The Nebraska State Patrol made one arrest for drunk driving and issued single citations for open container, MIP, and failure to use a seat belt Friday and Saturday during a late night-early morning vehicle check special enforcement initiative in Garden County.

A total of 28 motorists were contacted during the event, which saw troopers observe a variety of violations including no proof of insurance, no vehicle registration, and defective lighting equipment.

The late night-early morning effort was part of an on-going program across the Panhandle made possible by a $3,000 grant funded by the Region 1 Panhandle Prevention Coalition.

The current grant continues through the summer, with troopers utilizing the extra patrol hours for late night vehicle checks focused on removing impaired drivers from the roadways. Impaired driving has been involved in nearly 40% of fatal accidents in the Panhandle the past 2 years.