CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Mostly sunny. Scattered showers and chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Some thunderstorms may be severe. Highs 90 to 95. Windy. South winds 20 to 30 mph. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.

 

.TONIGHT…Partly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms likely in

the evening, then mostly cloudy with chance of showers and

thunderstorms after midnight. Some thunderstorms may be severe in

the evening. Lows in the lower 60s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

Chance of precipitation 60 percent in the Jamestown area, 70 percent in the Valley City area.

.THURSDAY…Mostly sunny. A 20 percent chance of showers and

thunderstorms in the morning in the Jamestown area, 30 percent in the Valley City area.  Cooler. Highs in the mid 70s. West

winds 10 to 20 mph.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly clear. Lows in the upper 40s. Northwest

winds 5 to 10 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the evening.

.FRIDAY…Sunny. Highs in the mid 70s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy in the evening, then mostly cloudy

with a 20 percent chance of rain showers and thunderstorms after

midnight. Lows in the mid 50s.

.SATURDAY…Partly sunny with a 40 percent chance of rain showers

and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 50s.

.SUNDAY…Mostly sunny. A 20 percent chance of rain showers and

thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 70s.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 50s.

.MONDAY…Mostly sunny with a 20 percent chance of rain showers

and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Increasing clouds. A 20 percent chance of rain

showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 50s.

.TUESDAY…Partly sunny. A 20 percent chance of rain showers and

thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 70s.

Scattered thunderstorms are forecast late this afternoon and
tonight. Some storms could be severe with wind gusts up to 70
mph and hail up to golfball size.   Locally heavy rainfall and slow moving thunderstorms may lead to localized flooding.

 

From the 125th Anniversary Calendar of Jamestown History

This Day in History – June 17, 1944 – Roller skating to be held tonight at Franklin School Gymnasium. Free for those with skates . . . .

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The City of Valley City  hosts  a COVID-19 Response Briefing on June 17, 2020, at 5:30-pm.

The briefing is closed the public to honor social distancing.

The meeting airs live on  CSi 68.   To view the briefing online, view it at CSiNewsNOW.

Each organization will provide updates and information pertaining to recent developments in the COVID-19 community response. All officials will be available following the briefing for questions from media partners.

Speakers will include:

City-County Health District Administrator Theresa Will

James Buhr – M.D. and Health Officer for City-County Health District, James Buhr

Valley City, City Administrator, Gwen Crawford

Valley City Mayor, Dave Carlsrud

Bismarck  (CSi)  Governor Doug Burgum held his, now weekly, COVID-19 News Briefing Tuesday afternoon at the state capital in Bismarck.

He said over the past six days the positive testing rate has improved, with numbers going down.

He pointed out the cooperation with entities in stepping up the number of tests, statewide.

He said the North Dakota “team” has taken a balanced approach in opening up the economy while supporting halting the spread of the virus, through increased testing, and contact tracing efforts.

Burgum added that North Dakota testing continues seven days a week.

He urged residents stay on guard with taking precautions to limit the spread of the virus while relaxing guidelines at businesses concerning allowing more customers in stores.

 

Positive COVID-19 Test Results Released on Tues. Jun 16, 2020
Results listed are from the previous day.

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TODAY

  • Burleigh County – 9
  • Cass County – 9
  • Grand Forks County – 1
  • McLean County – 1
  • Morton County – 1
  • Ransom County – 1
  • Walsh County – 1

BY THE NUMBERS

135,691 – Total Number of Tests Completed* (+1,797 total tests from yesterday)

 

88,651 – Total Unique Individuals Tested* (+875 unique individuals from yesterday)

85,527 – Total Negative (+852 unique individuals from yesterday)

3,124 – Total Positive (+23 unique individuals from yesterday)

1.3% – Daily Positivity Rate**

200 – Total Hospitalized (+3 individuals from yesterday)

26 – Currently Hospitalized (-5 individuals from yesterday)

2,720 – Total Recovered (+37 individuals from yesterday)

74 – Total Deaths*** (+0 individuals from yesterday)

This is the longest stretch of no deaths, since April this year.

