Gallatin Media Center

 

On 4/2/2024 at approximately 8:17 PM, Gallatin County Dispatch received a call from a lost hiker who was on the Bridger Ridge trail just below Baldy Mountain. The hiker had become lost after leaving marked trail and did not have appropriate clothing, supplies, or equipment to safely remain on the mountain given falling darkness and dwindling temperatures.

GCSSAR volunteers from the Valley section, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, and the Two Bear Air rescue helicopter responded to search the area. Thankfully, the hiker was quickly located; exhausted and very cold, but otherwise unharmed. Based on the steep and snowy terrain and the subject’s deteriorating health, the decision was made to transport the patient off the mountain via Two Bear Air’s hoist to awaiting paramedics with Central Valley Fire Department.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind outdoor enthusiasts that despite ideal weather at the trail-head, conditions can shift drastically at higher elevations. Whether it be by injury, becoming lost, or other circumstances, the possibility always exists that you may end up spending the night so it is advisable to be prepared by bringing plenty of food, water, and warm clothing to keep yourself safe if your plan fails.

Of note, this rescue operation was run concurrently with a large scale search for a missing person with cognitive disabilities in the Valley West area of Bozeman. A big thank you to the GCSSAR Command Team, Communications Team, and all our Volunteers for securing positive outcomes in both instances.

For immediate release: March 26, 2024

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the death of 26-year-old Jakob Michael Page, whose body was found at the Knife River gravel pit near Belgrade on the morning of Monday, March 25. An autopsy is scheduled to take place this week and toxicology results will be available in six to eight weeks.

We reiterate that foul play is not suspected at this time. Upon a thorough initial investigation, our investigators found that the body showed clear indications of exposure, but no trauma. Mr. Page’s clothing was found nearby, which also indicated to us that the death was related to hypothermia. This well-known phenomenon, called “paradoxical undressing,” is frequently seen in hypothermia cases where disoriented patients strip their clothing when they are near death. It occurs in over 25% of hypothermia cases.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office has excellent investigators who do exceptional work, day in and day out, to ensure they come to the correct conclusions in all of our investigations. Our experienced and well-trained professionals base their decisions on evidence and not conjecture. We will continue to further investigate this tragedy.

We send our deepest sympathies to Mr. Page’s family and friends during this difficult time.

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For immediate release: March 25, 2024

On Monday, March 25, 2024, at 8:11 a.m., the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a deceased male at the Knife River gravel pit in Belgrade. Deputies responded to the scene to investigate. The decedent male was subsequently identified as 26 year-old Jakob Michael Page of Belgrade.

The investigation is currently ongoing, but foul play is not suspected at this time.

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For immediate release: March 25, 2024 

Media contact:
Whitney Bermes, Gallatin County Communications Coordinator
406-595-8963
whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov
 

Amended Second-Half Tax Bills Mailed to Gallatin County Property Owners 

Last year, the Montana Department of Revenue (DOR) concluded that for tax year 2023, 77.9 mills would be sufficient to meet the budgetary requirements of the State School Equalization Funds rather than 95 mills, which have been billed in previous years. The property tax bill you received from Gallatin County in November reflected that reduction.  

However, Governor Gianforte sued Missoula County, which eventually resulted in a ruling from the Montana Supreme Court that authorized DOR to levy the maximum mill amount regardless of the budget. Gallatin County has thus been directed to collect the full 95 mills, and second-half tax bill have been amended accordingly.  

The Gallatin County Treasurer’s Office mailed these amended second-half tax bills to property owners on Friday, March 22. Property owners can expect to see these arrive in their mailboxes soon. 

Property owners should disregard the second-half payment due on original bills, sent late last year, and pay the amount that comes with the amended bills instead. Do not pay both.  

Folks who paid the full year’s taxes in December will still need to pay the amount indicated on this bill. These additional tax collections mandated by the Governor’s Office will be sent to the State of Montana and not to any local jurisdictions.  

Second half property taxes are due May 31.  

If you pay your property taxes through your mortgage, please verify with your lender that they will handle paying this amended bill. 

Property owners can also view amended bills online at https://itax.gallatin.mt.gov.  

If you have questions about your bill, please contact the Gallatin County Treasurer’s Office by phone at 406-582-3033, by email at treasurer@gallatin.mt.gov, or in person at the Gallatin County Courthouse located at 311 W. Main St. in downtown Bozeman. 

Property tax information, including bills and history, can also be found at https://itax.gallatin.mt.gov. 

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For immediate release: March 21, 2024

Media contact:
Caitlin Quisenberry, Gallatin County Fairgrounds Director
406-582-3270
caitlin.quisenberry@gallatin.mt.gov

Gallatin County Fairgrounds Opens Public Survey to Continue the Community’s Involvement in ‘Fairgrounds Future’ Master Planning Project

The Gallatin County Fairgrounds is excited to announce the next step in the ‘Fairgrounds Future’ Master Planning process with the opening of the online public sentiment survey. This is the second part of the initial public engagement for this large-scale project that began with focus groups and an open house at the fairgrounds in late February/early March of this year.

See the full press release here.

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On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, just before 1:00 PM, a pair of backcountry skiers were ascending the northern ridge of Mt. Blackmore near Hyalite Reservoir when they triggered a substantial avalanche. One individual was able to escape the slide by sprinting across the slope out of the path, but the other skier was engulfed and carried more than 250 ft downhill and suffered a significant leg injury.

