>> The staffing level we have now is unacceptable.

>> Kentucky's budget director talks about what it takes to fix the state's juvenile justice system.

>> It's a lot of ways that having a criminal record can negatively impact your life.

>> How good will is changing lives and criminal records.

We ended up with 27,000 plus people entering a lottery.

>> It's the hottest ticket in Kentucky special concert in a special place with a special guest.

>> We've been together Sunday years and that great.

You know.

>> And on this Valentine's Day here from for couples who know a thing or 2 about lasting love.

>> Production of Kentucky Edition is made possible in part by the KET Endowment for Kentucky Productions.

Leonard Press Endowment for Public Affairs and the KET Millennium Fund.

♪ ♪ >> Good evening and welcome to Kentucky EDITION on this Valentine's Day Tuesday, February, the 14th, I'm Renee Shaw.

Thank you for spending some of your special day with us violence at some of Kentucky's juvenile justice facilities have left to use and staff at risk.

It forced Governor Andy Beshear to change the system and now state lawmakers are looking at how to improve the detention centers.

Some lawmakers heard from the state budget director today about what will be needed to shore up the system.

Our Casey Parker Bell was in Frankfort today and has a report on the hearing.

♪ >> The staffing level we have now is unacceptable.

If we have to have more staff here in order to avoid the problems we've been describing here today.

>> Reports of riots, assaults and mistreatment.

Kentucky's juvenile justice facilities have led to questions about the safety of youth and staff today.

John Hicks, Kentucky's budget director testified before legislative committee.

He says the system needs money to improve facilities and hire new workers.

>> One of the core foundational issues around that is staffing >> the and the lack just like an adult correctional institution.

You have to have the right amount of posts, the right amount of manpower there to control and contain and prevent these kinds of activities.

>> Last month to help address the shortage.

Governor Andy Beshear increase the starting salary for corrections officers in juvenile facilities to $50,000 a year.

But Hicks says more money will be needed to address the system's problems.

He says 20 million dollars are needed for operating costs.

26 million for capital improvements and 30 million dollars for additional staffing House Bill 3 would appropriate.

Almost 11 million dollars to retrofit and operate the Jefferson County Youth Detention Center.

The facility closed in 2019.

And Representative Kevin Bratcher is Bill would reopen it.

Hicks had this to say about the bill.

>> We haven't done a full walk through there to see what are the renovations that would be necessary to to bring that facility back to a secure detention center.

So the first reaction to that is I don't know 0.9 million is the right number because we haven't had an opportunity to go in there and kind of determine what are the what are the things that have to be done.

>> But the juvenile justice system is facing staffing shortages an additional year.

Yes, state representative Michael Carney of Mosul asked about the need for more mental health workers.

>> Is there a plan to hire any more mental health workers or education markers for these kids or is it just corrections faced as far as the services and what's going on with those?

You know, we we do have a counselor want to like each 10.

You I will state that we're we do have issues with hiring those as well.

And so what where that something weight right now, a lot of schools are also hiring mental health folks.

And so we started an up sometimes of competition for him to get too out of the limited numbers that we have.

>> You service workers were not included in the pay raise for juvenile justice workers for Kentucky edition.

I'm Casey Parker Bell >> House Bill 3, which would appropriate money to retrofit the Jefferson County Youth Detention Center.

As Casey said, has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee and that is slated for committee action tomorrow.

A Republican lawmaker wants to try again with adding a constitutional amendment regarding abortion and Kentucky.

Senator Whitney Westerfield from Fruit Hill and western Kentucky introduced Senate Bill one 18 this afternoon, according to the Herald leader.

If passed, it would let voters decide if the Kentucky Constitution should be amended to make it clear that it does not protect the right to abortion.

A similar constitutional amendment was defeated and November.

There will soon be a new degree program in the state today.

Eastern Kentucky University announced it's launching a four-year program for manufacturing engineering.

