♪ >> As of this morning, Kentucky now has 52 active fires across the state.

>> An update on wildfires burning in 28 counties and sending smoke all over Kentucky.

>> There's so much work to do when we work together.

And so that's what I'm excited about.

The finest city around common goals.

>> We'll talk with the future leader of Kentucky's largest city.

>> This is trash are you know, you realize taking trash the people pull out.

It turned into art.

And when you can sell it.

>> And make the Kentucky artist putting the Chan and can do.

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

Leonard Preston down the public affairs and the KET Millennium Fund.

♪ ♪ >> Good evening and welcome to Kentucky EDITION for this Thursday, November.

The 10th, I'm Renee Shaw.

Thank you for spending some of your Thursday night with us.

Kentucky has 52 active fires in 28 counties.

>> But some big help is on the way rain Governor Andy Beshear says of the 52 fires.

32 are contained, but the fires have burned about 6,000 acres still county.

2 fires are burning almost 1000 acres with smoke traveling as far as Frankfort.

>> Many counties have burn bans in place.

I'm asking each Kentuckyian to be responsible and refrain from outdoor burning at this time.

Debris burning Camp fire sparks from farm equipment can quickly cause a fire and we are stretched then.

There is some good news.

We may get rain tomorrow and we need some rain to ultimately help us extinguish all of our existing fires.

So we want rain.

One enough rain.

Obviously we don't want too much right.

We've been through that.

>> The governor says 5 states have offered to help.

Earlier today we spoke to Bridget Abernathy with the Kentucky Division of Forestry about the conditions.

Fire crews are facing.

>> Been a long month.

We have had a dry conditions for for months, actually.

And especially as we've had a lot of the leaves falling off the trees.

The crews are working day and night to protect the citizens of Kentuckyian the resources they're working, you know, in in various capacities to help the line around the fire.

Sometimes they're working with their engines that that spring, water and fires.

We have all those years that are actively helping to create containment lines around the fire's.

So we have a lot of different for firefighters safe to use, depending on the situation and the topography, you know, the way that the land lays and things like that.

>> Abernathy said drought conditions are severe enough that even with the rain that's expected this weekend, more fires are likely to break out in the days to calm.

Turning now to politics, a court victory today for Kentucky Republicans, Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate ruled that GOP backed redistricting maps the change state House and U.S. House district boundaries.

Our constitutional the Democratic Party had sued saying the plan violated the Kentucky Constitution.

More reaction today to Tuesday's election results and not all all the races have been called in the 88 State House district, incumbent Democrat Cheryl and Stevenson has a 35 vote lead over her Republican challenger Jim Coleman.

This is a district that covers part of Fayette and Scott counties.

Republicans added to their super majorities in both the Kentucky House and Kentucky Senate on Tuesday.

Secretary of State Michael Adams is calling the 2022 general election and overall success.

But there were some issues around the state, namely long lines, as we told you yesterday, Secretary Adams says the solution is not more early voting days but increased voting locations today.

He elaborated on this idea before a legislative committee and Frankfort.

>> The lesson here is that in 2023 in order to reduce lines, we need more voting locations, not more voting days.

There are 2 ways to accomplish this.

One would be to do what we did in 2020, the emergency powers.

You ran it.

We gave the county's flexibility to consolidate, but in locations, but they had to get the approval of the governor and me.

That someone politically accountable, whether it's the governor, we're me or both of us were some other statewide constitutional officer review and approve a local election plan that reduces but in locations.

The other approach would be to develop a statutory formula to set a floor for how many voting locations of county needs for early voting and election day.

I don't know offhand with that formula should be.

It might need to be different in one county to another.

Because some counties voters use early voting more than other counties.

Voters.

It's complicated.

But I think it's doable.

I'm neutral over which approach you prefer.

But we must do something to prevent long lines in the future.

>> Members of the state Board of Elections also testified in today's hearing and they were at times grilled by lawmakers.

