speaker 7 (05:06):
Good morning Scott, thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
Why was focused on school safety chosen as this year's theme.
Speaker 7 (05:11):
Well, we try to choose a theme each year that
we think the kids can connect with and focus on.
School Family has a photography theme behind it with a
lot of the things you can do now, even digitally
with your phone. Photography is a growing pastime with all kids,
even our high school kids are very into that, so
we thought that would be a good thing. We also
(05:33):
loved the meeting on focus on school safety. Take some
time and really dive into some of your procedures that
you have and have some conversations around school safety and
maybe explain to people why we do things we do.
Speaker 1 (05:49):
Patricia Greer joining us. She is the Resource Center director
for the Kentucky Center for School Safety at Marie State University.
And Patricia, before we delve a little bit into this conversation,
tell me a little bit about that can Kentucky Center
for School Safety. How did you become about and what
do you primarily do? I mean, I know you focus
on school safety, but how do you go about that?
Speaker 7 (06:08):
Well? The Center's actually been around the state of Kentucky
since nineteen ninety eight. It was first funded that year
through the General Assembly and it has been active ever since.
It has three partners. It has EKU, Murray State in
the Kentucky school Board Association. John Akers is our executive
director and has been for twenty years. The main way
(06:29):
I sum up what the Kentucky Center for School Safety
is is we are consultants who help our schools in Kentucky,
public and private. And we don't just consult virtually. We
go to your building and help you with whatever you need.
We are active in that. We have a very robust
website that we keep up to date for schools to
(06:50):
be able to get resources from We have a variety
of trainings including threat assessment training, gatekeeper training. We also
do school safety the assessments across the state. We do
over one hundred a year and that's where we go
through and we work with principals and we interview students,
staff and parents and let the school and school district
have a picture of how school safety is viewed.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
Patricia Greer is joining us this week use the Resource
Center director as you heard there at the Kentucky Center
for School Safety at Maurice State University. September eighth through
the twelfth is Kentucky Safe Schools Week. And Patricia, what
are some of the practical ways schools can engage students, teachers,
and parents during Safe Schools Week.
Speaker 7 (07:31):
The first way that you can do it is you
can let all your students, staff and parents know that
there is a pledge live on our website that talks
about different ways you can focus on school safety. So
if they would go in and read that pledge, sign
off that they've read the pledge, that is the first way.
Another way is we have a daily themes that you
can have conversations about in classrooms and send information home about.
(07:56):
For instance, we focus on kindness, so we are treating
each other way we want to be treated. We focus
on a culture of reporting, which is really important. If
you see something or hear something, we want student, staff
and parents to say something.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
Patricia Greer joining us again, resource center director for the
Kentucky Center for School Safety, and we're talking, of course
about keeping our schools safe during Kentucky Safe Schools Week
coming up September eighth through the twelfth. And Patricia, how
do you measure the successive safety initiatives in schools?
Speaker 7 (08:25):
This is where it gets tricky. It can't just be
one initiative. You can't just say, hey, we participate in
Safe Schools Week. That means we have a safe school
culture and campus. To measure safety, it does involve us
talking to people getting their feedback. It also involves looking
at some behavior events you have and the security of
(08:48):
your buildings, Like you don't have any exterior doors open,
you have to buzz in. We have a secure building
during the day.
Speaker 8 (08:55):
You know.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
I've had people, Patricia, especially after the events that unfolded
in Minnesota, now reaching out and revisiting their school procedures,
whether or now those kids were involved in a school
mass but you know, when you gather your students all
in one place for an assembly like that, are you
absolutely doing everything you can to keep those kids safe?
And like you said, a lot of that is just
(09:16):
simply starting the conversation and letting people talk and getting
that feedback. Now, Patricia, do you have a recent example
maybe of a programmer or an initiative that's come about
or that you all heard about that's actually made an
impact here in Kentucky.
Speaker 7 (09:30):
The Safe Schools and Resiliency Act that was passed in
twenty nineteen has really made a huge difference in the
safety and security of buildings across Kentucky in that act,
and the things that we are seeing grow is you're
not finding experior doors that are propped open or left
open like they are pulled shut and locked. Kids in
classrooms are behind locked doors. Ten years ago, even maybe
(09:55):
even six, it was very normal to walk into school
and maybe the.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
The front door was locked, sure, but once she walked.
Speaker 7 (10:02):
In the school, all the classrooms were open. You could
get into any classroom very quickly, and if the school
needed to lock down, sometimes the teachers had to lock
the door and then pull it shut. That's not the
case anymore. If you walk into a building in the
state of Kentucky, a school building, you're gonna see once
you walk in, the students are behind locked doors when
(10:22):
they're in instructional periods. So that's made a real difference.
The other part of that legislation is it's not just
about hardware, as John Akers likes to say. It's about
hardware too, and we are looking at some trauma in
foreign practices in schools. Schools are really trying to step
up their social emotional learning and school based threat assessment
teams are being put into our schools and we're seeing
(10:44):
a lot of things being caught before they escalate to
larger safety events.
Speaker 1 (10:51):
Wonderful conversation with Patricia Greer, taking a few minutes out
of her time there at Murray State University. She's the
Resource center director for the Kentucky Center for School Safety.
