In the early morning hours of Friday, September 11, 2026, the Montana Highway Patrol, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Belgrade Police Department and Gallatin County Coroner’s Office investigated a fatal single vehicle rollover crash near the intersection of Frontage Road and Ali John Drive in Belgrade. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 49-year-old Rikki Cirignano of Rockland, Massachusetts, was traveling westbound on Frontage Road when the vehicle left the roadway and rolled. Rikki was pronounced deceased on scene. A passenger in the vehicle was transported to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.
Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Rikki Cirignano during this time.
In the late hours of Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the Montana Highway Patrol, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and Gallatin County Coroner’s Office investigated a fatal crash between a motorcyclist and an SUV that occurred near the intersection of Jackrabbit Lane and Durston Road near Four Corners. The driver of the motorcycle, identified as 76-year-old Dana Lentz of Three Forks, was traveling northbound on Jackrabbit Lane when an SUV traveling eastbound on Durston Road struck him as they crossed Jackrabbit Lane. Dana was transported to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries. Following the investigation, the driver of the SUV was arrested and held in the Gallatin County Detention Center on multiple charges.
Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dana Lentz during this time.
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) persist on different areas of Hebgen Reservoir. This could possibly be due to winds pushing algae from one side of the reservoir to the other. No matter the reason, please be aware there continues to be toxic algae present in these areas, and conditions seem to be changing from day to day. NorthWestern Energy is monitoring these blooms and will provide updates if additional restrictions are implemented for public safety.
In the early morning hours of Thursday, August 28, 2026, the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office along with Montana Highway Patrol investigated a fatal motor vehicle accident involving a single motor vehicle near Mile Marker 54 on Highway 191 in the Gallatin Canyon. A vehicle was traveling northbound on Highway 191 when it left the roadway and impacted a tree. The driver was transported to the Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. The driver was identified as 23-year-old Samuel Hale of Bozeman. Cause of death was determined to be blunt force injuries, and the manner was ruled accidental. Speed is suspected to have played a factor in the accident.
Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Samuel Hale during this time.
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) persist on different areas of Hebgen Reservoir. Currently, the toxin levels at Corey Springs area have increased, and that area is now closed for water-based activities because toxin levels are high. Closure signs will be posted at public access points in the Corey Springs area warning the public that toxic algae has been identified in the water, and that the area is closed to water-based activities.
The Rainbow Point shoreline also remains closed due to high toxin levels during regular sampling. The Yellowstone Holiday area toxins have dissipated, and it has been downgraded to a warning. Caution is still strongly encouraged wherever toxic algae is present.
When in doubt, stay out!You can’t tell for sure if an algal or cyanobacterial bloom is harmful just by looking at it. Protect yourself, your family, and your pets by not swimming in bodies of water that smell bad or look discolored. Children and pets are more likely to ingest HAB infested water because they spend most of their time wading in the shallow waters where algae can accumulateand they have less control over how much water they ingest.
A harmful algal bloom (HAB) has been detected in the Yellowstone Holiday area of Hebgen Reservoir, and that area is closed for water-based activities because toxin levels are high. Routine monitoring of Hebgen shows the water contains anatoxin-a, a toxin made by certain algae that can make people, pets, and livestock very sick. The latest sample results measured twice the closure threshold, so the shoreline is being closed. New samples will be taken on Monday, and the closure will be reevaluated once those results are available.
Closure signs will be posted at public access points in the Yellowstone Holiday area warning the public that toxic algae has been identified in the water in these areas, and that the area is closed to water-based activities.
Rainbow Point shoreline also remains closed due to increasing toxin levels during regular sampling. Corey Springs and Savage Bay have blooms that are being monitored for toxins, but levels remain low. Caution is still encouraged wherever toxic algae is present.
A harmful algal bloom (HAB) has been detected in the Rainbow Point area of Hebgen Reservoir, and that area is closed for water-based activities because toxin levels are high. Routine monitoring of Hebgen shows the water contains anatoxin-a, a toxin made by certain algae that can make people, pets, and livestock very sick. Other parts of the reservoir are also being monitored, but those areas currently have lower toxin levels and remain open.
Toxin exposure can occur in humans from recreational activities where water might be ingested such as swimming, wind surfing, jet skiing, and water skiing. Children and pets are more likely to ingest HAB infested water because they spend most of their time wading in the shallow waters where algae can accumulateand they have less control over how much water they ingest. Animals and livestock that drink large amounts of contaminated water, and pets that collect scum on their fur and then ingest it by licking, are at high risk of toxin exposure.
Bozeman, Mont. — The Hyalite Fire District proudly celebrated the graduation of its 2026 Spring Recruit Firefighter Academy during a ceremony held July 21 at the Cottonwood Fire Station. Surrounded by family, friends, and members of the department, nine new volunteer firefighters were recognized for successfully completing the rigorous training academy and beginning their service to the community.
