Gallatin Media Center

For immediate release: April 30, 2024 

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

Gallatin County Commission Approves Over $1 Million for Public Open Lands Projects 

Thirteen local projects aimed at enhancing parks, trails, and outdoor access just got a boost from Gallatin County. On Tuesday, April 29, the County Commission unanimously approved $1,099,016 in funding through the voter-approved Open Lands Program to support community-driven improvements across the region. 

The projects, which span Bozeman, Belgrade, Three Forks, West Yellowstone, Four Corners, Big Sky, Bridger Canyon, Gallatin Canyon, and beyond, will enhance trails, parks, river access, and public lands enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. 

Among the funded efforts is a new 6.25-mile natural surface mountain bike trail to be built in collaboration by the Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association/The Dirt Concern, Bridger Bowl, and Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. The $100,000 awarded by the county will help support phase one of the project. 

Other projects receiving funding include: 

• City of Bozeman – Construction of a splash pad at Story Mill Community Park – $100,000 

• Gallatin River Task Force – Parking improvements for Hebgen River Access – $100,000 

• City of Belgrade – Mayfair Meadows bike park construction – $100,000 

• Headwaters Trail System – Trail surface and pedestrian bridge maintenance – $100,000 

• Trout Unlimited – Mandeville Creek restoration – $90,000 

• Gallatin Valley Land Trust – Sunset Hills all-abilities trail enhancements – $100,000 

• HRDC – Construction of pedestrian pathway through the Gallatin County Rest Home site – $99,998 

• Monforton School Foundation – Monforton Elementary School playground restoration – $12,110 

• Downtown Business Partnership – Construction of the I-Ho Pomeroy Peace Park – $75,000 

• Bridger Ski Foundation – Winter trails grooming and enhancement – $100,000 

• Grow Wild – Weed management, trailhead signage, and firewise landscaping in Gallatin Canyon – $34,100 

• Gallatin County – Sypes Canyon trailhead improvements – $76,808 

“I’m very pleased that the slate of projects hits all corners of our community,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Jennifer Boyer. “This really reflects our community and the diversity of users and needs.” 

Funding for these projects comes from Gallatin County’s Open Space Levy, which voters approved in 2018. The levy is projected to generate over $4.36 million in 2025. While most of the funds support conservation easements for private landowners, the County Commission designated $1.09 million this year for “other eligible projects”—including land acquisition, capital improvements, and maintenance work that furthers the levy’s goals. 

This year, a record 19 project proposals were submitted, totaling over $1.5 million in funding requests. The Gallatin County Open Lands Board reviewed and scored each proposal before recommending the final slate of projects to the Commission. 

More information on the funded projects, including applications, scores, and supporting materials, is available on the Commission’s agenda. 

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Headwaters Trail System in Three Forks, photo courtesy of Gallatin County

 

Trailhead signage in Big Sky, courtesy of Grow Wild

Rendering of future I-Ho Pomeroy Peace Park in Bozeman, courtesy of Downtown Business Partnership:

Photo of Bridger Bowl courtesy of Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association/The Dirt Concern

 

 

For Immediate Release: April 29, 2025

The Gallatin City-County Health Department (GCCHD) has confirmed two additional measles cases among household members of previously identified cases in Gallatin County, bringing the total number of cases to seven. These individuals, who were not immunized against measles, were being monitored for symptoms while isolating at home.

Read the full press release here.

 

For immediate release: April 29, 2025

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Helen Ayotte, who has been reported as a runaway.

Helen was last seen on April 24, 2025, in Bozeman, Montana.

She is described as:

• Height: 5 feet 5 inches

• Weight: 100 pounds

• Eyes: Green

• Hair: Medium-length, dark brown

• Clothing: Black pants, white Nike shoes, a sweatshirt (possibly tan), and a black-and-white checkered Vans ballcap

• Vehicle: She may be traveling in a 2022 silver Nissan Kicks with Montana license plates

If you have any information about Helen’s whereabouts or see the vehicle described, please call the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office at 406-582-2100 or dial 911 immediately.

Your help can make the difference. Please help us bring Helen home safely.

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For immediate release: April 20, 2025

In a follow-up to an earlier release, law enforcement confirms that Travis Kamps, a 40-year-old resident of Belgrade, has been taken into custody and formally charged with felony theft following an incident that occurred this morning on Baker Street.

According to initial reports, at about 6:30 AM today, Kamps allegedly stole a vehicle from a residence while the owner was present. The vehicle owner witnessed the theft and pursued the suspect until Kamps abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. Witnesses reported that Kamps may have been in possession of a rifle at the time he fled.

A coordinated response involving the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Belgrade Police Department, and Montana Highway Patrol initiated an extensive search of the area. After several hours, Kamps was located on Countryside Lane and taken into custody without incident.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Belgrade Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol and the public for the help provided during this investigation.

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For immediate release: April 20, 2025

The suspect from this morning’s search in Belgrade has been taken into custody without incident. There is no ongoing threat to the community. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.