The uninjured skier immediately initiated a beacon search and was able to find his partner at the surface near the bottom of the avalanche path. He was then able to call Gallatin County 911 dispatch and began first aid. Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue responded alongside Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, an American Medical Response ambulance, and representatives from Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center.

Due to the location of the injured person and the severity of the injury, the decision was made to use the GCSSAR heli team to short-haul the patient from the avalanche site to an ambulance waiting at Hyalite Reservoir. The helicopter from Central Copters Inc was able to find a safe place to insert three rescuers on the ground nearby. The patient was packaged for transport and the team made use of a long line to transport him to the waiting ambulance, which provided follow-on medical care and transported the patient to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center. The helicopter then returned to retrieve the uninjured skier and the remaining rescue team.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the uninjured skier for his quick action and the pair for having the proper beacons and gear while recreating in terrain where avalanche is possible. He thanks Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center for allowing representatives to go to the incident to evaluate conditions and ensure the safety of rescuers. Finally, Sheriff Springer would like to remind backcountry recreationists that cell service in this incident was a matter of luck, and it is advisable to have a means to communicate with emergency services like a satellite phone or GPS texting service.

 

 

On Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 11:47 a.m., the West Yellowstone Police Department dispatch center received a 911 call regarding a snowmobiler who had suffered an arm injury after striking a rock on a snowmobile. The crash had taken place near the Cabin Creek trail 2 miles from the Fir Ridge Trailhead.

Volunteers from Gallatin County Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone, Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District, US Forest Service Law Enforcement, and Yellowstone National Park responded to assist with the rescue.

Rescuers packaged the patient into a specialized snow ambulance and met up with a waiting Hebgen Basin Rural Fire Department ambulance. The patient was stabilized and then transported to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind snowmobilers of the importance of having a communication device with fully charged batteries when recreating in the back country in case of an emergency. This allows for a quick response to the emergency if one occurs.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On 3-14-24, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office received information of a school threat made through social media that involved several locations around the state.  Information was received locally that involved the Three Forks School District. In an abundance of caution the school was placed in a brief lockdown. The individuals involved locally in the threat have been located and it has been determined that a threat does not exist for our area. However, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office will continue to have a presence at the school as we continue the investigation.

For immediate release: March 14, 2024

Media contact:
Garrett McAllister, Gallatin County Community Development Manager
406-582-3130
garrett.mcallister@gallatin.mt.gov 

Upcoming Gallatin County Future Land Use Map & Housing Strategy Public Engagement 

Built on the vision and priorities for future land use established in the 2021 Growth Policy, Gallatin County is in the process of creating a Future Land Use Map (FLUM) and Housing Strategy, to guide future development while honoring the community’s desire to protect what it loves. This process will be continuously informed by public engagement, with an initial round of outreach in March 2024 and a follow-up round in the late summer/fall of 2024. Once developed, the FLUM will provide guidance for growth and development, and serve as the planning foundation for future zoning reform.  

The public’s feedback during the development of the FLUM is critical to ensure future growth is managed in a way that supports the community’s vision. Residents are invited to join the Gallatin County Planning Department during the first round of outreach at one of four upcoming in-person meetings and one virtual meeting. Snacks and kid-friendly activities will be provided!  

Tuesday, March 19 – 6-7:30 PM 

Bozeman Public Library
Community Room
626 E. Main St., Bozeman 

Big Sky Water & Sewer Office
561 Little Coyote Rd., Big Sky 

Wednesday, March 20 – 6-7:30 PM 

Gallatin Gateway Community Center
145 Mill St., Gallatin Gateway 

Gallatin Conservation District
120 S. Fifth St., Manhattan 

Thursday, March 28 – 6-7:30 PM 

Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/3V0Vip2
Meeting ID: 844 7667 6774
Passcode: 779586
Call-in number: 1-719-359-4580  

At these meetings, folks can meet the project team, explore current trends, needs, and conditions, and provide feedback that will be used to inform this important effort. During the first phase of outreach the county is seeking feedback on the types of information collected to date, on the ground accuracy, and any questions or concerns that should be considered in the development of the FLUM. 

For anyone unable to make the meetings, feedback can be provided by going to Envision Gallatin where folks can register for updates on project milestones, review and comment on the maps prepared to date, and read more about the project. Residents can also reach the Planning Department directly with questions and feedback by calling 406-582-3130 or by emailing the project team at envision@gallatin.mt.gov. 

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For immediate release: March 13, 2024

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Academy is back and slated to start on March 26! Held every Tuesday night from March 26 through May 14, the academy offers a wonderful opportunity for Gallatin County residents aged 18 and older.

From 6 to 9 p.m., participants will delve into the realm of law enforcement, experiencing firsthand the rigors and rewards of keeping their community safe. Best of all, this experience is entirely FREE.

Engage in immersive exercises including mock traffic stops and drug buys, mastering field sobriety maneuvers, and delving into crime scene management and evidence collection techniques. Aspiring participants can also seize the chance to ride along with seasoned deputies, observe the precision of a 911 dispatcher, meet our exceptional K-9 partners, and so much more!

“We are thrilled to welcome members of our community to the Public Safety Academy. It’s an incredible opportunity to foster understanding and collaboration between law enforcement and our residents,” said Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer.

To secure your spot, register now by contacting Sgt. Erin Taylor via phone at 406-539-0365 or email at erin.taylor@gallatin.mt.gov.