Ek you President Doctor David McFadden was joined by Governor Andy Beshear for today's announcement.

Speaking in the Capitol Rotunda, McFadden said this program addresses a growing need not just in Kentucky but around the country.

>> Manufacturing is ranked as the most one of the most very important industries for our state and for our nation.

It is a thriving driver of our economy every day.

Today, the KU announces our continued support fueling the next generation of Kentucky manufacturing professionals for far too long.

We have seen our talented young people leaving Kentucky.

>> Going to other states.

No more because I will tell you for the first time in my lifetime, our surrounding states, their Humvee of us envious of us.

They're looking at Kentuckyian say, how are you doing this?

>> UK use manufacturing engineering program will be the only one of its kind in Kentucky.

And Kentucky.

Most City Council and school board races are nonpartisan.

Candidates don't run as either Democrats or Republicans or any other party.

But there are bills in the Kentucky State House and Senate to change that last night on Kentucky.

Tonight we heard the arguments for and against partisan local elections.

>> This is a deeply held belief.

Then I believe that if if you have the authority as school boards as a city council's do.

If you have the authority to raise taxes on voters.

>> Then those voters deserve.

>> To know everything about you as an official that will govern.

How you might make decisions where you are.

Decisions might be coming from.

And it really doesn't know.

We KET saying it, but it really does boil down to accountability and transparency.

>> It's not necessary.

I served election Fetterman County Governments, City Council for 13 years and never really got into a heard the the partisan aspect.

Running for the office.

And my my my thing is that if it's not broke, why do we need to fix it?

And I think that is for City Council is concerned.

And as school board is concerned, non-partisan makes sense for the people in Fayette County.

>> Senator Damon Thayer, the Senate majority floor leader told us he would be open to changes to the measure.

You can see more of our discussion on partisan elections and a conversation about extend expanded tax options for local governments that's online and on demand at KET DOT Org.

Slash K why tonight?

A bill that could help recruit new teachers and Kentucky cleared the state Senate today.

Senate Bill 49 would make it easier for people with at least a bachelor's degree to begin teaching while finishing a post-graduation certification program right now, aspiring teachers have just 2 years to get that certificate.

The bill would give them 2 additional years.

Senate Bill.

24 also passed the Senate today.

It gives private school students the ability to qualify for scholarship money through the KET program.

Both bills are now headed to the House for consideration.

There.

More than 2 dozen bills surrounding maternal and infant health were filed in Frankfort today.

Most of them were introduced by the Kentucky House Democratic Women's Caucus.

More than 20 of the bills would expand health care coverage.

Several bills focus on postpartum care.

Others would modernize workplace policies.

State Representative Lisa Willner of Louisville chairs, the Democratic Women's Caucus.

In a statement she said, quote, It's beyond tragic about pregnancy related deaths in this country have more than doubled in the last 30 years.

And Kentucky's rate is among the worst in a country whose national average is at the bottom of industrialized nations, unquote.

People in favor of restoring voting rights to certain felons gathered in the States Capitol Rotunda today, members of the group Kentuckians for the Commonwealth urge support of House Bill 97.

The bill calls for a constitutional amendment to restore voting rights to certain felons.

5 years after completion of imprisonment, probation or parole, Democratic state representative cut or Heron of Louisville is sponsoring the bill.

She joined organizers today and their push for its passage.

>> And the person in long-term recovery and I'm also a person is formally incarcerated.

>> And I'm not the worst thing that I've ever met.

>> I'm >> it is made in this country and community members in the state of Kentucky I deserve to not be labeled is the worst thing that I've ever that we have to find 120 gallons.

>> There's even went all 120 counties who do not have the right to want the right to what we have the wind, you know, there are older people died.

Young people that business holders So we have to want those people.

We have to put their prices up and they have little to.

No, it does not matter what has We have a right to decide what is happening in our communities is about humanity.

And it's about making sure that our voices are.

