Gallatin Media Center

On 6/6/2024, at 7:25 pm, Gallatin County Dispatch received notification of a disoriented and exhausted hiker who was discovered by a good Samaritan near Mystic Lake Cabin.  The disoriented hiker was unable to hike out on her own due to exhaustion and falling darkness and did not have adequate supplies to spend the night.  The good Samaritan escorted the hiker to Mystic Lake cabin and waited with them for emergency responders.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the Valley section responded along with Gallatin County Sheriff’s Deputies. Using specialized off-road vehicles, GCSSAR volunteers were able to locate and access the hiker. After a medical evaluation, they were provided a ride to the trail head without further incident.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the good Samaritan for having adequate supplies and a communication plan while recreating in the back country. It is always a good idea to bring enough gear to potentially stay the night in the back country, even when just going for a short hike. After all, you may not need the equipment for yourself, but somebody else.

 

On June 5, 2024, at 3:55 pm, Gallatin County Search and Rescue was requested to assist a subject having a medical condition while on a horseback ride originating at a local ranch in the West Yellowstone area. The patient had history of a heart condition causing unhealthy heartbeats. During the trail-ride, a couple miles away from the ranch the subject felt like they were not going to be able to ride all the way out and requested assistance returning to the ranch.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the West Yellowstone Section responded to the ranch. Volunteers deployed a side by side off-highway vehicle, and as a backup, a one wheeled litter in case the OHV couldn’t negotiate the terrain. Fortunately, the volunteers were able to meet the subject with the OHV and drive them out to an awaiting ambulance at the ranch. The subject was assessed by ambulance personnel, and ultimately declined transport to the hospital for further evaluation.

Sheriff Springer would like to remind all who recreate in the backcountry with health limiting conditions that it is even more important to have a solid emergency plan and means of communication with emergency services. Furthermore, make sure you have enough medical supplies as well as warm clothing, food, and water on hand, not just for the duration of your trip, but in case you end up stranded or delayed.

On June 5th, 2024, at 8:36PM Gallatin County 911 Dispatch received a call from a group of rafters who had flipped their raft just south of “House Rock” on the Gallatin River, downstream from the Lava Lake trailhead on Highway 191. After the capsize, two of the party had made their way to the eastern bank of the river away from the highway and were stranded.  GCSSAR Volunteers from the Valley and Big Sky teams as well as Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to the scene.

The group of four rafters had successfully completed one run of the “Mad Mile” (a whitewater section of the Gallatin River) and decided to make a second run.  The second trip through the rapids began around 8:00 PM, and the group’s raft capsized shortly after navigating the “House Rock” rapids.  Two individuals made their way safely to the western shore, but two others found their way to the eastern shore and were stranded by fast-running water and the fact that they had lost their shoes in the river.

A team of three GSSAR volunteers made their way downstream on the east bank of the river from a bridge near Lava Lake trailhead.  The team met the stranded rafters, conducted medical evaluations, provided them with shoes, and guided them out to safety.

Sherrif Dan Springer would like to remind whitewater enthusiasts that early season waters can be more turbulent and difficult to navigate.  Whenever possible, it is beneficial to scout your intended float, noting hazards as well as possible escape/extraction routes.  Always wear a personal flotation device, and a helmet.  Finally, (as much as the river allows), have clothing and supplies appropriate not just for the float itself, but for self-extraction by land or a possibly long wait on the riverbank for rescue.

On June 4, 2024, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue was called to the Lava Lake Trailhead for three missing children. The children reportedly went missing off the Lava Lake Trail during a family hike. Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue began mobilizing resources including the Valley Section, Big Sky Section, Drones Team, Dogs Team, and a helicopter from Air Idaho. As the first Sheriff’s Deputy arrived on scene, the children returned to the trailhead.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind backcountry recreationalists to travel in groups for safety. Staying with a group prevents individuals from becoming separated and lost. In addition, groups of four or more recreationalists are significantly less likely to have a negative encounter with wildlife. If a member of a group is injured or disabled in the backcountry, someone can stay with the disabled party while two or more group members can return to cell service to call for help.

