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Bardstown airman killed in Iraq

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A Kentucky airman has been killed while supporting Operation Epic Fury, the joint U.S./Israeli military operation against Iran.

The U.S. Department of War has confirmed that 34-year-old Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt of Bardstown was one of the six soldiers who “died on March 12, 2026, in the crash of a KC-135 in western Iraq.” The DOW says Pruitt was assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing based out of MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.

In a post on Facebook, Nelson County Judge-Executive Tim Hutchins said: “My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Technical Sergeant Ashley Pruitt. Her unwavering commitment and selfless service to our nation will forever be celebrated. Her legacy here at home will be of courage and bravery. May her ultimate sacrifice forever inspire us all to cherish the freedom that we hold dear and to remember that freedom is not free.”

Governor Andy Beshear said in a Facebook post: “I am sad to share that Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt of Bardstown was one of the six service members killed in an aircraft crash in Iraq. Kentucky, please join Britainy and me as we pray for her family — and for the family of her fellow Kentuckian Sgt. Benjamin Pennington of Glendale — during this difficult time. They are two American heroes who called our commonwealth home.”

U.S. Central Command said in a social media post Friday that the aircraft was lost while flying over friendly airspace, and the crash was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire. The DOW says the crash remains under investigation.

(Photo Credit: MacDill Air Force Base)

Vine Grove included in state bridge funding award

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As the City of Vine Grove works towards replacing the recently-closed Otter Creek Road Bridge, the city is receiving funding to replace another.

Vine Grove was included in the latest round of the Team Kentucky County and City Bridge Improvement Program. According to a release from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, nearly $6.5 million will be awarded from the program for eight county and two city bridge projects. Nine of the projects are for bridge replacements while one is for repairs. Each approved project is reviewed and validated by KYTC engineers.

Vine Grove will receive $789,274.90 from the program. Those funds will go towards the replacement of the Creekvale Drive Bridge.

The money for the Creekvale Drive Bridge comes the same week the city was forced to close the Otter Creek Road Bridge. Vine Grove Mayor Pam Ogden said as the city was applying for funds for Otter Creek Road, Saint Andrews Drive, and Creekvale Road, it was found that the Otter Creek Road Bridge was not included on the state bridge registry. Ogden said an inspection of the bridge found it had deteriorated to a point that a closure was necessary.

Ogden said the city is working hard on finding the funding to replace the bridge.

“It’s a $1.5 million investment to replace that bridge,” Ogden said. “It is not something that we have right now at the city to fund ourselves. It’s in such bad shape that the entire bridge has to be replaced.”

Visit the KYTC website for more information on the bridge program.

State grant program available to help homeowners install fortified roofs

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Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is reminding residents of a new state grant program to help homeowners fortify their roofs and protect against extreme wind and hail events.

The application period is open for the Strengthen Kentucky Homes Program. The Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet says the program provides grants of up to $10,000 for qualified homeowners to purchase a fortified roof system for their home.

“These are stronger roofs that can better withstand high wind and hail damage,” said Beshear during Thursday’s Team Kentucky Update. “This is a proactive step to prepare and protect Kentuckians through resilient building.”

Beshear said fortified roofs have several benefits.

“Stronger edges to prevent the wind from getting underneath the roof and lifting it off the house,” Beshear said. “Sealed roof decks to prevent water damage. Better attachment to improve roof strength against wind, and impact resistant shingles that can withstand hail. Homeowners with fortified roofs will also see a reduction in their home insurance costs.”

Since the application period opened on March 1, the Kentucky Department of Insurance has received more than 150 applications. Learn more about the Strengthen Kentucky Homes program and submit an application at skh.ky.gov.

Kentucky Colonels continue support of KCTCS student-parents

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A donation from the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels to the Kentucky Community and Technical College System Foundation will continue support for student-parents enrolled across the commonwealth. 

According to a release from the KCTCS, the Better Life Scholarship provides financial assistance to eligible single parent students who are raising children while also working toward a degree or credential at a KCTCS college. The scholarship helps cover the cost of tuition and related expenses to help reduce financial barriers that often prevent student-parents from completing their education.

The KCTCS says the latest donation from the Kentucky Colonels was for $100,000. To date, the Kentucky Colonels have contributed more than $1.8 million to KCTCS students, supporting scholarships that have benefited more than 500 student-parents.

Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Executive Director Sherry Crose said in the release: “We have been proud to invest in the Better Life Scholarship since 2003 and hope Kentucky Colonels everywhere share our pride in knowing they have impacted generations of families through the transformative power of education.”

Students can learn more about the Better Life Scholarship and other financial aid opportunities at kctcs.edu.

Area leaders recognize contributions of ‘Good Neighbors’ Proffitt and Bell

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The theme of the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce’s March membership luncheon held Wednesday was Good Neighbor Day, and area officials took the time to recognize two longtime residents.

Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory said he, Radcliff Mayor JJ Duvall, Vine Grove Mayor Pam Ogden, and Hardin County Judge/Executive Keith Taul came up with the idea during their visit to Washington D.C. in December.

“We decided that there were a couple of people, and there’s lots of people but there’s a couple of people that really stand out, that have made a huge difference over the years for Hardin County and different communities in Hardin County that we wanted to give some recognition to because they fly under the radar, but they are so big and they are so bold and mighty and do so many things that a lot of people don’t know about,” Gregory said.

The first honoree was “Mama” Barbara Proffitt, with Duvall reading the Outstanding Citizen proclamation approved by each of the city councils.

“She is recognized for her dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment over the years and her selflessness to the community of each of our cities,” Duvall read from the proclamation. “We are deeply appreciative of your continuous commitment and your support.”

The second honoree was “Brother” Mike Bell.

“I like to consider him in a lot of ways, and I think many of you all will agree, the moral compass to our community,” Gregory said. “He’s been special, he’s volunteered, he’s pastored in church, he’s been the chairman of boards, and he’s gotten thousands of people to heaven, and he’s very special in Hardin County.”

In addition to the city proclamations, Proffitt and Bell were honored with county proclamations presented by Taul, and both were presented with keys to the city from each of the mayors.