They.

>> Governor Andy Beshear took executive action in 2019 giving nonviolent felons the right to vote if House Bill 97 is approved, it would go on the 2024 ballot in November of that year.

Erasing a criminal record can be hard and expensive, but goodwill industries of Kentucky.

It's trying to change that expungement clinics provide free legal aid to those wanting to clear their criminal records and there are a lot.

We visited the Goodwill Opportunity Center in Lexington to see how the process works and how Kentuckians can get involved.

>> If someone has a misdemeanor, a Class D felony on their record, many employers will not give someone a chance.

We want to give them a fair fighting chance to be able to get back in the workplace.

There's so many people that are trying to just improve their lives.

I think that this is an excellent.

>> A way to try to help people move on and better their situation market and are countering.

We have the different special clinics all over.

There is no cost because we are paying for all the fees and costs associated with getting expensive.

It is for differently like partners and we do work through an email.

You contract talk of the Ryans, but with them so >> we make sure that they are available for the expense but clinics.

We also have the Department of Corrections that comes and they help with the background checks because that that has to be up front when they go talk to the attorney.

We have certain tables where the walk through into the specific tasks and check on everything.

Make sure they met all the requirements.

They had a background check to the attorney and the attorney looks at it and sit and get some advice on what charges they think are eligible.

We request their Kentucky State.

Police >> If they are eligible for expansion will then file for expungements.

If you want to expand.

The case has been 5 years since your most recent conviction of a felony or misdemeanor and hassle than 5 years.

From the end of your sons in that case.

And those are the big requirements.

The only felonies that are eligible are class D felonies.

Nothing more severe than that.

And most misdemeanors and dismiss charges are eligible for felonies.

We're usually talking about like possession, controlled substance or misdemeanors, how they might be call checks cases.

Shoplifting cases are drug paraphernalia charges times harassment most the time we're talking about nonviolent charges.

And so it's really going to get those off people's records.

>> Someone can go on our website.

They can always see when we have the events going on they have an ability to go ahead and sign a we usually have a cab that a certain number if we can take walk-ins will always tell our front staff to be able to share that with people as they come in and they're asking better services.

>> Employer and the worker, you know, everyone is coming here because they wanted for a particular reason.

It's because they were denied housing when they were trying to get in subsidized housing, they can volunteer at their kids school because there's a some sort of Coach X felony, the passes.

A lot of ways that having a criminal record can negatively impact your life.

They can really help someone back.

We're moving forward if they change their life is just going to give them a chance to start fresh, have a clean sweep for a change for the future.

>> The next expunge meant clinic will be held in Elizabeth Town on Thursday, February 23rd.

That event will be capped at 50 participants.

♪ >> Clark County is getting state help for water projects.

The state today awarded Clark County 2.9 million dollars.

2.2 million of that will be used to replace outdated water lines, improve sewer, infrastructure, and help restore streams the rest of the money will go to the tourism Commission and to 10 nonprofits.

Could solar energy be the next big industry in Kentucky?

A group behind a recent summit and Frankfort.

Sure hope so.

We were there as members of this industry showed the potential for solar in the Commonwealth.

>> Solar Energy provides a couple of huge benefits to the state of Kentucky's economy.

One helps make the state more competitive for attracting manufacturing businesses.

So were some of the cheapest electricity out there.

And so by adding solar to a diverse mix of resources here in Kentucky, you're able to provide that low cost clean energy, too big name manufacturers in the Fortune 500 who want to buy it and are looking for that access to clean energy when they make siting decisions for their manufacturing facilities for the data centers, etcetera.

Also huge economic development benefits of rural communities.

Solar provides good jobs in rural areas.

It provides land lease payments to farmers and ranchers who want to KET their property and their family.

And it also provides payments in terms of taxes are paid and salute taxes and the local coffers, which can then be used to pay for emergency services, improve roads, school funding, etcetera.

