Dozens of youths cited for drinking

Dozens of underage drinkers received citations during three parties busted in Whitefish and Kalispell last weekend.

Authorities speculate as many as 120 underage drinkers were involved.

Thirty-six people received citations for being minors in possession of alcohol or obstructing; many more youths will receive citations through Youth Court.

Around midnight Saturday, members of the county Alcohol Enforcement Team were driving around in an unmarked vehicle, searching for a reported party in the woods near Whitefish, when a truck loaded with youths raced past them.

Officers followed the truck to a bonfire party.

Once there, a plain-clothed deputy jumped up on the tailgate, yelled at the partiers to turn off the music, then revealed himself as an officer.

About 30 party-goers scattered toward the woods, but soon returned when told they were surrounded.

Those over 18 were issued citations at the scene. Those under 18 were released to their parents; their citations will be handled by Youth Court.

Early Sunday morning, authorities spotted a youth who appeared to be passed out on a couch inside a Whitefish residence.

Fearing he might be in trouble, officers from Whitefish Police and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office knocked on the door. When he didn’t answer, they tried to slide a window open, at which point the youth bolted.

Obtaining a search warrant, authorities discovered many more underage drinkers inside the residence.

A large party also was busted behind the Super 1 store in Evergreen on Friday night.

Each party was attended by around 40 to 60 youths, according to Montana Highway Patrol Sgt. Steve Lavin, the Alcohol Enforcement Team coordinator.

Lavin said an increase in the number of parties is “fairly typical, especially as springtime approaches.” There have been a few dozen busts so far this year.

On a separate note, the Alcohol Enforcement Team will conduct compliance checks at various businesses in the valley this weekend.