School board member in court on DUI charge

Carson City School Board member Joe Enge is expected to enter a plea today in Carson City Justice Court on a charge of misdemeanor drunken driving.

Enge, 46, was arrested Jan. 31, after an officer spotted him eastbound on Highway 50 East without the headlights of his minivan on at 3 a.m.

When deputies tried to stop him, Enge allegedly drove another 2.5 miles at about 40 mph with at least three marked patrol units following before pulling over.

He allegedly failed a field sobriety test and refused to answer the question of whether he wanted a breath test or a blood test. A blood draw was taken, the results of which have not been released.

The day after his arrest, Enge expressed remorse for the situation.

"I'm never going to take another drink, and I'll be actively seeking professional help. I'm not proud of this. I'm embarrassed," he said.

Enge said he would not resign his position on the school board, arguing that his personal failings should not impact his professional accomplishments.

"My personal situation will in no way affect my professionalism on the school board. I'll remain as focused as ever," he said.

He has two previous DUI convictions " one from Pahrump Justice Court in September 1997 and another from Las Vegas Township Court in October 1997.

In October 2008, he was cited for driving through a neighbor's fence and leaving the scene. When police contacted him at his home some hours later, he was intoxicated, but denied driving drunk.

Enge, a former Carson High School history teacher, was elected to the school board in November 2006.

- Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.