Gallatin Media Center

Media Release:  210310-01
Contact:  Patrick Lonergan, 406-548-0111

Spring Flooding – It’s Almost That Time

Bozeman, MT – As Gallatin County moves closer to spring, the risk of spring flooding increases.  While we can not predict if Gallatin County will see any flooding in 2021, we know that now is the time to prepare your property in order to minimize the the potential effect 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 and culverts on your property are clear of debris so we can keep as much water in them as possible.

Additionally, if you feel your property is at risk of flooding, you may want to consider flood insurance.  Flood damage is not covered by homeowners insurance.  Flood insurance has a 30 day waiting period for the policy to take effect, so you can not wait until flooding is imminent to get a policy.  Contact your insurance agency for policy information.

Now is also the time to develop a 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 a plan now, and implementing it early is critical to minimizing damage.

More information on flooding is available at:  https://www.readygallatin.com/community-resources/preparedness-information/flooding-in-gallatin-county/.

View the Keep It Flowing educational video at:  https://youtu.be/z_LtMhhyiqo

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For immediate release: March 9, 2021

A Texas man died in a skiing accident at Big Sky Resort on Friday, March, 5, 2021. Kirby Smith, 60, from Dallas, Texas, was skiing with his son at the time. He died from blunt force injuries to the head. He was wearing a helmet. The details of how the accident occurred are being investigated by Big Sky Ski Patrol.

For immediate release: March 9, 2021

On Friday, March 12, 2021, the Gallatin City-County Board of Health will hold a special meeting to consider amending a COVID-19 related local public health rule to allow for increased group size limitations for events and group gatherings in Gallatin County.

See the full press release here.

The Gallatin City-County Health Department Call Center is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for 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.

On Monday, March 8, 2021 at approximately 1:18 p.m., the Hebgen Basin Rural Fire Department received a complaint of an injured skier on the Rendezvous Ski Trail System approximately 3 miles south of West Yellowstone. The skier reportedly sustained a leg injury from a fall.

Volunteers from Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone, Custer Gallatin National Forest, and Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District responded to assist with the rescue. Rescuers were able to locate the injured skier with the help of the reporting party. The skier was suffering from a knee injury. Rescuers escorted the skier safely back to West Yellowstone where an assessment by Hebgen Basin Fire District personnel was performed.

On Monday, March 8, 2021 at 9:56 a.m., the West Yellowstone Police Department dispatch center received a 911 call reporting a snowmobile crash which had resulted in a possible broken leg. The 911 coordinates retrieved from the call indicated that the group was approximately 7 miles southwest of West Yellowstone on the Two Top trail system.

Volunteers from Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone, Custer Gallatin National Forest, and Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District responded to assist with the rescue. Rescuers located the injured snowmobiler, loaded them onto a specialized enclosed rescue sled, and transported them safely to West Yellowstone. The patient was then transported to the Big Sky Medical Center by a Hebgen Basin Fire District ambulance.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

On Sunday, March 7th, 2021 at approximately 3:50 pm, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue responded to a request for assistance from a snowmobiler who sustained injuries following a snowmobile crash in the area of Fairy Lake in the Bridger Mountains. The crash occurred approximately six miles up Fairy Lake Road. In the course of the crash, the snowmobile flipped over and landed on top of the rider, resulting in a leg injury.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers, along with Life Flight medical personnel, responded to the scene on snowmobiles to treat and evacuate the rider. Once the rider was stabilized and evacuated to the trailhead, they were transferred to American Medical Response (AMR) for transport to the hospital.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

On Friday, March 5, 2021 at approximately 2:40 pm, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone responded to a request for assistance from a skier on the Rendezvous Ski Trail System. The individual had taken a hard fall while skiing and suffered an injured shoulder.

Volunteers responded on a tracked 4-wheeler and were able to provide the injured skier a ride out to the trailhead. The patient was transferred over to the Hebgen Basin Fire Department EMS crew for further medical evaluation and a transport decision.

For immediate release: March 5, 2021

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer has selected a sheriff’s office captain to be his undersheriff.

This week, Jeremy Kopp was chosen to be the next undersheriff for the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

Undersheriff Kopp is a native Montanan who graduated from Anaconda Senior High School before beginning his career of service in the U.S. Army in 1994. That is where he found his professional calling in service to his country and later public service to his community with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

For the last ten years, Undersheriff Kopp has served the citizens of Gallatin County as a patrol deputy, coroner, crisis negotiator, sergeant of patrol and detective divisions, Search and Rescue Commander and, most recently, Captain of Patrol. He lives in the county with his wife of 25 years, who is a social worker, and two children who attend school in Three Forks.

“Jeremy’s leadership and experiences are his primary strengths,” said Sheriff Springer. “He has served this community as well as this country. He has the strength and courage to assist with the tough decisions that are inevitable in this position. He has exhibited an amazing work ethic and is always available to consult on issues pertaining to this office. I am excited to have him by my side as we work toward the future of the Sheriff’s office.”

“It is an incredible honor to be entrusted with the appointment of Undersheriff,” said Undersheriff Kopp. “I am excited for the opportunity to continue to serve the citizens of Gallatin County and work with our great staff in this capacity. It is a great time to be in public service in Gallatin County as we face many opportunities with our continued growth.”

 

For immediate release: March 5, 2021

Big Sky Country State Fair is pleased to announce their 2021-night show line-up, a mix of celebrated rap and country artists NELLY with special guest Carly Pearce will kick out the week, GRANGER SMITH with special guest Kolby Cooper on Thursday, we will round off the week with TRACE ADKINS with special guest Parmalee.

Click here for the full press release. 

Media contact:
Amanda Hartman
amanda.hartman@gallatin.mt.gov

For Immediate Release: March 4, 2021

The Gallatin City-County Health Department is saddened to announce that one more Gallatin County resident has 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.