Gallatin Media Center

For immediate release: Dec. 11, 2024

Media contact:
Scott Randall, Robert Peccia & Associates
srandall@rpa-hln.com
406-447-5005

Gallatin County Launches Virtual Open House for Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Action Plan

Gallatin County is excited to announce the launch of its Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Action Plan, a countywide initiative focused on improving transportation safety across rural areas and the urban-rural interface near Bozeman and Belgrade. As part of the planning process, Gallatin County is hosting a Virtual Open House from Friday, December 6 through Monday, January 5, inviting residents and stakeholders to provide valuable feedback and help shape the future of transportation safety in the region. 

The SS4A Action Plan will guide efforts to reduce fatalities and serious injuries from roadway crashes, with a focus on improving safety for all users—whether driving, biking, walking, or using other modes of transportation. The plan will specifically address challenges in rural areas while considering the connections between rural communities and nearby urban centers. 

“We want to make sure that Gallatin County’s streets are safe for everyone, and that means hearing from all segments of our community,” said Cola Rowley, Gallatin County Deputy Administrator and project manager for the SS4A Action Plan. “The input we gather through this open house will play a critical role in identifying safety priorities and shaping strategies for the roadways in our county.” 

Virtual Open House Details 

The Virtual Open House will feature informational materials, videos, surveys, and other interactive content that allow participants to share their thoughts on transportation safety concerns, priorities, and potential solutions. The online event is designed to be accessible and convenient, enabling residents to participate at their own pace during the 30-day period. 

Event Details: 

• What: Gallatin County Safe Streets for All Virtual Open House 

• When: Friday, December 6 – Monday, January 5 

• Where: GallatinCountySS4A.com 

The public is encouraged to explore the open house content, complete surveys, and submit comments or questions. The goal is to ensure that the SS4A Action Plan reflects the diverse needs and experiences of the community. 

A Collaborative Process 

The SS4A Action Plan is being developed with extensive community input and data analysis, including past crash statistics and input from public surveys and stakeholder meetings. In addition to feedback collected through the virtual open house, Gallatin County will host additional outreach events in the coming months as the plan progresses. 

“This open house is just the beginning of a collaborative process that will continue to evolve,” Rowley explained. “We are committed to making sure the plan addresses the most pressing safety issues and that everyone in Gallatin County has a chance to be heard.” 

About the Safe Streets for All Action Plan 

The Safe Streets for All (SS4A) initiative is part of a nationwide program aimed at reducing transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries. In 2023, Gallatin County was awarded funding to develop a comprehensive safety action plan (referred to as an “Action Plan”) identifying the most significant roadway safety concerns in the community as well as a set of projects and strategies to address identified safety issues. Action Plans are the foundation of the SS4A grant program. Once a community has an approved Action Plan in place, it is eligible to apply for additional funding to implement the plan’s projects and strategies. Eligible projects and strategies may be infrastructural, behavioral, and/or operational activities. 

The effort will build on the findings and recommendations of past planning efforts, such as the Greater Triangle Area Transportation Plan (GTATP) and the Triangle Area Trails Plan, which have already addressed multimodal transportation safety concerns. The SS4A Action Plan will focus on issues identified through these studies, as well as new trends that emerge throughout the planning process. These may include concerns related to single-vehicle run-off-the-road crashes, impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, or the safety of vulnerable road users. 

How to Submit Comments 

Feedback can be submitted at any time during the planning process, with comments and questions directed to the consultant project manager, Scott Randall, via email at srandall@rpa-hln.com, by phone at 406-447-5005, or by mail at 3147 Saddle Drive, Helena, MT 59601. 

The feedback gathered through this outreach will help guide the development of the SS4A Action Plan and inform specific projects and strategies aimed at improving transportation safety for all residents of Gallatin County. 

For more information about Gallatin County’s SS4A program or to access the Virtual Open House, please visit GallatinCountySS4A.com. 

