Reporter
mmudd@gcnewsgazette.com
The meth watch will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Grayson County Middle School Auditorium.
Judge Embry said she remembers being a prosecutor about six years ago in Grayson County when she encountered what she feels now was a meth user at a convenience store in Leitchfield.
She said the cashier was leary of an agitated customer.
"The cashier was looking for someone to step in and help her," said Embry. "I engaged with the man and he ended up leaving."
She explained that back then she didn't know very much about meth, but looking back on that incident she was sure the man was on some kind of drug, very possibly meth.
She said she sees meth affecting many families in court all the time.
"Many young children have been adversely affected by meth over the years," said Embry. "The sad thing is that parents either leave them alone or expose them to the drug."
Meth use is so serious that a lot of pharmaceutical items have been placed behind the counter.
Embry said cases involving the manufacturing of meth has dropped considerably.
"The manufacturing of meth has dropped due to pharmacies stepping in to help," said Embry."But the problem is still out there, I feel this program can improve things even more."
She expressed how grateful she was for people being so generous. She was able to pull this forum together in only a month.The goal was to do things that bring in a big crowd.
Embry is confident is saying that she has accomplished just that.
"Methamphetamine use is getting into the hands of younger kids now also," explained Embry. "I think everyone tries their best to protect their family anyway they can."
Embry hopes with this program parents and friends alike will now become more aware of what to look for if there is a problem.
The program is to be an informational learning session.
Ten to 12 booths will be on site from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Some of the organizations participating are social services, Leitchfield City Police, Communicare, Grayson County Drug Coalition.
The Grayson County Sheriff's office will have a meth display. It will show products being chosen to ingest and manufacture meth. The late Ronald Hudson had graciously donated the display.
Refreshments are going to be served during 5:30 to 6:30. Drinks, hotdog's, and cookies are provided through donations from local vendors. At 6:30 there will be guest speakers.
Kentucky State Police Lt. Steve Pavey is planning a Powerpoint presentation, which is an overview of meth use and its adverse effects.
Breckinridge County Sheriff Todd Pate is discussing meth problems involving his area and what to look for. Pate was the arresting officer in the O'Bryan case. Dr. Michael O'Bryan from a veterinarian clinic was convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine.
Traveling the local areas informing people on preventative measures for methamphetamine use, Sheriff Rick Clemons is planning to address things he is doing to get rid of meth and drug use in general in the county.
Free childcare is going to be provided by GCMS Family Resource Center. At 8:30 p.m. drawings will be held for door prizes. Donated prizes include a $100 gas card, four wheeler helmet, four wheeler goggles, backpacks stuffed with school supplies, flat screen television, iPods, gift certificates,and a self propelled push mower.
Anyone hoping to win a prize must be present to receive it. The Grayson County program was patterned after the Breckinridge program.
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