Gallatin Media Center

For immediate release: June 16, 2023

In the early morning hours of Monday, June 5, 2023, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a robbery at the Plaza Bar in Three Forks, Montana. Reports indicated that a subject entered the bar, sprayed the occupants with bear spray, stole money from behind the bar, and fled the scene in a vehicle. Witnesses described the offender as approximately 5 foot 8 inches with a light build wearing all black clothing. The vehicle was described as a light-colored hatchback SUV or van.

A total of eight people were treated for bear spray exposure. The investigation is ongoing at this time. Community members with information are encouraged to contact the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 406-582-2121. The establishment is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to a conviction of those responsible.

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For immediate release: June 8, 2023

Media contact:
Maureen Horton, Gallatin County Treasurer
406-582-3033
treasurer@gallatin.mt.gov

Gallatin County Motor Vehicle Offices in Bozeman, Belgrade to Temporarily Reduce Public Hours

Due to short staffing, the Gallatin County Motor Vehicle Department offices in Bozeman and Belgrade will temporarily reduce office hours to enable staff to maintain current workload.

Beginning Wednesday, June 14, the offices will be open to the public for the following hours during the work week:

• Bozeman office (Gallatin County Courthouse at 311 W. Main St.) – 10 AM to 5 PM
• Belgrade office (312 W. Main St., St. B-8) – 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM

While the offices will be closed to the public for a couple hours a day, staff will be on hand during those hours as it will allow them to catch up on paperwork.

The Gallatin County Motor Vehicle Department is responsible for titling, registration and collection of fees associated with motor vehicles in the county. Drivers’ licenses are handled by the state in a separate office.

Like many employers across the county, our Motor Vehicle Department is short staffed. The offices have a total of 16 positions but are currently down four people with another position reducing to half time soon.

Our motor vehicle offices are the highest trafficked of our county government offices, with more and more customers as our population continues growing. These reduced hours will provide breathing room for our current staff to handle their increased workloads.

We encourage residents to check our website to find information on options like online or mail-in renewals to save them a trip to our offices. We also have a live webcam for the lobby of the Bozeman office so residents can better plan their trips to the courthouse. And we are also going restart some of the programs that were great time-savers for businesses, residents, and staff during the pandemic. We will be announcing programs on the website as soon as they are available.

The reduced public office hours will remain in place until more staff hired. We will keep the public updated.

For information on job openings in the Motor Vehicle Department, and all other county departments, please visit www.governmentjobs.com/careers/gallatinmt. There you can see detailed job descriptions and apply today!

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For immediate release: June 5, 2023

Media contact:
Steve Saunders, Gallatin County Weed Board Member
406-580-1027
weeddistrict@gallatin.mt.gov

Gallatin County Weed District Seeking Nominations for Noxious Weed Management Award

To kick off Montana Noxious Weed Awareness Week, the Gallatin County Weed District announces the opening of nominations for an annual award recognizing area landowners for their work in controlling noxious weeds in our area.

Gallatin County would like to honor landowners and managers who do an exceptional job of controlling noxious weeds. These stewards are not only caring for their own land but are helping to protect the wild lands and local agriculture that make our county such a wonderful place to live.

The Weed District would like to celebrate these individuals or groups who are a vital part of noxious weed management in our county with the Gallatin County Outstanding Noxious Weed Management Award.

Last year’s inaugural award went to employees at Bridger Bowl Ski Area for their contributions to noxious weed management and their dedication to promoting healthy plant communities in Gallatin County.

If you know of a person or a group who has shown exceptional leadership in the management of noxious weeds on private land in Gallatin County, please nominate them for this award. 

Nominations will be reviewed by the Gallatin County Weed Board, who will pick the winner. The Gallatin County Commission and the Weed District will then recognize the winner at a public meeting in September.

To nominate someone, fill out this form or contact the Weed District to get a copy of the form. Nominations are due by July 31.

The Gallatin County Weed District is located at 903 N. Black Ave. in Bozeman. Staff can be reached at 406-582-3265 or weeddistrict@gallatin.mt.gov.

Information about the Outstanding Noxious Weed Management Award can also be found on our website.

More info on Montana Noxious Weed Awareness Week:

Montana Noxious Weed Awareness Week was established in 2021 as a way to highlight the invasive plants in our state that outcompete native grasses and wildflowers and can seriously impair wildlife habitat, agriculture and recreational opportunities.

Noxious Weed Awareness Week is observed the first full week of June. This year it will be celebrated June 4-10.

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PRESS RELEASE

Ross Pass Rescue

On May 30, 2023, at 3:57 pm, Gallatin County Dispatch received a phone call from a stranded hiker at the Ross Pass Junction. The hiker started their expedition at Fairy Lake and planned on traversing the Bridger Ridge. The hiker encountered deep snow, was not equipped for the conditions, and was becoming hypothermic.  The hiker had a charged cell phone and was able to send rescuers an exact location.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) members responded to the scene utilizing four wheelers and utility vehicles. The GCSSAR Heli Team was also deployed due to patent condition and terrain.  Using these resources volunteerswere able to successfully transport the hiker down the trail.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind the public this time of year can be challenging to anticipate changing backcountryweather conditions. Packing appropriate clothing and gear for the worst conditions one may encounter is a good practice for staying warm and dry.