Burleigh and Morton Counties continue to be monitored due to increased positive testings recently.

He pointed out 1700 people were tested in Fargo last Thursday and Friday.

FREE COVID-19 TESTING will be open to the general public on Wednesday, June 17, from 9am to 6pm. Outdoor drive-up testing will take place in the State Capitol’s NW parking lot.

The Stutsman County Testing will be on Thursday June 18, 2020 10-a.m., to 2-p.m., at the Stutsman County fairgrounds, use the North Entrance.

Thurs and Friday this week, addition mass testings will occur in Fargo, and continue the next two weeks.

Minot and Grand Forks will also have upcoming testing.

He said those living with or in regular contact with the vulnerable population should be tested, even if they feel well.

With long term care facilities, he said residents have been protected from the spread of the virus at the onset by restricting visitation and target testing in those facilities.

Every resident and staff member in long term care will be tested for a second time.

Outside visitation at those facilities has been relaxed, however certain guidelines are being maintained, including social distancing, and good hygiene practices.  If positive testing of residents and staff members shows negative numbers, inside visitation will be allowed.  Family members can be tested and if negative can take part in inside visitation, for a one week period.  The pilot program has been established at a facility in Bismarck.

Homeless shelters have been established in major cities in the state, with COVID-19 testing being performed and virus protective measures are in place.

The SBA has reopened programs to distribute additional federal funds, including low interest loans, and loans that become grants.

NDresponse.gov has more information, on that, and paycheck protection plan updates.

Projectrenew.nd.gov is the web site for those experiencing secondary traumatic stress.  Call 701-223-1510.  Fee confidential crisis counseling is also available through the program.

 

Jamestown  (CSi) On Tuesday the North Dakota State Hospital announced it has modified its campus visitation policy to allow family members and friends to visit loved ones who are receiving behavioral health services.

Under the modified policy, family members and friends can visit patients during regular business hours, by appointment only, in designated rooms. All visitors must wear masks at all times and maintain safe social distancing while on campus. Patients in the hospital’s quarantine unit will need to wait 14-days before they are eligible for visitation.

 

State Hospital Superintendent, Dr. Rosalie Etherington says, “Even though we are now allowing on-campus visits, we are not letting our guard down against the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Rosalie Etherington, the hospital’s superintendent. We remain focused on following the health and safety precautions we implemented from day one. Our top priority is protecting the health and well-being of our patients and staff.”

Etherington said activities are slowly transitioning to a new normal on the State Hospital campus.

She says, “Our contractor has resumed the work participation program for our transitional living residents, and the on-site treatment mall is now open and offering activities and services for patients.”

 

During the past month, the State Hospital conducted two COVID-19 testing events of patients and staff. Nearly 1,000 tests were administered by the hospital’s 20-person testing team of nurses, infection control specialists, administrators and other key team members. Also, all new admissions continue to be screened and tested for COVID-19.

On March 13, the hospital announced visitor restrictions to limit transmission of the coronavirus. Patients have been able to communicate with family and friends by phone, computers or other electronic devices.

For more information on the North Dakota Department of Human Services response to COVID-19, visit www.nd.gov/dhs/info/covid19/index.html. For details about the state’s COVID-19 response, visit www.ndresponse.gov.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Commission met Tuesday evening at City Hall.  All members were present.

Mayor Carlsrud, presenting outgoing City Comissioner Ross Powell with a placque for his four years of service on the commission.  He chose not to run for re-election, and he was elected to the Valley City Park board.

 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Approved was Renewal Application for Cabaret License: a. F.O.E. Aerie 2192

Approved was a tree trimming license for G&S.

Approved was a Raffle Permit for SHINE.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS ..No One Spoke

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

A Public Hearing was held for Mobile Vendors and Transient Merchants Licensing.

