Gallatin Media Center

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office would like to alert the public to a mail scam that has been reported by the Gallatin County Motor Vehicle Department.  Residents have received a mailing like the one posted, claiming to be from the “Vehicle Services Division,” that alleges a person’s vehicle coverage is about to expire and includes a “registration fee voucher” that looks similar to a check.   This is a SCAM and a sly way to get you on the phone to sell you something or gather your personal information. Do not respond to the letter! Our motor vehicle department does not send any such vouchers.

DMV SCAM LETTER

Sheriff/Coroner Dan Springer releases name of Big Sky Resort Victim

In the afternoon hours of Sunday, February 12, 2023, the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office investigated a skiing accident resulting in death at the Big Sky Resort. The victim was identified as 50-year-old Robin Soare of Phoenix AZ. Robin was skiing the Headwaters Bowl run and struck a tree, resulting in significant head trauma. Robin was transported to Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital where she died of her injuries. Robin’s cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma of the head and manner of death was determined to be accidental.

Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Robin Soare during this time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Beker Cuelho, Chief Deputy Coroner

PRESS RELEASE

WEST YELLOWSTONE SNOWMOBILE FATALITY

On Friday, March 3, 2023, at 12:17 pm, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue West Yellowstone volunteers, Custer Gallatin National Forest Service, Yellowstone National Park, and Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District personnel responded to a report of a snowmobiler who had struck a tree on the Two Top Trail, 6 miles west of West Yellowstone.

The snowmobiler, identified as Christopher Berg, was found deceased at the scene. The Gallatin County Coroner’s Office along with Custer Gallatin National Forest Service is conducting a full investigation into the incident. No foul play is suspected. Speed was found as a factor in the crash.

Sheriff/Coroner Dan Springer wishes to express his condolences to the family and friends of the victim in this tragic event.

 

March 1, 2023

Media contact:
Patrick Lonergan, Gallatin County Chief of Emergency Management and Fire
406-548-0116
patrick@readygallatin.com

 

Open Burning Season in Gallatin County Begins March 1

The open burning season in Gallatin County begins on Wednesday, March 1.

Open burning requires the purchase and activation of a burn permit, which can be obtained at www.gallatinburnpermits.com.

Permits can also be picked up in person at the following locations:

• Bozeman Fire Department – 34 N. Rouse Ave., Bozeman
• Central Valley Fire District – 215 Wings Way, Belgrade
• Gallatin County Treasurer’s Office – 311 W. Main St., room 103, Bozeman
• Three Forks Community Library – 607 S. Main St., Three Forks

Open burning season runs March 1 through Nov. 30 each year. Remember – ensure you are properly equipped to manage your fire. You are ultimately fiscally responsible for any escaped fires and the resulting damage.

Once you receive and activate your permit, check the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days, and stay aware of conditions as they may change throughout the day. And ensure you’re burning your debris in a cleared area away from overhead branches and wires.

When conditions are not favorable for burning, the fire chief for your area shut down open burning to reduce the potential of a fire to get out of control. You can always check the status of open burning in your fire district by visiting www.gallatinburnpermits.com.

One new feature this year, after numerous requests, is a readily available public map, which shows all of the activated permits on any given day in Gallatin County. Anyone (permit holder or not) can view the map by going to either www.gallatinburnpermits.com (map is towards the bottom of the page), or to the Gallatin County Emergency Management website, www.readygallatin.com, clicking on the “Burn Permits” button, and finding the map just below the list of fire districts and their open burning status.

Find more information about open burning, including what you’re allowed to burn, visit our website.

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In the evening hours of Friday, February 24, 2023, the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office along with the Bozeman Police Department investigated a sudden unexpected death occurring at a local gym. The victim was identified as 40-year-old Daniel “Danny” Johnson of Bozeman. Danny’s sudden death came as a shock to his family and friends. Danny was a pastor and elder of Grace Bible Church and spent much of his time contributing to his community. Danny’s cause of death was determined to be critical coronary artery atherosclerosis and the manner was natural.

Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Danny Johnson during this time.

