Gallatin Media Center

For immediate release: June 3, 2025 

Media contact:
Steve Saunders, Gallatin County Weed Board Member
406-580-1027
weeddistrict@gallatin.mt.gov 

Gallatin County Landowner Honored for Outstanding Contribution to Noxious Weed Management 

Gallatin County is proud to recognize Mike Ellig, a landowner along the Gallatin River, for his outstanding dedication to noxious weed management. Ellig received the 2025 Gallatin County Outstanding Noxious Weed Management Award during the County Commission’s public meeting on June 3. 

“Every community in our state struggles with managing noxious weeds. It has negative impacts not only on agriculture but ecological processes and wildlife management. It is never-ending work,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Jennifer Boyer. “We are really excited this year to recognize Mike Ellig. I was particularly struck with the innovation and early-adopter mentality of doing proactive land management. It’s really great provide this recognition for countless hours and years of dedicated management.” 

The Gallatin County Weed District established this annual award to honor individuals and organizations who play a key role in protecting the region’s landscapes, agriculture, and ecosystems from the threat of noxious weeds. 

Award recipients are selected through a community nomination process reviewed by the Gallatin County Weed Board. After careful consideration of this year’s nominations, the board selected Ellig for his exceptional contributions to land stewardship. 

Jane Mangold, chair of the Gallatin County Weed Board, also noted Ellig’s use of new and innovative tools.  

“I think he exemplifies what it means to be a good neighbor,” Mangold said. 

Ellig was nominated by the Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) for his long-standing and multi-faceted approach to managing invasive plants on his property, which is permanently protected by a conservation easement. His efforts include chemical, mechanical, and holistic weed treatments, as well as significant personal investment in specialized equipment. 

“Mike hires on seasonal help and organizes group efforts to spray and pull weeds on his property each year. He has spent considerable resources purchasing and modifying equipment to best meet his needs over the years. And he is open and committed to trying new things,” wrote Kevn Grunewald of GVLT in his nomination. 

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Mike Ellig, holding the certificate, with Gallatin County Commissioners Scott MacFarlane, Jennifer Boyer, and Zach Brown at the June 3 commission meeting. Photo courtesy of Gallatin County.

For Immediate Release: May 29, 2025

The Gallatin City-County Health Department (GCCHD) has confirmed two additional cases of measles in Gallatin County. The first case, confirmed on May 23, 2025, involves an adult who was hospitalized and has since been released. The hospital followed all appropriate precautions to ensure proper isolation throughout their care. A second adult case was confirmed on May 28, 2025. The vaccination status of the first individual is unknown, and the second individual was fully vaccinated.

Click here to read the full press release.

For immediate release: May 29, 2025 

Media contact:
Sean O’Callaghan, Gallatin County Chief Planning Officer
406-582-3130
sean.ocallaghan@gallatin.mt.gov  

Gallatin County Seeks Public Input on Model Zoning Code for Affordable Housing 

Gallatin County is developing a model zoning code aimed at promoting affordable housing in areas identified as having the infrastructure to support new development. Community members are invited to participate in shaping this important initiative through a survey and two upcoming public workshops. 

The Model Zoning Code for Affordable Housing project is designed to increase or allow for affordable housing in parts of the county classified as urban and rural growth areas in the recently adopted Future Land Use Map. The model code will serve as a flexible framework that can be referenced to guide local zoning updates that support diverse and affordable housing options. Any changes to existing zoning or creation of new zoning regulations would involve subsequent public hearings, as required by state law.  

While the model code can be used in any designated urban or rural growth area, initial efforts are focused on Four Corners and the Gallatin Gateway community core, where public engagement will be concentrated. 

“This process is about understanding what quality, accessible affordable housing looks like, and how County zoning regulations can support or encourage it in new developments,” said Sean O’Callaghan, Gallatin County Chief Planning Officer. “This is a chance to shape how affordable housing fits into Gallatin County’s future. We hope residents will take the time to engage.” 