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For immediate release: December 9, 2024 

Media Contact:
Alexa Morris, Gallatin County GIS Manager
406-582-3041
alexa.morris@gallatin.mt.gov 

Gallatin County GIS Releases Updated County Mapper 

Gallatin County’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department is excited to announce the release of its updated county mapper. The revamped tool offers an improved user experience with a host of new features and functionalities designed to benefit both the public and county staff. 

The updated county mapper boasts several enhancements, including: 

• Fast and Efficient Search Functionality: Users can quickly locate parcels, addresses, and other geographic data. 

• Embedded Links: Direct access to tax records and the Montana Cadastral system provides seamless navigation to related information. 

• Faster Loading Speeds: Improved performance ensures a smooth and time-efficient experience. 

• Map Toggles: Easily switch between different map layers to view property lines, zoning, floodplains, and more. 

• Measuring Tool: Measure distances and areas with precision using the built-in tool. 

• Clean Layout: The interface has been redesigned for intuitive use, making it easier than ever to find and interpret information. 

• Comprehensive Information: The mapper contains a wealth of data that is valuable for both public users and county staff. 

Gallatin County GIS is committed to ongoing improvements to the county mapper. Planned future updates include: 

• Direct Document Links: Access parcel-specific documents directly through the mapper. 

• PLAT Viewer: Visualize recorded plats for a deeper understanding of property layouts. 

• Updated Print Functionality: Enhanced printing options for maps and related data. 

• User Feedback Integration: Continued updates based on user input to meet evolving needs. 

Check out the updated county mapper at this link! To explore the tool and its new features, visit the site and take advantage of its enhanced functionality. 

For questions or feedback about the county mapper, please contact the Gallatin County GIS Department at 406-582-3049. 

About Gallatin County GIS 

The Gallatin County GIS Department is the hub of geospatial information for Gallatin County, serving as a vital resource for accurate, reliable and accessible spatial data and maps to serve all county residents. Our office is dedicated to providing accurate information to enhance decision-making, improve departmental operations, an facilitate sustainable development.  

The public can visit the GIS Department at its new location at the Judge Guenther Memorial Building, located at 1709 W. College St. in Bozeman. 

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For immediate release: Nov. 27, 2024 

Media contact:
Cola Rowley, Gallatin County Deputy County Administrator
406-582-3047
cola.rowley@gallatin.mt.gov 

Public Invited to Open House to Learn More About Hidden Creek Affordable Housing Project 

Gallatin County is making significant progress in developing the vacant land north of the Gallatin County Rest Home and south of Juniper Street. The proposed new neighborhood, Hidden Creek, will feature permanently affordable housing options, including apartments, rowhomes, and a parcel to remain under county ownership. 

Project Update
As part of its commitment to addressing the region’s housing needs, Gallatin County, in collaboration with United Housing Partners LLC (UHP) and the Human Resource Development Council, District IX (HRDC), has secured a major milestone for the Hidden Creek project. The Montana Board of Housing recently awarded the project a competitive 9% Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), which will provide essential funding to move the development forward. 

The Hidden Creek neighborhood will include: 

• 182 LIHTC apartments, providing affordable rental options for local residents. 

• 8 equity-restricted rowhomes for sale through a community land trust (CLT) to ensure long-term affordability. 

• A county-owned parcel for future use. 

Learn more about the LIHTC program here. 

The partnership is now finalizing site design and subdivision details, with plans to submit the formal site plan to the City of Bozeman in the near future. View the latest draft of the site plan here. 

Open House Invitation
To ensure transparency and engage with the community, Gallatin County invites the public, neighbors, and interested parties to a drop-in open house to learn more about the Hidden Creek neighborhood. 

Details 

• Who: Gallatin County, United Housing Partners, and HRDC 

• What: A drop-in informational open house to review the latest designs, ask questions, and share feedback on the Hidden Creek project. 

