Troopers active at Alaska State Fair

PALMER -- Alaska State Troopers recorded more arrests or summonses, and issued more citations during the recent Alaska State Fair than during the 12-day fair period in 2002.

There was a total of 105 arrests or summons this year, including 53 for suspended or revoked driver's licenses, 20 for warrants, 13 for misdemeanor driving under the influence, one for felony DUI, and nine for illegal drugs. A total of 74 arrests or summons were recorded a year ago.

A total of 1,930 citations were issued during the recent fair, compared to 1,642 the previous year. This year's infractions included 446 for failure to carry proof of insurance, 429 for equipment violations, 84 for expired license plates, 520 for speeding, and 210 for seat belt and child restraint violations.

The total number of vehicle contacts by troopers was almost the same each year, with 2,318 this year and 2,315 in 2002.

An average of 10 troopers each day were assigned to special enforcement duties for this year's fair. Most of their overtime was paid by federal and state grants and a Department of Transportation reimbursable service agreement for construction zone safety, said trooper spokesman Greg Wilkinson.