Thousands converge for successful 13th annual Hoopfest

Last weekend's Hoopfest saw minimal alcohol-related violations and was organized and conducted in a relatively safe manner, according to a memo sent from Polson police chief Doug Chase to Polson city council members earlier this week, in which he commended KERR radio officials and local businesses for their help in ensuring a safe weekend for the thousands of basketball fans who converged on the city.

According to the memo, Polson police and Lake County Sheriff's deputies issued citations or made arrests for one count of disorderly conduct and two minor-in-possessions (MIPs) on Friday night, and issued nine MIPs and arrested one person for obstructing a police officer, charged another for resisting arrest, arrested one intoxicated pedestrian and charged seven more with disorderly conduct on Saturday night — not bad considering the hundreds of teens and young adults who were present throughout the weekend, Chase said.

"Considering several thousand visitors come to Polson for this sports and relaxing event we experienced little in the way of serious problems," he wrote to the council.

Most of the arrests and citations occurred between 10 p.m. and 2:30 a.m., the memo noted. Chase credited local businesses with helping to stop underage drinking.

"All businesses serving alcohol were very responsible about checking identification," the memo said.

Businesses and law enforcement officials were particularly vigilant about occupancy limits and underage drinking after last year's horrific deck collapse at the Diamond Horseshoe Lounge and Grill just north of town, in which approximately 80 people fell, sustaining various injuries. The collapse was later blamed on poor construction and deteriorated building materials, conditions that were exacerbated by the large number of people out on the deck.

Polson fire chief Tom Maloney and Polson police officers kept an eye on occupancy at various bars in the area, but "found no problems at anytime," the memo said.

According to the memo, event sponsor Rich Forbis with KERR agreed to pick up the tab for all Polson police officers and four Sheriff's deputies — including overtime — involved with patrolling the event.

"KERR and Forbis are to be commended for this action," Chase wrote. "We feel KERR radio's Hoopfest is a real asset to our community."