DUI Task Force approves funds for undercover compliance checks, pauses coaster giveaway

The Anaconda Deer Lodge County DUI Task Force met March 12, 2026, and approved its financial report, which shows a balance of $20,788.70. Morgan Smith, chair of the task force, presented the financials and the membership accepted the report, with the minutes recording that the motion passed.

The meeting addressed the CHEERS! To Sober Drivers outreach tied to St. Patrick’s Day. Smith said she will distribute gas cards and coffee gift cards to local establishments and that the group has paused distribution of coasters for reevaluation. "We will not be distributing coasters this year and can reevaluate the coaster distribution at another time," the minutes state.

Officer Marc Arment reported that undercover compliance checks will be conducted by one Anaconda Deer Lodge County officer working with two confidential informants to visit licensed establishments and identify areas with potential carding failures. Chair Morgan Smith said the consequences for businesses that fail to card confidential informants have not yet been determined and that the process for procuring cash for purchases was discussed as part of planning these checks.

Lauren Bolten moved to approve $400 from DUI Task Force funds for the compliance checks; Lacie Stone seconded. The minutes record the motion and second but do not state the final outcome for that specific allocation.

The minutes also include a brief 2024 DUI/MIP tally by month and agency; the listing notes multiple Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) involvements but the tabulation is not fully explained in the minutes.