Kearney - The Kearney Police Department and the Nebraska State Patrol want you to enjoy Cruise Nite festivities responsibly this coming weekend.
In an effort to reduce the potential for serious injury and fatality crashes, the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) Troop C Headquarters-Grand Island will conduct special enforcement efforts in conjunction with the annual Kearney Cruise Nite celebration.
Held in Kearney, July 18-22, the event draws hundreds of classic car enthusiasts together for four days of fun and festivities.
Special enforcement efforts involving the Nebraska State Patrol in conjunction with the Kearney Police Department will focus mainly on Friday and Saturday. During that time, officers will conduct enforcement activities to include high visibility patrols in and around Buffalo County.
Officers will be paying special attention to alcohol related violations such as: Minor in possession, open container, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and minor DUI.
During Cruise Nite in 2011, law enforcement conducted a single night of special enforcement on Saturday, July 15, resulting in 46 citations for minor in possession of alcohol and three arrests for driving while intoxicated.
The Kearney Police Department would also like to remind everyone that the downtown area needs to be cleared of vehicles by 2 a.m. on July 21 or the vehicles will be towed.
The areas to be cleared are: Central Avenue from 25th Street to North Railroad Street; 24th Street from Avenue A to 1st Avenue; 23rd Street from Avenue A to 1st Avenue; 21st Street from Avenue A to 1st Avenue; and the parking lot west of Cunningham's Journal; the parking lot north of City Hall; and the parking lot north of MONA.
This year's extra enforcement is paid for thanks in part to a $6,410 grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS).
As always, the Kearney Police Department is requesting that you obey the Nebraska Alcohol laws.