So it's really a win-win-win for rural communities.

>> I mean, we do so because it was a steady stream of income for family was back on track the next 20 plus years that that are family would receive income off that aren't.

And it that looks really good.

And I'm also I'm 100% disabled.

And that's my only choice.

My only option was to lease Warchus sale and that's all I can do.

It and saying this is as possibly income for Mitt on myself.

My family.

But when I'm down my life for my children continue to receiving him from this farm.

>> With the fundamental way that solar fits as part of an all the above energy strategy.

You know, we've heard loud and clear from Kentucky policymakers that what they want is to embrace all forms of energy, coal industry, the oil and gas industry.

Important part of Kentucky's energy mix.

We're not proposing that we change that.

We just want to add to it and provide a clean renewable and affordable source of energy.

That's part of the mix and provides unique benefits just like those other energy sources to.

♪ ♪ >> And health news tonight, another milestone for COVID in Kentucky.

As of yesterday, Kentucky had exactly 18,000 deaths from COVID since the pandemic began about 3 years ago.

The COVID positivity rate is now just under 10% at 9.0.

92 and we're back down to 5 counties in the high category for COVID activity.

You can see the 5 on the new map that was out Friday a week earlier 11 counties were red, including some in southern Kentucky along that Tennessee border.

♪ >> The Louisville orchestra is hitting the road this spring for a two-year tour across Kentucky.

It includes a stop in Mammoth cave and a five-day residency with famed cellist Yo Yo ma.

What a treat Kentucky additions.

Kelsey Starks sat down with the Tor project manager to learn more.

>> The ambitious in Harmony.

Commonwealth Tour is a first of its kind.

No other orchestra in the United States has tried to take its music to so many communities within their state.

And Erica, dense fur is the tour's project manager.

We're so happy to have you here with us to tell you all about It this just one of a kind experience.

How did this idea even come about?

>> Well, as we were talking beforehand, you know, Teddy is very ambitious.

Teddy Abrams, our music director.

He thinks outside the box the time he has been wanting to do it or around the state of Kentucky for a really long time.

Music is his passion.

He wants to share his passion with the the rest of the Commonwealth.

And he's really interested to in learning more about the musician, the music that's already out there and how we can maybe collaborate and do some partnerships along the way.

>> Yeah.

And that's part of it.

This isn't just a free orchestras show.

This is where you guys are going to go into the communities, partnered with libraries, schools, community centers, even bringing in some local musicians.

That's correct.

So we'll have 4 full weeks starting in May.

We're going to eastern Kentucky.

Then we north-central in July.

Then we go to Western Kentucky in September.

>> And then we're still planning 2024.

But as we're there, what we're doing, our full orchestra performances and then surrounding that, we'll be doing community engagement activities.

So to your point will be visiting libraries, community centers, schools, and those will be largely ensemble performances with quartet squint hats.

So it's just going to give the students a great feel for what it's like to be a part of an orchestra and also that they can see that there's more than just, you know, being a virtuoso player to music.

Maybe you want to be a music teacher are going to something else music related.

So I think it's going to be a really great opportunity for all that the kids out there, the state absolute that is and life changing experience and I'm sure.

Okay.

Let's talk a little bit about these mammoth cave.

>> Performances because everybody is talking about and the collaboration with famed cellist Yo Yo Ma.

>> Wow.

How did this even come about?

That's a great story.

Again, Teddy Abrams, our music director was doing a podcast and he was interviewing Yo Yo ma and Yo Yo was telling Teddy about his project, which is called our Common Nature and he visits various national parks.

And so as they were talking, he said, hey, are there any big national parks in Kentucky?

Teddy then said, oh, my gosh, there's mammoth caves.

And so this collaboration was sort of burst.

And Teddy has been spending the last year, immersing himself in the history and culture of the cave and it's going to be spectacular.

>> And he's been composing music through that experience in the cape, right?

Correct.