As you can see, they're fully engaged in keeping our
schools safe and not just on a physical sense. And
that's what you hear so much about Patricias. So many
people say, lock the doors, is the school locked, and
(11:11):
that's important, don't get me wrong. But what you're diving
into is also the other angle of the conversation that
starts and what begins in the heart and keeping our
kids and our staff safe, which is outstanding, Patricia, Before
we let you go, how can the wider community get involved?
They're listening to this and they're like, Hey, we want
to make sure our school's doing everything they can. How
(11:32):
can they get involved in support safe for learning environment.
Speaker 7 (11:35):
The first one is next week. If you get on
our website, you can read some of the resources and
thanks we have for Safe Schools Week. Our website even
has a parent section that you can go to to
get more information. The second way is to get involved
in your school. Schools are always looking for SBDM that
school based decision making members. They have to have usually
(11:57):
two parents on each school team and also be a
part of different programs that your school runs. When your
school has an open house, go to it. If they
have parent teacher conferences, go to those a lot of times.
At those events, schools actually have more information for you
to learn about the school in general.
Speaker 1 (12:15):
You're getting great involvement from the folks in Frankfurt. Correct.
How about local law enforcement agencies? Are they behind you
guys as well?
Speaker 6 (12:22):
Oh?
Speaker 7 (12:22):
Yes, we have a really good relationship with CASRO, which
is actually the Kentucky Association of School Resource Officers. Kentucky
is one of the nation's leaders in school Resource officers,
so that is our connection to local law enforcement. The
training we have for SROs is at the top of
what is required across the nation. So we are really
(12:43):
working closely as the center and just as a state
and whole with school resource officers and Patricia.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
Before we let you go, what if a parent is
listening right now and they're saying, I have tried to
mention to my school there are things we need to
do to be safer. We've tried to do this, we try,
I'm not getting anywhere. What would you say to them?
Speaker 7 (13:02):
If you've talked to the school level you still have
some concerns, go to the next level, which is your
district office. From your district office, schools in Kentucky have
Safe Schools Coordinators. That was a position that was mandated
in twenty nineteen, so you could talk to that individual
who should be able to answer your questions. Of course,
if that doesn't happen, you can talk to your superintendent.
(13:24):
We have a contact form on our website that they
can actually click on and they could put their information
in that contact form. Once we get that information, we
do share it directly with the superintendent.
Speaker 1 (13:36):
Patricia Greer outstanding conversation with resource center director for the
Kentucky Center for School Safety. She's at Murray State University.
They obviously have partnered up with other universities around the commonwealth.
And Patricia, where can folks go to get this valuable information?
Speaker 7 (13:50):
You go to our website, which is KYCSS dot org.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
This has been a tree for me. I hope we
can catch up later on down the road, not just
for something like safe schools. We can maybe we can
check in later this year and talk about some progress
and refresh folks as they move on through the school year.
Speaker 7 (14:05):
Oh, would definitely be for that.
Speaker 1 (14:07):
Thank you again. Thank you to Patricia Greer with the
Kentucky Center for School Safety at Murray State University for
highlighting how schools across our great state and keep our
students safe. When we come back, we'll lighten things up
a little bit and talk about getting away on that
all special fall trip. I'm scum Fitzgerald. You're listening to
Kentucky Focus.
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Speaker 11 (15:27):
Open ai says it's going to introduce some new features
designed to give parents more control over what their kids
are doing with artificial intelligence. It comes amid increased scrutiny
over the effect generative AI tools like CHATGPT are having
on people experiencing mental distress.
Speaker 12 (15:43):
Those types of models act in ways that often feel
helpful but are actually harmful.
Speaker 11 (15:49):
Nick Jacobson is an Associate professor of Biomedical Data Science
at Dartmouth. He says open AI's new parental controls aren't
enough on their own.
Speaker 12 (15:57):
There's need for legislation and over sight of these types
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But he says there is a place for more specialized
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Speaker 11 (16:22):
With tack trends. I'm Mike Debasqui.
Speaker 13 (16:23):
Talking about guns with others might not always feel comfortable,
but it could save a life. Here's a way to
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you ask if there are any unlocked guns in the home.
Speaker 8 (16:40):
Hey, Hey, we're so excited for it tonight Before we
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Speaker 1 (16:51):
Great.
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Do you have a pool outside?
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Nice. Another question, are there any unlocked guns in the home?
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Are guns a start securely locked in a safe that
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Awesome? Yeah, Now let's just talk about what we can
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Speaker 1 (17:24):
And welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. While
we're taking a little trip over the border. Wait what Yes,
without even leaving your seat, of course, the cooler temperatures
around the cabin wealth this week us thinking about leaves,
changing the air, maybe turning crisp. And now one of
the sound of these most cynic destinations is starting to
(17:44):
come alive, and that of course feature family fund out
to our adventure and festive fall events. We're talking, of
course about Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Joining us today is suit
Car from the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, and she's
here to talk a little bit about why. Yeah, you
still try well around Kentucky. But hey, if you're hot
on the road, why not just take a little turn
(18:04):
and maybe veer off down down to the sea. The
good folks in Tennessee. Good morning, Sue, how are you.
Speaker 14 (18:10):
Good morning? Thank you for having us today.
Speaker 1 (18:12):
So Sue, talk to us a little bit. Why is
full such a special time in your part of the woods.