City Attorney Martineck said he has been researching the Ordinance, approved by the planning &zoning commission.  An issue is guidelines allowing ag-vendors in town, with produce items for sale, along with establishing fees for permits.  Public safety was also pointed out as a concern.

Farmers Markets are already exempt.  Under the Ordinance the police chief would need to approve, and the vendor would have the right of appeal.

 

Following the Public Hearing the City Commission, approved first reading to amend and reenact Chapter 5 of Title 8 and Section 11-05-18 of the Valley City Municipal Code, relating to mobile vendors and transient merchants.

 

ORDINANCE

Approved was the second and final reading of the Ordinance Relating to the Annexation of Territory described as Auditor’s Lot Number 1 of the NE1/4 of the SW ¼ of Section 27, Township 140, Range 58, Barnes County, ND.

 

The Crime Victim witness fee was adopted for a $25 fee.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Commissioners received the Barnes County Official Canvassed Abstract and the canvass report from the Primary Election held on June 9, 2020.  City Auditor Richter said Rich Gulmon was officially elected to the Valley City Commission, and Mike Bishop was re-elected to the Commission.  No other election results were changed as a result of the canvass, and are now official.

 

Consideration of “Nights on Central,” event.  President Carlsrud said guidelines need to be followed concerning social distancing.

The City Commission approved the event.

 

Considered was job descriptions for Assistant Fire Chief and Engineering Project Manager/Building Inspector.  City Attorney Martineck said resignations, and retirements was the impetus for the job descriptions.  Assistance Fire Chief is a new position, and the building inspector, also a city engineer position.     The City Commission voted 3-2 to approve the orginal descriptions with the addition to the position of City Engineers.

 

The City Commission approved 2020 – 2021 Gaming Site Authorizations for:

 

  1. North Dakota Winter Show at North Dakota Winter Show Event Center
  2. Valley City Eagles Aerie 2192 Fraternal Order of Eagles at the Eagles; Captain’s Pub; Labor Club; My Bar; City Lights; Tavern 94

 

Approved  the appointment for the following committees and terms:

  1. Zoning Board of Adjustment (Variance) – 3 openings, 3 year term

Allen Schuldt

Ken Reid

Jim Wright

 

Visitors Committee – 3 openings, 4 year term

Bobby Koepplin

Mary Lee Nielson

Vacancy .. to be appointed.

 

The City Commission, discussed an Urban Road Funding Request for Streetscape Phase II.

KLJ said the original bid was over cost estimates.  No action was taken pending additional information.

 

The bid will be advertised in Oct/Nov this year, with the project in 2021.

 

Approved was Change Order #1, Project No. SU-2-990(059) the  5th Ave NW Reconstruction a decrease of $426,500.

 

Approved  Change Order #2, Project No. SU-2-990(059) – 5th Ave NW Reconstruction, relating to sanitary sewer services. An overall saving including a increase in a another area of the project of $5,473

 

Approved was the Renewal Applications for the following Alcoholic Beverage Licenses:

  1. Brockopp Brewing, LLC
  2. The Captains Pub
  3. Chinese Palace
  4. Hi-Line Hospitality, LLC dba City Lights
  5. Dakota Silver, LLC
  6. F.O.E. Aerie 2192
  7. Jimmy’s Pizza
  8. Sabir’s Dining & Lounge
  9. Main Street Off-Sale, LLC dba Tavern 94
  10. The Labor Club
  11. County Bottle Shop, Inc dba the Liquor Locker
  12. Valley City Town & Country Club
  13. VC Developers LLC dba Bridges Bar & Grill
  14. Woodland Lodge LLC dba Woodland Steakhouse

 

 

Discussed was held concerning the Renewal Applications for the following Alcoholic Beverage Licenses:

  1. Mosby LLC dba Boomers Corner Keg Now in compliance.
  2. My Bar Now in compliance
  3. The Clubhouse Lounge LLC …Police Chief Hatcher said the establishment needs to change the signage, but has no issues with the licenses.