Community input is essential to the success of this project. Residents are encouraged to get involved in the following ways: 

• Take the Project Survey
  Visit the Envision Gallatin website to share your thoughts and priorities for affordable housing in Gallatin County. 

• Attend a Drop-In Workshop
  These in-person events are focused on the project’s target areas, but all county residents are welcome to attend: 

• June 17 in Four Corners at Monforton Elementary School Cafeteria (6001 Monforton School Rd.,) from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM 

• June 18 in Gallatin Gateway at the Community Center (145 Mill St.) from 11 AM – 1 PM 

Gallatin County wants to hear from residents about the unique character and needs of communities like Four Corners and Gallatin Gateway, housing types and zoning strategies that could support affordability, and concerns or impacts that should be addressed in the planning process 

This project builds on the Gallatin County Housing Strategy and Needs Assessment and recent Future Land Use Map. It reflects the county’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth and housing opportunities for all. 

To stay updated on this and other planning efforts, sign up for the Envision Gallatin email list by emailing envision@gallatin.mt.gov. 

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Update: Mr. Flowers is now home safe.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing/endangered elderly resident.

Alvin G. Flowers, an 82-year-old resident of Bozeman, was last seen at approximately 2:00 pm on May 27, 2025 at the 2700 block of E. Mendenhall, Bozeman, MT. From our investigation, it appears Mr. Flowers drove away from the family residence in a red 2000 GMC Jimmy. The GMC Jimmy bears Montana license plate 665322B.

Mr. Flowers is 5’11” with a thin build. It is unknown what clothing he is wearing. Mr. Flowers suffers from dementia and type 2 diabetes. Mr. Flowers does not have a cellphone with him. It is unknown where Mr. Flowers intended to travel to.

If anyone sees Alvin Flowers or the red 2000 GMC Jimmy (MT 665322B), please contact the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office immediately by calling 911 or by calling (406) 582-2100 x1.

For immediate release: May 21, 2025 

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

Municipal Candidate Filing Period Shortened Due to New State Law 

As a result of a new state law enacted earlier this month, the timeframe for filing as a candidate in the November 4 municipal election has been reduced. 

This fall, voters in Bozeman, Belgrade, Manhattan, Three Forks, and West Yellowstone will elect members to their city commissions and councils. A full list of available seats can be found here. 

Candidates interested in running for these municipal offices must file their paperwork during the new filing window, which opens on Tuesday, May 27, and closes at 5 PM on Wednesday, June 11. 

Filing forms are available here. Completed forms must be submitted to the Gallatin County Elections Office either in person or by mail. Please note that forms must be received by the office no later than 5 PM on June 11; postmarks will not be accepted. 

The Gallatin County Elections Office is located at:
311 W. Main St., Room 201
Bozeman, MT 59715 

Several candidates have already submitted their paperwork under the original filing window of April 17 through June 16. Those filings will still be accepted and remain valid under the new law. These individuals do not need to refile. 

Additional information for potential candidates can be found here. 

For questions, please contact the Gallatin County Elections Office at 406-582-3060 or gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov.  

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For immediate release: May 14, 2025

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

Selected for Jury Duty? Don’t Delay! Respond to Your Postcard Promptly

Have you received a jury duty postcard in the mail? You are not alone.

Gallatin County District Court and Justice Court have each selected new jury pools for their 2025–2026 jury terms. Approximately 8,500 residents were notified by District Court last week, and 4,500 residents selected by Justice Court will begin receiving notices this week. Names were randomly drawn from a combined list of registered voters, licensed drivers, and Montana ID card holders. 

District Court handles cases like felonies, larger civil cases, and family law matters. Justice Court handles small claims, misdemeanors and traffic violations outside city limits, and other limited-jurisdiction cases. 

If you received a postcard from either of these courts, here is what you need to know: 

You are not being summoned for a specific trial…yet. You have been identified as a potential juror for the upcoming year-long term. 

Respond promptly: 

• District Court recipients (white postcard) must complete their juror questionnaire within 10 days. 

• Justice Court recipients (blue postcard) must complete theirs within 7 days. 

