Gallatin Media Center

On February 2, 2024, Gallatin County 911 received a call for an injured paraglider near Big Sky. The paraglider was “speed flying” when they hit a tree, fell roughly 20 feet and sustained a leg injury. A friend of the paraglider was able to call 911 to report the incident, set and splint the injured limb, and relay the patient’s location to emergency responders.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Big Sky Section responded to assist. It was determined the patient’s location was technically challenging terrain and a helicopter rescue would be the best course of action.

A helicopter rescue team from Central Copters Inc. responded to assist the injured paraglider. A short-haul rescue was performed. The patient was successfully transported to Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the injured paraglider’s friend for their quick action, and points to this incident as a reminder to extreme sport participants of the importance of having a trusted partner or group while engaging in high-risk sports.

For Immediate Release

On January 30, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office provided a press release where 49 road signs from various parts of the county had been stolen.  A Gallatin County citizen saw the press release and came forward with valuable information which ultimately led to the arrest and charge of one  18 year old Bozeman resident.  This investigation continues as deputies follow up on additional leads.  Currently, 46 of the 49 stolen road signs have been recovered from various locations in Gallatin County.  Sheriff Dan Springer thanks the public for their assistance in this case and reiterates, it is the trust and relationship with our community that is often the key to solving many of these cases.

On January 31, 2024, at 10:41am, West Yellowstone Police Department Dispatch Center received a 911 call from a snowmobiler who was recreating with a friend when one of the snowmobilers sustained injuries as a result of a snowmobile vs tree collision. The caller indicated that his friend was in need of immediate medical treatment near Madison Arm Rd, 4 miles north of West Yellowstone, Montana.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the West Yellowstone detachment, West Yellowstone Police Department, Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District (HBRFD), and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the request for aid. The GCSSAR team members determined that due to the low snow conditions and the injured snowmobiler’s proximity to the Madison Arm trail, a tracked four-wheeler, side by side UTV, and a snowmobile response would serve the patient best. When GCSSAR members arrived on scene, it was discovered the patient had sustained a serious wrist injury. The patient was transported from the scene of the accident by a specialized tracked four-wheeler towed ambulance to a waiting HBRFD ambulance for further evaluation. The injured snowmobiler was later transported to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center for higher level care.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind winter recreationalists that due to the below average snow fall, please be aware of the dangers arising from changing snow and trail conditions. Sheriff Springer would also like to remind winter recreationalists of the importance of having the ability to reach emergency services when enjoying winter activities.

 

For immediate release: Feb. 1, 2024 

Media contact:
Sean O’Callaghan, Gallatin County Planning Director & Open Lands Coordinator
Sean.ocallaghan@gallatin.mt.gov
406-582-3130 

Application Period Open for Project Funding from the Gallatin County Open Lands Program 

Gallatin County is now accepting applications from projects seeking funding through the county’s Open Lands Program. 

This year, the voter-approved Open Space levy is estimated to bring in over $3.55 million total. While a majority of that money funds conservation projects, such as conservation easements for private landowners, about $887,000 has been earmarked by the Gallatin County Commission for “other eligible projects.” 

Applicants for projects that fall into the “other eligible projects” category are encouraged to apply for this funding from now through March 18. 

These projects must be related to land acquisition, capital improvements, and maintenance projects that support the purpose of the Gallatin County Open Space levy. Applicants must demonstrate how a proposed project is related to the provision of recreation, protection of water quality of streams and rivers, management of growth, or protection of wildlife areas. Projects must provide a tangible and compelling public benefit or provide public access, preferably both. 

Following the application process, the Open Lands Board will score submitted proposal and recommend projects to the Gallatin County Commission for final funding approval. 

Projects funded last year in this category included money for construction of a trail near West Yellowstone, maintenance of the Headwaters Trail System in Three Forks, a river and pond restoration project in Big Sky, land acquisition for Eagle Mount in Bozeman, Gallatin Valley Land Trust’s East-West connector trail project, and wildlife habitat and water quality improvements at the Gallatin County Regional Park. 

“This is a great way that we can collaborate with our community partners,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Jennifer Boyer. “I’m really excited that we continue to get a lot of interest in this funding opportunity and that it’s supporting projects across our county.” 

Eligibility, application instructions and submittal requirements are available online here.  

The maximum award for a project in this round is $100,000. Applicants are limited to public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and property owners’ associations. 

Applications must be submitted by 5 PM on March 18 to the Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development, 311 W. Main St., room 108, Bozeman MT, 59715. 

For questions or more information, contact Sean O’Callaghan at 406-582-3130 or sean.ocallaghan@gallatin.mt.gov. 

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For immediate release: Jan. 30, 2024 

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

 

Voters to Decide on Study of Gallatin County Form of Government 

This June, voters in Gallatin County will get to decide if they’d like to study changing the form of their county government.  

On Tuesday, Jan. 30, Gallatin County Commissioners voted to put a question on the June 4 ballot asking voters if they’d like to establish and fund a study commission to examine Gallatin County government and make recommendations for changes. 

