Gallatin Media Center – Page 23 – Interagency Public Information

Statement from the Belgrade Police Department and Belgrade School District

For Immediate Release:

Please see the following information from our partners at the Belgrade School District:

“Dear Belgrade Families,

We wanted to let you know that we are aware of rumors that there might be an incident at a school today, Friday September 15, 2023.

Our administrators and the Belgrade Police work collaboratively when issues like this arise, and would notify you if we felt there were any security concerns. There will be a precautionary police presence at the schools today, and we are continuing our work with the police department to follow up.”

We would like to add that we have been working on this issue diligently throughout the night and are continuing to follow up on the matter. At this time, we have not uncovered any reliable information which would add to the credibility of these rumors. As a strictly precautionary measure, there will be increased police presence at our schools today, so that our students and families feel safe, and to send a clear message that such rumors are not tolerated. We take these matters extremely seriously as student safety is paramount. As always, we would like to thank our partners at the school district for their cooperation and dedication to our students. We would also like to thank those who brought this information to our attention.

September 15, 2023 7:53 am
9.13.23 Kirkwood Ridge Rescue

PRESS RELEASE

INJURED HUNTER KIRKWOOD TRAIL

On Wednesday September 13, 2023, at 11:54 a.m. the West Yellowstone Police Department Dispatch center received a call regarding a hunter who had fallen and suffered a broken ankle in the area of Kirkwood Ridge, 11 miles northwest of West Yellowstone.

Volunteers from Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone, Hebgen Basin Rural Fire Department and West Yellowstone Police Department responded to assist with the search.

Due to the steep, rugged terrain, the SAR Heli Team was deployed to the scene to deliver the hunter to a waiting Hebgen Basin Ambulance. The hunter was ultimately transported to the Madison Valley Medical Center in Ennis for further treatment.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the hunter’s companions who immediately recognized the need for help and remained on scene to assist with the hunter’s needs. A special thanks to the helicopter team who battled severe inclement weather to quickly and efficiently extract the hunter from the backcountry.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

September 14, 2023 8:17 am
9.12.23 Ousel Falls Rescue

PRESS RELEASE

Ousel Falls Trail Rescue

On September 12, 2023, at 12:03 pm, Gallatin County Dispatch received a report of a person who was hiking Ousel Falls Trail and became dizzy, sweaty, and was possibly having a heart attack.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue Big Sky Section volunteers, Big Sky Fire Department and a Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the patient’s location. The hiker was alert when rescuers arrived but could not walk out on their own. A one-wheel litter was utilized to transport the patient to the awaiting Big Sky Fire ambulance where they were then taken to the next level of care.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind individuals the importance of having a means of communication in case of emergencies, even when going on relatively easy outings. He would also like to commend the hikers for realizing the situation could be serious and quickly calling for help, which allowed first responders to be with the patient 13 minutes after the call was placed.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

September 13, 2023 11:14 am
9.8.23 Yellow Mule Trail Rescue

PRESS RELEASE

Yellow Mule Trail Rescue

On September 8, 2023 at 1:47pm Madison County Dispatch received a 911 call from a hunting party where an individual had been attacked by a grizzly bear while tracking a deer. The caller indicated that one of the individuals in their party was in need of immediate medical treatment near Yellow Mule Trail, outside of Big Sky, MT. Due to the location, Madison County requested help from Gallatin County.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the Big Sky Section and Heli Team, Montana Fish & Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers, US Forest Service Law Enforcement, Life Flight HelicopterTeam, and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Deputies, responded to the request for aid. The GCSSAR team members along with law enforcement arrived on scene of the attack then quickly transported the patient to Life Flight Helicopter waiting at a nearby helicopter pad. The patient ultimately was taken to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center for further evaluation.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind hunters that having a plan for contingencies along with being able to call for aid is crucial in the backcountry.

The Yellow Mule Trails along with all access to Buck Ridge Trail have been closed by USFS Law Enforcement until further notice. Please check with USFS for updates on the closure.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

September 9, 2023 9:01 am
Gallatin County Hosting Community Job Fair Featuring More Than 30 Employers

For immediate release: September 6, 2023

Media contact:
Michelle Bossert, Gallatin County Chief Human Resources Officer
michell.bossert@gallatin.mt.gov
406-582-3046

Gallatin County Hosting Community Job Fair Featuring More Than 30 Employers

Please join Gallatin County at our community job fair, featuring more than 30 employers from across the area!

The Gallatin County Job Fair will be on Tuesday, September 12 from 12-6 PM at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Exhibit Buildings #2 and #3. It’s FREE and open to everyone in our community!

This event offers job-seekers a unique chance to connect with numerous employers from various industries in one place. You will have access to a diverse range of job opportunities with the county’s top local employers and the chance to make a strong, in-person impression. You can find your dream job or one that helps you take the next step in your career. You can also network with area professionals, expand your career connections, and build valuable relationships.

Employers confirmed to be on hand include:

Gallatin County, City of Bozeman, Montana State University, Belgrade School District, Town Pump, Montana Highway Patrol, Best Practice Medicine, PJ’s Plumbing & Heating, First Security Bank, Highline Partners, Vocational Rehab, the Producer Partnership, Bozeman Job Service, Express Employment Professionals, Big Sky Staffing, the Springs Living, Bozeman Health, Smith’s Food & Drug Store, Lehrkind’s, Bridger Bowl, Easton Companies, Community Food Co-op, Lowe’s, AWARE, Big Sky Land Management, Transportation Security Administration, Element Bozeman, Reach, Inc., McDonald’s, U.S. Forest Service, Treasure State Restoration, Montage Big Sky, Gallatin Valley YMC, First Student, and more!