Each postcard includes detailed instructions on how to complete your questionnaire, so be sure to read and follow those closely! 

And do not delay. Failure to respond on time may result in a personal visit from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office. This places unnecessary strain on law enforcement and can delay the judicial process for others. 

If you were selected by both courts, contact District Court and they can help remove you from one of the pools. 

Please note: There are several other courts in Gallatin County that maintain their own jury pools, including the courts in Bozeman, Belgrade, Manhattan, Three Forks, and West Yellowstone, as well as the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office. If you received a notice from one of these, please refer directly to that court for specific juror information. 

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For immediate release: May 13, 2025

Erin Taylor, Chair of the Gallatin County Mental Health Local Advisory Council
406-539-0365
erin.taylor@gallatin.mt.gov

Gallatin County Mental Health Local Advisory Council Hosting “Salons and Saloons” Outreach Event for Hospitality Workers

The Gallatin Mental Health Local Advisory Council is proud to host the second annual Salons and Saloons, a free community event designed specifically for individuals working in hospitality—servers, bartenders, hairstylists, baristas, estheticians, and more.  

Taking place on Monday, May 19 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Gallatin Labor Temple at 422 E. Mendenhall St. in Bozeman, this event aims to empower frontline workers with tools, knowledge, and connections to support patrons who may be experiencing mental health challenges.  

Attendees will hear from staff with the Gallatin Mobile Crisis Unit Team and The Help Center, as well as connect with representatives from local mental health organizations offering community support.  

Appetizers and beverages will be served.  

Whether you work behind a bar or a salon chair, this event is an opportunity to learn how to respond with confidence and compassion when someone needs help. 

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On May 6, 2025, multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Bozeman Police Department, and Montana Highway Patrol, were involved in a vehicle pursuit following a reported road rage incident involving a weapon.

At approximately 1:21 p.m., law enforcement responded to reports of a road rage incident in which a weapon was brandished. The suspect fled the scene, prompting a multi-agency pursuit. During the incident, a Bozeman Police vehicle was struck by the suspect’s vehicle. One officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and his K-9 was uninjured. One adult male is in custody.

The Bozeman Police Department has requested the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office investigate the matter. This is an active investigation; more details will be released later.

 

On May 3rd, 2025, at 6:32 p.m., Gallatin County 911 Dispatch received a call from an individual who was stranded on Baldy Mountain. The subject had attempted to travel from the Bridger Ridge trail toward the Sipes Canyon trailhead and encountered deep snow. After “post-holing” in waist deep snow in shorts and a t-shirt for a time, the subject had superficial injuries to the legs and was cold and exhausted.

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office deputies requested GCSSAR assistance to locate and assist the subject. The subject had adequate food, water, and cell phone battery, but no warm clothing. The determination was made that the safest course of action would be a helicopter rescue which would more quickly mitigate the risk of hypothermia and not require rescuers to risk their own safety while post-holing in the dark.

The subject remained in contact with rescuers via cell-phone and was able to regain the ridge, where they were picked up by the GCSSAR Heli Team and Central Copters Inc. and flown to the Search & Rescue facility at the Bozeman Fairgrounds. The subject did not require any further medical attention and was given a GCSO courtesy ride to their hotel.

Gallatin County Sheriff Daniel Springer would like to thank Central Copters and the SAR Heli team members who ensured a successful rescue. Furthermore, he would like to remind hikers that conditions at altitude are often not the same as at the trailhead, especially in the spring, so it is always a good idea to bring warm clothing and dress in layers. Finally, when pressed for time, a shortcut may seem like a good idea, but it is better to return by the known safe route you took to get there, as alternate routes may have unexpected hazards.

For immediate release: May 1, 2025

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to report that Helen Ayotte has been safely located.

Helen was found in Bozeman during a traffic stop conducted by Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office deputies. She is safe, and arrangements are now being made to support her ongoing safety and well-being.

We sincerely thank the Ayotte family and the community for their vigilance, cooperation, and support throughout this effort. Your help was instrumental in ensuring Helen’s safe return.

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