Representative Jason name as co-chairs the legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee.

He showed committee members of the state board of election officials.

This video.

>> He says it was taken at 05:50PM, on Tuesday at a polling location in Oldham County.

You can see that the line of people is wrapped all the way around the building after applying this video meme has had this to say.

>> That is 100%.

Absolutely completely.

Nowhere know we have unacceptable.

If it rained, I don't know what happened as we're standing there on the corners.

People are leaving in droves.

So this is voter suppression.

That's what this is.

>> State Board of elections officials acknowledge there were some lessons to be learned from Tuesday night.

They pointed to the length of the ballot as one reason for long lines.

But they also said this election could be used as a teachable moment.

>> We'll also probably taking will definitely take another stat.

And if they are using vote centers to educate them a little bit more and how how to make those things flow better, how to have enough equipment inside a home base to manage larger crowds.

>> Secretary Adams as Kentucky saw about a 50% turnout for the general election.

This mid term, the bulk of voters cast ballots in person on Tuesday.

Tonight, our end of week inside Kentucky Politics segment is a day early.

It's about the state legislative races.

I caught up earlier today with Damon Thayer, the Senate majority floor leader about the expanded Super majority in the upper chamber.

It's good to have you with us today.

>> It's great to be back on the show.

>> So congratulations are in order for your victory victories.

On Tuesday night, you actually picked up another seat.

Now you have a 31 member, super duper majority.

What what is the nomenclature when you get to the point where you are now?

I think that sounds great.

And I like super duper made or a technical in nature.

And that's what we are.

And I'm not a parliamentarian, some sure there's some sophisticated name for it.

Tell us how you all have been able to expand.

You're already large super majority this time around.

What did you pick up?

>> It's interesting to note as a student of history that when my political mentor, Jim Bunning entered the Kentucky state Senate in 1979, there were 30 Democrats and Republicans in the Senate in the House.

There were 74 Democrats and 26 Republicans.

It's just amazing how much it's flipped.

And it's a long process that begins with candidate recruitment.

If there's anything we learn from this cycle nationally, candidates matter.

And we had good First of all, we had 10 seats that the Democrats did not oppose 7 incumbents and 3 new members.

And we want to welcome them at Dineen, who picked up the Dennis parents eat without opposition in Elizabeth Town town.

Barry Boswell replacing Matt Castlen from Owensboro and Lindsay Titian or in the newly drawn seat.

That's primarily Oldham County.

So they'll be joining our caucus in January.

You know, when I first was elected almost 20 years ago, I was number.

22.

And that was a big deal.

They made up jerseys for me that I still have that have the number.

22 so to go to 31.

Yeah.

It's a pretty amazing accomplishment.

I think it says a lot about the fact that Kentucky is one of the most read Republican states in the country.

We have one of the highest percentages of Republicans in the House and the Senate than any state.

>> One that you picked up a competitive that it encompasses several county.

So from Canton, all the way down to Franklin and this is Senate district number 20 and it has some familiar names for folks of former senator and former representative Jay Williams who was the was the victor up against Theresa Barton, who's a Democrat who was Franklin County judge executive who had worked and the Ernie Fletcher Administration, who was a Republican governor.

This was a very interesting race.

A lot of people watching.

But now Senator-elect Jay Williams was able to proved victorious >> so we KET right from the start that Jay had to get 40% of the vote in Franklin County and then run up the score in the 2 northern Kentucky counties and then the the 3 rural counties.

And that's exactly what he did.

He got 75% in Boone County, 67% in Carroll County.

41% in a 74% in Gallatin.

71 1% and mild precincts that he picked up and redistricting in Kenton County and 74% and Owen County.

He ended up winning by 5,000 votes.

56% to 44 so turned out to be a pretty good landslide.

But to be honest with you, we pulled it multiple times in his lead was 3 to 5%.

So we were we were all Senate Republican Majority Caucus was all-in on Jay Williams.

And he worked very hard.

He's a very savvy campaigner.

