Gallatin Media Center

For immediate release: June 17, 2025 

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

Gallatin County Adopts Safe Streets for All Action Plan to Reduce Traffic Fatalities and Serious Injuries 

After more than a year of collaboration, research, and community engagement, the Gallatin County Commission has officially adopted the Gallatin County Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Action Plan. This milestone marks a major step toward reducing fatalities and serious injuries on county roadways. 

Gallatin County developed the Action Plan after being awarded a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All planning grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation. The county partnered with consulting firm Robert Peccia & Associates (RPA) to develop the plan. Adoption of this plan makes Gallatin County eligible to apply for future federal funding to implement the recommended safety projects and programs. 

“This is an important roadmap and requirement for accessing future grant dollars and an integral part of how we advance some of these big infrastructure projects that are ridiculously expensive,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Jennifer Boyer. 

The planning area for the SS4A Action Plan includes all of Gallatin County except the city limits of Bozeman and Belgrade, which are conducting their own SS4A planning efforts. The plan’s focus is on addressing serious crashes and working toward a goal of reducing roadway fatalities and serious injuries by 50% by 2034. 

Based on an in-depth review of five years of crash data, the plan identifies four key focus areas: 

• Run-off-the-road crashes 

• Intersection crashes 

• Driver age (younger and older drivers) 

• High-risk behaviors (speeding, impairment, distraction, lack of seatbelt use) 

To address these focus areas, the Action Plan recommends: 

• Several strategies that can be used to assist in the future identification, development, and implementation of specific projects in the county 

• 19 projects – infrastructure improvements to make roadways safer 

• 8 programs – ongoing initiatives such as crash data analysis and education campaigns 

• 4 policies – to improve operations and safety standards 

Throughout the planning process, Gallatin County engaged the public through surveys, interactive commenting maps, virtual open houses, and a Safety Summit with community leaders. This input helped shape the plan’s recommendations to reflect local priorities. 

Now that the plan is adopted, Gallatin County will pursue funding to begin implementing priority projects and programs, with the ultimate goal of achieving zero roadway fatalities in the future. 

Learn more and view the full plan here.

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For immediate release: June 10, 2025

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

Applications Open for Opioid Settlement Funds to Support Prevention and Recovery Efforts

The Gallatin County Metro Region, which includes Gallatin County and the City of Bozeman, is now accepting applications for funding through the Montana Opioid Abatement Trust (MOAT). Up to $757,886 is available for projects aimed at reducing the harms caused by opioid misuse and addiction.

The MOAT was created to receive and distribute national opioid settlement funds. These funds are dedicated to supporting prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives across Montana. The Gallatin County Metro Region Board will review local applications and request funding from the MOAT Advisory Board for projects selected for recommendation.

The Board plans to prioritize proposals that align with the Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition Strategic Plan, with a focus on evidence-based prevention, care coordination, warm handoffs, and connecting individuals and families to behavioral health and social services. Other proposals that align with the strategic plan will also be considered.

Proposals of up to two years in duration will be accepted. The total anticipated funding available in the second year is $430,204. These amounts include supplemental funds received via direct settlement disbursements to Gallatin County and the City of Bozeman.

Applications must be submitted online through the Montana Opioid Abatement Trust portal by 9 p.m. on August 15, 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit:
Grant portal
Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition Strategic plan
Eligible uses of funds

Questions regarding the application or review process should be addressed to Cola Rowley at Cola.Rowley@gallatin.mt.gov or 406-582-3047.

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For immediate release: June 5, 2025

Bozeman, MT – On June 4, 2025, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple other agencies, arrested Leodis Roach on a federal probation warrant issued out of Portland, Oregon. The arrest occurred near the North 19th Avenue exit of eastbound Interstate 90.

Details surrounding the arrest and subsequent investigation led to the apprehension of two of Roach’s associates: Jessie L. Brown and Jared Minard. Both are currently being held at the Gallatin County Detention Center.

The investigation is ongoing. No further information is available at this time.

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In the evening hours of Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office along with the Bozeman Police Department investigated a fatal incident involving a single person at the 19^th and Graf apartment homes hot tub, located at 3001 S 21^st Ave. The victim was identified as 48-year-old Justin Huggins of Bozeman. The investigation showed that Justin was in the apartment complex hot tub alone. Intoxication is suspected to have contributed to his death. Cause and manner of death are pending until autopsy results are available.

Sheriff Springer wishes to thank all the apartment residents that assisted in life saving efforts. He also would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Justin Huggins during this time.

CORRECTION: The previous version of this press release had the wrong day of the week listed for the event. The release has been corrected below. Apologies for the error!

For immediate release: June 4, 2024 

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

Public Invited to Gallatin County Justice Center Grand Opening Ceremony 

After years of collaboration, planning, and perseverance by community leaders, Gallatin County is proud to invite the public to celebrate the grand opening of the new Gallatin County Justice Center, a safe, efficient, and modern facility built to serve the people of our growing county. 

Join us Friday, June 20 at 3 PM at the Justice Center, located at 515 S. 16th Ave. in Bozeman, for a ribbon cutting ceremony, remarks from local officials, and guided tours of the building. 