Speaker 14 (18:17):
Well, it just happens that Pigeon Forge sits right next
door in a great Smoky Mountains National Park. And the
fall splendor that we experienced starting in September, and the
lower elevation that goes all the way through the end
of October and sometimes even into November is just majestic.
And of course you've got Pigeon Forge with more than
one hundred attractions and so much to do. So I
like to say, you can visit this area and it
(18:38):
can be as quiet or it can be as busy
as you want your get away to be.
Speaker 1 (18:42):
Sue car is joining us now. She's from the Pigeon
Forge Department of Tourism, and we're talking about full getaways.
And some day we plenty of great destinations here in Kentucky,
mind you, but it's always nice to maybe go south
of the border, as we like to call it Sue
and briefly, so when did Pigeon Forge become such a
destiny and what made it so special?
Speaker 14 (19:01):
Well, what made it so special, of course is the
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and of course our sister city, Gatlinburg,
has been a destination for many years, and people just
drove through Pigeon Forge in the beginning, but Pigeon Forge
became its own destination many years later, especially after the
World's Fair, is when we're really started to see the
visitorship increase here in this area. And it's our only industry.
(19:25):
That's what we're known for is welcoming folks to Pigeonforge.
Speaker 1 (19:28):
Well, and as someone who's been there suit, it absolutely
is a beautiful destination, especially in the fall against Sooue
car with the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism is with us.
And so what new attractions or experiences are families going
to discover the season. Maybe some have been down there
before and maybe some were coming for the first time.
Speaker 14 (19:44):
Well this fall, of course, Dollywood has their great Pumpkin
Lumonites and with that they have added big Country Corn candy.
Do you imagine an area where you've got life size
candy corn. Then that's a pretty amazing new thing to experience.
And then we have the Island the Jurassic Adventure. They
have twenty two animatronic dinosaurs throughout the park scavenger hunt
(20:07):
that you can participate in, and that's free, you know,
not many things are free this day. And then we
have also yeah, the Truth Traveler and Pigeon Borge, which
is part of the arc and counter a new experience
and you can travel back in time all the way
to the Garden of Edens, So it's a pretty neat
thing to experience. And we've got great new lodging options
(20:28):
here in Pigeon Borge, anything from rooftop dining to indoor
water parks and also a lagoon that's been added this
year at the Christmas Place, which is an experience, especially
as we go into the holiday season.
Speaker 1 (20:41):
Sue car joining us Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, and
of course we're talking about fall getaways and again great
to travel run the Commonwealth, but also nice to venture
across the border and expand our horizons a little bit.
And Sue, while't we have you If folks are listening
to this and they're saying, I want to plan a trip,
maybe not just right now, maybe later on in the fall.
(21:02):
How should we dress? What's the climate like, what's the
weather like? What can folks how can they plan for that.
Speaker 14 (21:07):
This it's a different time of year. So I like
to say, layer bring it where. If you're experiencing those
higher temperatures than you're good. But if it's a little
bit cooler, and if you go to the National Park,
it's going to be a little bit cooler, just bring
that sweater or that sweatshirt. So layering this time of
year is the best way to pack your seatcase.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
And you know, getting down their highways and byways and
once we get to Pigeon Forge, a play places to park.
I know that sometimes it is an issue for folks
when they go to Destiny. We've been to travel destinations
in the Sunshine State of Florida and you find these
great communities, but it's always so hard to park. What's
parking like now in Pigeon Forge.
Speaker 14 (21:44):
In Pigeon Forge, there is no issue with parking. We've
got great opportunities with public parking and it's free. That's
the great thing. And then we also have a great
transit system with our trolley, So you can park your
car and jump on a Pigeon Forge trolley and it
will take you to almost every business in Pigeon Forge.
Speaker 1 (22:02):
So car joining us now having a great conversation regarding
Pigeon Forge. And she's with the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism,
So Sue, I know demand can be high, especially in
the fall. If someone's listening now, do they need to
get right on and try to book these hotel reservations.
Speaker 14 (22:17):
If you want to book for October, then I would
go ahead and start making those plans now. If you
go on our website, which is my Pigeonforge dot com,
there's great opportunity for savings to go ahead and get
that booking and save a little a few dollars before
ball breaks begin here in this area.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
If we're coming down to Pigeon Forge there at the
great State of Tennessee and we want an authentic Tennessee meal,
what should we be looking out for.
Speaker 14 (22:41):
One of my most favorites is we have the Old
Mill restaurant, and right next door to that is the
Old Mill itself which is still grinding meal and they
use that in a lot of their dishes that they
make what they actually make right there in the store.
So it's really a great farm to table experience. And
you're looking at out over the little Pigeon River, so
(23:02):
it's a great experience. But that's one thing about Pigeon Forge.
There's a great opportunity for great dining throughout the area.
But that gives it that little bit of historical fight
as well when you enjoy Amila at Belleville.
Speaker 1 (23:14):
Sure now, and I know the good folks in Tennessee
are always willing to put their own home creations on display,
very proud of the volunteer state. Is that correct?
Speaker 14 (23:22):
That is absolutely correct.
