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« Thread Started on Dec 20, 2007, 11:35pm » | |
Religion in the news
mercurynews.com
MANCHESTER, Ky.—John Becknell enters the courtroom and finds his usual spot in the front row, just behind the prosecutor's table. Becknell—a devout Christian known to many as "Brother John"—pulls out a pen and an inch-thick docket, mostly of drug and alcohol cases. For the next three hours, he takes diligent notes on the judge's actions, the attendance of police officers, repeat offenders making another appearance, and so on. The purpose? To make sure drug offenders in eastern Kentucky are getting what they deserve.
![[image]](http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/1451/jtbecknellvb4.jpg "[image]")
John Becknell
Frustrated with widespread drug abuse—especially of easily accessible prescription painkillers—a handful of mountain churches are moving away from their traditional role as a refuge for the poor and addicted. Now they're more interested in law enforcement. The Community Church of Manchester is leading the way through "Court Watch," a program in which volunteers attend court hearings to monitor judges overseeing drug-related cases.
"It's kind of a new position and very controversial," said Becknell, who also runs his church's local Christian television station. "A lot of churches shun getting involved in politics or going to court."
The Rev. Doug Abner, pastor at Community Church—whose slogan for a 2004 anti-drug march was "get saved or get busted"—said the presence of Court Watch volunteers puts "mild pressure" on judges "to do the right thing." The volunteers collect information for a database and look for trends in drug crimes. The program concerns some other people of faith, who say it cuts against Christian values.
"The churches have traditionally been the humanitarian influence in society," said the Rev. John Rausch, director of the Catholic Committee on Appalachia.
Churches should focus on drug counseling and ministering to inmates, he said, citing part of the Gospel of Matthew (25:36) concerning the final judgment: "When I was in prison, you came to see me."
"It isn't 'I was up for charges and you made sure they threw the book at me,'" Rausch said.
Abner said his church hasn't neglected its prison ministry or other counseling programs. Still, he added, "we believe in giving people chances, but how many chances do you give them?"
The Community Church, 95 miles south of Lexington, also has fielded concerns about the volunteers overstepping the bounds of keeping church and state separate, but he said there's no reason why congregants should stay away from the criminal justice system. Ken Bolin, pastor at Manchester Baptist Church, said he supports Court Watch and sees no reason why churches and courts can't work together to combat drug offenders.
"We're such a major part of mountain life—why shut the church out of the institution?" he said.
Court Watch and Community Church came together three years ago, when Christian leaders in Clay County were overwhelmed by their deep-rooted drug problem. As in much of eastern Kentucky, drug abuse was a longtime epidemic in this area of about 25,000—even afflicting members of Becknell's family.
"Good people have sat back and done nothing," Abner said.
Desperate for a solution, Becknell began to work with Operation UNITE, a federally funded drug task force that covers 29 counties in southeastern Kentucky and which created Court Watch. He said that during his first few sessions as a court observer, he noticed officers not showing up, cases getting dismissed, judges doling out lenient sentences and the same defendants appearing before the same judge.
He came to this conclusion: "If you're waiting for the courts to combat drugs, how long are you going to wait?"
Becknell and his fellow volunteers don't limit themselves to collecting information—they also approach law enforcement and judges when they believe something is amiss. UNITE Executive Director Karen Engle recalled the time Becknell questioned the task force about its own officers not showing up to court in his county. Turns out the officers hadn't been properly subpoenaed, she said, but "we wouldn't have known about the problem if he hadn't reported it. Court Watch "holds everyone accountable, including UNITE," she said.
Over the years, Becknell has trained around two dozen churches or church-sponsored groups in the program.
"The churches have such influence in the community—they're an obvious place to recruit volunteers," said Dale Morton, spokesman for UNITE. "They're a captive audience ... they're always looking for a mission."
During a recent training session at the First Baptist Church in Grayson, Becknell described the transformation in his community: "If you do the crime in Manchester, you do the time."
"If your circuit and district judges decided to hold people accountable under the law, your community would change in 60 days," he told the group.
While Clay County's judges say they welcome Court Watch, they also say they'd operate the same way—with or without observers.
"They know they're welcome in my court anytime I'm there," said District Judge Renee Muncy.
Yet, she added that she doesn't feel pressured by the presence of Court Watch participants. Neither does Circuit Judge R. Cletus Maricle, who said, "Some judges probably feel they are there to intimidate him. If the judge is intimidated, that's his fault."
On the Net: Community Church of Manchester, Ky.: http://www.communitychurch.net
Court Watch: http://www.operationunite.org/coalitions/committees/courthingych.php
Four more charged in Clay roundup
![[image]](http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/1826/pillsoo2.jpg "[image]")
Four more people have been arrested in connection with an April 11 roundup of suspected drug dealers in Clay County. These individuals were among 35 people targeted by Operation UNITE as part of on-going investigations into illegal drug dealing over the past six months. Twenty-four of the suspects were arrested during the initial sweeps – a Hot Spot operation conducted in the Horse Creek community during the morning and a county-wide search in the afternoon. The new arrests all came Wednesday evening. They are:
• David D. Holt, age 25, Crawfish Road, Manchester, trafficking in marijuana.
• Tony Hoskins, age 41, Gabbards Fork Road, Manchester, second-degree possession of a controlled substance second offense.
• Mark A. Prilaman, age 44, Gregory Branch Road, Manchester, trafficking in marijuana.
• Gary Woods, age 45, Long Bottom Road, Manchester, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, second-degree possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Operation Hot Spot is an effort by UNITE to target drug-stricken communities by arresting the dealers and following up with a community meeting to empower residents with the information and resources needed to keep their neighborhoods drug-free. Most of the 19 individuals wanted in Wednesday’s Hot Spot operation lived on Crawfish Road, Curry Branch, Gregory Branch Road or Roots Branch Road.
A meeting for Horse Creek residents will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, at the Horse Creek Baptist Church on KY 80. During the afternoon part of the roundup law enforcement officers targeted individuals from throughout the county to arrest 16 people, most of whom were wanted for the sale or manufacturing of methamphetamine.