“We owe the success of this project to multiple previous county administrations,” said Commissioner Scott MacFarlane. “Gallatin County leadership has fostered a deliberate conversation with the voters over multiple decades about our emerging need for a courts facility that keeps our employees and the public safe and meets the needs of a quickly growing community. We are grateful that the voters finally coalesced around this facility, which will serve our community for decades to come.” 

This milestone marks the culmination of years of effort by local officials and community stakeholders to replace the former Law and Justice Center, an aging, out-of-code former Catholic high school that had long outlived its usefulness. The building, purchased by the county in the 1980s, was not designed to support the responsibilities or the increasing demands of our justice system. It was too small, inefficient, and lacked basic safety standards. 

Recognizing the need for change, Gallatin County leaders and justice system partners worked through years of planning, difficult conversations, and even a few setbacks, including multiple failed bond measures, before aligning around a shared vision for safer, more efficient justice facilities. 

That vision ultimately took shape as a phased approach to relocating public safety and court services into spaces better suited to the county’s growing needs. Bozeman Police and Municipal Courts moved into the Bozeman Public Safety Center in 2022. Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office operations followed with a transition to a new facility in Four Corners in 2024. Other departments, including Victim Services and 911 Records, also found new homes, paving the way for the final piece: a permanent, purpose-built home for the courts. 

Construction began in the fall of 2022 and was completed earlier this year. The 67,000-square-foot Gallatin County Justice Center now houses: 

• Four District Court courtrooms 

• Two Justice Court courtrooms 

• Clerk of Court offices 

• Youth Court and Probation 

• A Standing Master’s office 

• The Self-Help Law Center 

• A large public community/jury assembly room 

• A dedicated Sheriff’s Office security post 

The $46 million Justice Center project was primarily funded by a $29 million bond approved by voters in 2021, with additional contributions from: 

• $4.8 million in county general fund money, made available through American Rescue Plan Act funds 

• $5 million in county savings 

• $3.7 million in bond premium funds 

• $3.5 million in financing 

This Justice Center is more than just a building. It represents a commitment by Gallatin County to uphold the law, protect public safety, and serve the community with integrity and fairness. It was made possible by the vision and persistence of local leaders, and by the support of voters who recognized the critical need for a facility that meets modern standards for justice and safety. 

We hope you’ll join us on June 20 to help celebrate this major achievement for Gallatin County. 

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For immediate release: June 4, 2024 

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

Public Invited to Gallatin County Justice Center Grand Opening Ceremony 

After years of collaboration, planning, and perseverance by community leaders, Gallatin County is proud to invite the public to celebrate the grand opening of the new Gallatin County Justice Center, a safe, efficient, and modern facility built to serve the people of our growing county. 

Join us Thursday, June 20 at 3 PM at the Justice Center, located at 515 S. 16th Ave. in Bozeman, for a ribbon cutting ceremony, remarks from local officials, and guided tours of the building. 

“We owe the success of this project to multiple previous county administrations,” said Commissioner Scott MacFarlane. “Gallatin County leadership has fostered a deliberate conversation with the voters over multiple decades about our emerging need for a courts facility that keeps our employees and the public safe and meets the needs of a quickly growing community. We are grateful that the voters finally coalesced around this facility, which will serve our community for decades to come.” 

This milestone marks the culmination of years of effort by local officials and community stakeholders to replace the former Law and Justice Center, an aging, out-of-code former Catholic high school that had long outlived its usefulness. The building, purchased by the county in the 1980s, was not designed to support the responsibilities or the increasing demands of our justice system. It was too small, inefficient, and lacked basic safety standards. 

Recognizing the need for change, Gallatin County leaders and justice system partners worked through years of planning, difficult conversations, and even a few setbacks, including multiple failed bond measures, before aligning around a shared vision for safer, more efficient justice facilities. 

That vision ultimately took shape as a phased approach to relocating public safety and court services into spaces better suited to the county’s growing needs. Bozeman Police and Municipal Courts moved into the Bozeman Public Safety Center in 2022. Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office operations followed with a transition to a new facility in Four Corners in 2024. Other departments, including Victim Services and 911 Records, also found new homes, paving the way for the final piece: a permanent, purpose-built home for the courts. 

Construction began in the fall of 2022 and was completed earlier this year. The 67,000-square-foot Gallatin County Justice Center now houses: 

• Four District Court courtrooms 

• Two Justice Court courtrooms 

• Clerk of Court offices 

• Youth Court and Probation 

• A Standing Master’s office 

• The Self-Help Law Center 

• A large public community/jury assembly room 

• A dedicated Sheriff’s Office security post 

The $46 million Justice Center project was primarily funded by a $29 million bond approved by voters in 2021, with additional contributions from: 

• $4.8 million in county general fund money, made available through American Rescue Plan Act funds 

• $5 million in county savings 

• $3.7 million in bond premium funds 

• $3.5 million in financing 

This Justice Center is more than just a building. It represents a commitment by Gallatin County to uphold the law, protect public safety, and serve the community with integrity and fairness. It was made possible by the vision and persistence of local leaders, and by the support of voters who recognized the critical need for a facility that meets modern standards for justice and safety. 

We hope you’ll join us on June 20 to help celebrate this major achievement for Gallatin County. 

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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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