I do want to go to that point because there had been other rumors.

>> That perhaps Senate leadership was not behind him, that he might have been in his previous days of >> More rogue.

>> And more on the French.

Do you have confidence that he will?

It is committed to what leadership would want and how you want him to serve.

Has he made such pledge that he will follow in line?

>> Jay told me right from the start he turned.

He turned 70 years old.

The summer and he told me his rabble rousing days are behind him.

You know, he was in his 40's when he did his first stint in the Senate.

I I know how a person can change from their 30's and 40's into their 50's.

And I and I I believe, Jay, when he says he wants to be an effective member of the Kentucky state Senate.

He wants to play a serious role and transportation policy and direction and funding for northern Kentuckyian I'm going to take him at his word.

>> We'll hear more from Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer on Monday night's program today also spoke with House Minority Floor Leader Joni Jenkins by Skype.

House Minority Floor leader Joni Jenkins.

Thank you for a few minutes of your time.

Thank you for inviting me.

Renee.

I know Tuesday was a tough night for Democrats for House already a slim minority in the House and it became even slimmer on Tuesday night.

Tell us about the losses of the House Democratic Caucus.

Well, certainly election night was not what >> we anticipated.

It was not a great night for us.

We have excellent candidate.

>> All across the Commonwealth >> They worked hard.

There was certainly some things that were not in our favor of the amount of money spent Republican candidates was way greater than what our resources many of the Republicans national last the race against Democrat.

And certainly the new redistricting map was not in favor of Democrat.

That was not a night that what's good for us?

I'm losing that evil incumbents who serve their districts well, as well as the entire Commonwealth the Democrat caucus will go on.

They will continue fighting for working families.

They will continue fighting for public education.

They will continue fighting to move this.

>> State for.

>> So some of the notable House Minority Whip Angie Hatton up in the Northern Kentucky Covington area buddy Wheatley in Bowling Green.

Patty Mentor are all of those casualties, casualties of redistricting in your view, or was it other forces that you've just outlined at play?

I think redistricting was the major >> a factor in Also there was some questions about voter suppression and some of those races.

I know that in Bowling Green.

There are reports of precincts that were in acessible that were moved that in the inner city.

There was not a place for folks to go hear the same thing from the many Wheatley District.

So I think, you know, it's a combination of things, but I think the maps for probably one of the hardest things for us.

>> So some of those races are very close.

And we look even House district 88 that we understand the Democratic incumbent, Cheryl and Stevenson did survive.

We do believe that there will be a recanvass.

Do you think these other races where you have some question about voter suppression, the outcome will be challenged.

>> I am not hearing that much.

I'm sure all of our candidates are weighing their options.

But at this point, I don't see that happen.

>> So as many people you are retiring.

And I think there's what 50 something days is.

You're counting down to the end of your dot.

51.

She says 51 days.

I know this is you would like to go out on a different note with a larger a caucus.

What do you hope?

How relevant do you hope and anticipate?

Democrats can still be in the Kentucky General Assembly?

>> Well, I think we we we were in the super minority of the last couple sessions and I always tell folks that this is a hard working, intelligent and really compassionate caucus and that they punched above their weight every single day.

And I don't think that's going to change where we have new members coming in.

young, from different backgrounds.

And I think you're going to see a a very energetic, enthusiastic caucus that that works every single day.

The Kentucky forward that works every single day to protect working families that works every single day to make sure our kids have every opportunity in the world.

Well, also have more from representative and House, all floor leader Minority Floor Leader Joni Jenkins on Monday's episode of Kentucky Edition.

>> Voters and Louisville elected a new mayor this week.

Democrat Craig Greenberg defeated Republican Bill Dieruf with 52% of the vote.

>> KET Kelsey Starks sat down today with the new mayor-elect.

>> Much like Mayor Greg Fischer.

Mayor-elect Craig Greenberg comes to Metro Hall background outside of politics.