Read the entire article at....
Operation Unite
'Dangerous' meth lab found in Clay County home
MANCHESTER – An active methamphetamine operation that posed potentially deadly consequences was discovered inside a Clay County home on Monday, February 12.
“This was one of the more dangerous methamphetamine labs we have discovered,” said Joel Cunigan, manager of Operation UNITE’s Cumberland Drug Task Force. “Anhydrous ammonia, a chemical used in the manufacturing process, was leaking from a storage tank. Breathing the fumes will destroy a person’s lungs and could easily result in death.”
Arrested at their Burning Springs home were 42-year-old Darrell W. Mathis and his wife, 39-year-old Carol Mathis. Clay County Family Court Judge Gene Clark ordered the couple’s two children and a third child, a relative staying with them during the week, to be placed into protective custody of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
“The callous disregard for these children’s safety is inexcusable,” Cunigan said.
Following up on information obtained during a three-month investigation of the couple, detectives from Operation UNITE and members of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office went to the Mathis’ home on Robinson Creek Road about 2:30 p.m. Monday. Upon arrival at the residence, located off U.S. 421 near the Jackson County line, officers smelled a strong chemical odor coming from the home and spotted a burn pile containing six starting fluid cans in the yard, Cunigan said. Through the windows they spotted a fertilizer bag inside the home.
Detectives knocked on the doors for approximately 15 minutes before Darrell Mathis was seen looking out an upstairs window. When Darrell came to the door he told officers he had been sleeping. Darrell Mathis was immediately detained and officers went inside to make sure nobody else was inside. About 3 p.m. Carol Mathis returned home and was also detained. A half tablet of Hydrocodone was discovered inside her purse.
As UNITE detectives waited on a search warrant for the residence, the three teen-age children were dropped off by their school bus. They were turned over to social workers from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which took them to Manchester Memorial Hospital to be checked out. A search of the home uncovered two propane tanks and an oxygen tank containing anhydrous ammonia. One of the propane tanks was leaking inside the home, and all were “extremely volatile,” Cunigan said. In addition, detectives also discovered a container containing an “active” chemical reaction to produce methamphetamine.
Police also found 25 individually wrapped bags containing a total of 12.1 grams of methamphetamine, one Hydrocodone pill, and more starting fluid. Ether contained in the starting fluid is used in the manufacturing process. Burning Springs Volunteer Fire Department Chief James Sams and members of his department provided manpower and equipment for the six hours it took UNITE detectives to cleanup the lab. Also assisting were members of the Manchester Police Department.
Darrell Mathis was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, unlawful possession of meth precursors, second-degree controlled substance endangerment of a child, and first-degree knowingly possessing anhydrous ammonia in other than an approved container with intent to manufacture methamphetamine. Carol Mathis was charged with second-degree possession of a controlled substance.
UNITE officials said the investigation is on-going and additional charges are possible. Both Darrell and Carol were lodged in the Clay County Detention Center.
Abner, Bolin to be featured speakers at anti-drug program in Georgia
Prayer breakfast leads into march against drugs
Christians and Concerned Citizens Coalition of Calhoun, Georgia is hosting a prayer breakfast at Trinity Baptist Church on Saturday, March 24 at 9 a.m.
"Although the event is open to everyone we highly encourage all pastors, associate pastors, and youth pastors to attend," local organizers said.
"It is vital that we join together to combat the scourge that is reeking havoc in our community, our state and our nation. A difference can be made one community at a time.
"We need to send a clear message to drug dealers and users that 'it is not acceptable' in Gordon County, that we will no longer stand by and watch our loved ones destroyed by this plague. A planning committee has been formed to assist those requesting help that are suffering from the bonds of addiction."
The featured speakers will be Pastors Ken Bolin and Doug Abner from Manchester, Kenucky "Both have a powerful message of hope and feel led by the Lord to share their message with those desiring to make a difference in their community," the spokesman said.
"They have traveled around the country uniting the Body of Christ against this plague that has reached epidemic proportions."
The two pastors organized the first Christian Anti-Drug March in their hometown of Manchester. This march took place in May of 2004 with approximately 3,500 participating. The leaders of Manchester recently passed a resolution making it “The City of Hope." Abner said that before the march, Manchester should have been called “The City of Hopelessness.”
Their story was seen around the world on the 700 Club, and since the airing of the story they have received calls and e-mails from 33 states and several foreign countries requesting their help. Gordon County’s “United For A Drug Free Community” March Against Drugs will take place on April 28 at noon. This will be a slow 1.3-mile walk starting at the Calhoun HIgh School football field and ending in the same location for the rally.
The rally will include special guest speakers and Christian music. Gov. Sonny Perdue has been invited as keynote speaker.
"We are requesting that all Christians be in prayer regarding this effort," local organizers said.
Clay drug dealers dealt double blow
Nearly three dozen Clay County drug dealers were targeted in a two-phase law enforcement effort led by Operation UNITE on Wednesday, April 11. Starting just after dawn, teams of officers converged on Curry Branch Road and Crawfish Branch Road in the Horse Creek Community just south of Manchester seeking to arrest 19 individuals as part of UNITE’s “Operation Hot Spot” initiative. Officers also served three search warrants and discovered a cache of drugs, alcohol, firearms and money.
Operation Hot Spot, launched in July 2006, is designed to help people within a specific community fight drug dealers by first alleviating the problem and subsequently conducting community meetings to empower residents with the information and resources needed to keep their neighborhoods drug-free.
“We had received a tremendous number of complaints about the pervasive drug dealing taking place along Curry Branch and Crawfish Branch,” said Joel Cunigan, manager of UNITE’s Cumberland Drug Task Force. “We have been investigating and making buys from these individuals over the past five months – some as recently as Tuesday morning.”
Most of the charges involved the illegal sale of OxyContin, cocaine, Hydrocodone or Lorcet. By mid-afternoon 15 of the suspects targeted by Operation Hot Spot had been arrested or were already in jail on unrelated charges.