 

PRESS RELEASE

Circle Mountain Rescue

On February 26, 2023, at 9:48 am, Gallatin County dispatch received a call from Madison County Sheriff’s Office requesting assistance for a rescue mission in the area of Circle Mountain for an individual who had fallen ill and was too exhausted to self-extricate.  Madison County had communication with the individual and was able to pass on coordinates and valuable information to Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue Big Sky Section, SAR Comms and Heli Team members responded to assist in getting the patient to medical care. Ground teams rode up Buck Ridge while the Heli Team flew directly to the area. The Heli Team was able to locate the patient, pick them up, and fly to a waiting Madison County Deputy for further assistance.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind winter recreationalist to travel with others when possible and be prepared for unexpected events when recreating. He also encourages recreationalists to have a fully charged cell phone or some other communication device in case of an emergency as the patient did in this case.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

PRESS RELEASE

Storm Castle Rescue

On February 19, 2023, at 6:24 pm, Gallatin County dispatch received a call for a stranded snowmobiler near Storm Castle.  The rider was alone and not able to free a snowmobile from a tree well in the darkness and heavy snow.  The stuck snowmobiler was using a GPS communication device to relay information via text messages.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the Valley Sky Section responded and deployed snowmobile teams. GCSSAR teams located the stranded snowmobiler and assisted in getting the snowmobile unstuck before all returned to the trailhead safely.  

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind recreationalists that traveling alone is a risk and being prepared by having a communication device can be extremely helpful if your adventures do not go as expected.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

For immediate release: Feb. 17, 2023

Media contact:
John Nielson, Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools
406-582-3090
john.nielson@gallatin.mt.gov

 

Gallatin County Hosting County Spelling Bee on Feb. 25

On Saturday, Feb. 25, 64 students from area schools will gather at the Museum of the Rockies to compete in the annual Gallatin County Spelling Bee. Officiated by Gallatin County officials and Longfellow Elementary School Librarian, Kristin Hopkins as pronouncer, the bee features the top spellers in grades 4-8 from more than 40 public and private schools, and homeschool households in Gallatin County. 

The contest begins at 9 AM in the Hager Auditorium and the public is invited to attend. Admission to the museum that day is free for Montana residents as part of the first Museum of the Rockies Montana Day.

One of the oldest academic competitions in the area, the Gallatin County Spelling Bee is the semifinals for students hoping to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Four contestants at the county bee will advance to the Treasurer State Spelling Bee in March, and one winner of the state bee will compete for $50,000 and other prizes at the National Bee in Washington, D.C. 

The 2023 Gallatin County Spelling Bee is coordinated by Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools John Nielson with support from local businesses that include the Country Bookshelf, the Museum of the Rockies, Sweet Peaks Ice Cream, and others. 

For more information, contact the Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools Office at 406-582-3090 or superintendentofschools@gallatin.mt.gov. 

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**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

*****ARREST MADE IN GALLATIN COUNTY SWATTING CALL****

On January 26, 2023, the Gallatin County 911 Dispatch Center received a non-emergency call of gunshots inside a residence during an altercation. Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the residence southwest of Belgrade. Responding deputies made contact with three occupants who were able to quickly confirm this was a false report.

It is another occurrence of a growing public safety concern commonly known as “swatting” where an anonymous caller falsely reports active killing or imminent killing of innocent civilians.  This call prompts law enforcement to respond in anticipation of encountering an act of active violence creating tense, confusing and dangerous situations with unwitting citizens and law enforcement.

On this occurrence, after determining no altercation had occurred and through subsequent investigation the male caller was identified as Ray Saldana Flores of Helena, Montana.  As the events Mr. Flores had described were consistent with felonious acts in the State of Montana, deputies obtained an arrest warrant for Mr. Flores for False Reports to Peace Officers (Felony).

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office in coordination with the Helena Police Department located Mr. Flores who was taken into custody on January 27, 2023. Mr. Flores’ phone was seized with the application of a Search Warrant where the cellular phone application was identified which was used to make the phone calls and texts using out of service phone numbers on the phone. Deputies were able to track Mr. Flores’ location during internet searches and activity placing him in Helena just before the non-emergency call was made.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to make it clear, False Reports to Peace Officers (Swatting Calls) put the general public at risk. Individuals who make false reports in Gallatin County will be arrested in accordance with their reports. Sheriff Springer would like to thank the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office for their cooperation in obtaining necessary warrants and the Helena Police Department for arresting the offender.

If you have information regarding swatting calls, please call 406-582-2100.  If successfully prosecuted, you may be eligible for a crime stoppers reward.

On February 14, 2023, at 6:37 am, Gallatin County dispatch received a call for a stranded ice climber in Hyalite Canyon near the Chisholm Campground. The climber was dressed for cold weather and had means of communication but needed help getting out due to a disabled vehicle and heavy snowfall.  

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section responded to the Lower Hyalite Trailhead and deployed two teams.  One team deployed on snowmobiles while the other deployed on a tracked side by side.  

The teams located the climber as well as a second stranded individual that needed help. Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers performed medical assessments and transported both parties out of Hyalite Canyon.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the stranded recreationalists for being dressed for the weather and having communication devices.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.