>> It's not a horse, but it does have plenty of horsepower.

>> Provide a student that can do anything and marking where I think will provide the students that they would want to hire.

>> Schools are responding to the need for skilled labor as thousands of jobs will open in the next few years.

At Ford's new battery plant in Hardin County.

One way that we learn is through doing and creating and working side by side with others.

And there are more ways than ever to express yourself and maybe learn some new skills at one branch of the Lexington Public Library.

>> 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 for this Wednesday, September, the 28th.

>> I'm Renee Shaw.

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

Hurricane Ian hit the western Florida coast this afternoon as a Category 4 hurricane.

>> And it's expected to bring some rain to Kentucky by the weekend.

That's something in eastern Kentucky doesn't need today.

We spoke to Brian or of the National Weather Service about what to expect from me in.

>> Even really right at the time of landfall was all right around the upper end Category 4, close to almost Category 5.

And quite honestly, when you're up, you know, near that that level of intensity, that doesn't really matter whether it was, you know, a Category 4 category 5 team has made and now it's going to track across the center center, part of the Florida Peninsula.

And it actually may we come back out into the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern side of Florida and then slowly work up right around.

Probably the South Carolina Georgia border.

And then slowly work its way north westward from there up towards central Appalachians.

it's going to take its time because like said, it's really slow down.

And we really don't expect any rainfall chances to overspread, you know, eastern Kentuckyian central Kentucky potentially Saturday so and again, the center of the circulation is actually never going to make it here to Kentucky.

It will probably stall out over the central Appalachians but will get the rain associated with that.

That overall system, you know, starting Saturday since its last all of its motion, it's going to kind of just meander over the for much of the weekend.

It could stay even until Monday.

>> Today we caught up with the Kentuckyian who's riding out the storm in Florida.

Darryl Brock moved to Naples 2 years ago.

This is his first time living through a hurricane as a Floridian.

>> That's where a lot of rain.

This is kind of the tail end of just the back out.

Well, you know, coming past Nypl.

So we're getting winds picked up again.

Ryan started.

It's been a lot of bands and a lot of wind.

But we've kept power and the power that flashing on and off that early this morning.

But we've got our now.

So that's good.

We're riding it out this point.

It's a we were prepared.

You know, the Collier County Emergency Services been a great job.

We have everything we felt we needed here to be safe.

So we're kind of hunker down and get through it.

>> Our best to him and all those in Florida Governor Andy Beshear says the Kentucky Air National Guard's 100 23rd airlift wing with the 3 C one 30's and a crew of about 20 are on standby to help the Florida National Guard after Ian hits.

In political news, the House Judiciary or the House January 6 committee, rather postpone a hearing that was scheduled for today because of Hurricane Ian.

The committee did not say when the hearing would occur yesterday U.S.

Senator Mitch McConnell announced he supports an electoral vote reform plan that he hopes would prevent another January 6 riot from taking place.

>> It makes the already plain fact of the 12th Amendment even clearer.

That the vice president hes never had.

And we'll discretionary powers.

For the county.

>> And 2021.

Then President Donald Trump and his supporters wanted Vice President Mike Pence to reject electoral votes from some states that went to Joe Biden.

The plan backed by McConnell reaffirms that the vice president's role is ceremonial online.

Lexington needs firefighters and it will be getting them thanks to a 4 million dollar grant from FEMA Fire Chief Jason Wells says it's just what the department needs to KET Lexington say.

♪ >> This safer grant stands for staffing for adequate fire.

Emergency response.

It is a federal grant that is administered by FEMA we apply this year this past year.

And we just found out that we were awarded 4.2 million dollars to increase our staffing.

So that's going to allow us to add.

21 additional firefighters to our authorized street.

That's going to bring us up an author, a streak of 599 to 620.

We have seen our numbers of applicants go down.

And I think that's probably consistent not just through public safety, but probably across sectors and across industries.

It is a challenging job market.

But we also have had some vacancies and a higher number of vacancies than we've seen in the past.

Just due to retirements and some resignations and some folks moving on to other careers.

Currently, we have 18 vacant positions.

We also have 32 folks who are in their car training academy that will be coming out hopefully over the next month or so so that that will help us.

But this addition of 21 new firefighters, new positions is really going to take the strain off of our folks.

And we anticipate we're getting ready to start.

Probably will be a very aggressive recruiting campaign.

>> And we think that will be probably Landis a pretty diverse pool of applicants.

So you'll have some folks who are >> maybe coming from other fire service But we also hope to recruit folks from from various industries and and just like anything you know, the more diverse group of candidates that you bring in.

Regardless of background or experience, that type of thing.

It really only makes us a stronger department.

The Lexington Fire Department is is really a unique organization in a lot of ways we are the largest our department in the state of Kentucky.