Speaker 1 (23:24):
Sue Carr joining us when she's with the Pigeon Forge
Department of Tourism, And Sue, with the holidays approaching, you
mentioned Winterfest earlier, and let's say maybe the fall. They
don't want to come for the fall, but they'd like
to come over maybe a Christmas get away with the family.
We've even talked about that that you get so cooped
up in the house over the Christmas holidays you just
want to get away, and it sounds like Pigeon Forge
is close enough where we can do exactly that.
Speaker 14 (23:46):
You're almost five hours away, just a quick trip to
Pigeon Forge and beginning and the beginning of November, we
have the Smoky Mountain Winter Fills, which the City of
Pigeon Porge and Dolly w together have over ten million
lights to experience and part of that is a greenway
that's about a mile and a half and it's a
(24:08):
great walking experience or a way to create memories with
your family. Then you have the island and Pigeon Fororge.
They really dress up for the holidays, and really throughout
Pigeon Forge, we have so many businesses who just really
decorate and make the city just so festive, adding that
our Christmas shows, great shopping, great dining. It is the
perfect destination for creating those memories year after year and
(24:32):
coming to Pigeon Forge. At business, you're.
Speaker 1 (24:34):
Pretty centrally located in the United States. Do you get
a lot of families that come in from different parts
of the country and sort of kind of gather at
Pigeon Forge.
Speaker 14 (24:42):
We do. We're actually within a day's driving distance of
two thirds of the population east of the Mississippi River,
So when you think about that, that's a lot of
visitors that we want to welcome to Pigeon Forge.
Speaker 1 (24:53):
Finally, before we let you go, where can folks go
if they want to start planning their trip today again?
Speaker 14 (24:57):
For great savings and for planning your entire you can
go to my pigeonforge dot com.
Speaker 1 (25:02):
All right, Sue Carr with the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. Sue,
thank you so much. We appreciate you and we look
forward to seeing you as the leaves change.
Speaker 14 (25:09):
Come see as soon again.
Speaker 1 (25:10):
Thank you to Sue Carr with the Pigeon Forge Department
of Tourism for sharing with us some great travel tips.
If we went ahead a little south of the border,
I'm Scott Fitzgel. We'll wrap things up after this.
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Oh learn more at dogthink dot org. And welcome back
to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald, wrapping things up here
after another grade show. A big thank you to Sue
Carr from the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism for sharing
all the ways families can enjoy falling kick off this
holiday season, and of course, the Patricia Career from the
(27:40):
Kentucky Center for School Safety at Murray State University for
highlighting house schools across the Commonwealth are keeping students and
staff safe during Kentucky Safe Schools Week, whether you're traveling
in Kentucky or Tennessee. For all of us at Kentucky
Focus want to remind you to buckle up and drive safely.
We of course watch you here for next week's shot.
Oh and as always, thank you for making time to
(28:03):
make Kentucky Focus part of your listening each week. I'm
Scott Vince Gerald, and I speak for all of us
ad the Kentucky News Network and of course here at
Kentucky Focus. Now I tell you stay safe, take care
of each other, and we'll talk to you next week
on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (28:17):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens. We
cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports, and
even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 6 (28:36):
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(28:58):
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A message from the US Tire Manufacturers Association
Welcome to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Well, no doubt
we've got some warmer days still ahead of us, but
the recent cooler temperatures savus thinking about the leaves starting
to turn in the air getting just a bit crisper.
Of course, all of us around the Commonwealth of Kentucky
during up for a season of family fall fun, whether
it be heading to your favorite orchard, going out color watching,
(00:22):
or just simply getting away for a long weekend. Well,
we've got scenic mountain getaways, we got holiday displays, there
experiences that draw millions each year around our great state,
and some new attractions are opening up, not just in
our state nearby. We'll talk about those, but it's not
just about full escapes. Schools across Kentucky are also unfortunately
(00:42):
having to turn their focus to something critical that would
be safety. On the flip side of that, we're blessed
to have one dedicated initiative in this state that's helping students, teachers,
and communities take proactive steps to create secure learning environments
in schools all across the Commonwealth. Coming up on this
week's show, we'll explore some must see full deskin nations,
and of course we'll talk with a key voice when
(01:03):
it comes to Kentucky school safety about keeping our kids
safe when they head off to school. I'm Scott Fitzgerald.
We're back after this on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
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 3 (01:27):
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(01:49):
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(02:11):
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Visit Operation Overfront dot org to learn more.
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Only one in five people with disabilities, including those with autism,
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even deadly is distracted. Driving Ice forward, don't drive distracted.
Brought to you by NITZA and the AD Council.
Speaker 1 (04:28):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Well, today
we're shining a spotlight on a topic that effects every parent, teacher,
and student in Kentucky. We're talking about school safety September
eighth through the twelfth of Mark Kentucky Safe Schools Week,
and this year's theme is, of course, a focus on
school safety. Joining us is Patricia Grier, resource Center director
(04:51):
for the Kentucky Center for School Safety at Murray State University,
to talk about what this week means, why it is
so important, and how schools across the Commonwealth taking proactive
steps to keep students and staff is safe. Patricia, good
morning to you, thanks for joining us.
Speaker 7 (05:06):
Good morning Scott, thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
Why was focused on school safety chosen as this year's theme.
Speaker 7 (05:11):
Well, we try to choose a theme each year that
we think the kids can connect with and focus on.
