Pondera County approves DUI task force plan, will seek roughly $8,900 grant

On May 14, 2025, the Pondera County Commission voted to approve a DUI (driving under the influence) task force plan for fiscal year 2025–26 and authorized submission of a grant application to fund the effort.

The plan, as described at the meeting, emphasizes media advocacy and high-visibility enforcement tied to local summer events. A county official who presented the item said the strategy targets dates such as Hoop Up Days, the county rodeo, Homesteader Days and other community events in June through August, and relies on increased patrols, sobriety checkpoints and coordinated prosecution, adjudication and supervision to reduce alcohol-related crashes and fatalities.

The presenter described the application as requesting roughly $8,900 to support activities that include media outreach and coverage before major local events and some off-duty patrol support, noting the health department will administer the funds and partner with local law enforcement and schools. A commissioner moved approval of the plan for submission; the motion passed on a voice vote.

Commission discussion included confirmation that the plan is being submitted for approval to seek grant funds rather than to authorize immediate county spending, and that the health department will serve as the application and program lead. The presenter said prosecutors, judges and local agencies will support prosecution, adjudication and supervision components of the strategy.

The commission’s action at the May 14 meeting was to approve the plan and allow submission of the grant application; no contract award or funding disbursement was approved at the meeting.

The plan and the application will proceed through the health department and the DUI task force board for implementation if the grant is awarded.