Gallatin Media Center

For immediate release: Oct. 16, 2025 

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

Ballots for Nov. 4 Municipal Elections to be Mailed Oct. 17 

On Friday, Oct. 17, the Gallatin County Elections Department will begin mailing ballots for the Nov. 4, 2025 municipal elections to all active registered voters in cities and towns holding elections. 

This election will be conducted by mail only. No polling places open on Election Day.  

Municipal elections are being held in Bozeman, Belgrade, West Yellowstone, and the Belgrade School District. Only voters who reside within those boundaries will receive a ballot for this election. 

In total, more than 51,000 ballots will be mailed. Voters can expect ballots to arrive in mailboxes this weekend or early next week. Sample ballots are available at www.MyVoterPageMT.com.  

If you don’t receive your ballot by Wednesday, Oct. 22, contact the Gallatin County Elections Office right away to request a replacement or confirm your registration and eligibility.  

Voting Options 

Voters may return their ballots by mail or in person.  

If returning by mail, please send your ballot no later than Friday, Oct. 24 to ensure it arrives by the deadline. Ballots must be received, not postmarked, by 8 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4.  

In-person ballot drop-off is available at the following locations: 

• Gallatin County Elections Office – 311 W. Main St., room 210 in Bozeman  

• Belgrade City Hall – 91 E. Central Ave.  

• Belgrade School District Office – 312 N. Weaver St. 

• West Yellowstone Town Hall – 440 Yellowstone Ave.   

All locations are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours through Nov. 3, and from 7 AM to 8 PM on Election Day.  

Voters from any municipality may drop their ballots off at any of these sites.  

New Ballot Requirement 

A new Montana law (HB 719) now requires voters to include their birth year along with their signature when returning mail ballots. 

This year’s ballot includes a box for your four-digit birth year. 

If left blank, your ballot cannot be counted unless corrected by 5 PM on Nov. 5. The Elections Office will contact affected voters using information on file to help resolve this issue promptly.  

Track your ballot and check its status anytime at www.MyVoterPageMT.com.  

Voter Registration  

Gallatin County is currently in the late registration period for the Nov. 4 election.  

To register or update your registration (such as a name or address change), you must visit the Gallatin County Elections Office in person at the Gallatin County Courthouse, 311 W. Main St., Room 210 in Bozeman. Mailed or emailed registration cannot be accepted until after the election. 

Late registration is available through Election Day, except for a brief closure from noon on Monday, Nov. 3 until 7 AM on Election Day, when same-day registration resumes and continues until 8 PM.  

Check your registration status at www.MyVoterPageMT.com.   

If you have 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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For immediate release: Oct. 15, 2025

Media contact:
Scott Randall, Consultant Project Manager
406-447-5005
srandall@rpa-eng.com

Gallatin County Releases Draft Supplemental Safety Reports for Public Review

On June 17, 2025, the Gallatin County Commission adopted the County’s first Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Action Plan, marking a major milestone in efforts to improve transportation safety for all roadway users. The Action Plan identified four primary safety focus areas—run-off-the-road crashes, intersection crashes, high-risk behaviors, and driver age—and provided countywide strategies to reduce serious and fatal crashes. 

As a secondary phase to the Action Plan, the county has conducted a supplemental planning process to take a closer look at high-risk locations and community priorities identified during the Action Plan. Draft reports from this process are now available online for public review and comment through November 15, 2025 at GallatinCountySS4A.com. 

“This supplemental effort builds on the foundation of the Action Plan by diving deeper into specific corridors and safety issues where community concerns and crash data intersect,” said Scott Randall, Consultant Project Manager. “By taking the next step in planning for improvements at these priority locations, Gallatin County can prepare actionable projects that will be more competitive for future funding opportunities.” 

The draft reports address five focus areas: 

• Run-Off-the-Road Crashes: Field reviews were conducted at the county’s highest-risk curves to develop tailored countermeasures such as signing, delineation, vegetation clearing, and long-term realignment strategies. 

• Non-Motorist Safety: Projects from the county’s transportation plan were prioritized to help guide implementation of walking and biking facilities. The prioritization framework considered connectivity, anticipated demand, safety risk, and cost-effectiveness. 

• Love Lane / East Valley Center Road: An Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) was conducted to compare various alternatives to address safety and traffic needs. A roundabout was identified as the preferred long-term solution, with potential interim options also considered. 