After regrouping at their command center in the Beech Creek Recreation Center, the officers fanned out across the county to arrest 16 other individuals, many involved with the sale or manufacturing of methamphetamine. The afternoon roundup involved cases developed by detectives over the past seven months, Cunigan said. Police had arrested nine of these suspects as of 3:30 p.m. with units still out looking. Additional charges against several of these individuals are likely, police said.
After processing, those arrested were lodged in the Clay County Detention Center. More than 50 law enforcement officers took part in Wednesday’s roundup. Assisting detectives from all three UNITE drug task force offices were officers from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Manchester Police Department, Kentucky State Police and Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement, which also provided a K-9 unit for the searches.
Members of the Concerned Christians for a Drug Free Clay County UNITE Coalition and Lifeline of Eastern Kentucky, an after-care program based in Manchester, were on hand at the community center to speak with those arrested and offer assistance and support if needed.
Unlike other drug round-ups, Operation Hot Spot seeks first to reclaim drug-invested neighborhoods by eliminating the dealers, then follows up on the high-profile effort with UNITE’s other two equally important components – education and treatment. Once the initial roundup is over, officers begin placing door hangers on homes and flyers at businesses announcing the time and location for a community meeting where UNITE officials discuss how residents can engage their friends and neighbors to make their community a safe and secure place in which to raise a family.
A community meeting for Horse Creek residents is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, at the Horse Creek Baptist Church on KY 80. For more information about this meeting contact UNITE at 1-866-OP-UNITE (1-866-678-6483). Previous Hot Spot enforcement efforts have been conducted in the Verda community in Harlan County, Busy/Yerkes/Willard communities in Perry County, and the Benham/Cumberland/Lynch communities in Harlan County.
Arrested Wednesday from the Operation Hot Spot effort were:
• Charles W. Asher, age 19, General Delivery, Manchester, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Charlie Collins, age 63, Roots Branch Road, Manchester, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Melissa Collins, age 23, Roots Branch Road, Manchester, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Della R. Curry, age 59, Curry Branch Road, Manchester, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Gary W. Henson, age 51, Gregory Branch Road, Manchester, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Anna Jarvis, age 65, Crawfish Road, Manchester, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Geri Jarvis, age 38, Crawfish Road, Manchester, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Vernon Jarvis, age 51, Crawfish Road, Manchester, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Sondra Jones, age 26, Gregory Branch Road, Manchester, tampering with physical evidence.
• Edward Roberts, age 31, Curry Branch Road, Manchester, first-degree possession of a controlled substance.
• Cecil Sizemore, age 45, Crawfish Road, Manchester, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance second offense.
• Mary Lou Sizemore, age 59, Curry Branch Road, Manchester, two counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance second offense.
• Jamie Sizemore, age 18, Crawfish Road, Manchester, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Hershell R. Stanfield, age 27, Gregory Branch Road, Manchester, trafficking in marijuana.
• Janice F. Wombles, age 50, Curry Branch Road, Manchester, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
Arrested during the second phase of Wednesday’s operation were:
• Catherine Couch Botkins, age 41, Locust Street, Manchester, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Billy D. Carr, age 41, Paces Creek, Manchester, first-degree criminal attempt to possess a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Chasity Collett, age 22, Highway 421, Manchester, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Jason Hubbard, age 29, Left Fork of Billy’s Branch, Manchester, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Michael Lovins, age 34, Highway 1350, Manchester, first-degree possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence.,
• David Arnold Reid, age 60, May Reid Road, Manchester, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Christopher Sester, age 32, North Ponders Branch, Burning Springs, first-degree possession of a controlled substance.
• Vicki Sester, age 33, North Ponders Branch, Burning Springs, first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).
• Teresa A. Smallwood, age 29, Cane Branch Road, Manchester, second-degree possession of a controlled substance.
Four more charged in Clay roundup
Four more people have been arrested in connection with an April 11 roundup of suspected drug dealers in Clay County. These individuals were among 35 people targeted by Operation UNITE as part of on-going investigations into illegal drug dealing over the past six months. Twenty-four of the suspects were arrested during the initial sweeps – a Hot Spot operation conducted in the Horse Creek community during the morning and a county-wide search in the afternoon. The new arrests all came Wednesday evening. They are:
• David D. Holt, age 25, Crawfish Road, Manchester, trafficking in marijuana.
• Tony Hoskins, age 41, Gabbards Fork Road, Manchester, second-degree possession of a controlled substance second offense.
• Mark A. Prilaman, age 44, Gregory Branch Road, Manchester, trafficking in marijuana.
• Gary Woods, age 45, Long Bottom Road, Manchester, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, second-degree possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Operation Hot Spot is an effort by UNITE to target drug-stricken communities by arresting the dealers and following up with a community meeting to empower residents with the information and resources needed to keep their neighborhoods drug-free. Most of the 19 individuals wanted in Wednesday’s Hot Spot operation lived on Crawfish Road, Curry Branch, Gregory Branch Road or Roots Branch Road.
A meeting for Horse Creek residents will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, at the Horse Creek Baptist Church on KY 80. During the afternoon part of the roundup law enforcement officers targeted individuals from throughout the county to arrest 16 people, most of whom were wanted for the sale or manufacturing of methamphetamine.
Read the entire article at....
Operation Unite
ZIP Express delivery service driver gets 50 months for peddling stolen drugs in Clay County
Six individuals accused of operating two separate drug distribution rings were sentenced in U.S. District Court at London on Monday, May 7. A seventh person connected to the case is scheduled for sentencing later this month. Both cases – one in Clay County and the other in Perry County -- involved the illegal sale of thousands of prescription pills over a several month period in 2006, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger West. All seven people entered guilty pleas to their charges in January. Monday’s sentencings were conducted before U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves.
“These type of cases, which involve high-volume for-profit drug dealers, take longer to investigate,” noted Dan Smoot, law enforcement director for Operation UNITE. “The benefit is these dealers generally receive longer sentences.”