For immediate release: May 22, 2024 

Media contact:
Miranda Johnson, Clerk of Justice Court
406-582-2192
miranda.johnson@gallatin.mt.gov
 

Gallatin County Justice Court Sending Postcards to Potential Jurors for 2024-2025 Term 

This week, Gallatin County residents who have been selected to serve in the upcoming jury term for Gallatin County Justice Court will receive official notifications regarding their selection. These individuals are kindly asked to promptly complete a related questionnaire.  

Gallatin County Justice Court sent out roughly 4,500 notices this week to residents who were randomly chosen to be a part of Justice Court’s upcoming jury term which runs from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025.  

Names for this jury term pool were randomly drawn from a combined list of registered voters, licensed drivers and Montana ID card holders. 

Justice Court has two Justice of the Peace judges who handle misdemeanor criminal citations issued by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Montana Highway Patrol, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport police, and the Montana Department of Transportation. They are also responsible for seeing people making initial appearances on felony charges. The civil division handles orders of protection, landlord/tenant disputes, and contract disputes not exceeding $15,000.  

It’s important to note that recipients of these notifications are not being summoned for a specific jury trial at this time. Rather, they are being informed of their potential eligibility for jury duty during the year-long term.  

Within seven days of receiving the Justice Court postcard, recipients must complete a questionnaire by either: 

• Visiting the Justice Court website 
• Requesting a paper copy by calling 406-582-2191 or emailing justice@gallatin.mt.gov  

All jury service postcards include detailed instructions. 

It is essential for selected residents to promptly respond to these notices by completing the accompanying juror questionnaire within 7 days of receipt. Failure to do so may result in a personal visit from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, tasked with delivering questionnaires to non-responsive individuals. Such an undertaking places undue strain on our law enforcement resources, leading to potential delays in trials and impeding the timely administration of justice.   

Gallatin County District Court recently sent out similar notifications to prospective jurors selected for their 2024-2025 jury term. This is a separate court that handles primarily felony crimes, civil matters with over $15,000 in damages, domestic relations, juvenile, probate, mental health, water cases, and appeals from Justice Court, Municipal Court, and administrative agencies.  

Because names are randomly selected for each of these jury pools, there is a chance some residents may have been chosen for both. If you have been chosen for both courts, contact District Court and they will work with you to remove you from one of the jury pools.  

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For immediate release: May 22, 2024

A reminder to local media that the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a press conference today to discuss recent issues with wrong-way drivers on Interstate 90 and DUI enforcement heading into the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

The press conference will be on Wednesday, May 22 at 2:30 PM in the community room of the Gallatin County Detention Center, located at 605 S. 16th Ave. in Bozeman.  

The sheriff’s office will share historical data about the frequency of incidents involving wrong-way drivers on I-90, discuss root causes like impairment and traffic engineering challenges, and spotlight the collaborative efforts of local stakeholders to tackle these issues. 

Partners in this work include the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, Montana Department of Transportation, Belgrade Police Department, Bozeman Police Department, Manhattan Police Department, Gallatin County 911, the Gallatin County DUI Task Force, Montana Department of Criminal Investigation, M.A.D.D. DUI Impact Panels, Cedar Creek Integrated Health, Southwest Montana Prevention, and others. 

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For immediate release: May 17, 2024 

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office invites local media to a press conference next week to discuss recent issues of wrong-way drivers on Interstate 90, and DUI enforcement heading into the Memorial Day holiday weekend.  

The press conference will be on Wednesday, May 22 at 2:30 PM in the community room of the Gallatin County Detention Center, located at 605 S. 16th Ave. in Bozeman.  

The sheriff’s office will share historical data about the frequency of incidents involving wrong-way drivers on I-90, discuss root causes like impairment and traffic engineering challenges, and spotlight the collaborative efforts of local stakeholders to tackle these issues. 

Partners in this work include the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, Montana Department of Transportation, Gallatin County 911, the Gallatin County DUI Task Force, Belgrade Police Department, Bozeman Police Department, Manhattan Police Department, Montana Department of Criminal Investigation, the Gallatin City-County Health Department, Cedar Creek Integrated Health, Southwest Montana Prevention, and others. 