• Baxter Lane Corridor: A planning-level assessment was conducted to examine the feasibility of expanding Baxter Lane to a three-lane cross-section with multimodal facilities. Short-term safety enhancements were also explored. 

• Gooch Hill Road Corridor: A detailed review of this high-crash corridor resulted in recommendations for curve treatments, intersection upgrades, and eventual partial corridor reconstruction to respond to growth. 

The public is encouraged to review the reports and share feedback by November 15, 2025. Comments will help refine recommendations before final adoption.  

About the SS4A Program 

The Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program is a nationwide initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Transportation to reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries. With its Action Plan adopted, Gallatin County is now eligible to pursue federal funding for implementing both countywide strategies and site-specific projects identified through supplemental planning. 

Share Feedback 

Feedback can be submitted at any time through the website or by contacting the consultant project manager, Scott Randall, via email at srandall@rpa-eng.com, by phone at 406-447-5005, or by mail at 3147 Saddle Drive, Helena, MT 59601. 

For more information or to review the draft reports, visit GallatinCountySS4A.com. 

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For immediate release: Oct. 14, 2025

Media contact:
Whitney Bermes, Gallatin County Communications Coordinator
46-595-8963 (cell)
whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov

Media Invitation: Gallatin County Wildfire Mitigation Crew Recognition Event

• Completed 42 home ignition zone projects, hosted four public education events, and conducted over 200 door-to-door outreach activities
• Supported wildfire response efforts on the Nixon Gulch and Elk Creek fires
• Participated in large fire incidents across four states, building valuable skills for our community
• Logged 7,464 total person hours across mitigation, fire response, and overtime activities

For Immediate Release: October 1, 2025

The Montana Clean Indoor Air Act was passed in 2005, and this year Montana has taken another important step to protect community health with the passage of Senate Bill 390 (SB 390). SB 390 expands the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act to include e-cigarettes and other vaping devices. This legislation closes a critical gap in the 20-year-old law, ensuring that residents and workers across the state are safeguarded from harmful exposure to e-cigarette aerosol in indoor public spaces and workplaces.

Read the full press release here. 

For immediate release: Sept. 25, 2025

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

New State Law Adjusts Recording Fees in Gallatin County

Starting Oct. 1, the fee to record a document with the Gallatin County Clerk & Recorder will increase to $20 for the first page and $10 for each additional page. This change is part of Montana House Bill 192, signed into law earlier this year. The current $8-per-page fee remains in effect until Sept. 30 at 5 PM.

The additional non-standard charge for recording a document that does not meet the standards for recorded documents in MCA 7-4-2636 will remain at $10 per document.

Fees for filed documents such as liens, right to liens, UCC’s, plats and surveys, etc. will also not be changing.

For questions, contact the Clerk & Recorder’s Office at 406-582-3050 or clerkandrecorder@gallatin.mt.gov.

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For immediate release: Sept. 15, 2025 

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

Gallatin County Offering Free Composting Workshops This Fall 

Gallatin County residents are invited to learn how to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost at a series of free community workshops this fall. 

The Gallatin Solid Waste Management District, in partnership with YES Compost and Happy Trash Can, will host seven composting workshops across the county from September 25 through October 16. 

These one-hour sessions will cover the basics of composting, including: 

• What materials can and cannot be composted 

• How to start and maintain a compost pile or bin 

• Benefits of composting for your garden and the environment 

• Local composting services and drop-off options 

“Composting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce household waste,” said Patty Howard, Recycling and Outreach Educator for the Gallatin Solid Waste Management District. “These workshops will help residents gain confidence in composting and take a big step toward sustainability at home.” 

Workshops are open to all community members, no registration required. 

Workshop Schedule: 

• Sept. 25: Gallatin Gateway Community Center, 145 Mill St. – 5 to 6 PM 

• Oct. 1: Manhattan Conservation District Meeting Room, 120 5th St. – 5:30 to 6:30 PM 

• Oct. 1: Big Sky Chapel, 510 Little Coyote Rd. – 5 to 6 PM 

• Oct. 4: West Yellowstone Povah Center, 10 S. Geyser St. – 2 to 3 PM 

• Oct. 7: Three Forks Library, 607 S. Main St. – 5 to 6 PM 

• Oct. 9: Belgrade Library, 205 E. Main St. – 6 to 7 PM 

• Oct. 16: Bozeman Library, 626 E. Main St. – 6 to 7 PM 

For questions or more information, contact Patty Howard at 406-582-2493 or patty.howard@gallatin.mt.gov. 