He is the former CEO of 21 C museum hotels and the co-owner of Ohio Valley Wrestling.

>> Mister Greenberg, thanks for being here.

We really appreciate it.

And it's great that relations to you.

Thank you so much.

Really appreciate that.

And we congratulations with you know, a lot of people tried to paint those similarities between you and Greg Fischer saying this Greg Fischer.

2 point, oh, status quo.

But you say your administration wants to take full of all in a new direction.

So explain what that is and how it will be different.

>> The sure why I'm really excited about the future.

I'm excited and honored and humbled to be elected mayor.

I'm just excited about the opportunities that we have ahead for our city and for everyone who lives in our city wants to move to our city.

When I talk about moving Louisville, a new direction, I heard a clear message from across the entire community.

People want to improve public safety want to more affordable housing options.

One good paying career path jobs for their kids will work with me.

Make Universal Pre K a reality.

These are all things that regardless of your political party, we all agree on.

There's so much work that we can do when we work together.

And so that's what I'm excited about doing is really unifying this city around some common goals and then working hard together with a sense of urgency to make big things happen here so that everyone has an opportunity to see seed and with a safe and healthy life.

>> It coming from outside politics.

I'm always curious what made you want to run for office.

Get involved.

>> I love the Louisville.

I love my hometown.

It's a great place but has really serious challenges as we all know, there are a lot of challenges throughout our whole city, but just as I have my entire career, when I see challenges, I see even bigger opportunities.

So I'm excited about this opportunity here to be the next mayor of Louisville to really make meaningful change to move a little far new direction.

And to give everyone a sense of pride of where they live to ensure that people stay here, that they want to raise their families here.

They want to create wealth here and that they truly have opportunity.

We get regardless of where they live.

>> And one of main issues that I know many voters talk to you about we've heard is the record-breaking violent crime, gun violence, you're no stranger.

You are a victim of that during the campaign you talk about public safety and you promise and all in approach.

Explain what that means and how it's going to work.

>> I think we need a very comprehensive approach to improving public safety must reduce the amount of gun violence in the city.

We must move reduce the amount of crime period.

We need to have a police force.

That is the best trained, the most trusted and the most transparent parent.

One that has more officers so that they can focus on community policing, which means working with neighborhood leaders, members of the clergy, small business owners, formerly incarcerated individuals.

Anyone who wants to be a part of the solution to prevent crime from happening and not just responding to crime.

But we can't just police our way to safety.

So we must do more like investing in more mental health resources, heading community centers that are open with more activities in Richmond, educational programs for kids, job programs that provide our youth and young adults with opportunities during the school week on weekends year-round.

These are all things that we can do.

Ultimately the long-term solution is.

investing in the root causes of poverty.

We also need to implement short-term solutions because we have a huge crime issue right now.

>> I'm going back to the police department.

We are, of course, anxiously awaiting the release from the Department of Justice report which will likely mean some sweeping changes what is the future for that department particularly Chief Erika Shields?

>> Well, I've not made any personnel decisions yet with respect to the with respect to anybody else, that's all going to be coming over the course of a transition.

But I like others and in our awaiting the results of the Department of Justice Investigation.

And to me, it's certainly not a place we want to find our city.

But let's use this as an opportunity.

Let's use their suggestions.

Their expertise, their review of the facts of what's happened over the past many years in Louisville as a framework for improvement as a framework for 8 trusted, trained and transparent police force that everyone in Louisville respects and that keeps us all safe.

>> We'll have part 2 of Kelsey's interview with Mayor elect Craig Greenberg coming up on Monday night on Kentucky edition.

♪ >> Kentucky state Capitol now has a statue of Nettie death.

An educator who became the first woman elected to public office in Barron County when voters picked her to be school superintendent and 1913, debt died in 1932, it's the first statue of a woman in the state Capitol artist Amanda Matthews sculpted, the statue.

Some artists work and paints some work in Clay made a Kentucky artist whose medium is aluminum cans.

>> Alright was always in my book.

You know, we love to do art.

Alright, background really go bag.

Only 2 hours of like a elementary school.

And later on in I was in the was a projection.

Is, you know, operating the camera.

It's always in love.

The arts in the cinemas.

I was on a family reunion, cleanup committee and all these bags and cans in the garage just going to have these cans and about 3 o'clock in the morning to spear.

It hit me.

Do art.

You always wanted to do art while can you do on a can's?

And then one was playing with my granddaughter Emily, which could help people because, you know, could not cause and making clothing, put it on the paper goes.

That's when it hit me.

So sort of covering up images of the outline and I would take the can and overlay it for the clothing.

I says.

I think I'm on to something here.

Undertake classic art and transferred to a can.

You look at as relations and photography.

I have fashion magazine.

You see a picture of a model model address.

A suit says they want to take that image transferred to a camp at the same time, a look at the magazines for colored like the Greens and the yellow of the blue and the gold.

You know, the Reds and the arch and the colors of the can a bright Debra get good, good moment.

And you've got this to shine lights it.

So we're detail that I'm boss.

And now you have the white like the light is bounce and the high low spot.

You see the movement.

I've been doing.

This can do it now for about 10 years.

Each year.

I I would learn to take me a bill on that.

And over the years I probably get over.

I would say all 400 items.

When people.

And neighbors her I collect cans will art.

They were coming in every day.

can screw and come home from the store church.

There's been actually up or to allow more This is trash are you know, you realize you take and trash the people who are out.

You turned into art.

And when you can sell it.

It's a twofold.

Purpose of Korea, something from trash has been for now.

Take that off the street and created something that could be hang on the wall and the misses.

Everything's has a recyclable purpose.

And life itself has a recyclable purpose.

so I can do is create a you know.

Go to the next likely going to be.

But it is out.

There you go.

Wow.

From trash to treasure.

I think Herb is on to something.

>> Herb's collection of work includes a wide variety of creative renditions from Mexican sugar skulls and wild animals to depictions of Bernie Sanders and mermaids.

His pieces can be seen at the reverie boutique and gallery in Louisville.

♪ >> A little song, a little dance still begins.

Has that and more in tonight's look at what's happening around the Commonwealth.

♪ >> Calling all country music fans.

The said Lee Stewart Auditorium is hosting country music legend Doug Stone and Beattyville the Saturday he'll be performing some of his greatest hits, including in a different light and a jukebox with a country song for an evening.

You won't forget.

Come on out and find something that catches your eye this weekend at the craft, hockey Arts and Crafts expo in Owensboro.

Get a jump.

Start on your holiday shopping with unique handmade creations, wood crafts, furniture, jewelry, quilts, candles, pottery, and more.

All from regional artisans and crafters.

The 59th annual Veterans Parade is happening this Sunday in Madisonville head on down to Main Street for this nationally recognized parade with marching bands and take vehicles over the top floats, color guards and more and stick around until the end as the parade comes to a close by honoring Purple Heart recipients.

Step Africa is an award-winning show.

That one's contemporary percussive dance styles with traditional African dances.

And you can see it at the Norton Center for the Arts and and all the Sunday.

It's an energizing mix of songs, dance, storytelling, humor and audience participation creating a captivating experience for all.

And that's what's happening around the commonwealth.

I'm told he is.

>> Thank you, Toby Gibbs.

Tomorrow is Veterans Day.

So join us for a special Kentucky Edition devoted all to veterans and their stories will talk about veterans, physical and mental health had to Kentucky's Camp Nelson and will go along on an all female honor flight to Washington, D.C., that and more tomorrow night on Kentucky edition at 6.30, Eastern 5.30, central where we inform connect and tomorrow night we will especially inspire.

Thank you so much for watching you subscribe to our weekly Kentucky Edition email newsletter to watch clips online at KET Dot Org.

Appreciate your viewership.

We'll see you right back here again tomorrow night.

Take good care.

♪