Approve Renewal Applications for the following Retail Tobacco Licenses:

  1. Brothers III
  2. CHS Inc dba Dakota Plains Ag (151 9th Ave NW)
  3. CHS Inc. dba Dakota Plains Ag (807 Main St)
  4. F.O.E. Aerie 2192
  5. Family Dollar, Inc. dba Family Dollar #27662
  6. Farmers Union Oil Company of Moorhead, MN dba PetroServe USA #071

 

And authorize the Auditor’s Office to issue licenses for applicants who meet all licensing requirements before June 30, 2020

  1. The Liquor Locker dba County Bottle Shop, Inc.
  2. Dakota Silver, LLC

iii. DG Retail, LLC dba Dollar General Store #17856

  1. Leevers Foods, Inc (424 2nd Ave NE)
  2. Leevers Foods, Inc (148 S Central Ave)
  3. Mosby LLC dba Boomers Corner Keg

 

 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Gwen Crawford said she is meeting with city department heads, and she’s learning the city processes.

CITY UPDATES &COMMISSION REPORTS

John Deere Seeding is requesting updated curb and gutter, and replacement of the driveway apron.

The city budget requests from city department heads are being accepted.  City Auditor Avis Richter said,  COVID-19 will have an impact on budgeting for 2021.

City Fire Chief Scott Magnuson, who is also on the Census Committee reminded residents to submit their 2020 census forms.

KLJ updated the project reports.

Commissioner Powell said he appreciated the opportunity to serve on the City Commission.

Commissioner Bishop thanked voters for re-electing him.

Commissioner Maguson congratulated Bishop on his relection, and wished Powell well.

Administrative Assistant Emma Tufte is leaving her position, and was complemented on her service to the city, and she was wished well.

Mayor Carlsrud reminded motorists to be careful of street construction.  He also thanked all elected and appointed position holders in Valley City.

The meeting was shown live on CSi Cable 68 followed by replays.

 

Valley City  (CSi)  with high wind, and storms in the forecast, this evening,  the Music in the Park “Drive-In” has been cancelled.   The event has been  rescheduled for this Friday August 19.

 

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A federal judge says he will not waive North Dakota’s ban on electronic signature gathering for a group attempting to get a wide-ranging measure on the November ballot. North Dakota Voters First asked to allow online signature gathering because of the coronavirus pandemic. The group argued that the COVID-19 outbreak “creates an environment that is impossible to comply” with the laws. In denying a motion for a preliminary injunction, U.S. District Judge Peter Welte noted that the state did not issue a stay-at-home order and Gov. Doug Burgum on May 1 “revoked nearly all the previously imposed pandemic-related restrictions.” North Dakota Voters First faces a July 6 deadline to submit at least 26,904 signatures to qualify for the November ballot.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Fargo businessman Thomas Beadle will be moving on to the November general election after winning a spirited Republican primary race for state treasurer, according to results reported Monday on the North Dakota secretary of state’s website. The count by the state and county canvassing boards shows Beadle with 52% of the vote to 47% for Kathryn farmer Dan Johnston. The race garnered extra attention after Gov. Doug Burgum gave $25,000 to Beadle’s campaign and Johnston received the support of President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer. In another race that drew added interest, Burgum’s favored candidates, David Andahl and Dave Nehring, prevailed over House Appropriations Chairman Jeff Delzer.

 

TORONTO (AP) — The U.S., Canada and Mexico have agreed to extend their agreements to keep their shared borders closed to non-essential travel to July 21 during the coronavirus pandemic. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday’s agreement extends the closure by another 30 days. The restrictions were announced on March 18 and were extended in April and May. Mexico and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security also confirmed the extension at their borders.

 

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to revive a permit program that allows new oil and gas pipelines to cross waterways with little review. Earlier this year, a Montana judge suspended the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ permit program. Environmental groups seeking to block the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada argued it allows companies to skirt responsibility for damage done to water bodies. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris ruled that Army Corps officials improperly reauthorized the program, which he said could harm wildlife and wildlife habitat. Industry representatives say the ruling delays dozens of pipeline projects across the U.S.