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For immediate release: Sept. 10, 2025

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating numerous reports of a phone scam in which callers pose as law enforcement officers. The scammers claim the recipient has an active warrant and instruct them to withdraw cash and convert it to Bitcoin to avoid arrest.

We want to remind our community that law enforcement will never call you to demand money or payment for a warrant, or request any form of cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin. Warrants are not resolved over the phone or through electronic payment apps.

If you receive a call of this nature, do not provide any personal information, withdraw cash or send any form of currency.

If you are unsure of the authenticity of a call you can end the call, look up the respective law enforcement agencies’ official phone number, and call them back.

If you receive one of these scam calls, you are encouraged to report the incident to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office at 406-582-2100 or your local law enforcement agency.

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On September 5th, 2025 at 5:00pm the Hyalite Fire District was dispatched for a report of a structure fire at the Hyalite Youth Camp located in Hyalite Canyon. Hyalite Fire responded as mutual aid due to the fire being located in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Crews arrived on scene to find a small utility building with smoke showing from the roof of the structure. The fire was not threatening any other structures although the threat of a wildfire is always a concern during wildfire season.  The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes of arrival. No injuries were reported. The structure house two propane generators and solar power equipment which suffered significant damage. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. The Hyalite Fire District was assisted by the City of Bozeman Fire Department and AMR ambulance. Other mutual aid resources were cancelled while responding. In all three structure engines, one water tenders, and two incident command vehicles, one sheriff deputy, and one ambulance responded. The Hyalite Fire District thanks our mutual partners for helping with this incident.

For immediate release: Sept. 8, 2025 

Media contact:
Meghan Hazer Alvarez, Gallatin County Community Development Manager
406-582-3130
meghan.hazeralvarez@gallatin.mt.gov 

Gallatin County Invites Public Input on Zoning Reform Options at Upcoming Hearings 

After listening to Gallatin County residents’ concerns and ideas about land use planning, local officials identified three potential zoning reform options for further investigation. Now, they are inviting the public for an update and the opportunity to weigh in once again. 

The Gallatin County Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6 PM, followed by a Gallatin County Commission hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 9 AM. Both hearings will take place in the Community Room of the Gallatin County Courthouse, 311 W. Main St., Bozeman, and will also be available via Zoom. Links for virtual participation are available on the Planning Department and County Commission websites. 

These hearings follow a series of community listening sessions held earlier this year, where residents shared their experiences, thoughts and frustrations with the county’s complex planning framework, which includes 22 separate zoning districts and leaves 74% of private land unzoned. Based on public feedback, the County Commission asked planning staff to give more detail on three of the eight options, while noting that the status quo already has enough detail and is still an option. 

At both hearings, planning staff will present findings from that research. At the Sept. 23 Planning Board hearing, perspectives from the Commission will be shared, along with public comment, and a discussion among members of the Planning Board.  On Oct. 21, the County Commission will consider the Planning Board’s discussion and any additional public testimony and determine whether to move forward with one of the proposed approaches. 

Community participation is highly encouraged. Residents can: 

• Provide verbal testimony at either hearing. 

• Submit written comments to the Gallatin County Planning Department, 311 W. Main St., Room 108, Bozeman, MT 59715. 

• Email questions or comments to envision@gallatin.mt.gov or call (406) 582-3130. 

For ADA accommodations, please contact the County ADA Coordinator at (406) 582-3007. 

This step is part of the county’s ongoing effort to create a more effective zoning system that reflects community priorities while addressing growth challenges. To learn more, view project resources, and sign up for updates, visit www.EnvisionGallatin.com. 

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On August 30th, 2025, at approximately 6:19 pm, Gallatin County 911 Dispatch received a call for the rescue of an injured hiker.  The hiker injured their leg while hiking up near the top of Beehive Basin Trail.  The hiker was unable to walk all the way back to the trailhead on the injured ankle.

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and GCSSAR Big Sky Team responded, deploying a hasty team of 4 into the field from the intersection of Upper Beehive Loop Road and North Fork Trail.  The GCSSAR team was able to successfully locate the injured hiker, load them onto a one-wheel stretcher, and transport them to the trailhead.  From there, the injured hiker was given a ride to their personal vehicle where a family member drove them home.

Sheriff Springer would like to remind hikers to always recreate with a friend or family member if possible and always carry warm clothing and plenty of food and water.  Accidents can happen, and having someone there to help you goes a long way in getting help quickly.