For immediate release: May 30, 2023

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

Applicants Sought for Gallatin County Citizen Boards

Gallatin County is seeking applicants for open positions on numerous citizen boards. 

These volunteer boards work on topics like growth and land-use planning, strengthening our community’s mental health system, promoting historic preservation, preventing DUIs on our roads, and much more! The county’s citizen boards provide a great way for residents to get involved in local government. 

“When you serve on an advisory board, you serve the community in a meaningful way, providing support and direction on services and the future of our community,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Jennifer Boyer. “The experience provides insight into the operations of local government and decision making. It is not surprising that some of our most informed citizens are board members. Bringing your knowledge and passion to a board is one of the most generous ways you can serve our community. We are so grateful for people’s time, knowledge and dedication.”

To apply to any of these boards, fill out this application form. Completed forms can either be emailed to commission@gallatin.mt.gov or mailed to Commissioners’ Office at 311 W. Main St., room 306, Bozeman, MT 59715.

The Gallatin County Commission reviews applications and makes appointments at their regularly scheduled public meetings. 

For more information, please call 406-582-3000.

Belgrade City/County Planning Board

The Belgrade City-County Planning Board’s mission is to provide growth policy recommendations to the Belgrade City Council and the Gallatin County Commission that insure development is done properly in appropriate areas, that mitigate negative impacts, and that provide positive benefits for the residents of the City of Belgrade, Belgrade City-County Planning Jurisdiction, and Gallatin County.

The board is seeking a county rep to serve a term through March 2025.

Consolidated Board of Adjustment

The Consolidated Board of Adjustments makes decisions on zoning and development applications in “Part 2” zoning districts – Four Corners, Gallatin County/Bozeman Area “Donut”, Middle Cottonwood, North Gallatin Canyon, Reese Creek, and South Cottonwood Canyon. 

There are currently two vacancies on the board. Members must reside and own land in the Consolidated Board of Adjustments jurisdictional area within Gallatin County. No prior experience is needed. However, members must be able to work well with others and possess a general interest in the growth of Gallatin County.

Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 4 PM in the Gallatin County Courthouse.

DUI Task Force

The Gallatin County DUI Task Force is a citizens group appointed by the County Commissioners to develop and/or fund public education, awareness, and enforcement projects to reduce the number of alcohol and/or drug related crashes and deaths in Gallatin County.

The task force meets on the third Wednesday of odd numbered months at 5:30 PM.

Gallatin Drive Mosquito Control District

This board develops and administers a program for the abatement and alleviation of mosquito pest conditions within the district. There is one vacancy. 

Historic Preservation Board

The Historic Preservation Board promotes the preservation of historic and prehistoric sites, structures, objects, building and historic districts by addressing historic preservation issues at the county level and integrates historic preservation into local, state and federal planning and decision making processes, as well as identifies, evaluates and protects historic resources in Gallatin County. 

There are three vacancies. The board meets the third Monday of each month at 5:30 PM at the Gallatin County Courthouse.

Mental Health Local Advisory Council

The local advisory council is a coalition of community members interested in assessing, planning and strengthening public mental health services in our community. 

The council currently has two vacancies for members who are consumers or family members of consumers. The council meets on the second Monday of each month at the Gallatin County Courthouse. 

There are three vacancies.

Tax Appeal Board

The Gallatin County Tax Appeal Board hears taxpayers’ appeals from the Montana Department of Revenue’s property tax assessments, as well as attends meetings called by the Montana Tax Appeal Board. 

The board consists of up to seven members, however only three sit at each hearing. There is currently one vacancy. 

Three Forks City Zoning and Planning Board

The purpose of the Three Forks Zoning and Planning Board is to advise and assist the Three Forks City Council in promoting the orderly development of the city, and in improving the health, safety, convenience and welfare of the residents living within its jurisdictional area, to include the City of Three Forks and other districts as may be established from time to time.

This is a seven-member board, each serving staggered three-year terms, with representation from both city limits and those who live within the one-mile zoning jurisdiction outside of city limits.

There are currently two vacancies for members who live in the one-mile jurisdiction – one with a term ending Dec. 31, 2023 and one with a term ending on March 24, 2024.

Three Rivers Mosquito Control District

This board was created to develop and administer a program for the abatement and alleviation of mosquito pest conditions within the district.Term memberships are for three years. Anyone interested in serving on this board need only reside within the district.

There is one vacancy.

West Yellowstone TV District

This board of trustees does work in the West Yellowstone TV District that includes maintaining equipment such as transistors, amplifiers and antennas to produce stronger TV signals to the area.

There is one vacancy.