We are an all hazards department.

So really, regardless of what your interest we probably have a career path here that that would interest you.

We have celebrated this victory internally because obviously it helps our organization a lot and it helps our members a lot.

>> But maybe we haven't talked about as much is the benefit of the community is going to get because we'll be able to better focus on delivering the service that we need to deliver to the community.

>> The grant will be used to hire firefighters, investigators, paramedics, technical rescue and hazardous materials personnel among others.

It will be used to pay for them for the next 3 years.

Hiring should be again in the next 6 months.

Check out the new Ford F series super duty truck unveiled last night at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

Ford announced yesterday will invest 7 million dollars and expand its operation.

Louisville to build this new truck.

This will main 500 more for jobs.

In addition to the existing 12,004 jobs in Louisville already.

Ford is also building a battery plant in Hardin County, Hardin County Schools, Early College and Career Center offers students classes and engineering automotive technology and health sciences classes that will help them and prepare them for those kinds of jobs.

When I get older, a plan to become a serenade, I figure it's discussed with bedside manner.

>> And just developing ocean show with my patients.

>> We're doing pathways that are.

>> Getting students, you know, real world experience in the classroom as well as living way, just outside of high school.

We're going to get the technical skills through our curriculum, a large part of that, though they're going to get the soft skills.

>> We'll get that problem solving the critical thinking and the team more.

>> And that's really a big emphasis of our program to say this is one of our second level courses for health science pathway, which will then lead on Medicaid nurse aide for bottom me, EKG, pharmacy tech and medical administrative assistant.

Thanks to health science careers continue to be a huge demand.

you know, COVID I think also help that is that we saw a need because we saw people may be getting out of that career.

>> And when they were there was a need and continues to be a need and health careers.

>> I enjoy how hands on the arc because I'm a hands-on learning.

I like doing things to learn how to get better at it.

>> We do a lot of project problem based learning where not just giving assignments, you know, they getting activities, problems, working in teams, working groups.

>> And solving problems and analytical, feel it.

>> And ultimately, these are the folks that are going to take care of me one day.

So I want to make sure that they have all the tools at this stage before they have to go on to the next level and start the 4th.

We know that we have a lot of still go on to two-year degrees, a four-year degrees and >> that's fantastic.

But the amount of students that are choosing to go to work immediately after high school because of the specific skills and training and certifications.

They are not easy.

3, I think is really started to shift a little we provide students with a good foundation.

You know, they're going to have their science technology, engineering math.

Capri engine earring green electronics.

>> They're going to have that the physical skills to do those and then we will provide them with the work ethic is what we're going to really focus on the people skills in the soft skills.

So we're not provide a student that can do new anything and marking what?

>> It will help me.

So I will have to stress about winning as much at one time because I already know some of the material and then whatever I don't know was introduces new to Customer time on that.

And also my classmates that haven't taken courses.

>> What we're doing here in D C 3, I think is really making a difference in this community.

>> For sure, Elliott tells us when she graduates in the spring show further her education at the UK College of Nursing students at AC 3 can also earn an associate's degree before graduating high school through a partnership with Elizabethtown Community and Technical College and Western Kentucky University.

Kentucky has a record number of bourbon barrels this year.

11.4 million.

That's according to the Kentucky Distillers Association.

The association says the barrels have a value of more than 5 Billion.

That's with a B dollars with barrel taxes, reaching 40 million dollars.

Also a record tomorrow.

We'll talk to the Bro brothers owned who are owners of the first black owned distillery in Kentucky.

♪ Time now for our midweek.

Check in on some major political developments in Kentucky so far this week with Rylan Barton, who is the managing editor of Kentucky Public Radio and the Ohio Valley Resource.

Good to see Rylan.

>> You can see it here >> So let's talk about a state legislative race that seems to have gotten some press here lately.

And it's really complicated is all I know how to describe it.

It's the 29th House race.

The Republican incumbent is Kevin Bratcher and there's been some back and forth here.

The Democrats are suing to get a candidate on the ballot in this race.

So what can you tell us?

That's about what's going on here.

>> Right.

So might start with So earlier this month, ranchers campaign actually sued to have the original candidate.

Matthew FOX removed from the ballot alleging that he had not properly registered as a Democrat, which he hadn't, that he is originally registered Republican in order to switch parties.

Can you do that before the end of the year?

So the end of last year he had switched parties on January.

11th.

So they said he's an improper He withdrew from the down.

And so this is early in September.

Democrats wanted to build a new candidate to make sure that that person to be on the ballot this coming November 8, however, Republican secretary of state Michael Adams said that that's not possible.

It's too late to do that because he's already certified the He said he did that in late August, August 22nd.

so now Democrats are suing to try and get this candidate on another candidate on the ballot.