The Perry County case began in Clay County with a traffic stop conducted by the Manchester Police Department. During that stop officers discovered drugs in a vehicle driven by 33-year-old Javed Ashiq, of Evergreen Way in Stockbridge, Georgia, and called UNITE detectives to assist in the investigation. It was quickly learned that Ashiq and 30-year-old Kurt Kilgore, of White Oak Lane in Lilburn, Georgia, were shipping drugs from the Atlanta area to a Hazard couple. Also involved with the case was 29-year-old Tonya Groover, of East Atlanta Road in Stockbridge, Georgia.
Local distribution of the pills was handled by 28-year-old Roger Combs, of Sharon Rose Drive in Hazard, and his girlfriend, 28-year-old Kelly Green of Bulan, said Mike Luttrell, manager of UNITE’s Kentucky River Drug Task Force. West said more than 2,100 OxyContin pills and 400 Dilaudid pills were delivered between April and August of last year. After the suspects were arrested the cases were adopted by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) office in London.
Ashiq, Kilgore, Combs and Green each entered guilty pleas to one count of conspiracy to distribute OxyContin. Groover pled guilty to one count of possession of Dilaudid. Green was sentenced to 72 months in prison, Combs to 57 months in prison and Kilgore to 65 months in prison. Upon completion of their sentence they will each be placed on three years supervised probation. Ashiq, a native of Pakistan, received 100 months in prison. Upon completion of his sentence he will be deported, West said. Federal officials are continuing to investigate the source of the prescription medication in the Atlanta area.
![[image]](http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/2713/zipvaniq3.gif "[image]")
In the second case, 36-year-old Adam Palm, a contract employee for the Knoxville-based ZIP Express delivery service, was caught diverting pills he had stolen in the course of his work servicing local pharmacies. UNITE detectives had received information that Palm and his wife, 34-year-old Kimberly Palm, were selling drugs in the Clay County area. During their investigation purchases were made from the Palms, who live on Highway 472. More than 5,000 Lortab pills and approximately 200 OxyContin pills were sold between late summer and early fall, West said. This case was also adopted by the DEA.
Adam Palm pled guilty to one count each of distribution of OxyContin and distribution of Lortab and was sentenced to 50 months in prison. Kimberly pled guilty to one count of distribution of Lortab and was sentenced to 14 months in prison. They were ordered to forfeit $3,000 in cash and pay restitution in the amount of $2,800 as part of the plea agreement. Upon completion of their sentences they will each be placed on three years supervised release.
Read the entire article at....
Operation Unite
Meth Lab Found At Big Creek Home
One person was arrested after detectives from Operation UNITE located a methamphetamine lab at a home in the Big Creek community of Clay County. Police charged 31-year-old Sherrie Renee Minton with one count each of manufacturing methamphetamine, first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, second-degree possession of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana. Minton was lodged in the Clay County Detention Center.
Joel Cunigan, manager of UNITE’s Cumberland Drug Task Force, said an arrest warrant for an additional suspect would be obtained in the next few days. At about 4:10 p.m. Wednesday, August 8, UNITE detectives went to Minton’s home on South Highway 66 to conduct an interview about excessive purchases of Sudafed from different pharmacies in several counties. After speaking with Minton, officers obtained consent to search the home and found a quantity of OxyContin and drug paraphernalia.
Based upon this discovery, a search warrant was obtained for the property. During the subsequent search detectives found a methamphetamine lab and several items used to manufacture methamphetamine in an out-building located next to the residence. Also found were quantities of methamphetamine, OxyContin, Hydrocodone and marijuana. UNITE was assisted by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Kentucky State Police. Police called the Department of Families and Children to take custody of two young children who were at home during the search.
Read the entire article at....
Operation Unite
Two Clay County residents arrested in UNITE investigation
![[image]](http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/4169/unitevg8.jpg "[image]")
Five more individuals have been arrested as part of an Operation UNITE drug investigation in Laurel County. A roundup targeting 34 suspected dealers took place Tuesday, October 23. By early afternoon officers from several agencies were able to locate and arrest 20 of these individuals. That afternoon, UNITE detectives and officers from the London Police Department and Laurel County Sheriff’s Office checked on numerous complaints. As a result, they discovered an inactive methamphetamine lab at a home on KY 1956 at Clearview Road.
UNITE has charged 58-year-old Gary W. Miller, of Somerset Road, London, with one count each of manufacturing methamphetamine and first-degree possession of a controlled substance (meth). At another residence, police arrested 37-year-old Robert D. Campbell, of Woodchuck Lane, London, with one count each of first-degree possession of a controlled substance (meth) and second-degree possession of a controlled substance (Hydrocodone).
On Wednesday, officers were able to locate three more individuals wanted in the roundup. Charged were:
• Roger Dale Blanton, age 56, no address available, Harlan, manufacturing methamphetamine, conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and second-degree persistent felony offender.
• Darrel Mathis, age 43, of Robinson Creek Road, Manchester, unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors.
• Sherry Minton, age 31, of Big Creek, Manchester, unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors.
Many of the cases involved with this investigation were made possible because of the new MethCheck program piloted by UNITE in Laurel County, said Det. Brian Lewis, with UNITE’s Diversion unit. MethCheck is an electronic reporting program that tracks purchases of pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient of methamphetamine production. The program pilot program proved so successful that Kentucky is set to implement MethCheck in all Kentucky pharmacies by next summer.
The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite.
33 sought in Clay drug roundup
MANCHESTER - A lengthy investigation of illegal drug trafficking in Clay County has led to arrest warrants being issued for 33 people – including one person who was peddling pills from his downtown business.
“We had received numerous complaints about drugs being sold by Jeremy Alfred Smith from the tattoo shop located directly across from City Hall,” said Joel Cunigan, manager of UNITE’s Cumberland Drug Task Force. Following Smith’s arrest police found several grams of methamphetamine sewn into his clothing.
For the past six months detectives from Operation UNITE, along with officers from the Manchester Police Department and Clay County Sheriff’s Office, have targeted suspected dealers from all parts of the county – including the Horse Creek community that was the focus of a “Hot Spot” operation this past April.
