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UNITE Activities
Operation UNITE coalition volunteers and students from across the Fifth Congressional District were honored Friday, November 9, 2007, for outstanding efforts during the past year. More than 800 people attended the program, held at the East Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville.
For photos click here.
For story click here.
View pictures from the Shoot Hoops Not Drugs basketball camp with Jeff Sheppard held June 7, 2007 in McCreary County. Click here.
A full staff of school resource officers are on staff and working in all McCreary County schools for the 2007-08 term. Currently there are five school resource officers. Mike Neal is at McCreary Central High, Bill Tucker at the middle school, David Sampson as Pine Knot Intermediate, Joe Horne at Whitley City Elementary, and Kenny Shepherd at Pine Knot Primary. Champions and the school district have revived this program in the last couple of years.
The McCreary coalition was originally a Champions coalition and ASAP board, but have reached further into the community after joining forces with UNITE. Their main project is the Lord’s Gym, where they see on average 200 children daily. They offer recreation, homework help, and healthy, anti-drug programs for their youth.
Champions for a Drug Free McCreary County was recently awarded a $100,000 Kentucky Drug Free Community grant from the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The funding will be used, in part, to help pay for a second School Resource Officer position at McCreary Central Academy.
Pine Knot Primary School, McCreary Central High School and McCreary Central Academy have UNITE Clubs. The Bear Cubs at Pine Knot have been especially active.
To view pictures from UNITE Club activities click here.
The East Pine Knot Community Watch, which includes the Revelo and Strunk communities, has joined with Neighbors UNITED. For information contact President Darrell Cook at 606-354-3073, Vice President Junior Chitwood at 606-354-2208, Secretary Geneva Ball at 606-354-3376, or Treasurer Pearlie Chitwood at 606-354-2208.
The Eagle Community has begun a Neighbors UNITED group with approximately 20 volunteers serving approximately 84 homes. For information contact Michelle Hale at 606-376-9973 or shellhale4@highland.net.
Much of McCreary County's efforts have been focused on activities for the youth, especially programs offered by The Lord's Gym.
McCreary County hopes to begin a Hooked On Fishing-Not On Drugs® program this spring, working in unison with the UNITE substance abuse counselor.
Neighbors UNITED groups are growing and have requested radios since phone signals in the Daniel Boone National Forest is very limited.
Tuesday, March 18 - A ceremony marking completion of renovations at The Lord's Gym in McCreary County will be held at 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 22 - A youth training retreat scheduled for today has been canceled and has been rescheduled for April 26.
Saturday, April 26 - Champions for a Drug-Free McCreary County will conduct a youth (ages 15-17) training retreat from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Focus will include alcohol, tobacco and other drugs information, environmental strategies, leadership and local policy. For more details contact Brandi Coomer at 606-451-6762 or 606-219-11481.
Ongoing - Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at The Gathering Place in Whitley City. Drug abuse is everybody's problem and it is time to do something about it. Come together McCreary County and see the power of prayer.
Recent Activities
2007 Activities
Thursday, November 29 - The McCreary County Juvenile Drug Court program held a graduation ceremony at the county courthouse.
Monday, November 19 - An adult/parent workshop on prescription and over-the-counter drugs was presented in the McCreary Central High School auditorium. For details contact Brandi Coomer at 606-451-6762, 606-679-8501 ext. 16762, or brandi.coomer@kctcs.edu.
Sunday, November 4 - A McCreary County "Unity Prayer March" was held at the McCreary Central High School track. All citizens and churches were invited to participate to raise awareness about, and involvement in the fight against substance abuse. Speakers included UNITE President/CEO Karen Engle and Pastor Doug Abner from Clay County. For details contact Tracey Skinner at 606-376-2322.
Saturday, October 20 - Pine Knot Primary's Bear Cubs UNITE Club and Family Resource Center held a free community drug awareness event druring the Red Maple Festival at Pine Knot Primary School. Event included inflatables, car show, pig roast and arts and crafts.
Wednesday, October 17 - Sheriff Gus Skinner attended the Pine Knot Primary UNITE Club meeting where students signed an anti-drug Red Ribbon Week pledge. For pictures click here.
Thursday, October 4 - Second UNITE Bowl football game featuring McCreary Central and Rockcastle County High Schools in Mt. Vernon. Special half-time program recognized UNITE Clubs and included a Punt-Pass-Kick competition and balloon launch. Anti-drug messages were presented throughout the game by both the Rockcastle and McCreary UNITE Coalitions.
For pictures click here.
Wednesday, September 5 - The McCreary County Juvenile Drug Court held a graduation ceremony which was followed by participants challenging the Drug Court Team to a softball game.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 95, Parkers Lake, KY 42634
Website: n/a
Coalition Meetings: Noon on the 3rd Friday of each month in the conference room at Somerset Community College’s McCreary Center, 250 College Street, Whitley City.
Operation UNITE coalition volunteers and students from across the Fifth Congressional District were honored Friday, November 9, 2007, for outstanding efforts during the past year. More than 800 people attended the program, held at the East Kentucky Expo Center in Pikeville.
The McCreary coalition was originally a Champions coalition and ASAP board, but have reached further into the community after joining forces with UNITE. Their main project is the Lord’s Gym, where they see on average 200 children daily. They offer recreation, homework help, and healthy, anti-drug programs for their 
Much of McCreary County's efforts have been focused on activities for the youth, especially programs offered by The Lord's Gym.