School Family has a photography theme behind it with a
lot of the things you can do now, even digitally
with your phone. Photography is a growing pastime with all kids,
even our high school kids are very into that, so
we thought that would be a good thing. We also
(05:33):
loved the meeting on focus on school safety. Take some
time and really dive into some of your procedures that
you have and have some conversations around school safety and
maybe explain to people why we do things we do.
Speaker 1 (05:49):
Patricia Greer joining us. She is the Resource Center director
for the Kentucky Center for School Safety at Marie State University.
And Patricia, before we delve a little bit into this conversation,
tell me a little bit about that can Kentucky Center
for School Safety. How did you become about and what
do you primarily do? I mean, I know you focus
on school safety, but how do you go about that?
Speaker 7 (06:08):
Well? The Center's actually been around the state of Kentucky
since nineteen ninety eight. It was first funded that year
through the General Assembly and it has been active ever since.
It has three partners. It has EKU, Murray State in
the Kentucky school Board Association. John Akers is our executive
director and has been for twenty years. The main way
(06:29):
I sum up what the Kentucky Center for School Safety
is is we are consultants who help our schools in Kentucky,
public and private. And we don't just consult virtually. We
go to your building and help you with whatever you need.
We are active in that. We have a very robust
website that we keep up to date for schools to
(06:50):
be able to get resources from We have a variety
of trainings including threat assessment training, gatekeeper training. We also
do school safety the assessments across the state. We do
over one hundred a year and that's where we go
through and we work with principals and we interview students,
staff and parents and let the school and school district
have a picture of how school safety is viewed.
Speaker 1 (07:13):
Patricia Greer is joining us this week use the Resource
Center director as you heard there at the Kentucky Center
for School Safety at Maurice State University. September eighth through
the twelfth is Kentucky Safe Schools Week. And Patricia, what
are some of the practical ways schools can engage students, teachers,
and parents during Safe Schools Week.
Speaker 7 (07:31):
The first way that you can do it is you
can let all your students, staff and parents know that
there is a pledge live on our website that talks
about different ways you can focus on school safety. So
if they would go in and read that pledge, sign
off that they've read the pledge, that is the first way.
Another way is we have a daily themes that you
can have conversations about in classrooms and send information home about.
(07:56):
For instance, we focus on kindness, so we are treating
each other way we want to be treated. We focus
on a culture of reporting, which is really important. If
you see something or hear something, we want student, staff
and parents to say something.
Speaker 1 (08:10):
Patricia Greer joining us again, resource center director for the
Kentucky Center for School Safety, and we're talking, of course
about keeping our schools safe during Kentucky Safe Schools Week
coming up September eighth through the twelfth. And Patricia, how
do you measure the successive safety initiatives in schools?
Speaker 7 (08:25):
This is where it gets tricky. It can't just be
one initiative. You can't just say, hey, we participate in
Safe Schools Week. That means we have a safe school
culture and campus. To measure safety, it does involve us
talking to people getting their feedback. It also involves looking
at some behavior events you have and the security of
(08:48):
your buildings, Like you don't have any exterior doors open,
you have to buzz in. We have a secure building
during the day.
Speaker 8 (08:55):
You know.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
I've had people, Patricia, especially after the events that unfolded
in Minnesota, now reaching out and revisiting their school procedures,
whether or now those kids were involved in a school
mass but you know, when you gather your students all
in one place for an assembly like that, are you
absolutely doing everything you can to keep those kids safe?
And like you said, a lot of that is just
(09:16):
simply starting the conversation and letting people talk and getting
that feedback. Now, Patricia, do you have a recent example
maybe of a programmer or an initiative that's come about
or that you all heard about that's actually made an
impact here in Kentucky.
Speaker 7 (09:30):
The Safe Schools and Resiliency Act that was passed in
twenty nineteen has really made a huge difference in the
safety and security of buildings across Kentucky in that act,
and the things that we are seeing grow is you're
not finding experior doors that are propped open or left
open like they are pulled shut and locked. Kids in
classrooms are behind locked doors. Ten years ago, even maybe
(09:55):
even six, it was very normal to walk into school
and maybe the.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
The front door was locked, sure, but once she walked.
Speaker 7 (10:02):
In the school, all the classrooms were open. You could
get into any classroom very quickly, and if the school
needed to lock down, sometimes the teachers had to lock
the door and then pull it shut. That's not the
case anymore. If you walk into a building in the
state of Kentucky, a school building, you're gonna see once
you walk in, the students are behind locked doors when
(10:22):
they're in instructional periods. So that's made a real difference.
The other part of that legislation is it's not just
about hardware, as John Akers likes to say. It's about
hardware too, and we are looking at some trauma in
foreign practices in schools. Schools are really trying to step
up their social emotional learning and school based threat assessment
teams are being put into our schools and we're seeing
(10:44):
a lot of things being caught before they escalate to
larger safety events.
Speaker 1 (10:51):
Wonderful conversation with Patricia Greer, taking a few minutes out
of her time there at Murray State University. She's the
Resource center director for the Kentucky Center for School Safety.
As you can see, they're fully engaged in keeping our
schools safe and not just on a physical sense. And
that's what you hear so much about Patricias. So many
people say, lock the doors, is the school locked, and
(11:11):
that's important, don't get me wrong. But what you're diving
into is also the other angle of the conversation that
starts and what begins in the heart and keeping our
kids and our staff safe, which is outstanding, Patricia, Before
we let you go, how can the wider community get involved?