“We were purchasing mostly OxyContin and Hydrocodone, but we also found cocaine, Xanax, methamphetamine and marijuana,” said Cunigan. “Many of these individuals have shown a consistent pattern of selling drugs and we’re glad to get them off the street.”
Police set out Wednesday morning to arrest 33 individuals. By early afternoon, 25 of these suspects had been charged along with another person who was found to be in possession of drugs.
Approximately 100 Hydrocodone pills and 250 Xanax pills were seized from various locations visited by police.
UNITE detectives were assisted Wednesday by law enforcement officers from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Manchester Police Department, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement and Kentucky State Police.
The 25 people arrested as of 2 p.m. were:
• James Mason Allen, age 33, Bales Creek Road, Manchester, tampering with physical evidence.
• Frankie Carpenter, age 26, Crawfish Road, Manchester, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, second offense.
• Della Rob Curry, age 59, Curry Branch Road, Manchester, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, and second-degree possession of a controlled substance.
• Rebecca Lynn Dezarn, age 40, Crawfish Road, Manchester, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Anthony Wayne Gilbert, age 37, Green Street, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Prema Delaine Gilbert, age 32, Oneida, trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school and trafficking in marijuana less than 8 ounces.
• Lois Fay Gray, age 52, Hickory Hill, Manchester, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Wayne Grubb, age 45, Johnson Road, London, cultivation of marijuana more than 5 plants.
• Gary Wayne Henson, age 52, Route 4, Manchester, three counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, second offense.
• Theo Hoskins, age 65, Balls Branch Road, Manchester, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Carolyn Jon Jones, age 49, Manchester, unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors.
• Norma Jones, age 29, McCoy Heights, Manchester, possession of marijuana.
• Larry Wayne Moore, age 30, Hickory Hill, Manchester, two counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count first-degree possession of a controlled substance.
• Charlie Roberts, age 51, Curry Branch Road, Manchester, four counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, second offense, and one count second-degree persistent felony offender.
• Shannon Dewayne Simmons, age 31, Webb Street, Manchester, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Crystal Gail Sizemore, age 29, North Highway 421, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Eugene Sizemore, age 39, Route 3, Manchester, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and second-degree persistent felony offender.
• Michael Lucky Sizemore, age 20, Manchester, second-degree possession of a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence.
• George Smith, age 48, North Highway 421, Manchester, four counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Jeremy Alfred Smith, age 35, U.S. 421, Manchester, four counts first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and one count second-degree persistent felony offender.
• Bertha B. Spurlock, age 58, Route 8, Manchester, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Kathy L. Stewart, age 35, Belles Fork Road, Manchester, manufacturing methamphetamine.
• Wesley Wayne Wagers, age 28, Paces Creek Road, Manchester, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Elliott Westberry, age 36, Crane Creek, Manchester, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Tammy Westberry, age 34, North Highway 421, Manchester, second-degree possession of a controlled substance.
• Bertha Williams, age 31, Garrad, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite.
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« Reply #1 on Feb 12, 2008, 9:37pm » | |
The Approaching Fire
sentinelgroup.org
![[image]](http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/4279/firets6.jpg "[image]")
The Sentinel Group from Seattle, Washington, recently produced a new DVD entitled "The Approaching Fire." It names 50 places in the world that are experiencing Biblical Transformation. Manchester Kentucky is the only American city included. "Approaching Fire" is the inaugural video in The Sentinel Group’s new line of media called Different Angle Films. These fast-paced provocative media tools are designed to stimulate the type of radical thinking and behavior that facilitate genuine revival.
Global crises escalate with the clash of world leaders, overwhelming moral decadence, massive poverty, social injustice and spiritual bankruptcy. Leaders and institutions have stepped in as would-be saviors through military, diplomatic, economic and even religious best endeavors, and yet, we have failed miserably. Humanism has given way to global hedonism, but increasingly, this hedonism is yielding to chronic apathy and hopelessness. Today, two fires are blazing across the earth – both in fulfillment of end-time prophecy.
Where is God?
The first of these, the fires of destruction, are all too apparent – Iraq, Darfur, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Lebanon, Chechnya, Israel/Palestine. Their number, scope and intensity only grow by the day. But these infernos are now combining with the added threats of nuclear proliferation, substance abuse, human trafficking, and ideological terrorism (ala al-Qaeda). In short, the future is no longer a safe place for dreamers.
And, Where is His Church?
There is, however, a second conflagration spreading in our world. This one burns brighter than the first…but leaves no ashes in its wake. It is the fire of transforming revival! In literally hundreds of communities – from the South Pacific to Canada’s aboriginal homelands – desperate hearts are turning heavenward. God is being invited to solve that which man cannot. This is where hope begins.....
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| | Chad's Hope
« Reply #2 on Mar 14, 2008, 9:11pm » | |
New treatment center to hold ribbon-cutting
![[image]](http://www.chadshopeky.com/index_files/image002.gif "[image]")
A ribbon-cutting ceremony and community open house will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, at the Chad’s Hope Center in Clay County. Chad’s Hope is operated by Visions of Eastern Kentucky, Inc., a non-profit, faith-based organization. Located northwest of Manchester at 300 Chad McWhorter Lane off US 421, the facility provides long-term residential treatment programs for adult males.
Participating in the ceremony will be Fifth District U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers, Karen Engle, president/CEO of Operation UNITE and Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, officials from the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, Kentucky Senator Robert Stivers, representatives from Clay Countians UNITED, along with city and county officials.
Planning for the $2.2 million facility began in the fall of 2005, with a groundbreaking ceremony held on June 10, 2006. Funding for Chad’s Hope was provided through grants from the Department of Health and Human Services/Health Resources and Services Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy.
In addition, the facility required construction of a $294,940 package wastewater treatment plant capable of handling 10,000 gallons per day and meeting stringent effluent limits. The project was a cooperative agreement between the City of Manchester and Eastern Kentucky PRIDE through a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 531 grant.