 

In sports…

Senior Babe Ruth Baseball…Tuesday…

Game 1  Valley City 5, Fargo Bombers 0

Game 2  Valley City 13 Fargo Bombers 3  5-innings

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Dakota Anglers 40th Annual Little Britches Fishing Tournament is planned for Saturday, June 20 in Jamestown.

One child and one adult fish one lake in the area and compete for the biggest catch of the day.

Registration at 8-am  at Joos Grove.

Weigh in is at 2 -pm following the tournament with plaques being awarded to winners in each class; 0-6, 7-10, 11-13, and 14-16.

Virus Affects In Sports…

CANTON, Ohio (AP) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine says it’s “highly unlikely” that crowds of 20,000 or so would be allowed for the Pro Football Hall of Fame game and induction ceremony in August.

DeWine says, “If the question was could that event occur today, the answer would be no. It would be extremely dangerous.”

The hall is still evaluating its options and said no decisions have been made about the Aug. 6 game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium between Dallas and Pittsburgh, nor for the enshrinements two nights later.

The hall reopened to a limited number of fans last week.

 

DENVER (AP) — Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone says an antibody test revealed he had COVID-19.

Malone says in an interview with CBS4 in Denver he wasn’t feeling well shortly after the season was suspended March 11. He reached out to the team’s medical staff to be tested but no tests were available at the time. Malone says he had an antibody test around Memorial Day weekend.

Malone says the team doctor called up and told him he’d tested positive.

Malone adds that he likes to say, “I got coronavirus and I kicked its butt.”

His squad was in third place in the Western Conference when the season was halted. The league is working on completing the health and safety protocols for a restart at the Disney campus near Orlando, Florida.

Malone says, “I hope that going down to Orlando will be in a safe environment and we can limit the amount of people that actually get it.”

OTTAWA (AP) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government is “open” to the NHL operating a playoff “hub city” in Canada as long as it is allowed by local health authorities.

If the NHL returns to play amid the coronavirus pandemic this summer, it would start with the playoffs and with 24 teams, preferably split between two hub cities.

The league has narrowed down its potential sites to 10 cities, including Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver in Canada. The NHL has said it will not choose a Canadian city if players are subject to the 14-day quarantine currently in effect at the border.

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Yankees President Randy Levine has called on the players’ association to resume negotiations with Major League Baseball to start the pandemic-delayed season.

Levine said the money difference between the feuding sides was not the primary obstacle but rather issues such as health and safety protocols and determining how to deal with a second wave of the new coronavirus.

MLB has made three proposals, the last for a 72-game season starting July 14 that would guarantee about $1.23 billion. The union made offered two plans, the last for an 89-game schedule starting July 10 and salaries of $2.25 billion.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has given the go-ahead for the U.S. Open tennis tournament to be held in his state starting in late August — but without spectators — as part of the reopening from shutdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Now that the U.S. Tennis Association’s proposal to hold its marquee event has been accepted — including a “bubble” setup with designated hotels, limited player entourages and a facility closed to the hundreds of thousands of people who usually attend the U.S. Open — the key question becomes: Who actually will end up competing on the blue hard courts in Flushing Meadows from Aug. 31 to Sept. 13?

Some of the sport’s top names, including defending U.S. Open men’s champion Rafael Nadal along with No. 1-ranked players Novak Djokovic and Ash Barty, have expressed reservations about heading somewhere that was a hot spot for the COVID-19 outbreak.

 

UNDATED (AP) — NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett says he has tested positive for coronavirus and now is in quarantine.

The three-time Daytona 500 winner and 1999 Cup champion made the announcement during NBCSN’s Hall of Fame announcement show on Tuesday.

The 63-year-old Jarrett told viewers that was why he didn’t return to the television studio with the rest of the crew. He says the only symptom he has is a slight cough that he’s has gotten better each day since his test last week.