We will see where this I mean, it is getting kind of like the game Rondo right in Jefferson County.

At least you can go online.

You can find your sample ballot now.

So they're in the process of the electoral machines are already ahead of November 8.

>> Yes, so we have to KET our eyes on this and see what develops.

Now, let's shift to talk about the U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

A couple of items.

The first will begin with is he has said that he supports the Electoral College Reform Act.

And this is something gives a big boost to legislation.

That's by Susan Collins, Republican from Maine and Joe Manchin from West Virginia.

The Democrat.

But it's also kind of taking on the former President Donald Trump and many ways because this is in part a reaction to the January 6 Capitol insurrection.

So talk to us about how significant this backing is.

>> To remember going back to January 6, a lot of what those protesters were doing was trying to interfere with the certification of the Electoral College votes.

So basically the Congress ends of certifying what states did and they were trying to.

And then ultimately the vice president is the one who kind of, you know, side because he put presides over the Senate is the one who was able to kind of signed off on that You know, basically some electoral watchers are some election watchers say that, you know, there is some vague language and in the in the last version of of the Constitution that ultimately that defines the 18 87 electoral count act.

And so what they're doing is clarifying that the vice president actually are really what Congress is doing is it's more procedural than anything and also that raising the threshold for how many people in Congress it would take to object to the electoral count.

right it under the current law, it only takes one votes of any senator or a congressperson could could object to it.

And then and kind of cast this into into a murky waters.

But now they would raise it to a one fits level one 5th of 20% of of the Senate to have to object to that.

So trying to make it a little harder or, you know, those those gears to get gummed what?

It's really just kind of a process of counting void votes at that point in the electoral.

>> Ross.

And it also says that the vice president will only have a ministerial or ceremonial role and they've been counting the votes.

So this would change how the perception that Mike Pence could have to in the future because that's how it's always been like that.

So that's how it's always been until January 6 of 2021, when when people started to raise well, and couldn't this be a possibility?

>> Yeah.

So let's also KET the McConnell news going on here.

We know that earlier this Kirsten Sinema.

>> Appeared the McConnell Center.

We know that the call center, he occasionally hosts on bipartisan bases.

congressional members to come in and speak.

And she, of course, kind of doubled down on this.

Controversial supported the filibuster.

But she says it should sit stand both the judicial and executive nominees.

Talk to us about her parents and what it means to display this type of, I unusual collaboration because they're of different parties.

>> Yes, it was really interesting.

It was such a kind of classic McConnell move.

I mean, she's the she's a Democrat who reaches across the aisle quite a bit.

And he's within the Senate.

And and what this whole speech was about was about bipartisanship and how, you know, trying to lift up you know, this, the 3, the 60 vote rule in the in the Senate.

The most things have to pass taking 60 votes and which requires people to reach across the aisle and generate compromised.

There's been a lot of talk among Democrats, but a lot of talk about Republicans when they are in control of the Senate to get rid of the filibuster so they don't have to hit that 60 vote threshold.

But with Democrats in power now, it's definitely more.

McConnell's to support the 60th vote threshold once again.

And so he was really showing.

Okay, here's a Democrat.

He's in favor as It was a it was interesting.

You know, a lot of Democrats were kind mad about The spectacle of of you know, Democratic senator and speaking of those McCall of it and really kind of upholding one of his big it it's also just interesting looking ahead to the election when, you know, McConnell's really hoping that Republicans can win control of the Senate once again early stay in this zone where he only needs to pick off like a curse and cinema or a Joe Mansion in order to to gum up the system for Democrats in control.

and he's really looking to that election to see what things are going to look like are, you know, trying to get on voter's mind.

Isn't this the kind of status quo that we would like to So there's a lot going on with that.

But it was a it was a kind of remarkable little, a political event that happened this week.

>> Absolutely.

And thank you for sharing it with us.

Your perspective.

We always appreciate it.

Roland Martin, good to see you.

The next Wednesday.

♪ You'll find books a at the Eastside branch of the Lexington Public Library.

But you'll also find.

>> New ways to be creative and pick up some valuable skills.

And the makers space.

>> Let me begin by saying that this is not a new space, re.

Imagine 1, 3, >> The >> makers space has been re imagined as a space for Etsy shop owners.

To perfect their craft, small business owners to create marketing materials and entrepreneurs to build products and prototypes.

With a large format printer and laminate or cricket machine table.

Top CNC machine, but none maker 3 D printer and so much more.

We're confident this space will offer resources for creativity and inspiration for new ideas.

I'm excited to announce that the makerspace will offer twice-weekly and regular weekend open studio hours when individuals and groups can work to work independently and together.

We will also host programs like teen Tobar and we're crafting night to introduce new audiences to the maker movement in a safe non-threatening environment.