• When: Monday, December 2 (No formal presentation; visit during either session)
  Noon–1 PM
  7 PM–8 PM 

• Where: Gallatin County Courthouse, Community Room (Room 300)
  311 W. Main Street, Bozeman, MT 

This event provides an opportunity for the community to see the most up-to-date designs and participate in shaping a project aimed at addressing Bozeman’s critical housing needs. 

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For immediate release: Nov. 26, 2024 

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

Results of the Gallatin County Local Government Review Commission Race Recount

A recount of the Gallatin County local government study review commission race has affirmed the original election results while slightly narrowing the margin between the seventh- and eighth-place candidates. 

On Monday, Nov. 25, the Gallatin County Elections Office conducted a hand recount of all 71,027 ballots counted in the Nov. 5 federal election. The recount focused on the local government study commission race, where 22 candidates competed for seven seats on the nonpartisan commission. This commission is tasked with reviewing the county’s structure, powers, and service delivery and recommending potential changes. 

The recount was requested by candidate Rene Flynn, who finished eighth in the initial tally, trailing the seventh-place candidate, EJ Porth, by just 77 votes. Under Montana law, a recount is permitted for this race for when the margin of victory is within one-quarter of 1% of 1/7 of total votes cast for this race. 

After the recount, Porth’s final vote total stood at 15,029, while Flynn received 14,980 votes—a 49-vote difference. This outcome confirmed Porth’s election to the commission. 

Differences in votes counted by hand as compared to votes counted by tabulator machines can occur for a variety of reasons including a recount clerk’s interpretation of a voter’s intent, difference in resolution of questionable ballot or miscounting in the hand count.  

The recount was conducted at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds and involved over 140 paid staff and temporary election workers. The process, which lasted nine hours and 15 minutes, was overseen by the Gallatin County Commissioners, serving as the recount board. 

“This recount demonstrates the integrity and transparency of our election process,” said Gallatin County Elections Administrator Eric Semerad. “It’s crucial that voters have confidence in how their votes are counted and that candidates have the ability to verify results when the margins are so close.” 

Upcoming Recount for Montana House District 57

The Gallatin County Elections Office is preparing for another recount, this time for the Montana House District 57 race. That district overlaps with Park County, which will also conduct a recount of ballots cast in their portion of the district. Unofficial final results showed Democratic candidate Scott Rosenweig with a 20-vote lead over Republican candidate Marty Malone. 

Gallatin County’s recount of approximately 3,000 ballots is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m. in the Gallatin County Courthouse Community Room (311 W. Main St., Bozeman). Park County’s recount is being held on Wednesday, Nov. 27.  

For more information on recount procedures or upcoming election activities, please contact the Gallatin County Elections Office at gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov or 406-582-3060. 

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Photos courtesy of Gallatin County

For immediate release: Nov. 25, 2024

Each year, approximately 630 people die in Gallatin County. Of those who die, some people go unclaimed at the funeral home or coroner’s office for various reasons. Many attempts are made to find family, friends, or other individuals willing to make final arrangements for the unclaimed person. After arrangement attempts are exhausted, the unclaimed decedent is cremated, and the remains are stored at the funeral home or coroner’s office.

Over the years, many unclaimed urns have been stored at Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service and the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office. Both the Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service and the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office believe these people deserve to be respectfully laid to rest. The unclaimed urns will be buried at the Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bozeman on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 1:30 PM. A reading of the names and a prayer by the Gallatin County Chaplain will be performed graveside. This event will be open to the public.

The burial will include a total of 66 unclaimed urns of individuals who passed from 1922 to 2020. A list of 63 public names and the year of death for those being buried can be found below. Some names will not be included on the list. Those not named include people who request burial with these unclaimed urns, infants, and unidentified cremated remains delivered to the funeral home or coroner’s office. Included in the public list are five veterans (denoted by an asterisk) that will be honored and laid to rest in a separate ceremony at a later date. If you recognize any of these names, and Dokken-Nelson can verify a valid connection, you are welcome to retrieve your urn prior to the burial.