 

NASCAR HALL OF FAME

Earnhardt Jr. headlines NASCAR’s 2021 Hall of Fame class

UNDATED (AP) — Longtime fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. will join his late father in NASCAR’s Hall of Fame next year, the feature attraction in the class of 2021.

Junior won 26 races during his Cup career, including two Daytona 500s and the 2001 Pepsi 400 — four months after his father’s death at the same track in February.

The late Mike Stefanik also was elected along with Red Farmer from the pioneer ballot. Ralph Seagraves was chosen as the Landmark Award winner for outstanding contributions to the sport.

NHL-SABRES-BOTTERILL

Sabres fire GM Botterill

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Sabres have fired general manager Jason Botterill in a dramatic change-of-course three weeks after co-owner Kim Pegula said his job was secure.

The Sabres promoted senior vice president of business administration Kevyn Adams as Botterill’s successor.

Botterill’s dismissal represents a major reversal for the Pegulas, coming three weeks after Kim Pegula told The Associated Press: “He’s our GM. Our plan is to continue with him.”

Botterill was fired three seasons into his tenure and after the Sabres failed to show any signs of improvement in extending what’s now a nine-year playoff drought.

With a 30-31-8 record, Buffalo finished 13th in the Eastern Conference standings and one spot short of qualifying for the NHL’s expanded 24-team playoff.

In world and national news…

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans are proposing changes to police procedures and accountability, according to a draft of a bill obtained by The Associated Press. It would establish an enhanced use-of-force database, restrictions on chokeholds and new training and commissions to study law enforcement and race. The JUSTICE Act is the most ambitious GOP policing proposal in years. It’s a direct response to the massive public protests over the death of George Floyd and other black Americans. The package is set to be introduced Wednesday. As the outlines emerged, Democrats said it didn’t go far enough. The 106-page bill is not as sweeping as a Democratic proposal. Votes on both could come next week.

AP   A spokesman for the Russian president says a special disinfection tunnel has been installed in his residence outside Moscow and two more in the Kremlin. Reports about the tunnel spraying anyone passing through it with disinfectants appeared in Russian state media on Tuesday night. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed to The Associated Press that the tunnels had been installed when the outbreak was in full swing. Peskov says: “When it comes to the head of the state, additional precautionary measures are justified.” Russian health officials reported 7,843 new coronavirus cases, the lowest daily number since late April. The country’s caseload – currently at 553,301 – remains the third largest in the world.

 

(AP)  The whereabouts of a statue of a slave owner toppled by protesters in New Orleans and thrown into the Mississippi River remain unknown after a group of men fished the bust out of the water. A video posted on social media shows the group using ropes and a plank to lift the paint-splattered likeness of John McDonogh out of the water and onto a pick-up truck on Sunday. Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s office said it’s considered stolen property. For years, black school children were made to wait for hours while white school children laid flowers in McDonogh Day ceremonies in New Orleans.

 

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Another Confederate statue in Virginia’s capital city has been torn down. News outlets report demonstrators toppled the Howitzers Monument located near Virginia Commonwealth University’s Monroe Park campus Tuesday night. The protesters spent the night marching in the rain before using a rope to pull it down from its pedestal. Video from the Richmond Times-Dispatch shows the the paint-splattered statue face down on the ground as rain continued overnight. It’s the third Confederate statue, and the fourth monument, to be torn down by demonstrators in Virginia. Protests have erupted in Virginia and all over the world in response to the death of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis officer pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck.

 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — News outlets report the wife of a U.S. Congressman from Kentucky died unexpectedly in the family’s home Tuesday night at the age of 39. U.S. Rep. Andy Barr’s office said in a statement his wife, Eleanor Carol Leavell Barr, passed away in Lexington. The congressman may release a more detailed statement at a later date. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement he and his wife are “stunned and heartbroken” by the news. Condolences for her passing flowed in through the night from other Kentucky politicians, including Gov. Andy Beshear and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul.