Lake County weekend wrap up

LAKE COUNTY - An event-filled Fourth of July weekend proved relatively tame for local law enforcement and fire officials.

"Usually our calls run the gamut from dogs barking, alarm calls to assaults, and we had all of the above [this weekend]," Lake County Undersheriff Jay Doyle said.

From the powwow in Arlee to boating on Flathead Lake, the amount of people visiting and recreating in Lake County increased significantly but no serious accidents were reported. Doyle said cooler temperatures and cloudy skies might have had an impact on the small number of incidents countywide.

"I'm sure [the weather] had something to do with the low numbers of people," Doyle said. "It was not ideal conditions for boating and fireworks. People tended to stay home rather than stay out."

Sheriff deputies were in the vicinity of the Arlee powwow, Doyle said, from helping direct traffic to making rounds near the grounds.

Doyle said the LCSO also increased the number of deputies out on the roads. Some were regular staff while others were strictly on DUI patrol. Approximately 10 people were arrested over the weekend for driving under the influence around the county by different law enforcement departments.

"It seems like we always get a few [DUIs]," Doyle said. "The DUI patrol travel the county looking for lots of different indicators. We normally have such a patrol on big holidays."

Polson police chief Doug Chase reported two DUIs within city limits, but otherwise, a relatively tame weekend.

"Probably 90 percent of incidents were alcohol related," Chase said.

Many calls concerned fireworks, Chase said, while a few fights were called in as well. Chase said fireworks can be set off "24 hours a day" on the third and Fourth of July, but city ordinance prohibits setting them off after 11:30 p.m. other days.

"It was a very good weekend behavior wise," Chase said. "Fireworks aggravate people with the late hour but we had far less complaints this year than in the past."

Fireworks were at the forefront of concern for Polson Fire Chief John Fairchild. He reported a "suspicious" fire near Melita Island Road on Lost Quartz, but aside from the small blaze, the fire equipment went unused.

"In my 20-plus years, I don't think I've ever had a Fourth when we had only one call," Fairchild said. "It's pretty unique, but I'll take it."

The Polson Fire Department was on stand-by during the city's annual fireworks show, but the display went off without a hitch. The department also showed off during the city's parade on Sunday, an event that impressed Chase.

"The Fourth of July parade was one of the biggest and best ever," he said. "The crowd was one of the largest in my eight plus years here, and the floats were great."

Overall, Chase seemed pleased with how the busy weekend turned out.

"Other than having traffic, it was a normal, or less than normal, Fourth of July, but the cooler weather may have well put a damper on it," Chase said. "The Fourth of July has normally been a docile weekend. However, as the heat comes toward the end of July, the mischievousness will grow exponentially."