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For immediate release: April 20, 2025

In the early morning hours of Sunday, April 20, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a stolen vehicle. The suspect later abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, reportedly carrying what appeared to be a rifle.

Deputies are actively searching the area and have issued a shelter-in-place advisory for residents in the 2600 block of Amsterdam Road in Belgrade.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighing around 225 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a tan hat, blue jeans and a grey coat. He is believed to be armed with a rifle.

If you see someone matching this description or notice suspicious activity in the area, please call 911 immediately. Do not approach the suspect.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office will provide updates as new information becomes available.

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For immediate release: April 17, 2025

A fatal motor vehicle accident occurred on April 17, 2025, at approximately 5:50 p.m., on U.S. Highway 191 near mile marker 68, resulting in the death of Jozie Beth Hrenchir, 48, of Gallatin Gateway. 

The crash involved a pickup truck and a Big Sky Fire Department ambulance. Emergency personnel from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, Big Sky Fire Department, and Gallatin Gateway Fire responded to the scene. Ms. Hrenchir was pronounced deceased at the scene by first responders. Additional individuals involved in the incident were transported to a local hospital with minor or no injuries. 

Initial reports indicate that Hrenchir’s northbound vehicle drifted from its lane of travel into oncoming traffic, striking the southbound ambulance. 

At this time, it has not been determined whether speed, impairment, or other factors contributed to the crash. 

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy,” said Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer.

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For Immediate Release: April 17, 2025

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Gallatin City-County Health Department (GCCHD) are reporting Montana’s first cases of measles since 1990.

Click Here to read the full press release.

Media Contacts:

Jon Ebelt, Communications Director, DPHHS, (406) 444-0936
Holly Whaley, Communications Specialist, GCCHD (406) 579-4232

For immediate release: April 17, 2025

The Missouri River Drug Task Force (MRDTF), in coordination with local law enforcement agencies, detained multiple individuals in Bozeman on April 17 in connection with an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

A search warrant was executed at a residence in Bozeman on Tschache Lane near North 19th Avenue, resulting in the seizure of evidence related to illegal drug activity. Three individuals were taken into custody for suspected drug distribution and immigration violations, and Immigration Services has been notified. The individuals were directly linked to a drug trafficking investigation conducted last week in the same area.

No charges have been filed at this time, as further investigation is currently underway.

The Missouri River Drug Task Force focuses on identifying and holding accountable those responsible for bringing illegal drugs into our community. The task force urges community members to report any suspicious activity or information related to drug distribution by contacting local law enforcement or submitting tips anonymously online.

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For immediate release: April 17, 2025 

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

Ballots Mailing Friday for May 6 School and Special Districts Election 

On Friday, April 18, Gallatin County will mail ballots to eligible active registered voters in school and special districts holding elections this year. This is a mail ballot election, meaning no polling places will be open on Election Day, Tuesday, May 6. 

Voters who live in the following districts will receive ballots. If you do not live in one of these districts, you will not receive a ballot. 

Schools: 

• Amsterdam Elementary 

• Anderson Elementary 

• Belgrade 

• Bozeman 

• Big Sky 

• LaMotte Elementary 

• Monforton Elementary 

• Three Forks 

• Willow Creek 

• West Yellowstone 

Special Districts: 

• Big Sky Resort Tax District 

• Firelight Meadows County Water & Sewer (proposed) 

• Hebgen Basin Rural Resort Area & Tax District (proposed) 

Ballots should begin arriving in mailboxes over the weekend or early next week. If you don’t receive your ballot, or if it is damaged or destroyed, you can request a replacement through 8 PM on Election Day. 

Ballots must be received by the Gallatin County Elections Office or at a designated drop location by 8 PM on May 6. Postmarked ballots that arrive after Election Day cannot be counted. If you’re returning your ballot by mail, we recommend sending it no later than Friday, April 25 to ensure it arrives on time. You can also track your ballot and view your sample ballot by visiting www.MyVoterPageMT.com. 

Drop-off locations for this election are: 

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

• Belgrade School District administrative office
  312 N. Weaver St. 

• Big Sky Water & Sewer District office
  561 Little Coyote Rd. 

All locations are open during their regular weekday business hours through Monday, May 5. On Election Day, all three sites will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM for ballot drop-off. 

Voters who prefer to vote in person may do so at the Gallatin County Elections Office. 

For questions about specific school district candidates or ballot measures, please contact your school district directly. 

Voter Registration 

Gallatin County is currently in the late registration period. To register to vote or update your registration (such as a name or address change), you must do so in person at the Gallatin County Elections Office. 

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, through May 2. The office will also be open for registration and ballot issuance from 8 AM to noon on Monday, May 5, and 7 AM to 8 PM on Election Day. 

To check your voter registration status or find more information, visit www.MyVoterPageMT.com. For other questions, contact the Elections Office at gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov or 406-582-3060, or visit www.GallatinVotes.com. 

 

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