The Hyalite Fire District’s Recruit Firefighter Academy follows the Montana State University Fire Services Training School Firefighter I curriculum and consists of more than 250 hours of hands-on training and practical skills evaluations. Upon successful completion of the academy, each graduate earned certification as a Firefighter I through the State of Montana and the National Pro Board. In addition, all graduates received certification as Wildland Firefighter II through the National Wildfire Coordinating group.
A highlight of the ceremony was the traditional badge pinning, during which family members and friends had the honor of pinning each graduate’s firefighter badge, symbolizing their commitment to public service and the support of those closest to them.
“The completion of this academy represents an extraordinary commitment of time, effort, and dedication,” said Hyalite Fire District Fire Chief Brian Nickolay. “These volunteers have invested hundreds of hours preparing to serve their community, and we are proud to welcome them to our department. Their willingness to answer the call strengthens our ability to protect the communities we serve.”
The new firefighters are now serving as volunteer members of the Hyalite Fire District and will respond to a wide range of emergencies, including structure fires, wildland fires, emergency medical incidents, motor vehicle crashes, and rescue calls.
The Hyalite Fire District extends its sincere congratulations to the graduates and thanks their families, instructors, and department members whose work and support made this accomplishment possible.
The Hyalite Fire District remains committed to providing professional emergency services through the dedication of highly trained volunteer firefighters who proudly serve the residents and visitors of the district and the surrounding area. Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter, please reach out to the Hyalite Fire District at 406-586-3770 or visit our website at hyalitefire.org.
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are present on Hebgen Reservoir in the Corey Springs area of the Grayling Arm. Routine monitoring of Hebgen has confirmed the presence of anatoxin-a which poses a risk to people, pets, and livestock.
Toxin exposure can occur in humans from recreational activities where water might be ingested such as swimming, wind surfing, jet skiing, and water skiing. Children and pets are more likely to ingest HAB infested water because they spend most of their time wading in the shallow waters where algae can accumulateand they have less control over how much water they ingest. Animals and livestock that drink large amounts of contaminated water, and pets that collect scum on their fur and then ingest it by licking, are at high risk of toxin exposure.
Media Release: 260714-01 Contact: Patrick Lonergan, (406) 548-0116
Gallatin County Conducting Test of Community Notification System
Gallatin County, MT – On July 31st Gallatin County Emergency Management will be testing the Community Notification System for registered users in Northern Gallatin County. Gallatin County has multiple approaches to disseminating emergency information, with community members registering in the Community Notification System providing us the highest accuracy and speed in targeting those directly affected by an incident. This test is an opportunity for the community to verify they are receiving notifications like they expect. As time goes on, people move and contact information changes which unfortunately sometimes leads to people not receiving important information they are expecting to receive.
The community is encouraged to log in and verify they have the correct contact information and locations they want to be alerted for. For individuals who may not already be registered, this is a great opportunity to spend 5 minutes to register in the Community Notification System and ensure they receive critical information that applies directly to them.
We are testing Gallatin County’s Community Notification System in Northern Gallatin County.
Community Members enrolling in the Gallatin County Community Notification System is one of the best tools we have to ensure individuals are accurately and promptly notified about incidents affecting locations they care about.
Friday, July 31, 2026 at 12:00 PM MST in Northern Gallatin County.
What this test will do
Verify registered users receive text based alerts on the devices they have chosen for Northern Gallatin County (everything North of the mouth of the Gallatin Canyon)
Messages will only be sent by text-based delivery methods (SMS, Everbridge App, Email).
What we are not doing for this test
Sending voice telephone calls.
Sending alerts to individuals who have not registered in the system.
Sending notifications via media releases, social media, etc.
What you will see
You will see the following text message through your subscribed text delivery methods at 12:00 pm on Friday, July 31, 2026.
This is a test of the Gallatin County Community Notification System for opt in users in Northern Gallatin County. This is a test, no emergency situation exists and no action is needed on your part. In a real emergency situation, messages will contain: 1) Name of the public safety agency sending the alert, 2) description of who the message applies to, 3) what the situation is, 4) what actions you are to take, and 5) where you can obtain more information. This test was only sent to text based devices.
What area will receive the test notification
The test message will be sent to registered users throughout Northern Gallatin County. To receive an alert for the test, you must have a location registered within the alerting area, or you must have the app installed and be located within the area at the time of the alert.
If you are registered, verify your contact information and registered locations are current.
Ensure your family and friends are all registered individually (don’t put multiple individual’s devices on one account).
Download the Everbridge App from your app store (choose the blue Everbridge app) and enable notifications for the app.
What should I do after the test
Nothing if you got alerted as expected.
If something did not work as you expected, give us a call at (406) 548-0111.
Community Notification System
The Gallatin County Community Notification System is the sole emergency alerting platform in our service area for all cities, towns and unincorporated areas, to include Montana State University. The platform is powered by Everbridge and allows for generation of alerts to opt in users, 911 telephone data, public source phone numbers, opt in incidents, wireless emergency alerts, emergency alert system and more.
