Gallatin Media Center

For immediate release: April 15, 2021

Beginning on November 16, 2020, a non-jury trial was held in the case of Daniels vs. Gallatin County. The case involved an accident on the East Frontage Road that occurred on January 12, 2017, when a County snow plow collided with Ms. Daniels’s car. On March 10, 2021, District Judge Rienne McElyea entered an Order finding that Gallatin County and its snowplow driver Rick Blackwood were negligent in causing the accident involving Ms. Daniels. Judge McElyea awarded damages to Ms. Daniels in the total amount of $12,410,016.11. In a subsequent order Judge McElyea reduced the award by $750,000.00 based on a prior payment made by the County to Ms. Daniels.

Gallatin County and Mr. Blackwood retained the Billings Law Firm of Halverson, Mahlen and Wright to represent them in proceedings related to the insurance applicable in the Daniels case. On April 5, 2021, the County and Mr. Blackwood filed a complaint in U.S. Federal District Court in Butte against the County’s insurance companies, Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company (ASIC) and OneBeacon Government Risks. The County’s Complaint includes allegations of bad faith and breach of contract related to ASIC’s insurance agreement with the County.

The following is taken from the Complaint against ASIC:

“ASIC did not effectuate prompt and fair settlement and protect Gallatin County and Blackwood through payment of its policy limits in exchange for a release for Gallatin County and Blackwood. . . ASIC refuses and continues to refuse to provide a basis for its failure to provide assurances that it will protect Gallatin County and its taxpayers in the event its appeal is unsuccessful and Gallatin County and Gallatin County taxpayers are left exposed to the judgment, attorney fees, costs, and interest, as well as any additional amounts the District Court orders.”

Media contacts:

Marty Lambert, Gallatin County Attorney
406-582-3745

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

For Immediate Release: April 15, 2021

The Gallatin City-County Health Department is saddened to announce that two more Gallatin County residents have passed away from complications due to COVID-19.

See the full press release here.

The Gallatin City-County Health Department Call Center is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer questions about COVID-19. Reach the Call Center by phone at 406-548-0123 or email at callcenter@readygallatin.com.

The most accurate local source of information remains the GCCHD website.

Find information on COVID-19 vaccines in Gallatin County here.

On April 13, 2021 at approximately 5:13 pm, Gallatin County Dispatch received a 911 call for a lost hiker on Sourdough Canyon Trail. The hiker had gone out on Sourdough Canyon Trail earlier in the day, and after a few wrong turns, had lost sight of the trail because it was snow covered. The hiker became disoriented and lost but was able to call 911.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue team members responded to the trailhead with ATV’s, side by sides, ground crews, search dog teams, and drones.  A Lifeflight helicopter crew assisted in the search before weather conditions deteriorated.  As darkness approached, and the drones were just about to turn back, they located a heat signature with their thermal camera.  Based on the information provided by the drone teams, 911 call, and a dog team following tracks, ground teams safely located the hiker nearing midnight.

After assessing for injuries on site, the hiker was escorted back to the trailhead where they were medically cleared by AMR personnel.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

On Sunday, April 11, 2021 at approximately 3:49 pm, the West Yellowstone Police Department dispatch center received a 911 call from an injured skier on the Rendezvous Ski Trail system just south of West Yellowstone. The skier had sustained a knee injury after a fall and was unable to ski out on their own.

Volunteers from Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone responded the scene on a tracked four wheeler and transported the skier safely back to town. The skier opted to travel back to Bozeman with companions for a medical evaluation.

For immediate release: April 8, 2021

Greater Gallatin United Way and the One Valley Community Foundation, who jointly raised and awarded over $500,000 for the Southwest Montana COVID-19 Relief Fund between March and August 2020, announced today that they will be continuing to fundraise for The Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund. This funding will provide support for the ongoing community needs resulting from the pandemic, remote learning pressures, and the economic slow-down.

See the full press release here.

Media contacts:

Danica Jamison, President & CEO of Greater Gallatin United Way
406-587-2194
danica@greatergallatinunitedway.org

Bridget Wilkinson, Executive Director of One Valley Community Foundation
406-587-6262
bridget@onevalley.org

For Immediate Release: April 8, 2021

The Gallatin City-County Health Department is saddened to announce that two more Gallatin County residents have passed away from complications due to COVID-19.

See the full press release here.

The Gallatin City-County Health Department Call Center is open Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer questions about COVID-19. Reach the Call Center by phone at 406-548-0123 or email at callcenter@readygallatin.com.

The most accurate local source of information remains the GCCHD website.

For immediate release: April 8, 2021

This morning, the westbound lanes of Interstate 90 were closed between Belgrade and Manhattan due to an incident. I-90 westbound is now re-opened, but currently only one lane. Please be careful when driving through the area. Thank you for your patience.

For immediate release: April 5, 2021

On Monday, April 5, the Gallatin City-County Board of Health made a number of changes to local emergency rules that are meant to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Gallatin County. 

See the full press release here.

The Gallatin City-County Health Department Call Center is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer questions about COVID-19. Reach the Call Center by phone at 406-548-0123 or email at callcenter@readygallatin.com.

The most accurate local source of information remains the GCCHD website. Find information on COVID-19 vaccines in Gallatin County here.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office has been receiving a number of calls regarding a letter the community has received from the Montana Sheriffs & Peace Officers Association.   Sheriff Dan Springer would like you to know that the M.S.P.O.A. is a legitimate organization that supports the important service our local law enforcement provides.  If you receive one of these letters, please consider supporting the M.S.P.O.A.

MSPOA Letter

On Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at approximately 5:53 pm, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue responded to a request for assistance from a hiker who had injured their ankle while descending the M Trail. The hiker sustained a severe injury and could not make it to the trailhead.

Volunteers responded and helped the hiker down the steep and unstable terrain using a one wheel litter. American Medical Response stabilized the patient and administered medication.  AMR subsequently transported the hiker to Bozeman Health Deaconess for further evaluation and treatment.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.