They're listening to this and they're like, Hey, we want
to make sure our school's doing everything they can. How
(11:32):
can they get involved in support safe for learning environment.
Speaker 7 (11:35):
The first one is next week. If you get on
our website, you can read some of the resources and
thanks we have for Safe Schools Week. Our website even
has a parent section that you can go to to
get more information. The second way is to get involved
in your school. Schools are always looking for SBDM that
school based decision making members. They have to have usually
(11:57):
two parents on each school team and also be a
part of different programs that your school runs. When your
school has an open house, go to it. If they
have parent teacher conferences, go to those a lot of times.
At those events, schools actually have more information for you
to learn about the school in general.
Speaker 1 (12:15):
You're getting great involvement from the folks in Frankfurt. Correct.
How about local law enforcement agencies? Are they behind you
guys as well?
Speaker 6 (12:22):
Oh?
Speaker 7 (12:22):
Yes, we have a really good relationship with CASRO, which
is actually the Kentucky Association of School Resource Officers. Kentucky
is one of the nation's leaders in school Resource officers,
so that is our connection to local law enforcement. The
training we have for SROs is at the top of
what is required across the nation. So we are really
(12:43):
working closely as the center and just as a state
and whole with school resource officers and Patricia.
Speaker 1 (12:51):
Before we let you go, what if a parent is
listening right now and they're saying, I have tried to
mention to my school there are things we need to
do to be safer. We've tried to do this, we try,
I'm not getting anywhere. What would you say to them?
Speaker 7 (13:02):
If you've talked to the school level you still have
some concerns, go to the next level, which is your
district office. From your district office, schools in Kentucky have
Safe Schools Coordinators. That was a position that was mandated
in twenty nineteen, so you could talk to that individual
who should be able to answer your questions. Of course,
if that doesn't happen, you can talk to your superintendent.
(13:24):
We have a contact form on our website that they
can actually click on and they could put their information
in that contact form. Once we get that information, we
do share it directly with the superintendent.
Speaker 1 (13:36):
Patricia Greer outstanding conversation with resource center director for the
Kentucky Center for School Safety. She's at Murray State University.
They obviously have partnered up with other universities around the commonwealth.
And Patricia, where can folks go to get this valuable information?
Speaker 7 (13:50):
You go to our website, which is KYCSS dot org.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
This has been a tree for me. I hope we
can catch up later on down the road, not just
for something like safe schools. We can maybe we can
check in later this year and talk about some progress
and refresh folks as they move on through the school year.
Speaker 7 (14:05):
Oh, would definitely be for that.
Speaker 1 (14:07):
Thank you again. Thank you to Patricia Greer with the
Kentucky Center for School Safety at Murray State University for
highlighting how schools across our great state and keep our
students safe. When we come back, we'll lighten things up
a little bit and talk about getting away on that
all special fall trip. I'm scum Fitzgerald. You're listening to
Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 9 (14:29):
The best words to hear at the TSA security checkpoint.
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You're here to go.
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All it takes is a little preparation. Get to the
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Do a little prep and you're good to go.
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We all have someone we love the favorite lyric in
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(15:20):
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Speaker 11 (15:27):
Open ai says it's going to introduce some new features
designed to give parents more control over what their kids
are doing with artificial intelligence. It comes amid increased scrutiny
over the effect generative AI tools like CHATGPT are having
on people experiencing mental distress.
Speaker 12 (15:43):
Those types of models act in ways that often feel
helpful but are actually harmful.
Speaker 11 (15:49):
Nick Jacobson is an Associate professor of Biomedical Data Science
at Dartmouth. He says open AI's new parental controls aren't
enough on their own.
Speaker 12 (15:57):
There's need for legislation and over sight of these types
of models, and I think there isn't enough and sentive
alone for model provider major model providers to do it themselves.
Speaker 11 (16:09):
But he says there is a place for more specialized
models in mental health treatments.
Speaker 12 (16:14):
We have evidence of that and in our first randomized
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and eating disorder symptoms.
Speaker 11 (16:22):
With tack trends. I'm Mike Debasqui.
Speaker 13 (16:23):
Talking about guns with others might not always feel comfortable,
but it could save a life. Here's a way to
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you ask if there are any unlocked guns in the home.
Speaker 8 (16:40):
Hey, Hey, we're so excited for it tonight Before we
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Speaker 1 (16:51):
Great.
Speaker 8 (16:53):
Do you have a pool outside?
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Nope, just a big old backyard.
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Nice. Another question, are there any unlocked guns in the home?
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Are guns a start securely locked in a safe that
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Awesome? Yeah, Now let's just talk about what we can
bring for dessert.
Speaker 13 (17:15):
Learn how to have the conversation at agree to Agree
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Speaker 1 (17:24):
And welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. While
we're taking a little trip over the border. Wait what Yes,
without even leaving your seat, of course, the cooler temperatures
around the cabin wealth this week us thinking about leaves,
changing the air, maybe turning crisp. And now one of
the sound of these most cynic destinations is starting to
(17:44):
come alive, and that of course feature family fund out
to our adventure and festive fall events. We're talking, of
course about Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Joining us today is suit
Car from the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, and she's
here to talk a little bit about why. Yeah, you
still try well around Kentucky. But hey, if you're hot
on the road, why not just take a little turn
(18:04):
and maybe veer off down down to the sea. The
good folks in Tennessee. Good morning, Sue, how are you.
