Gallatin Media Center

For immediate release: April 30, 2023

In the morning hours of Saturday, April 29, 2023, the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office investigated a death that occurred at the Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center. The victim was identified as 64-year-old Donna Ventura of Belgrade. Donna’s death is suspected to be related to a foodborne illness. The Gallatin City-County Health Department has been notified. There is no current safety concern to the public. Donna’s cause and manner of death will remain pending until autopsy and toxicology results are available.

Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Donna Ventura during this time.

For immediate release: April 18, 2023

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

Gallatin County Commission Approves Funding for Open Lands Projects

The Gallatin County Commission approved using Open Lands Program money to help fund six projects that improve public open lands in Bozeman, Three Forks, West Yellowstone, Big Sky and Four Corners.

On Tuesday, April 18, commissioners voted unanimously to spend $458,223 to provide funding to the following applicants and projects:

• Gallatin Valley Land Trust – East-West Connector trail – $100,000
• Yellowstone Shortline Trail – construction of a nine-mile trail in the West Yellowstone area – $100,000
• Headwaters Trail System – trail surface maintenance – $100,000
• Big Sky Owners Association – Little Coyote Pond and West Fork River restoration project – $100,000
• Eagle Mount – land acquisition for future Eagle Mount programming, infrastructure, community recreation and public access to the Gallagator Trail – $38,928
• Craighead Institute – wildlife habitat and water quality improvements at Gallatin County Regional Park – $19,295

“I’m really impressed with all of the applications,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Jennifer Boyer. “All of these projects are well designed, community minded, and have incredible support from a variety of partners and agencies.”

Money for these projects comes from the voter-approved Gallatin County Open Space Levy, which was passed in 2018. This year, the levy is estimated to bring in over $2.44 million total.

While a majority of that money funds conservation projects, such as conservation easements for private landowners, over $458,000 was earmarked by the Gallatin County Commission for “other eligible projects.”  These projects must be related to land acquisition, capital improvements, and maintenance projects that support the purpose of the Open Space Levy.

Eleven applications were received during the application period earlier this year. The Open Lands Board scored the submitted proposals and recommended these six projects for approval. 

Commissioner Zach Brown said these “other eligible projects” are a great addition to the Open Lands Program that go beyond traditional conservation easements to help support “all kinds of recreational, open space, and water quality type efforts that benefit our constituents.”

“It’s meaningful to spread the love to different corners of the county,” Brown said.

More information on the projects, including applications and scoring, can be found attached to the commission’s agenda here.

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For immediate release: April 18, 2023

Media contact:
Patty Howard, Gallatin Solid Waste Management District Recycling and Outreach Educator
406-582-2493
patty.howard@gallatin.mt.gov

Logan Landfill Hosting Free Electronic Waste Recycling Event on Earth Day

The Gallatin Solid Waste Management District and 406 Recycling are hosting the annual free electronic waste collection event on Earth Day – Saturday, April 22 – at the Logan Landfill (10585 Two Dog Road) from 8 AM to 2 PM. 

Collected items will be processed by 406 Recycling, an R2-certified recycler, which ensures that high environmental standards are met through the entire life of the recycling process. All personal information is kept secure until it is destroyed. This is a great opportunity to recycle some of those electronic items that don’t work or are collecting dust.

Electronic items that will be accepted include: computers, monitors, printers, TVs (including CRT, LCD and rear-projection), radios, digital cameras, mobile phones, routers, scanners, fax machines, DVD players, stereos and equipment, remote controls, keyboards, microwave (clean inside and no tray), servers, tablets, VCR’s, digital clock radios and accessories and cords. If you’re not sure if something is considered e-waste, call 406-582-2493 for clarification.

Customers will need to stop at the scale house for instructions. If you have other items to dispose of, normal trash rates still apply.

Logan Landfill accepts e-waste all year during regular business hours 7 AM – 5 PM Mondays through Fridays, and 7 AM – 4:30 PM on Saturdays (summer hours) for a fee of $27 per ton, with a $5 minimum for up to 400 pounds. The rate for commercial e-waste recycling is $48 per ton.

For more information about the free e-waste collection event, please call Patty at 406-582-2493, or email her at patty.howard@gallatin.mt.gov. You can also visit our website at GallatinSolidWaste.org.

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For immediate release: April 14, 2023

Media contact:
Hali Kapperud, Gallatin County DUI Task Force Coordinator
406-585-1492
hali.kapperud@gallatin.mt.gov 

Gallatin County DUI Task Force Hosting Annual Law Enforcement Award Ceremony

The Gallatin County DUI Task Force is hosting the annual Law Enforcement Award Ceremony on Thursday, April 20 at 6 PM in the Gallatin County Courthouse Community Room at 311 W. Main St. in Bozeman.

