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Additional information has been released on the arrival, procession, and funeral services for Technical Sergeant Ashley Pruitt, the 34-year-old Bardstown airman who died on March 12 in the crash of a KC-135 in western Iraq.

According to a joint statement released by the City of Bardstown and Nelson County Government, Technical Sergeant Pruitt is expected to arrive at Samuels Field Airport at 11 a.m. Thursday. Following a private moment for the family, the escort will depart the airport at approximately 11:15.

According to the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, the escort route will go from the airport onto Boston Road/West Stephen Foster Avenue heading towards Bardstown. From Court Square, the procession will head up North Third Street, turning left onto KY 245/New Shepherdsville Road and ending at the Houghlin-Greenwell Funeral Home, located at 1475 New Shepherdsville Road.

Officials note that times are approximate and are subject to change based on needs of the family, security, and weather.

Public visitation for Technical Sergeant Pruitt will be held Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Overflow parking will be available at Thomas Nelson High School with shuttles providing transportation to and from the funeral home.

The funeral procession Saturday will depart the funeral home at 10 a.m. The service at the New Salem Baptist Church Cemetery is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Overflow parking will be available in the fields near the cemetery. 

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday in honor of Technical Sergeant Pruitt. Individuals, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to join in this tribute.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Kentucky State Police is participating in a nationwide traffic safety campaign as part of efforts to raise awareness.

Now through April 13, the KSP is participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort), an initiative coordinated through the International Association of Chiefs of Police designed to reduce preventable crashes by addressing dangerous driving behaviors.

According to the KSP, troopers will be strategically placed along Kentucky roadways in order to identify and stop unsafe driving behaviors before they can lead to crashes. Although Kentucky formally banned texting while driving in 2010, cellphone use while driving remains a persistent issue. The KSP Says collision data indicates in 2025 there were more than 5,500 crashes attributed to distracted driving or cell phone use, with 18 of those crashes resulting in fatalities.

The KSP encourages drivers to make safe choices behind the wheel. Stop in a safe location before sending or reading a text message. Ask a passenger to be your “designated texter” and manage your phone during the drive. Put your cellphone in the glove box or back seat in order to break habits.

If you see someone driving recklessly or distracted, report it to local law enforcement or your nearest KSP post. Learn more about Operation C.A.R.E. and other safety initiatives on the KSP’s website.

Colesburg resident Devie Comer Willett says she and other neighbors were inspired to help “beautify and unify” the community as the one year anniversary of flooding that devastated the area in April 2025 approaches.

“The premise really is that hopefully neighbors will help neighbors, but also for the other neighbors who may be not so in tune to it to kind of get motivated by it as well,” Comer Willett said.

Efforts have included helping neighbors fix up their homes and properties, helping to replace mailboxes damaged in the flooding, pursuing the installation of a new “Welcome to Colesburg” sign, and the painting of a mural under the Interstate 65 overpass.

Comer Willett and other organizers are inviting community members and other area residents to celebrate the community’s resilience and progress with a community block party, to be held at the Colesburg Baptist Church this Saturday from 1:30 to 5 p.m.

“We’ve got rocks to paint, that way they can either leave them and we will use them in green space areas or they can take them home, no problem,” Comer Willett said. “We’re going to have a Sweet and Treat Walk, which is basically a cake walk but with some toys as well. We’re going to have cornhole and a gaga pit and just some food and fun.”

A history table featuring letters from current and past residents will also be on display as Comer Willett works towards creating a history book for the community.

“The railroad town really was a thriving place even back then, but just 50 years ago it was thriving, so anyone that has a connection to Colesburg, I would love more information,” Comer Willett said. “A letter, pictures, photos. that’s one thing I would like more of.”

Visit the Colesburg RISE Facebook page for more information on the block party and how to support the community effort.