We hope that the makerspace can help individuals learn new trades, build small businesses and find personal fulfillment through our public library.

The sky's the limit because you are a customer.

Is the maker.

We the library provide the space.

We can't wait to see what you create.

>> The public library is all about self-directed learning.

It's about learning about what you love and what you want to learn and the books that we offer is one way to do that.

But there are so many other ways to learn.

And one way that we learn is through doing and creating and working side by side with other.

So this is a space for that can really grow and be celebrated.

All of the classes that we offer here are free.

We do start a minimal amount for some of the materials that are used, but it's really very affordable for anyone who wants to come in next year will be opening our new marks Perry branch, and that will be equipped with its own.

Make yourself.

I think it's important to push the boundaries on what we provide to the community just because our communities so diverse, you know, some people are like me.

They love to re.

They get a lot out of that process.

Other people learn by doing and we serve all of our community.

So we need to make sure that we have learning opportunities available for everyone in whatever fashion they want to learn it.

>> Check out the Lexington Public Library's website about days and times when the makerspace is open.

♪ Less than 5% of those working in professional sound and engineering and production are women.

But you wouldn't know that by stepping into night row Sonic Studios.

It's the state's only female owned and operated recording studio.

And as you'll see in this week's Tapestry segment where we explore arts and culture in Kentucky, there's a growing list of artists bringing their music and ideas to this Lexington studio to be fine tuned.

>> It's a special thing and a musician's life when they get to come to a real studio.

I just wanted dates back to 2005 as I got in with the studio and work my way up to become assistant manager.

Everything we got offered the opportunity to buy the studio.

I look.

That is a you won't get this opportunity again.

>> It even if it fails, at least you did it.

You will kick yourself for the rest of your life, right?

Trump can't pass up that opportunity >> lead I can oversee the recording sessions and and it's and mastering and play in Durham >> Studio manager as One of the engine years.

I run the recording sessions with help from Danielle.

And then I do primarily most of the mixing.

>> string instrument player for hire and moral support.

>> It's fun to kind of watch people be shocked when their own home.

A bunch of female engineers did this.

Genetic makeup has nothing to do with audio.

And once people hear what we can do, it doesn't matter that were female.

They just know that they can get a great recording here.

>> I really wanted to work with someone with a woman running women-owned studio that was really important to me.

Luckily I found a curse on it.

>> Part of the artists that have >> come through because they have a friend of an artist has come through or so.

We've been getting a lot of word of mouth.

I walked in with my guitar.

>> And some I had printed off the lyrics and that to remember remind myself of the cords and the tempo about those in.

And I just sat down and they set up a local mechanic guitar.

Mike and I just I played through all of the songs.

>> There's not a lot of planning because the recession is its own child and it's going to have its own personality and go where it wants.

And you just have to adapt and roll with it and the jobs have psychology, half audio engineering.

If someone's not in the right place in their head, they're not going to get the tape.

>> Route 80 in finding that.

>> Different ways that people work different ways.

People think about things different is that they're right.

And then my involvement is usually try to help flush that out and make it.

>> Bigger, more layers >> they would have their ideas and add drums and guitar and we talk about it and we tried again until we got pretty close to it.

I really like this process just because it is really nice to sit down west the artists and get their >> He back or to the point where we're.

>> During the final at its in mixing in.

So hopefully in in the next few weeks will we finished mastered in ready to put out into the world.

I'm definitely different person after working with them.

As far as the confidence I have in my songwriting and in my voice I sing like twice as loud.

Haha.

>> It's helped a lot with them.

I think for me the best part about this job is being able to.

>> The with our artists when there and some of their most vulnerable moments.

It's magical and it's humbling.

♪ >> The night Rose Onyx Studios recently became the preferred studio for Iron Gate Records.

A small label based out of Nashville.

The studio is mixing songs for the labels.

Newly signed acts.

Congrats to them.

Tomorrow.

We'll head to Winchester on Kentucky Edition.

It's not necessarily where you'd expect to find a mural of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

We'll talk to the man who created it and find out the reaction which might surprise, you know, want to miss that and we'll talk to a state legislator and Louisville who is filing legislation to help those who are dealing with mental illness and suicide ideation to KET firearms out of their hands voluntarily.

You don't want to miss that conversation tomorrow night on Kentucky edition at 6.30, Eastern 5.30, central where we inform connect and inspire.

You can subscribe to our weekly Kentucky Edition email newsletter and watch full episodes of KET Dot Org.

You can also find Kentucky Edition on the PBS video app on your mobile device and smart TV.

>> And of course, you can follow KET on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay in the loop.

And you're also welcome to follow me on Twitter at Renee K E T once again.

Thank you for joining us tonight on Kentucky Edition, we hope to see you right back here again tomorrow night at 6.30.

In the meantime, take good care.

Have a great night.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