At its July 9 meeting, the Anaconda Deer Lodge County DUI Task Force focused part of its agenda on planning priorities for the upcoming fiscal year, including transportation barriers, school-based prevention and outreach to parents.
Lauren Bolten presented questions and considerations to help the group focus priorities and develop programs. Members discussed the lack of local ride-hailing options such as Uber or Lyft and whether the task force could help increase sober-ride choices in Anaconda. The group also discussed prevention and communication efforts targeted at the high school population and parents, and promotion of the county’s Social Host ordinance as part of community outreach.
Bolten reported that stickers had been placed on gift-card sleeves and that Morgan Smith had distributed gift cards over the Fourth of July weekend, but because Morgan Smith was absent from the July 9 meeting, Commissioner Mike Beausoleil moved to table further discussion of the CHEERS! to Sober Drivers program until the next meeting; Bolten seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
The task force identified a need for tangible objectives and designated planning as a recurring monthly agenda item; Bolten will collate the ideas discussed and work on a budget.
The minutes record no public comment at the meeting and set the next meeting for Aug. 20, 2026.