Chad’s Hope Center officially opened in February 2008 and can house 52 individuals needing long-term substance abuse treatment. The first client was admitted on March 6. In addition to facility Director Joe Neikirk, the center staff includes secretary Daylene Hensley; recovery coaches Joe Farmer, Bill Hampton and Bryan Rose; and building and grounds supervisor Bill Colton.
Chad’s Hope utilizes a holistic recovery model that seeks to transform the “whole” person - mind, body and soul - using a strong spiritual component. The facility will offer a unique dual-track treatment program using both traditional and faith-based approaches.
Land for the treatment center was donated by Clay County businessman Charlie McWhorter. The facility is named for his son, Chad, who died of a drug overdose in 2004. Contractor for the project was Craig Mullins Construction of London.
For more information about Chad’s Hope Center call 606-599-9716 or visit their website at
www.chadshopeky.com
You may also e-mail Joe Neikirk at joeneikirk@chadshopeky.com.
The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite.
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| | Clay County UNITE video
« Reply #3 on Jun 23, 2008, 7:37am » | |
Clay County UNITE video entered in video contest
![[image]](http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/3492/unitecn4.jpg "[image]")
UNITE has entered the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Faith-Based and Community Initiatives "Portraits of Compassion" video story contest for 2008 featuring Clay and McCreary counties.
To view video entry CLICK HERE!
The golden voice on the video is "Country" Earl Owens.
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| | Three-county roundup
« Reply #4 on Mar 6, 2009, 6:23am » | |
Three-county roundup focuses on illegal purchase of drugs used in meth
Clay, Laurel and Leslie County included in multi-county roundup
![[image]](http://101hb.tripod.com/banner/claylive/unite.jpg "[image]")
A six-month investigation by Operation UNITE and the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office into the illegal purchase of drugs used in the production of methamphetamine has resulted in the indictment of 18 individuals from three counties. A multi-county roundup to arrest these suspects -- plus another 10 people wanted on other drug trafficking charges -- was conducted Wednesday, March 4.
“Although these suspects live in different counties, the common thread is that all 18 individuals were purchasing cold remedies or decongestants containing pseudoephedrine from Laurel County pharmacies,” said Dan Smoot, law enforcement director for UNITE. “Pseudoephedrine is the main ingredient used in making meth.”
One gram of pseudoephedrine will yield about one gram of methamphetamine, which sells for about $100 on the street.
“Most of these individuals were visiting multiple pharmacies to obtain tablets or capsules containing the pseudoephedrine,” Smoot added. “Usually groups of two or three people travel together in order to maximize the amount of drugs they can obtain.”
Kentucky law prohibits an individual from purchasing more than 9 grams of pseudoephedrine within a 30-day period. This is the equivalent of approximately 300 30mg tablets, Smoot said. “While there are legitimate cases when this quantity of medication is justified, the average person will not purchase this quantity of pills for a lawful purpose.”
Easy access to pseudoephedrine through over-the-counter sales was a significant contributing factor in the proliferation of low cost clandestine meth labs. In order to curb methamphetamine production, Kentucky lawmakers enacted Senate Bill 63 in 2005 which limited dispensing to pharmacies and required a photo ID, signature and address.
Still, the tedious, time-consuming process of sorting through reams of manual logs made tracking pseudoephedrine purchases from multiple pharmacies or across county lines difficult and ineffective. So, in November 2005, the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) partnered with Operation UNITE to implement a real-time electronic reporting program known as MethCheck in Laurel County.
Success of this 18-month pilot program led to the 2007 General Assembly passed Senate Bill 88, requiring pharmacies to use an electronic reporting system if the state picked up the tab. Funding was ultimately appropriated and the system implemented last year.
“MethCheck was a contributing factor during this investigation,” Smoot said.
Assisting in Wednesday’s roundup were the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, Manchester Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Kentucky State Police.
As of Wednesday afternoon 19 people had been arrested. They are:
• Alicia D. Boggs, age 22, Levi Jackson Mill Road, London (Laurel County), trafficking in marijuana more than 5 pounds (first offense).
• Jerry Wayne Bowling, age 31, Hoskins Cemetery Road, London (Laurel County), unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors (first offense). Arrested February 26.
• Billy E. Brock, age 44, Highway 421, Hyden (Leslie County), unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors (first offense) and second-degree persistent felony offender.
• Eugene Brock, age 38, Hoskinston (Leslie County), unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors (first offense).
• Cecil Wayne Burkhart, age 36, Manchester (Clay County), unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors (first offense) and first-degree persistent felony offender.
• Beauford Caldwell, 48, Canes Ford, Bear Branch (Leslie County), unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors (second offense) and first-degree persistent felony offender.
• Taresa Gail Collins, age 27, Echo Valley Road, Lily (Laurel County), unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors (first offense).
• Charles Ed Gray, age 51, Gray Lane, Manchester (Clay County), unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors (first offense) and first-degree possession of a controlled substance (meth).
• Linda Ann Hundley, age 55, Maple Grove School Road, London (Laurel County), unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors (first offense).
• Lillian Ann Jones, age 47, J.C. Osborne Blvd., Hyden (Leslie County), unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors (first offense), and second-degree persistent felony offender. Arrested February 28.
• Teresa A. Napier, age 37, Robert E. Cox Road, London (Laurel County), trafficking in a marijuana more than five pounds (first offense).
• Kendra Nicole Sams, age 22, Sally Little Road, Manchester (Clay County), unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors (first offense) and first-degree possession of a controlled substance.
• Eric Ronald Sizemore, age 32, Jackson Road, East Bernstadt (Laurel County), unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors (first offense) and second-degree persistent felony offender.
• Henry Clayton Smith, age 51, Hyden (Leslie County), unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors (first offense).
• Michael P. Smith, age 25, Flamingo Trailer Park, London (Laurel County), first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance. Arrested February 27.
• Michael Todd Smith, age 29, Fire Station Road, East Bernstadt (Laurel County), second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and second-degree persistent felony offender.
• Rhonda Renee Stewart, age 38, Wilder Avenue, Corbin (Knox County), first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Roger A. Stewart, age 31, North Highway 11, Manchester (Clay County), manufacturing methamphetamine (second offense) and second-degree persistent felony offender.
