Deputies ticket 47 youths at kegger

Law officers in Lincoln County broke up a massive underage drinking party over the weekend that involved  up to 300 youths.

Minor-in-possession tickets were issued to 47 people, 11 of whom were under 18.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received two calls about the party on Saturday. The callers said that 100 people were carrying on north of Middle Thompson Lake near U.S. 2.

Three Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputies and four Lincoln County deputies were dispatched to the scene, assisted by the Montana Highway Patrol.

Lincoln County Sheriff Roby Bowe said that the youths were Flathead County residents.

Law enforcement arrived just before 2 a.m. to a “chaotic scene,” according to Bowe. Deputies estimated there were 100 vehicles as well as up to 300 people. Most of them scattered when deputies arrived.

Deputies seized two empty kegs and various other alcohol containers.  

The youths who were cited were taken to Libby to wait for their parents. Bowe said that at least one deputy was at the scene until 10 a.m. Sunday.

He added that deputies noted that they didn’t see sleeping bags or tents at the party, indicated that many of the youths intended to travel.

“Many kids were prevented from riding in a vehicle that was being driven by a drunk driver,” Bowe said in a press release.

This isn’t the biggest underage party Bowe has seen in his time with the Sheriff’s Office. He said that one well-organized party was found with seven kegs on site.

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.