This is a music that >> has been writing for quite a while.

with Yo yo in will have 17 musicians, 14 singers from the chamber choir.

Some percussionist, some sort of surprise instruments.

That's all I'll say, And then we will be involving the park's folks as part of the have performance, which is really great because the national parks are are sort of central to this whole thing.

Were there to celebrate the people, the place and they've been fantastic to work.

But wow, that is going to be amazing.

Well, I didn't get tickets in the lottery has closed.

>> But tell us about the demand town.

How many people are trying to get these tickets?

Right?

So we ended up with 27,000 plus people entering a lottery.

And so you figure out of 1000 people.

>> Get tickets.

Yes, oh, yes.

A lot of disappointed people.

However, I will to be on the lookout, we will likely be doing something in the amphitheater on that day in between those 2 concerts.

So that might be an opportunity for people to come in at least catch a little glimpse, OK?

Well, we will definitely stay tuned for that.

Thank you so much for being here.

And KET in mind, if you didn't hit that lottery, you can still Performing with the Louisville, our orchestra.

It will cost you a little bit more, though.

They're performing for a benefit concert.

April 27th at the Kentucky Center and tickets for that.

>> Go on sale in March.

That is a must see.

The tour was made possible through a budget appropriation from the Kentucky General Assembly.

♪ >> Of course, you know, it's Valentine's Day.

The day we celebrate love, falling in Sometimes the easy part staying in love is the challenge.

So to honor this holiday, we asked for couples all married for more than 50 years for their advice on how to have a loving, long lasting relationship.

♪ ♪ ♪ >> We like to 67 in one ear.

>> We may.

>> really good dear for in all >> I'm not going to tell him that proposed date, though.

>> For 2 years.

53 53 year.

It's.

>> So far we're not day do well.

This August will be 56 years.

I was stunned that to.

>> We're both in our 90's and it's hard to.

I think that we've been together 70 years and that's been great game.

♪ One of the things we we learned early on was.

We don't have to agree on everything.

Sometimes it's OK to disagree.

You don't have to be upset about.

Not a green.

We haven't had many.

>> Disagreements.

That's one we never really had us areas.

Issue.

>> We are so totally opposite.

Most things it was.

It was a lot of compromise.

That's a big key to its compromise.

>> We never had a whole lot of money, but we've enjoyed what it had.

And we have been asked >> What we couldn't work.

They were talked out.

You do get a bit late.

Haha.

We never go to bed mad.

When you work it out.

Sometimes it's later than that time.

it works.

♪ >> We have to be honest with one another.

We try do fun things.

We tried to.

To region.

Last about a lot of things.

I think it it's it's just.

Being willing to accept differences in one another.

And being okay with that.

>> We have to learn to communicate with each other and work things out together.

Otherwise it's not going to work.

>> Respect for each other.

You treat your wife like, you know, you want to be treated.

Vice versa, just like you live your life.

You know, it's just this is your soulmate.

>> Love one.

Another.

You've got to respect each other.

>> I've heard people say you have to war, KET, it.

♪ >> He just came.

S net wrote to me.

>> Always so loves so many >> Can I give you a kiss on ♪ >> Absolutely.

Adorable.

More advice from our love birds never hold a garage.

Make time for each other.

And this is a good one.

Pay someone else to do the housekeeping for you.

If you can.

Rylan Barton is with us tomorrow night for our Wednesday check-in about Kentucky politics.

Plus a new documentary tells some of the courageous stories from the Eastern Kentucky floods of 6 months ago.

That document mentoring airs tomorrow night right here on KTNV.

We'll get a sneak peek of it.

>> Tomorrow night on Kentucky edition, which of course, you know, is at 6.30, Eastern 5.30, central where we inform connect and inspire.

Thank you so much for spending some of your Valentine's Day with us.

We hope you have a great evening and I'll see you right back here again tomorrow night.

Take good care.

♪ ♪