List of Names and Year of Death in Alphabetical Order

• Clark Allen (2010)
• Dagmar Arctander (1973)
• Carl Arctander (1973)
• Arthur Bartosch (1995)
• Frank Bimrose (1965)
• Marie Bimrose (1960)
• Mary Brehl (1929)
• Cheryl Brooks (2005)
• Walter Cattrell (1950)
• Dale Christensen* (1955)
• Melvin Clouse (2007)
• Katharine Cobb (1989)
• Beatrice Copeland (2003)
• George Covey (1981)
• Edrie Cronin (1969)
• George Cutler (1996)
• Arleen Danielson (2004)
• Sir Roderque Ellis (1944)
• Fred Fallet (1996)
• Charlotte Fillbach (2000)
• Fay Fisher (1987)
• Thomas Gilkerson (1968)
• Rose Hablow (1990)
• Frank Hahn (2016)
• Lawrence Harner (1975)
• Harriet Hunt (1959)
• Ruth Jespersen (1957)
• Larry Jones (2011)
• Marvin Jones* (1968)
• Blanche Landau (1948)
• Lilliam Laukala (1994)
• Steven Leffler (2004)
• Casilda Lenci (2008)
• Peter Longo (2020)
• Cora Loraine (1972)
• Fanny Loth (1953)
• Werner Lundin* (1994)
• Janet MacIver (1983)
• James Mantel (2009)
• Rebecca Mantel (2000)
• Gary Marks (2019)
• Alvina McManus (1981)
• Cavour McMillian* (1997)
• Evelyn Monroe (1991)
• Edward Morris* (1967)
• Joseph Myhre (2009)
• Stephen Nile (1981)
• Richard Panzloff (2006)
• Louise Poro (1990)
• Susan Quayle (2007)
• Anne Riddle (1978)
• Maybelle Rockefeller (1976)
• Mary Scott (1999)
• Viola Shivvers (1998)
• Margaret Smith (1989)
• William Smith (1999)
• James Stephens (2004)
• Diana Stover (1976)
• Corinne Taplin (1984)
• Minnie Thrasher (1960)
• Marjorie Vardalis (1981)
• Ruth Williamson (2006)
• Dorothy Young (1997)

A special thank you to the following:

• Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service for storing the urns, donating the outer burial container, and coordinating this effort.
• The City of Bozeman for donating the burial plot, opening, and closing of the grave site.
• Langhor’s Flowerland for donating the flower arrangements for the burial service.

For information about the graveside service or inquiries about the unclaimed urns, please contact Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service at 406-587-3184 or the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office at 406-582-2178.

– Dan Springer
Gallatin County Sheriff / Coroner

For immediate release: Nov. 22, 2024 

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

Candidate Requests Recount of Gallatin County Local Government Study Commission Election 

Gallatin County Elections Office will conduct a hand recount of the local government study commission race from the Nov. 5 federal election, following a request from a candidate. 

Election workers will review all 71,027 ballots cast in Gallatin County during this election to recount votes for the study commission race. The recount is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 25, starting at 8:30 AM in Exhibit Building No. 1 at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Bozeman. Gallatin County Commissioners will serve as the Recount Board, providing oversight for the process. The Recount Board will initially convene in the Community Room of the Gallatin County Courthouse at 8:30 AM and then immediately move the meeting to the Fairgrounds location. 

The race featured 22 candidates vying for seven positions on Gallatin County’s nonpartisan local government study commission. This commission will assess the county’s current structure, powers, and service delivery and propose any recommended changes. 

Candidate Rene Flynn, who finished eighth according to the unofficial final results, petitioned for the recount after trailing the seventh-place candidate, EJ Porth, by just 77 votes. Because the margin falls within one-quarter of 1% of the total votes cast for that race, Montana law allows for a recount. 

Candidates and their representatives are invited to observe the entire recount process. 