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A previous version of this press release did not include the exact location of the memorial highway dedication ceremony. It will be held at the intersection of Bridger Canyon Drive and Fairy Lake Road. The below version of the press release has been corrected to include that information.

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For immediate release: May 15, 2024

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office invites the public to the dedication of a memorial highway in Bridger Canyon to commemorate a deputy lost in the line of duty in 2019. 

The 2023 Montana Legislature established the Jacob Allmendinger Memorial Highway, which is on Bridger Canyon Drive (MT Hwy 86) from its intersection with Fairy Lake Road to its intersection with Brackett Creek Road. 

A public dedication of the memorial highway will take place on Monday, May 20 at 11:30 AM at the intersection of Bridger Canyon Drive and Fairy Lake Road.

Deputy Allmendinger was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 19, 2019 in a tragic motor vehicle accident while responding to a call for assistance near Fairy Lake.  

Allmendinger had been with the sheriff’s office since 2017. Prior to that, he worked as a 911 dispatcher with Gallatin County 911 for seven years and volunteered with Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue for eight years.  

Allmendinger left behind his wife Monica, their three children, and numerous family and friends.  

“Deputy Allmendinger’s courage, dedication, and sacrifice will forever be remembered as we dedicate this highway in his honor,” said Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer. “Let Jake’s memory also serve as a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by law enforcement across our nation, reminding us of their commitment to keep our communities safe.” 

For immediate release: May 15, 2024

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office invites the public to the dedication of a memorial highway in Bridger Canyon to commemorate a deputy lost in the line of duty in 2019. 

The 2023 Montana Legislature established the Jacob Allmendinger Memorial Highway, which is on Bridger Canyon Drive (MT Hwy 86) from its intersection with Fairy Lake Road to its intersection with Brackett Creek Road. 

A public dedication of the memorial highway will take place on Monday, May 20 at 11:30 AM at the intersection of Bridger Canyon Drive and Fairy Lake Road.

Deputy Allmendinger was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 19, 2019 in a tragic motor vehicle accident while responding to a call for assistance near Fairy Lake.  

Allmendinger had been with the sheriff’s office since 2017. Prior to that, he worked as a 911 dispatcher with Gallatin County 911 for seven years and volunteered with Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue for eight years.  

Allmendinger left behind his wife Monica, their three children, and numerous family and friends.  

“Deputy Allmendinger’s courage, dedication, and sacrifice will forever be remembered as we dedicate this highway in his honor,” said Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer. “Let Jake’s memory also serve as a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by law enforcement across our nation, reminding us of their commitment to keep our communities safe.” 

On May 11, 2024, at 8:04 AM, Gallatin County 911 Dispatch was notified of an overdue mountain biker/hiker, likely in the area of Hyalite Canyon who had been expected to return home the previous night.

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Deputies determined the man had left for a hike at approximately 9:00 AM on May 10th and had not been heard from since. Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue (GCSSAR) was dispatched to conduct a backcountry search and a short time later, the missing hiker’s vehicle was located in Hyalite Canyon.

GCSSAR Command deployed the SAR Communications Team, SAR K-9 Search Teams, SAR Drone Team, and a SAR Helicopter Team to the Hyalite area to search for the hiker. Searchers located possible tracks for the subject around 9:30 AM in the Palisade area of Hyalite Canyon and at 1:18 PM located the missing hiker walking out to the Hyalite Reservoir parking lot.  The hiker had been in the Palisade area when he suffered a fall. With dead cell phone batteries, and unable to walk out that night, the subject built a snow-cave shelter in order to survive a cold night.

GCSSAR conducted a medical evaluation of the hiker and determined he had suffered from cold exposure, possible head and back injuries, and was badly dehydrated. A paramedic unit with American Medical Response was dispatched to the area to transport the hiker to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center for further evaluation.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the hiker for utilizing wilderness survival skills while spending the night in the back country and would like to remind recreationalists to always carry sufficient food, water, cold weather gear and multiple means of communication to contact Search and Rescue if needed.