Operation UNITE : Unlawful Narcotics Investigation Treatment and Education
Recent Activities
Sunday, December 2 - Third annual Clay/Jackson/Leslie Drug Court versus the WYMT News All-Stars fundraising basketball game was held at the Hyden Elementary School gym beside Mary Breckinridge Hospital in Leslie County. The event raised $550 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. For details call Dana at 606-672-2437, Vicki at 606-596-0278, or Karen at 606-813-6797.
Tuesday, November 20 - A representative from Jackson County Ministries handed out registration forms during the lunch period for a new Youth Basketball League. To participate you cannot currently be on a school basketball team.
Friday, November 16 - Jackson County High School "General Madness" and food drive kick-off. This was the night the boy's and girl's basketball teams are introduced to the school and community. Admission was $2 or 2 cans of food to be donated to the Jackson County Food Bank. Food drive continued through December 18. Sponsored by the JCHS UNITE Club, Bible Club and Youth Services Center.
Monday, November 12 - The Jackson/Clay County Adult Drug Court held a graduation ceremony for 13 participants. This is the first ceremony to be held in Jackson County.
Thursday, November 1, 8, 15, 29 - "How to Drug-Proof Your Kids" parenting program was presented at the Gray Hawk Reformed Church. For details contact Rev. Carroll deForest at 606-287-2124.
Tuesday-Wednesday, October 23-31 - A Red Ribbon Week project involved 1,945 students participating in a program to inform and educate their fellow students about the dangers of drugs.
Friday, October 26 - Russell J. Simon Jr., a nationally known speaker, presented his personal story titled "Ten Seconds CAN Change Your Life Forever" to special assembly programs at Jackson County High and Middle Schools as part of Red Ribbon Week activities. More than 1,000 students participated. "We all have the freedom of choice. What we don't have is the freedom of consequence. We must all face the consequences that come with our choices," Simon said. The event was sponsored by the JCHS UNITE Club, both schools' Youth Service Centers, and the Perfect Vision UNITE Coalition.
Sunday, October 14 - A county-wide "Prayer for Improvement" service was held at the Jackson County Area Technology Center. For details click here.
Sunday, September 30 - Recovery Sunday Services were conducted at McKee Baptist Church in Jackson County. This service was dedicated to recovery and included testimonies, special speakers and music. For details contact Ron Maherrey at 606-287-7561.
Saturday, September 29 - A free fishing derby as part of the Hooked On Fishing-Not On Drugs program was held at the Jackson County Ministry pond in Annville. This was the last fishing event for the season.
Tuesday, September 11 - A National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month proclamation signing ceremony was held at the Jackson County Fiscal Court meeting room with Judge-Executive William O. Smith. To view picture click here.
Friday, August 17 - A group of 10 concerned citizens visited The Lord's Gym in McCreary County on a fact-finding tour about the community/youth center. Participants were Conley Broadus, neal Broadus, Holly Broadus, Faye Neeley, Jake Moss, Judge-Executive William O. Smith, Cozette Neeley, Kim Collett, Pastor Brian Gabbard, Leslie Ryser and Carlos Cameron. To view pictures click here.
Friday, June 1 - The Clay-Leslie-Jackson Drug Court participated in the Relay for Life.
Friday, June 29 - UNITE set up a booth at the Jackson Energy annual meeting at the Co-Op Farm in McKee.
Sunday, June 24 - A 5K race was held at the Pond Creek Fire Department on Highway 30. Candace Ward sang the National Anthem. To view photos click here.
Tuesday, June 19 - UNITE Shoot Hoops Not Drugs basketball camp featuring former UK basketball star Jeff Sheppard was held at the Jackson County High School gym. For details click here.
Saturday, June 16 - "Longest Day To Play" community-wide event. Included a 5K run/walk.
Friday, June 1 - The Clay-Leslie-Jackson Drug Court participated in the Relay for Life.
Tuesday, May 29 - More than a dozen participants in the Clay-Leslie-Jackson Drug Court program were graduated in a ceremony at the Clay County Justice Center (3rd floor). Lt. Governor Steve Pence was the featured speaker..
Friday, May 25 - Jackson County's Perfect Vision UNITE Coalition hosted a drug-free community event at the Jackson County Area Technology Center's Community Theater. This event featured live music by contemporary Christian singers along with Kevin Rice and his band. Former UK basketball star Cameron Mills was the keynote speaker. Sponsors included the Perfect Vision UNITE Coalition, JCHS Bible Club and JCHS UNITE Club. For information contact Brian Gabbard at 606-272-0790.
Friday, May 18 - Jackson County School System conducted a "Prom Promise" drunk-driving wreck re-enactment for students. The event used student actors, local fire departments, local police officers, the county coroner, Life Flight helicopter service and others to encourage students to have an alcohol- and other drug-free prom. Sponsors included the Jackson County High UNITE Club and Perfect Vision UNITE Coalition. For information call Brian Davidson at 606-287-7782 or Neal Broadus at 606-287-7155x118.
For pictures click here.
Tuesday, May 1 - The Drug Court program conducted a fish fry and cookout near the courthouse to help sponsor graduation ceremonies.
Friday, May 4 - Clay-Leslie-Jackson Drug Court played a basketball game against the Clay-Jackson-Leslie sheriff departments at the Clay County Middle School. The game raised $1,700 which went to benefit the St. Jude Children's Research.
Friday, May 4 - An anti-drug drama titled "Dream Angel" was performed by the Jackson County High School STAND Drama Team at the Jackson County Area Technology Center's Community Theatre. The play was written by Samantha Combs and Chrissy England. For details click here.