Speaker 14 (18:10):
Good morning? Thank you for having us today.
Speaker 1 (18:12):
So Sue, talk to us a little bit. Why is
full such a special time in your part of the woods.
Speaker 14 (18:17):
Well, it just happens that Pigeon Forge sits right next
door in a great Smoky Mountains National Park. And the
fall splendor that we experienced starting in September, and the
lower elevation that goes all the way through the end
of October and sometimes even into November is just majestic.
And of course you've got Pigeon Forge with more than
one hundred attractions and so much to do. So I
like to say, you can visit this area and it
(18:38):
can be as quiet or it can be as busy
as you want your get away to be.
Speaker 1 (18:42):
Sue car is joining us now. She's from the Pigeon
Forge Department of Tourism, and we're talking about full getaways.
And some day we plenty of great destinations here in Kentucky,
mind you, but it's always nice to maybe go south
of the border, as we like to call it Sue
and briefly, so when did Pigeon Forge become such a
destiny and what made it so special?
Speaker 14 (19:01):
Well, what made it so special, of course is the
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and of course our sister city, Gatlinburg,
has been a destination for many years, and people just
drove through Pigeon Forge in the beginning, but Pigeon Forge
became its own destination many years later, especially after the
World's Fair, is when we're really started to see the
visitorship increase here in this area. And it's our only industry.
(19:25):
That's what we're known for is welcoming folks to Pigeonforge.
Speaker 1 (19:28):
Well, and as someone who's been there suit, it absolutely
is a beautiful destination, especially in the fall against Sooue
car with the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism is with us.
And so what new attractions or experiences are families going
to discover the season. Maybe some have been down there
before and maybe some were coming for the first time.
Speaker 14 (19:44):
Well this fall, of course, Dollywood has their great Pumpkin
Lumonites and with that they have added big Country Corn candy.
Do you imagine an area where you've got life size
candy corn. Then that's a pretty amazing new thing to experience.
And then we have the Island the Jurassic Adventure. They
have twenty two animatronic dinosaurs throughout the park scavenger hunt
(20:07):
that you can participate in, and that's free, you know,
not many things are free this day. And then we
have also yeah, the Truth Traveler and Pigeon Borge, which
is part of the arc and counter a new experience
and you can travel back in time all the way
to the Garden of Edens, So it's a pretty neat
thing to experience. And we've got great new lodging options
(20:28):
here in Pigeon Borge, anything from rooftop dining to indoor
water parks and also a lagoon that's been added this
year at the Christmas Place, which is an experience, especially
as we go into the holiday season.
Speaker 1 (20:41):
Sue car joining us Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, and
of course we're talking about fall getaways and again great
to travel run the Commonwealth, but also nice to venture
across the border and expand our horizons a little bit.
And Sue, while't we have you If folks are listening
to this and they're saying, I want to plan a trip,
maybe not just right now, maybe later on in the fall.
(21:02):
How should we dress? What's the climate like, what's the
weather like? What can folks how can they plan for that.
Speaker 14 (21:07):
This it's a different time of year. So I like
to say, layer bring it where. If you're experiencing those
higher temperatures than you're good. But if it's a little
bit cooler, and if you go to the National Park,
it's going to be a little bit cooler, just bring
that sweater or that sweatshirt. So layering this time of
year is the best way to pack your seatcase.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
And you know, getting down their highways and byways and
once we get to Pigeon Forge, a play places to park.
I know that sometimes it is an issue for folks
when they go to Destiny. We've been to travel destinations
in the Sunshine State of Florida and you find these
great communities, but it's always so hard to park. What's
parking like now in Pigeon Forge.
Speaker 14 (21:44):
In Pigeon Forge, there is no issue with parking. We've
got great opportunities with public parking and it's free. That's
the great thing. And then we also have a great
transit system with our trolley, So you can park your
car and jump on a Pigeon Forge trolley and it
will take you to almost every business in Pigeon Forge.
Speaker 1 (22:02):
So car joining us now having a great conversation regarding
Pigeon Forge. And she's with the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism,
So Sue, I know demand can be high, especially in
the fall. If someone's listening now, do they need to
get right on and try to book these hotel reservations.
Speaker 14 (22:17):
If you want to book for October, then I would
go ahead and start making those plans now. If you
go on our website, which is my Pigeonforge dot com,
there's great opportunity for savings to go ahead and get
that booking and save a little a few dollars before
ball breaks begin here in this area.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
If we're coming down to Pigeon Forge there at the
great State of Tennessee and we want an authentic Tennessee meal,
what should we be looking out for.
Speaker 14 (22:41):
One of my most favorites is we have the Old
Mill restaurant, and right next door to that is the
Old Mill itself which is still grinding meal and they
use that in a lot of their dishes that they
make what they actually make right there in the store.
So it's really a great farm to table experience. And
you're looking at out over the little Pigeon River, so
(23:02):
it's a great experience. But that's one thing about Pigeon Forge.