The top law enforcement officers from each agency with jurisdiction in Gallatin County will be recognized for their efforts and contributions to the identification, arrest, and prosecution of those people who made the decision to drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs in 2022. The award ceremony is open to the public.

The Gallatin County DUI Task Force is a group of volunteers who are passionate about helping to reduce the incidence of driving under the influence, DUI crashes and deaths related to those committing DUIs. The task force works to increase the awareness of the dangers, implications, and severity of DUIs through education and civic outreach.

 For questions regarding the award ceremony or the DUI Task Force, please contact the DUI Task Force Coordinator at hali.kapperud@gallatin.mt.gov or 406-585-1492.

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For immediate release:

As temperatures rise and with more snow in the forecast, Gallatin County is beginning to see increased calls for assistance with flooding.  If you are in IMMEDIATE need of assistance with obtaining sandbags, please contact the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 406-582-2100.  We will provide you information on where you can obtain sandbags.  You can also call 211 to be connected to additional resources. And don’t forget to sign up for emergency alerts through the Gallatin County Emergency Management Community Notification System. Sign up today at www.readygallatin.com!

For immediate release: April 11, 2023

Media contact:
Tim Martindale, Gallatin County 911 Director
406-582-2092
tim.martindale@gallatin.mt.gov

 

Gallatin County 911 Releases 2022 Annual Report, Celebrates National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

April 9-15 is 911 Dispatcher Appreciation Week in Gallatin County and the perfect time to highlight all the incredible work our dispatch center staff does for our community.

The Gallatin County 911 annual report for 2022 highlights the activities and accomplishments of Gallatin County 911, operations, systems and records division last year.

The 2022 annual report shows that Gallatin County dispatchers processed 152,829 incoming calls, a 4.77% decrease from the previous year. However, the 2022 total was 1.22% higher than the five-year average of calls.

“We’ve seen several factors contribute to the decrease in calls being processed by our staff,” said Gallatin County 911 Director Tim Martindale. “Throughout the year, we’ve made an effort to educate the community on when to call 911 and when not to. We’ve also invested in the PulsePoint app to encourage the community to be part of our solution in responding to calls. Along those same lines, several of our law enforcement partners are investing in online reporting tools, this would directly contribute to the number of calls coming into our center going down.”

In addition to statistics on calls and 911’s budget, the report also highlights accomplishments of the staff, including launching an online records request portal, taking part in the implementation of a mobile mental health crisis team, lifesaver awards, and numerous trainings completed by staff.

“I could not be prouder of the commitment and excellence that our staff exudes,” Martindale said. “Like any organization, there are times where we fall short, but with this staff, we pick ourselves up, take ownership and move forward.”

Click here to see the entire report.

Gallatin County 911 continues to look for quality dispatchers. Click here to see our current job openings and apply to join our team.

In conjunction with National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, the Gallatin County Commission proclaimed April 9-15 as 911 Dispatcher Appreciation Week in our area.

“The Gallatin County Commission honors the staff of the Gallatin County 911 Dispatch Center for their service and sacrifice, which make all of the communities in our county better and safer places to live, work and play.”

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For immediate release: April 12, 2023

Media contact:
Eric Semerad, Gallatin County Clerk & Recorder, Election Administrator
406-582-3054
eric.semerad@gallatin.mt.gov

 

Ballots for School and Special Districts Election to be Mailed April 14

On Friday, April 14, ballots for the 2023 school and special districts election on May 2 in Gallatin County will be mailed to active registered voters in districts that are holding elections. This election is a mail ballot election, meaning there will be no polling places open on Election Day. 

Those districts include the following:

• Schools:
  • Anderson
  • Belgrade
  • Big Sky
  • Bozeman
  • Cottonwood
  • LaMotte
  • Malmborg
  • Manhattan
  • Monforton
  • Springhill
  • Three Forks
  • West Yellowstone
  • Willow Creek

• Special districts:
  • Gallatin Valley Urban Transportation District
  • Belgrade Regional Park, Trails & Recreation District Creation/Bond
  • Hebgen Basin Hospital District
  • Logan Water & Sewer District

In total, more than 63,600 ballots will be mailed. Voters can expect to start seeing their ballots in the mail by this weekend or early next week. Sample ballots can be found here.

For questions on specific school district ballot measures or candidates, please contact your school district directly.

As with all mail ballot elections, there is always an option to vote in-person at the Gallatin County Elections office, located in the Courthouse at 311 W. Main St., room 210 in Bozeman. In-person voting for this election begins today, April 12. If your ballot is destroyed, spoiled, lost, or not received, you may request a replacement ballot no later than 8 PM on Election Day.