West Yellowstone/Hebgen Basin Refuse District #2

The area of the West Yellowstone/Hebgen Basin Solid Waste Management District includes the corporate limits of West Yellowstone and all of the area within the boundaries of the West Yellowstone School District.

There are currently two vacancies: one for a Town of West Yellowstone representative with a term ending January 2024, and one for a district resident with a term ending October 2024.

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Media contact:
Amanda Hartman
Amanda.hartman@gallatin.mt.gov

Bozeman, MT— Come make memories that will last a lifetime at The Big Sky Country State Fair where memories are made! The Big Sky Country State Fair is July 19th-23rd and tickers are on sale now! The Big Sky Country State Fair is offering seven amazing ticket packages to choose from. Don’t forget to buy early for HUGE savings! All pricing increases at midnight on Tuesday, July 18th and all other ticket packages are no longer available. The ticket packages include Online Fair Admission, Advance Weekly Pass, Date Pack, MyKiss Pack, Carnival Wrist Bands, Bozeman Ranch Rodeo Roundup (Grandstand seating only) and Hero’s Day.

Online Gate Admission prices are discounted to $7 senior (62+), $10 Adult, and $4 Youth (6-12), Children five an under are free.

Advance Weekly Pass includes a package of five tickets- one admission for each day of Fair, day specific.

Date Pack includes two, one-day-use carnival wristbands and two, one-day-use adult Fair admission. This may be used any day and save 25% off of on-site price.

MyKiss Pack includes one carnival wristband for Wednesday, July 19 ONLY from 1-6 pm and one, one-day-use adult Fair admission. Save 45% off of on-site price.

Carnival Wristband one-day-use either Wednesday-Saturday 1-11 pm and 1-6 pm Sunday. Save 20% off of on-site price.

Hero’s Day is FREE one-day-use adult Fair admission for all first responders, veterans, and military personnel with valid ID. Hero’s Day is Sunday, July 23rd only.

Bozeman Ranch Rodeo Roundup is a reserved grandstand ticket but does NOT include your gate admission. Standing room only is still available around the arena and is free with gate admission.

With a record amount of free stage entertainment, the fair will have multiple activities for family members to enjoy or participate in. Families can enter the Competitive Exhibits Competition, Arena Cross Racing, and the Barnyard Brawl! A few of the free stage entertainment includes the all-new Barnyard with the Petting Zoo, Barnyard Races and Agriculture Educational displays, Sea Lion Splash, Flores Thrill Show, Canine Stars, Ladybug and Butterfly Encounter, Chicago Dancing Honey Bears, John Cassidy Magic Show, an Escape Artist, and Hypnotist. Make sure you also enjoy the carnival, our brand-new food vendors, Monster Truck show, and three nights of concerts! Concerts include Flo Rida with DJ Kronick on July 19th, Gary Allan on July 20th, and Billy Currington with Matt Stell on July 21st.

All tickets are available to purchase at 406statefair.com

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The Big Sky Country State Fair is managed by the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, under direction of Gallatin County. The first fair – called Inter-State Fair – was held in 1902 and morphed over the years to its function today. The Fair serves citizens of the Gallatin Valley and regional visitors from agricultural, urban, rural and tourist backgrounds.

Download PDF version of release

CORRECTION: The previous version of the below press release had the incorrect age of the victim in the May 16 fatal accident on U.S. Highway 191. It has been corrected in the version below (see bolded red text). We apologize for the error.

For immediate release: May 18, 2023

On Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 6:22 PM, Gallatin County dispatch received a call regarding a motor vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 191 at mile marker 71 near the mouth of Gallatin Canyon. Reports indicated that multiple vehicles were involved, and injuries were present.

Law enforcement and medical personnel responded. 29-year-old Bozeman resident Deivin Roney Soto Baires was pronounced deceased at the scene. Multiple other involved individuals were transported to Bozeman Deaconess Regional Medical Center. All other involved parties are in stable condition.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the Montana Highway Patrol in the on-going investigation.

Sheriff Springer would like to express his condolences to Mr. Soto Baires’ family and friends and thank all of the first responders involved in this tragedy.

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For immediate release: May 18, 2023

On Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 6:22 PM, Gallatin County dispatch received a call regarding a motor vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 191 at mile marker 71 near the mouth of Gallatin Canyon. Reports indicated that multiple vehicles were involved, and injuries were present.

Law enforcement and medical personnel responded. 35-year-old Bozeman resident Deivin Roney Soto Baires was pronounced deceased at the scene. Multiple other involved individuals were transported to Bozeman Deaconess Regional Medical Center. All other involved parties are in stable condition.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the Montana Highway Patrol in the on-going investigation.

Sheriff Springer would like to express his condolences to Mr. Soto Baires’ family and friends and thank all of the first responders involved in this tragedy.

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For immediate release: May 17, 2023

Gallatin City-County Health Department Rescinds Closure Order and Institutes New Health Officer Order with Corrective Actions Required Prior to Dave’s Sushi Reopening  

See the full press release here.

For media, if you have follow-up questions, please submit them in writing to whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov.

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