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Woman dead after fall near Big Clifty

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A woman who fell from a cliff in Big Clifty Saturday was declared dead at the scene.

West Hardin Fire and Rescue says at approximately 7:48 p.m. on March 14 emergency crews were dispatched to the area of Sonora Hardin Springs Road in Big Clifty for a reported rescue. The initial information indicated “a 26-year-old female had reportedly fallen from an estimated height of two to three stories while near the edge of a cliff in a remote area,” with the caller reporting that the individual had landed on rocks below the cliff.

Emergency responders confirmed upon arrival that the incident occurred in steep and rugged terrain. Firefighters and rescue personnel coordinated efforts to reach the individual. Upon reaching the individual, “responders determined the individual had sustained injuries incompatible with life” and she was declared dead at the scene.

The name of the victim is not being identified at this time. The incident remains under investigation.

If alcohol is part of your Saint Patrick’s Day plans, remember to plan ahead

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Saint Patrick’s Day is Tuesday, and state officials are reminding Kentuckians to celebrate responsibly.

Ahead of the March 17 holiday, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and reminding Kentuckians that buzzed driving is drunk driving.

The KYTC says Kentuckians who plan on including alcohol in their Saint Patrick’s Day festivities should think ahead by arranging a safe ride or designated driver to keep themselves and others safe. The KYTC says over the past three years there have been 40 crashes statewide related to drunk drivers on Saint Patrick’s Day, with those crashes resulting in 17 injuries and one death.

The KYTC says you can help prevent tragedies by taking these steps:

-Plan a sober ride. If you drink at all, use a designated driver, public transit, or a ride-share service.
-Don’t walk impaired. Choose a sober companion and stay alert. 
-Report dangerous driving. Make an anonymous call to the Kentucky State Police to report suspected drunk drivers.
-Step in for friends. Take the keys and help arrange a safe ride home. “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.”
-Buckle up. Every trip, every time. Seat belts are the best defense against serious injury or death.

Visit the NHTSA’s website for more drunk driving statistics.

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.