• James Everett Zeo, age 31, Maple Grove School Road, London (Laurel County), unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursors (first offense).
The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite.
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| | Three Meth Labs in 18 Hours
« Reply #5 on Mar 20, 2009, 5:16am » | |
Third disposal of methamphetamine lab components logged within 18-hour period
Just a few hours after law enforcement officials finished disposing of an active methamphetamine lab in western Laurel County Wednesday morning, two more potentially dangerous situations were averted. About noon on March 18 the Mt. Vernon Police Department and Rockcastle County Sheriff’s Office were notified that someone had discarded materials recently used in the production of methamphetamine outside the Sand Springs Apartments on Carter Street in Mt. Vernon.
“A hydrogen chloride generator and other chemicals had been placed in a plastic bag and thrown along the roadside,” said Dan Smoot, law enforcement director for Operation UNITE. “Had a child come along and gotten into these materials they could have been seriously injured.”
UNITE detectives were called to safely remove the materials. An investigation continues into the possible identity of the person or persons responsible for the waste. About 3 p.m., while they were still disposing of the materials, UNITE detectives heard Kentucky State Police Trooper Jeff Senters conduct a traffic stop on Highway 30-East about one mile from the Hal Rogers Parkway. Because they recognized the name of the occupants, the detectives went to assist along with the KSP K-9 unit.
Police located an anhydrous ammonia tank in the trunk of the car along with about 32 ounces of sulfuric acid. State Police arrested Scotty Elkins and Andy Radford, both of East Bernstadt, on manufacturing methamphetamine charges.
“Had the tank been shaken enough to cause the gas to expand, there was a real danger of an explosion,” Smoot noted. “Every motorist they passed was placed in harms way.”
Late Tuesday night two Clay County men were arrested after a working anhydrous ammonia lab was discovered outside a residence on Cabin Creek Road in Laurel County. Three other suspects fled from the scene and were still being sought Wednesday afternoon.
“Each of the three cases were unique in the risk posed to the general public,” Smoot said. “The one common thread is that those responsible unnecessarily placed innocent people in danger.”
The preceding was a press release from Operation Unite.
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| | Clay County UNITE
« Reply #6 on Apr 22, 2011, 5:59pm » | |
Clay County Sheriff’s Office to take part in DEA pill take-back day
![[image]](http://operationunite.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Take-Back-poster-194x300.jpg "[image]")
LONDON – Operation UNITE has partnered with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to promote participation in its second National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 30. At least four locations in the UNITE region have joined more than 4,700 sites across the nation in the effort that seeks to prevent pill abuse and theft.
“This was an easy decision because it matches perfectly with the UNITE ‘Pill Dragon’ program,” said Dan Smoot, law enforcement director for UNITE. “Since we began taking the ‘dragon’ – a mobile incinerator – to communities last fall we have destroyed more than one-half million unused or out-of-date pills.”
Collection boxes will be available between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at three locations: Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Monticello Police Department and the Somerset Police Department.
In addition, the Rowan County UNITE Coalition has scheduled a special take-back program from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Carl Perkins Community Center in Morehead. That event is sponsored by the coalition, Morehead Police Department, Rowan County Sheriff’s Office and the Rowan County Board of Education.
Last September more than 60 Kentucky law enforcement agencies hosted drop-off sites that resulted in the removal of approximately 4,700 pounds of pharmaceutical controlled and non-controlled substance pills, stated Robert L. Corso, special agent in charge of the DEA’s Louisville District Office. Nationally more than 121 tons of prescription drugs were collected.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.
“The 2008 National Survey on Drug Abuse Use and Health estimated that 6.2 million Americans using psychotherapeutic drugs with no legitimate medical need,” Corso noted. “Furthermore, the survey indicates more Americans abuse psychotherapeutic drugs more than cocaine, heroin and hallucinogens combined.”
Studies show that individuals that abuse prescription drugs often obtained them from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.
“This has been the focus of a four-month educational campaign, called ‘Accidental Dealer,’ by UNITE’s community coalitions to raise awareness of this issue. In many instances the finale event included a visit by the Pill Dragon – made possible through sponsorship by the Kentucky Army National Guard and Eastern Kentucky PRIDE – for a “Clean Your Medicine Cabinet Out Day” program.
“PRIDE is a key partner with this initiative because of the potential environmental hazards created through improper disposal of their unused medications,” Smoot said. “Too often these medications are flushed down the toilet or simply tossed in the trash. As a result, they end up in landfills, septic tanks and our drinking water supply.”
The first DEA Take-Back event “was an unprecedented opportunity to educate everyone about the growing prescription drug abuse problem,” said Michele Leonhart, DEA administrator. “Studies have shown that, for many, prescription drugs are the very first drugs they abuse – and all too often they aren’t the last. That is why we are committed to helping Americans keep their homes safe by ridding their medicine cabinets of expired, unused and unwanted drugs.”
Gil Kerlikowske, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy who visited southern and eastern Kentucky in February, echoed this sentiment.
“Preventing these readily available and potentially deadly drugs from being diverted and misused is something each and every one of us can do to help reduce the epidemic of prescription drug abuse that is harming so many Americans,” Kerlikowske said.
Last fall Congress passed the Safe and Secure Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amended the Controlled Substances Act to allow users of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the U.S. Attorney General. That act also allows long-term care facilities to dispose of their residents’ controlled substances in certain instances.
Regulations are currently being drafted by the DEA to implement the act.
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| | Clay County UNITE
« Reply #7 on Oct 25, 2011, 8:49pm » | |
Ex-officers arrested in Clay drug investigation
MANCHESTER – Two former Manchester City Police officers were among those arrested on drug trafficking charges during a roundup conducted Tuesday, October 25. By early afternoon 10 of the 15 suspects were in custody. The arrests followed a six-month undercover investigation by Operation UNITE and the Manchester Police Department. Most of the suspects were wanted for illegally diverting prescription medications – primarily Hydrocodone, Oxycodone and Xanax – and lived within a centralized area of Manchester near the Clay County Courthouse.