There's a great opportunity for great dining throughout the area.
But that gives it that little bit of historical fight
as well when you enjoy Amila at Belleville.
Speaker 1 (23:14):
Sure now, and I know the good folks in Tennessee
are always willing to put their own home creations on display,
very proud of the volunteer state. Is that correct?
Speaker 14 (23:22):
That is absolutely correct.
Speaker 1 (23:24):
Sue Carr joining us when she's with the Pigeon Forge
Department of Tourism, And Sue, with the holidays approaching, you
mentioned Winterfest earlier, and let's say maybe the fall. They
don't want to come for the fall, but they'd like
to come over maybe a Christmas get away with the family.
We've even talked about that that you get so cooped
up in the house over the Christmas holidays you just
want to get away, and it sounds like Pigeon Forge
is close enough where we can do exactly that.
Speaker 14 (23:46):
You're almost five hours away, just a quick trip to
Pigeon Forge and beginning and the beginning of November, we
have the Smoky Mountain Winter Fills, which the City of
Pigeon Porge and Dolly w together have over ten million
lights to experience and part of that is a greenway
that's about a mile and a half and it's a
(24:08):
great walking experience or a way to create memories with
your family. Then you have the island and Pigeon Fororge.
They really dress up for the holidays, and really throughout
Pigeon Forge, we have so many businesses who just really
decorate and make the city just so festive, adding that
our Christmas shows, great shopping, great dining. It is the
perfect destination for creating those memories year after year and
(24:32):
coming to Pigeon Forge. At business, you're.
Speaker 1 (24:34):
Pretty centrally located in the United States. Do you get
a lot of families that come in from different parts
of the country and sort of kind of gather at
Pigeon Forge.
Speaker 14 (24:42):
We do. We're actually within a day's driving distance of
two thirds of the population east of the Mississippi River,
So when you think about that, that's a lot of
visitors that we want to welcome to Pigeon Forge.
Speaker 1 (24:53):
Finally, before we let you go, where can folks go
if they want to start planning their trip today again?
Speaker 14 (24:57):
For great savings and for planning your entire you can
go to my pigeonforge dot com.
Speaker 1 (25:02):
All right, Sue Carr with the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. Sue,
thank you so much. We appreciate you and we look
forward to seeing you as the leaves change.
Speaker 14 (25:09):
Come see as soon again.
Speaker 1 (25:10):
Thank you to Sue Carr with the Pigeon Forge Department
of Tourism for sharing with us some great travel tips.
If we went ahead a little south of the border,
I'm Scott Fitzgel. We'll wrap things up after this.
Speaker 14 (25:25):
Being blind doesn't always look how others may think.
Speaker 4 (25:29):
Starguart disease was supposed to define me.
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Retinitis pigmentosa aimed to overwhelm my family.
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They tried to cut me down.
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A blinding eye disease intended to force me away from
doing what I.
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Was born to do.
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But it cannot stop me.
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I have the tools. I will keep moving forward.
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Pushing past the limits of this disability.
Speaker 9 (25:58):
I know where to find support and where I can
be seen.
Speaker 15 (26:02):
Great vision doesn't require great site, innovative research, educational resources,
supportive community. The Foundation Fighting Blindness is leading the charge
and finding treatments and cures for blinding diseases. Make your
impact today. Donate now at Fighting Blindness dot org. A
public service message from the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Speaker 17 (26:25):
Some journeys start small, with small pause and a big
purpose blood speaker. Every great partnership begins with the first step.
Speaker 2 (26:39):
Let's go.
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Guiding them through the world, so one day they can
guide someone through life with shared experience, confidence grows and
the path becomes clear.
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Become a dog's ink, puppy racer, give a dog a purpose,
give some money.
Speaker 1 (27:18):
Oh learn more at dogthink dot org. And welcome back
to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald, wrapping things up here
after another grade show. A big thank you to Sue
Carr from the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism for sharing
all the ways families can enjoy falling kick off this
holiday season, and of course, the Patricia Career from the
(27:40):
Kentucky Center for School Safety at Murray State University for
highlighting house schools across the Commonwealth are keeping students and
staff safe during Kentucky Safe Schools Week, whether you're traveling
in Kentucky or Tennessee. For all of us at Kentucky
Focus want to remind you to buckle up and drive safely.
We of course watch you here for next week's shot.
Oh and as always, thank you for making time to
(28:03):
make Kentucky Focus part of your listening each week. I'm
Scott Vince Gerald, and I speak for all of us
ad the Kentucky News Network and of course here at
Kentucky Focus. Now I tell you stay safe, take care
of each other, and we'll talk to you next week
on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (28:17):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens. We
cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports, and
even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 6 (28:36):
There's danger out there. It lurks on highways and quiet
neighborhood streets. It's more likely to kill you than a
shark and more terrifying than the biggest snake. Distracted driving
claims lives every day, every notification swipe, social post, video
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(28:58):
what's really terrifying and even deadly is distracted driving. Eyes forward,
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AD Council.
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Drivers Austin centered here as a NASCAR Cup Series driver
of the number two discount tire Ford Mustang. There's a
few rules of the road I like to tell my
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underinflated tires are more likely to fail. Plus, properly inflated
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Speaker 13 (29:28):
A message from the US Tire Manufacturers Association
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