Saturday, April 28 - A free fishing derby to kick-off a new HOFNOD program in Jackson County was held at the Jackson County Ministries Pond in Annville and included a visit by Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher. Food, drinks and bait were provided.
To view pictures click here.
Thursday, April 5 - Perfect Vision coalition meeting at McKee Baptist Church.
Tuesday, April 3 - David Parnell shared his story and struggle with methamphetamine to students at Jackson County High School. For details click here.
Thursday, February 8 - Perfect Vision UNITE Coalition meeting at McKee Baptist Church.
Saturday, January 20 - The Perfect Vision UNITE Coalition held a dinner for county leaders and concerned citizens to inform them about the work of UNITE and recruit help for solving the county's drug problems. There were around 70 people in attendance. Jason "Beefy" Lainhart spoke about how UNITE had made a difference in his life. Two outgoing PerfectVision officers were honored - former coalition chair Pastor Ron Maharrey and treasurer Sue Madden. The awards were presented by new chair, Brother Brian gabbard, pastor of the Seven Pines Pentecostal Church. Brother Roger Williams from the Annville Baptist Church also spoke, saying many people were willing to help if they just knew how.
2006 Activities
Thursday, December 14 - Former UK basketball star Jeff Sheppard gave anti-drug presentations to students at Tyner Elementary and Jackson County Alternative School.
Monday, November 13 - Graduation ceremonies for the Clay-Jackson-Leslie Adult Circuit Drug Court programat the Clay County Courthouse. Guest speaker was Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson. There were 2 graduates from Jackson, 2 from Leslie and 10 from Clay.
Tuesday, October 24 - An anti-drug program for fourth- and fifth-grade students was conducted at Sand Gap Elementary School.
Friday, October 13 - More than 40 people attended the Spooktacular Halloween Costume Dance Party for teens at Bond Memorial Park. For details click here.
Monday, September 11 - Jeff Sheppard conducts anti-drug rallies at Jackson County Middle, Jackson County High, Jackson County Alternative, McKee Elementary and Sand Gap Elementary schools. To view pictures click here.
June – Regional Shoot Hoops Not Drugs Basketball Camps with Jeff Sheppard. For details click here.
Saturday, June 17 - "Longest Day of Play" at the Jackson County Ministries Annville Institue. Family events included parade, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, swimming, paddle boats, canoes, inflatable obstacle games, puppet show, quilt sales and concert featuring the Bluegrass group Just In Time.
Saturday, June 10 - HOFNOD fishing event at the Annville Ministries Camp Ground.
Tuesday, June 6 - Drug awareness presentation to youth at Douthitt Park.
Friday, May 26 - A UNITE display was set up at the Jackson Energy annual meeting in McKee.
Monday, May 15 through Saturday, May 20 – Prom Promise Week activities at Jackson County High School, including a special speaker and video presentation and a mock accident program. For details click here.
Saturday, May 13 – Clay County Sheriff’s Office basketball game versus the Clay/Jackson/Leslie Drug Court at Clay County Middle School. Proceeds benefit the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Alice Harmon, dressed up as a dalmation s the team mascot. Children of Drug Court participants served as cheerleaders. An autographed basketball, signed by Gov. Ernie Fletcher and Chief Justice Joseph Lambert sold for $150 at auction. The game was won by the Drug Court team and raised several thousand dollars.
Saturday, April 29 – HOFNOD Kick-off Fishing Derby at the Annville Ministries Pond. To view photos click here.
Monday, April 18 – UNITE coalition networking reception at the Manchester Baptist Church, Clay County, for the Cumberland Valley coalitions. One of five regional receptions.
Thursday, April 13 – “The Fight Against Meth” Parent/Student Training Program at the Jackson County Area Technology Center’s Community Theater in McKee.
Monday, April 10 – Drug Court graduation ceremony for Clay and Jackson counties at the Manchester Baptist Church.
Thursday, March 30, through Saturday, April 1 – Jackson County Youth Revival at the Jackson County Area Technology Center. Guest speakers were Brian Gabbard, UNITE Club Chaplain Albert Fox, and Shane Gabbard.
Wednesday, March 15 – More than 130 people, most of them students, attended the Jackson County UNITE Club’s “March Drugs Out of Jackson County” rally at the county courthouse in McKee. To view photos click here.
Operation UNITE : Unlawful Narcotics Investigation Treatment and Education
Official Site of Operation UNITE
2292 S. Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501
606-677-6179 ● Toll Free 1-866-OP-UNITE ● Fax 606-677-6166
Operation UNITE : Unlawful Narcotics Investigation Treatment and Education
Friday, October 26 - Russell J. Simon Jr., a nationally known speaker, presented his personal story titled "Ten Seconds CAN Change Your Life Forever" to special assembly programs at Jackson County High and Middle Schools as part of Red Ribbon Week activities. More than 1,000 students participated. "We all have the freedom of choice. What we don't have is the freedom of consequence. We must all face the consequences that come with our choices," Simon said. The event was sponsored by the JCHS UNITE Club, both schools' Youth Service Centers, and the Perfect Vision UNITE Coalition.
Friday, May 25 - Jackson County's Perfect Vision UNITE Coalition hosted a drug-free community event at the Jackson County Area Technology Center's Community Theater. This event featured live music by contemporary Christian singers along with Kevin Rice and his band. Former UK basketball star Cameron Mills was the keynote speaker. Sponsors included the Perfect Vision UNITE Coalition, JCHS Bible Club and JCHS UNITE Club. For information contact Brian Gabbard at 606-272-0790.
Wednesday, March 15 – More than 130 people, most of them students, attended the Jackson County