“They were mostly from the same small community along Bridge Street, River Street and Baker Street,” said Police Chief Chris Fultz, adding a majority of the others lived within or near the city limits.
Law enforcement officers from UNITE, the Manchester Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police and U.S. Marshal Service began searching for suspects shortly after 8 a.m.
“Units came down Baker and Bridge streets to River Street,” Fultz said. “We went door-to-door checking every apartment and looking for these suspects and others for whom we had warrants.”
In addition to the drug-related cases, officers arrested six individuals on other warrants.
Among those arrested were former city police Officer Randall Dodson, 47, of Manchester Heights, and former Sgt. Scotty D. Sandlin, 37, of Wayne Street. Both Manchester men were charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
“They were friends of mine,” Fultz said. “It’s sad how life has turned for them.”
“If you’re willing to deal drugs we’re not putting up with it,” Fultz continued. “Your social status doesn’t matter. If you’re willing to deal drugs we’re coming after you.”
Others arrested Tuesday were:
• Randall “Randy” Burns, 46, of River Street, Manchester, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Kenneth Fields, 48, of River Street, Manchester, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Sherry Hall, 42, of Baker Street, Manchester, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Shannon McQueen, 29, Highway 687, Manchester, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Brenda Smith, 36, of T Street, Manchester, third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Terry Smith, 34, of Mill Pond, second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and third-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
• Jerry Travillion, 44, of Caudill Gap, Manchester, trafficking in marijuana.
• Eric Walker, 24, of Pennington Hill, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.
“Hopefully this investigation will send a message to Manchester that illegal drug activity will be aggressively investigated,” said Paul Hays, deputy law enforcement director for UNITE.
“We intend to take back our community from the drug dealers,” Hays continued. “We need community leaders and citizens to stand with us.”
Chief Fultz praised the teamwork that went into both the investigation and roundup. “It shows what cooperation between agencies can accomplish.”
Police are continuing to search for the remaining five suspects.
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| | Clay County UNITE
« Reply #8 on Feb 15, 2012, 6:04pm » | |
wkyt.com
Former addict asks churches to help fight war against drugs
![[image]](http://gozonews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/drugs.jpg "[image]")
Police say he was one of the most dangerous criminals in southeastern Kentucky, but now he is a Christian fighting the war against drugs. Steve Collett from Manchester is rallying other communities to battle addiction. He spoke at the UNITE Pike meeting on Tuesday.
Collett says if he can beat drug addiction, anyone can. However, he says churches and faith based organizations need to step up in the fight against drugs. Collett, whose life is featured in the documentary, "An Appalachian Dawn," is a former cocaine and meth addict who turned his life around and is now a Christian.
Read the entire article at:
http://www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/...._139327483.html
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| | Re: Clay County UNITE
« Reply #9 on May 4, 2012, 5:43pm » | |
Alpha Natural Resources supports Camp UNITE
Operation UNITE Press Release
![[image]](http://www.imgmax.com/images/hIK2B.jpg "[image]")
MANCHESTER – Exemplifying its philosophy of “Running Right,” Alpha Natural Resources announced it will be a major corporate sponsor for Camp UNITE 2012.
Company officials presented a $17,000 check to the Operation UNITE Foundation during a ceremony at Eastern Kentucky University’s Manchester Campus on Thursday, May 3. Accepting the donation was Karen Kelly, who heads the organization.
Representing Alpha Natural Resources were Wayne Keaton, president of Maxxim Rebuild Company, and Harry Childress, community involvement coordinator for Southern Kentucky and a member of the company’s Government Relations team.
“Involvement in the community has always been a top priority for Alpha Natural Resources,” Keaton commented. “We have chosen to partner with Operation UNITE as a way to help reduce drug abuse and reach families – through prevention measures and treatment centers throughout the region.”
Alpha, whose corporate offices are located in Bristol, Virginia, is a leading global coal company and the world’s third largest metallurgical coal supplier. They produce, process and sell steam and metallurgical coal from approximately 150 active mines and 40 coal preparation plants located throughout Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Wyoming.
The company’s Community Involvement Program also supports environmental partnerships, fuel assistance and weatherization programs, youth and youth programs that build character, as well as programs that promote drug resistance education.
“We are excited to have Alpha Natural Resources as a partner for Camp UNITE,” Kelly stated. “It takes many volunteers and concerned businesses to provide this experience to these youth each year. I applaud Alpha’s management and employees for having the vision and leadership to help create meaningful and lasting changes in our region.”
Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers, who created UNITE in 2003, attended the ceremony and also expressed his appreciation to Alpha Natural Resources.
Camp UNITE is a free 4-day, 3-night leadership/adventure program for youth entering grades 7-9. This year’s sixth annual camp will be held July 24-27 on the campus of the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg.
While at camp, students stay in the college dorms and are placed in small teams under the guidance of trained youth counselors and supervised by adult staff and volunteers.
Activities during camp are designed to develop leadership and communication skills, promote teamwork and problem solving, instill confidence and trust, and let youth know they do not have to face difficult situations on their own.
One of the most valuable components of camp is the peer mentorship and positive role models provided by high school and college students who serve as camp counselors. In 2011, UNITE utilized the leadership of 55 youth counselors, 36 adult staff/volunteers, and more than three dozen community volunteers.
Since its inception, Camp UNITE has hosted 916 youth from 29 counties.
Alpha Natural Resources joins Toyota Motor Manufacturing-Kentucky in Georgetown and the University of the Cumberlands as primary sponsors for Camp UNITE 2012.
Campership sponsors include: William and Kaye Baird of Pikeville, Stan Baker of Corbin; Misha Gover of Monticello, the Jean Kelly Memorial Fund, Mike Long’s Pic Pac/Galaxy Supermarket of Pineville, Mullins Elementary School UNITE Club, Northern Middle School parents, Phelps Elementary School UNITE Club, Red River Valley Elementary School UNITE Club, Rogers Elementary School UNITE Club, and the Somerset High School UNITE Club.
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