Ballots must be received at the Gallatin County Elections office or a designated place of deposit by 8 PM on Election Day. Ballots may be returned by mail or in-person. If you’re mailing your ballot, mail it no later than Wednesday, April 25 to ensure it arrives at our office in time. Ballots postmarked on or before Election Day but received after Election Day cannot be accepted. You can check your ballot status at www.MyVoterPageMT.com. 

Places of deposit for this election are:

• Gallatin County Elections Office (311 W. Main St., room 210 in Bozeman)
• Monforton School District Office (6001 Monforton School Road, Bozeman)
• Belgrade City Hall – Finance Department (91 E. Central Ave., Belgrade)

Voters in any district can drop their ballots off at those locations. All three locations are open during regular business hours Monday through Friday until May 1, and then from 7 AM to 8 PM on Election Day on May 2.

Voter registration

Gallatin County is currently in the late registration period for the May 2 election. In order to register to vote or update your registration if you’ve moved or changed your name, you must appear in-person at the Gallatin County Elections office. 

You can do so now through Election Day. Please note there is one short registration closure from noon on May 1 until 7 AM on Election Day. It is then available until 8 PM on Election Day.

You can check your registration status at MyVoterPageMT.com.

If you have other questions, please contact our office at gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov or 406-582-3060. For more information, you can also visit www.GallatinVotes.com.

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Highline Canal Failure

The Highline Canal above Axtell Anceny Road near Gallatin Gateway has failed is several locations causing water to flow onto the roadway.  People are asked to stay clear of the area.

For immediate release: April 5, 2023

Media contact:
Patrick Lonergan, Gallatin County Chief of Emergency Management
406-548-0111
patrick@readygallatin.com

Gallatin County Residents Encouraged to Prepare for Spring Flood Season

As temperatures begin to rise and we move into spring, Gallatin County residents are encouraged to prepare for flooding season. 

According to the National Weather Service, Gallatin County will see temperatures increasing into the weekend and early into the week of April 10, both during the day and overnight. That could mean some minor flooding impacts around the county during that time. 

“We know we will see the valley snowpack melt in the coming days as we warm up. The unknown question is how much water will leave the snowpack and where it will go. Now is the time to make sure your property is prepared, you have a plan and are registered to receive emergency notifications.”

There are two things property owners can do NOW to minimize potential impacts of flooding in the coming weeks and months. 

Flood Insurance

Floods can happen anywhere – just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage. But unfortunately, most homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. 

Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings, the contents in a building, or both. It is a crucial tool to protect your most important financial assets – your home, your business, your possessions. 

If you feel your property is at risk of flooding, you may want to consider flood insurance. You do not have to live in a floodplain to get flooding insurance – any homeowner in the county can purchase a policy.

Flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period for the policy to take effect, so you can’t wait until flooding is imminent to get a policy. It will be too late.

Contact your insurance agency for policy information. There are insurance products available through the National Flood Insurance Program, as well as private insurers. 

Find more information at www.floodsmart.gov or csimt.gov/your-insurance/flood/. 

Keep it Flowing

Now is the time to prepare your property in order to minimize the potential effects of flooding.

The most prevalent cause of localized flooding are obstructed waterways that block the flow of water and cause it to go where you don’t want it. Now is the time to make sure ditches, culverts and other waterways on your property are clear of debris so we can keep as much water in them as possible. This can help you AND your neighbors limit the impacts of flooding in your area.

Now is also the time to develop your plan on how you will protect your property if you are affected by flooding later this spring. Once flooding occurs, the damage is done. So developing your plan now, and implementing it early, is critical to minimizing damage.

More information on flooding is available here.

Stay Informed

Make sure you’re receiving timely and critical flooding information about your area by signing up for the Community Notification System. 

With this system, our citizens can receive targeted notifications with urgent information in the event of things like flooding, law enforcement incidents, severe weather, road closures, wildfires, and much more.

You can personalize how you get those notifications (text, call, email, etc.) and identify addresses you want to be notified about.

To register for free, or to get a little more information on how the Community Notification System works, visit our website.

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From the Park County Coroners Office:

Michael L. Rogel died in an incident when involved with Bozeman Police Department Officers on April 3, 2023. The incident occurred at 259 Greenmore Court in Bozeman.  Michael L. Rogel was 39 years of age and was a resident of Bozeman. The incident is under investigation by the Montana Department of Justice Criminal Investigation Division, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and the Park County Coroner’s Office.

Park County Coroners Office

Albert C. Jenkins, Coroner

414 E. Callender St.

Livingston, MT 59047

406-222-2050