Patrols increase for big weekend

Local law enforcement agencies are stepping up patrols this weekend in anticipation of higher activity due to the Whitefish Winter Carnival and the Super Bowl.

The increased patrols will begin Friday and continue through the early hours of Monday, Feb. 4. Those extra patrols are being funded by the Montana Department of Transportation Selective Enforcement Program.

Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial said carnival-goers should do their part by planning to have a sober driver if celebrating with alcohol, and indicated his department would be doing its part to keep the public safe.

“Winter Carnival is a great family event, so we want to make sure families can travel safely to enjoy it,” Dial said. “Increased traffic plus winter road conditions can create the potential for problems.

Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry suggested people hosting parties provide alternatives to alcohol and supply plenty of food.

“A lot of people gather with friends or go to the bars to watch the big game,” Curry said. “The Super Bowl is an all-American event that creates a lot of entertainment and celebration — we only ask that fans be smart about how they enjoy their day.”