The cost of the recount will be covered by Gallatin County and is estimated to be about $17,000. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

BELGRADE, Mont.–On November 13, 2024 at approximately 4:14pm, Belgrade Police Officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Mantle Drive in Belgrade, for a disturbance of unknown circumstances.  It was reported that a male subject had barricaded himself in a garage with a firearm.  As officers approached, the subject discharged several shots forcing the officers to take cover. The male subject then ran from his location and was taken into custody without further incident. One officer sustained minor injuries during the apprehension, however this was not related to the shots fired.  Several persons were detained for investigative purposes as Detectives continued to investigate the matter.  One person remains in custody pending criminal charges.  As this investigation is active and on-going,  no further information can be released at this time.  Any witnesses are urged to contact the Belgrade Police Department Detective Division at 406-388-4262.

For immediate release: Nov. 12, 2024

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

Upcoming Gallatin County Future Land Use Map & Housing Strategy Adoption Hearings 

After nearly a year of collaborative planning, the Gallatin County Planning Department is excited to announce that the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) and Housing Strategy (HS) have entered the adoption phase. As these plans move forward, community members are encouraged to take part in the upcoming public meetings and share their input, helping shape the future of growth, development, and housing in Gallatin County.  

The County Growth Policy, adopted in 2021, set a vision to guide growth, development, and land use to protect quality of life and align with community goals. As a key action item in the Growth Policy’s “Implementation” chapter, the FLUM has been developed to fulfill this commitment. Proposed as an amendment to the Growth Policy, the FLUM offers a visual representation of how the written goals and policies are applied across Gallatin County. It will serve as a guide for future land use decisions and inform updates to the county’s regulations.  

Developed alongside the FLUM, the HS provides a menu of policy options for addressing the county’s affordable and attainable housing needs. While the FLUM is proposed as an amendment to the Growth Policy, the HS will be considered separately. However, the simultaneous development of these documents allowed for a cohesive approach, ensuring that insights from one plan informed the other. 

Both the FLUM and HS were shaped by public outreach. The first round of outreach in March 2024 helped inform the first drafts of the FLUM and HS. A second round of outreach in September 2024 gathered feedback on these drafts. Detailed summaries of both outreach efforts can be found on the Envision Gallatin project website. 

The adoption phase will span the next couple of months: 

• Planning Board hearing for FLUM: November 19 at 6 p.m. The Planning Board will review the FLUM and make recommendations to the County Commission. 

•  County Commission Hearing FLUM and the HS: November 26 at 9 a.m. The Commission will consider a resolution to adopt the HS, and a resolution indicating their intent to adopt the FLUM as an amendment to the Growth Policy.  

• County Commission Decision on FLUM Adoption: December 10 at 9 a.m. 

All hearings will be held at the Gallatin County Courthouse at 311 W. Main St. in the Community room on the third floor, with a virtual attendance option. Project materials, including how to participate virtually, will be posted publicly prior to each hearing on the Planning Board and Commission webpages. 

Public involvement has been key throughout the development of the FLUM and HS, and continued participation during the adoption phase is vital. Community members are encouraged to share their feedback during hearings. Verbal comments can be made at the hearings, and written comments are welcome before each meeting.  

Written public comment can be submitted to the Gallatin County Department of Planning and Community Development located in the County Courthouse at 311 W. Main Street, Room 108, Bozeman or to the project email, envision@gallatin.mt.gov  

For more information on the project and to review the latest drafts of the FLUM and HS, visit https://envisiongallatin.com. 

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For immediate release: Oct. 31, 2024

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer will be hosting a press conference to provide updates on the investigation into the homicide of Dustin Kjersem near Big Sky.

The press conference will be on Thursday, Oct. 31 at 3:30 PM MST in the community room of the Gallatin County Detention Center, located at 605 S. 16th Ave. in Bozeman (just behind the Law & Justice Center.) The press conference will also be streamed live and recorded on the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. 

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