​Editor, Edmonson Voice:

According to the Crime Prevention Research Center, over 98% of mass shootings have occurred in gun-free zones from the 1950's through 2016.  On February 14, a high school in Florida joined this statistic when they experienced a tragic school shooting that took 17 lives and destroyed many others.  I have asked the Edmonson County Board of Education to take a fresh look at stepping up efforts here to avoid becoming another statistic.  It is hard to imagine Edmonson County could be home to such tragedy, which is exactly how the people of Parkland, Florida, felt on February 13.

District 2 School Board Representative, Alex Ulm, assures me he will bring up the issue of school safety at the upcoming board meeting on Monday, March 12.  I appreciate Alex's dedication to this issue and have asked him to discuss at least three issues with the Superintendent and other school board members:

1) A current security assessment of each local school to identify weaknesses and opportunities for improving safety;

2) A discussion with local law enforcement, military veterans and other security experts to explore new strategies for moving schools from "soft" targets to "hardened" targets, less vulnerable to those who would do our children harm;

3) A vote by the Board of Education in the near future to take action on both new preventive measures to discourage attacks as well as stronger active measures to address an incident in-progress.

Many approaches to improving school safety are being discussed by politicians, but like most issues, this is one that can be addressed faster and more efficiently at the local level.  The Pike County Board of Education showed us this week that we do not need to wait on Washington, D.C., to protect our children.  Pike County became the first school district in Kentucky to pass a preliminary measure that would allow qualified and trained educators and school staff to carry concealed weapons inside schools starting in the fall.  Working with their local sheriff's office, Pike County plans to join hundreds of other school districts throughout the country that already use this approach.  While this may or may not be the right solution for Edmonson County, it does show that we are not dependent on Washington or Frankfort to take steps to make our children safer when they are outside our supervision and in the care of local educators. Again, literally hundreds of local school districts already have similar measures in place.

I encourage everyone to contact your local School Board representative or the Edmonson County School Board office at 597-2101 and let them know you support a renewed focus on school safety, including stronger preventive and active measures.  I believe the people of Edmonson County can work together to make our schools safer for students, staff and the educators we appreciate so much, and I believe it can be accomplished sooner rather than later.

Sincerely,
Marty Cassady

Letter to the Editor:
 
As an Alzheimer's Association Advocate, I champion the fight to end Alzheimer's and am proud of our community’s efforts. On September 9, nearly 1000 residents from Bowling Green and the south central Kentucky area joined the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s ® united in a movement to reclaim the future for millions. Through their dedication, participants raised $117,000!
 
The Alzheimer’s Association is grateful for these passionate people. Every dollar raised through the Walk will further critical efforts to advance advocacy and education, enhance care and support programs, raise awareness, and promote research. However we could still use your help to reach our 2017 fundraising goal. Donations can be made online through the end of December at www.alz.org/walk. 
 
As our Walks wrap-up and November rolls in, the Alzheimer’s Association is recognizing and honoring the more than 15 million family members and friends across the U.S. (271,000 in Kentucky) who are currently caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s.
 
This November during National Family Caregivers Month, I, along with the Alzheimer’s Association, encourage people to lend a hand to caregivers because I know first-hand the demands associated with being a caregiver, and how a helpful hand can make a world of difference.
 
I am a caregiver for a dear friend who was diagnosed in 2012 with Alzheimer's Disease. When this journey began I solicited the help of the Alzheimer's Association. They directed me to the local educational programs where I started learning about the disease, legal and financial planning, coping mechanisms, what options were available to me in seeking respite care and finally long term care. This disease takes its toll on everyone. We must find a cure.    
 
I encourage you to join me in asking Senator Paul for his commitment in the fight to end Alzheimer’s by joining the bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s Disease. To learn more and take action, call 1-800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org.
 
Sincerely,
 
Peggy L. McFadden
Alzheimer’s Association Advocate

Dear Editor,

My Dad, Wiley Willis, said many times that once he was gone, no one would remember him. Thank you for proving him wrong and for the wonderful memorial you did for him. 

I miss Dad, Kentucky, and all the friends I have been blessed to have made over the years my parents lived among you. I hope to see all of you in the spring.

PAT SHAHEEN
15202 PALADORA DR
HOUSTON, TX  77083