MARQUETTE, MI-- Police in Alger, Luce and Schoolcraft counties launched a multi-jurisdictional effort over the weekend to increase safety on snowmobile trails.
On Saturday 18 officers from six different departments focused on operating while intoxicated, snowmobiles traveling on state trunklines, excessive speed, careless operation, and trail permit and registration violations. They also helped snowmobilers who were stranded because of mechanical problems and those in need of directions.
Officers made 650 contacts, conducted 140 stops, gave 81 verbal warnings, issued 19 citations, and made five misdemeanor arrests. Police say due to dangerous weather conditions there were far fewer riders in the area than usual.
Participating police came from the Schoolcraft County Sheriff’s Department, Luce County Sheriff’s Department, Alger County Sheriff’s Department, the National Park Service out of Grand Marais, the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division, and the St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie Michigan State Police posts.