Food trucks will also be on site so you can grab a bite while you browse the career opportunities Gallatin County has to offer!

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September 6, 2023 10:35 am
9.1.23 North Fork Trail Rescue

PRESS RELEASE

North Fork Trail Rescue

On September 1, 2023 at 11:43am Gallatin County Dispatch received a 911 call from a 3rd party that had been notified of a medical emergency via a Garmin InReach. The caller indicated that one of the individuals in their party was having a medical issue while on a hike on the North Fork Trail, outside of Big Sky, MT.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the Big Sky Section, as well as Big Sky Fire Department (BSFD) responded to the request for aid. GCSSAR team members responded in a side by side to the patient a few miles up the trail, transported the patient to a BSFD ambulance waiting at the trailhead, and the patient was taken to Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center for evaluation.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind recreationalists that having a plan for contingencies along with being able to call for aid is crucial in the backcountry.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

September 2, 2023 6:49 am
8.31.23 Baldy Mountain Rescue

PRESS RELEASE

Baldy Mountain Rescue

On August 31^st, 2023, at 9:36 pm, Gallatin County Dispatch received a 911 call from two hikers near Baldy Mountain in the Bridger Range. According to the caller, they had started at Fairy Lake early in the day, and one of the hikers had become extremely exhausted and both hikers were out of food and water. The party was unable to hike down, and with darkness setting in they requested search and rescue.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the Valley Section, as well as a helicopter from Billings Clinic MedFlight responded to the request. A hasty team hiked in from the M Trailhead and was able to access the party on foot where they assessed the patient and treated them for exhaustion and cold exposure. A second ground team used side by sides from Bridger Bowl, then hiked South to bring additional gear to the patient. The ground team was ultimately able to locate a landing zone for Billings MedFlight near the hikers. The patient was then assessed by a flight nurse, however due to weather, Billings MedFlight was unable to transport the patient. The party was assisted down the mountain by GCSSAR personnel throughout the night, but ultimately at daylight, they were flown off the mountain with the GCSSAR Heli Team.

Sheriff Springer would like to remind back country enthusiasts that even a day hike can go wrong quickly. Having enough gear to spend the night if necessary, as well as appropriate gear for the conditions and a way to communicate can greatly increase your chances when things go bad. Sheriff Springer would also like to thank the Valley Section, Heli Team, Comms Team, and Billings MedFlight for their exceptional work on a long and difficult rescue.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

September 1, 2023 9:28 am
8-31-23: Sheriff/Coroner Dan Springer Releases Cause and Manner of Death of Victim Related to Food Borne Illness Outbreak

For immediate release: August 31, 2023

On Saturday, April 29, 2023, the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office investigated a death that occurred at the Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center. The victim was identified as 64-year-old Donna Ventura of Belgrade.

The Coroner’s Office investigation and autopsy results determined that Donna’s death was related to a food borne illness outbreak after consuming a meal at Dave’s Sushi in Bozeman. Donna’s cause of death was determined to be complications of severe gastritis due to probable food-borne toxin. Her manner of death is accidental.

Results of the Montana Department of Health and Human Services and Gallatin City-County Health Department investigation are available on the DPHHS website.

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

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August 31, 2023 10:30 am
Progress Report on Flood Portion of Gallatin County Hazard Mitigation Plan

For immediate release: August 29, 2023

Media contact:
Sean O’Callaghan, Gallatin County Planning Director
406-582-3130
sean.ocallaghan@gallatin.mt.gov

Progress Report on Flood Portion of Gallatin County Hazard Mitigation Plan

Gallatin County is a participant in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS) Program. This program offers landowners in County jurisdictional areas a discount on their flood insurance
premiums dependent on an evaluation and scoring of the county’s floodplain management program.

One of the activities that Gallatin County is currently receiving CRS credit for is the maintenance of the Gallatin County Hazard Mitigation Plan (adopted by Gallatin County on
January 5, 2022). To continue to receive credit for the Hazard Mitigation Plan, we are required to prepare an annual progress report on the flood-related portions of the Hazard Mitigation Plan and provide copies of that update to the County Commission and the media.

See the full progress report on the flood portion of the Gallatin County Hazard Mitigation Plan here.

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August 29, 2023 9:31 am
Gallatin County Staff Hosting Property Tax Rebate Filing Workshop

For immediate release: August 29, 2023

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

Gallatin County Staff Hosting Property Tax Rebate Filing Workshop

If you or a loved one, friend, neighbor or colleague needs assistance filing for the Montana property tax rebate, Gallatin County is hosting a workshop to assist residents through the process.

The workshop will be on Tuesday, Sept. 5 from 1-5 PM at the Gallatin County Courthouse (311 W. Main St. in Bozeman) Community Room on the third floor.

Trained county staff will be on hand to help folks file for their rebates. Large monitors will be available for the visually impaired.

Staff can help find the information needed to file for the rebate, like the home’s geo-code and taxes. However, if you have any dependents in your home, please be sure to bring their Social Security numbers with you.

The Montana Property Tax Rebate is a rebate of up to $675 per year of property taxes paid on a principal residence. There is a rebate available for property taxes paid for tax year 2022 and another rebate available for property taxes paid for tax year 2023.

Taxpayers claim this rebate until Oct. 1. They can do this by either filing online or submitting a paper form.

For more information on the rebates, visit www.getmyrebate.mt.gov.

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August 29, 2023 9:06 am

PRESS RELEASE