The Montana Constitution requires that every 10 years, each city and county government in the state ask their voters whether they want to undertake a review of their local government.  

If voters agree to establish and fund a study commission, seven citizens will be elected in a nonpartisan election in November to serve. They will be tasked with studying the existing form, powers and delivery of public services of our county government and compare those with other forms of government available under state law. 

If approved, the cost of the study commission would be capped at one half of one mill, which is equivalent to about $360,000. 

The last time voters opted to study Gallatin County government was in 1994. 

“This opportunity afforded by our state constitution is the only chance we as citizens get to take a hard look at the way our local governments operate,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Scott MacFarlane. “Everyone agrees that Gallatin County has many new and different challenges than we had decades ago, and perhaps the tools we use to address those challenges could use an update.” 

Since the local government review election is for cities and counties, voters who live within city/town limits of Bozeman, Belgrade, Manhattan, Three Forks and West Yellowstone will be presented with the question of whether to hold a local government review election twice (once for the county of residence and once for the city/town of residence.) 

For more information on this process, please see the Montana State University Local Government Center’s website. 

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For immediate release: Jan. 30, 2024 

In a response to an uptick in street sign thefts throughout the area, Gallatin County officials are encouraging the public to report information related to these crimes. 

Last weekend, 49 street signs were stolen across Gallatin County. Simple signs cost $200 in time and materials apiece to replace. More complex signs can cost up to $3,000 if they are stolen or destroyed. 

The implications of these thefts extend beyond mere financial burdens. The absence of vital street signs poses a serious safety risk for drivers navigating our community. Moreover, the depletion of resources required for sign replacement diverts Gallatin County Road Department staff from essential projects, hampering the efficiency of vital public services. 

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to promptly report any instances of street sign theft. Additionally, citizens are urged to notify authorities if they observe county street signs in dorms, apartments, residences, garages, or other structures.

To report incidents or provide information, please contact the sheriff’s office non-emergency line at 406-582-2100. 

“These thefts not only burden our hardworking taxpayers but also pose unnecessary risks to our community,” said Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer. “We sincerely appreciate the public’s collaboration in reporting this criminal activity.” 

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On Monday, January 29, 2024, at 11:36 p.m., the West Yellowstone Police Department dispatch center received a 911 regarding a snowmobiler who had suffered a shoulder injury in a snowmobile crash. The location information gained from the 911 call indicated that the crash had taken place near 8889 Smoots west of West Yellowstone.

Volunteers from Gallatin County Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone, Hebgen Basin Rural Fire Department (HBRF), and Gallatin Custer National Forest Service responded to assist with the rescue.

Rescuers located the injured snowmobiler on the Denny Creek Trail. Due to the steep terrain and extremely rough trail conditions present in the crash location a toboggan-style sled was used to transport the injured snowmobiler to an area accessible by ambulance. HBFD EMS personnel took over patient care at the trailhead and the patient ultimately chose to seek additional medical care on their own.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind snowmobilers that due to the unseasonably warm temperatures the trail conditions warrant extra care. Slow down, stay with your group and, as always, carry a reliable means of communication to call for help if necessary.

On January 26, 2024, at 9:37am, West Yellowstone Police Department Dispatch received a 911 call from a snowmobiler who was recreating with family members when one of the snowmobilers sustained injuries as a result of a snowmobile accident. The caller indicated that one of the snowmobilers in the party was in need of immediate medical treatment near Cream Creek, 5 miles west of West Yellowstone, Montana.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the West Yellowstone detachment, US Forest Service Law Enforcement, West Yellowstone Police Department, Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District (HBFD), Yellowstone National Park Law Enforcement, and Gallatin County Sheriff’ Deputies responded to the request for aid. Upon arrival at the scene, responders provided first aid and transported the injured person by a specialized snowmobile towed ambulance to a waiting HBFD ambulance for further evaluation. The injured snowmobiler was then transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for higher level care.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind winter recreationalists that having a plan for contingencies, knowing the location you are recreating, and being able to call for aid in remote areas is crucial when recreating in Montana’s great outdoors.

For Immediate Release: 1.24.2024

The Gallatin City-County Health Department is partnering with the Belgrade Senior Center to host a FREE Health Coaches for Hypertension Control class starting February 8, 2024. This class will meet for eight weeks on Thursdays, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Belgrade Senior Center.

Read the full press release here.

 

 

On January 23, 2024, at 6:03am, Gallatin County 911 received a call for a missing juvenile near the Forest Park trailer court. The parents suspected the juvenile had left the residence at approximately 5:00am.

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Deputies and Search and Rescue volunteers responded to the scene to conduct an urban search. Search and Rescue volunteers found the missing juvenile and they were returned safely to their family.

Sheriff Springer would like to remind families that despite what you may have seen in TV shows and movies, there is no waiting limit before a missing person can be reported.  In fact, it is best to report missing persons as soon as you realize they are missing, as this greatly increases the chances of successfully locating them.