Gallatin Media Center

PRESS RELEASE

WEST YELLOWSTONE SNOWMOBILE CRASH

On March 17, 2023 at 4:45 pm, the West Yellowstone Dispatch Center received a call for a snowmobiler who crashed into a tree, disabling the snowmobile, near the West Yellowstone Airport. The snowmobiler was uninjured but needed assistance getting out of the woods. Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue – West Yellowstone Section responded to the scene on snowmobiles, assessed the rider at the scene, and returned the snowmobiler to town.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind riders that spring temperatures will create varying trail conditions requiring an extra level of caution in controlling snowmobiles. Be prepared for groomed snow to unexpectedly turn to ice or slush. In this event, the snowmobiler was wearing appropriate “personal protective equipment” which ensured the accident did not result in injury to the rider.

Photos courtesy of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

On March 15, 2023, at approximately 10:15 am, a multi-vehicle crash which included 6 vehicles and a semi-truck fully blocked Gallatin Road/US-191 at mile marker 66. A Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputy first arrived on scene at 10:48 am. At 11:23 am, Montana Department of Transportation closed Gallatin Road until the hazard could be cleared.  Due to the crash, approximately 6 miles of northbound traffic was backed up in the canyon. There were no injuries reported.  Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Big Sky Fire Department, and Montana Highway Patrol to man the roadblock at Gallatin Road and Lone Mountain Trail. Information regarding the closure was distributed by multiple first responding agencies to the appropriate local media outlets to alert the public of the closure.  At approximately 2:38 pm, the hazard was cleared and the canyon was patrolled to ensure the road was safe to reopen.  There were 16 traffic incidents in the Big Sky area due to the weather between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm with no injuries reported.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind travelers to always be prepared for changing weather conditions and hazardous roads.  Plan ahead and use alternate routes whenever possible.

For immediate release: March 15, 2023

Media contact:
Dustin Lensing, Chief of Belgrade Police Department
dlensing@belgrademt.gov
406-388-4262

Search Warrant Served on Belgrade Residence

In the morning hours of March 12, 2023, the joint Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office/Bozeman Police Department Special Response Team (SRT) assisted by members of Belgrade Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol, Montana State University Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Bozeman Police Department, and the Missouri River Drug Task Force (MRDTF) served a warrant on a Dakota Street residence in Belgrade. The operation was part of an ongoing investigation led by MRDTF.

SRT used distraction devices, vehicle PA systems, and other forms of electronic communication to contact the occupants of the residence. All members of the residence were eventually safely secured. No one was injured and no shots were fired during the incident. The residence was secured shortly after 9 a.m. and turned over to detectives and patrol, who completed a search of the residence.

Local law enforcement would like to thank the Belgrade community for its continued support as we work together to keep our community safe.

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Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer advises travelers to avoid non-essential travel on US-191 in Gallatin Canyon due to continued hazardous driving conditions.  There have been numerous traffic accidents causing blockages and major delays throughout the day.  Do not travel Hwy 191 if at all possible.

PRESS RELEASE

Highland Glen Ski Trail Rescue

On March 11, 2023, at 3:46pm Gallatin County Dispatch received a 911 call for a cross country skier on the Highland Glen Ski Trail who had a possible broken leg.  The patients skiing partner stayed with them and provided updates to responding units but needed assistance getting the patient off the trail.

 

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section responded to the trail after Bozeman Fire personnel requested their assistance transporting the patient.Search and Rescue volunteers deployed with a tracked Side by Side to the skier’s location.  The patient was transported off the ski trail and transferred to an awaiting AMR ambulance. The patient was ultimately transported to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center for further evaluation.

 

Sheriff Springer would like to remind recreationalists that accidents can happen anywhere and anytime.  Always recreating with a partner and having a communication device can greatly help emergency responders, should your adventure not go as planned.

 

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

For immediate release: March 10, 2023

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

Gallatin County Hosting Open House for Discussion on Paved Pathway Between Bozeman and Four Corners

Gallatin County wants to improve safety along Huffine Lane and we need your support and input!

The Triangle Trails Plan identifies a Primary Commuter Pathway along Huffine Lane from Four Corners to Bozeman. Gallatin County is applying for a grant to support planning and building this paved, separated pathway along Huffine from approximately Circle F Trail to Cottonwood Road. This priority project would close a nearly three-mile gap in connectivity.

The grant is through the Montana Transportation Alternatives Program. The county’s application is due in April. The county can apply for up to $3 million to help with this project.

Gallatin County invites community input on the need, priority connections to and design of the pathway. The application also includes documenting strong community support for the project. We need your voice!

More details about the project can be found here.

 Join us for an open house on Wednesday, March 22 from 5 to 6 PM in the Community Room of the Gallatin County Courthouse (311 W. Main St. in downtown Bozeman). It will also be available on Zoom. 

The event will include an open house, a presentation at 5:30 PM, and time for public comments, questions and suggestions. 

Can’t make it? Submit letters to commission@gallatin.mt.gov.

“When we were developing the Triangle Trails plan, we consistently heard from residents that the Huffine pathway was a top priority,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Jennfier Boyer. “A large portion of our county’s new development is happening in the triangle between Bozeman, Belgrade and Four Corners. We need to ensure safety and connectivity for future development in that area.”

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PRESS RELEASE

Bacon Rind Avalanche

On March 9, 2023 at 4:44 pm, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue was requested to assist Yellowstone National Park with an avalanche search in the Bacon Rind area on Gallatin Road near mile marker 23. The reporting party was concerned that the slide was recent, and someone could be trapped, so they conducted a search from a safe distance with their avalanche beacon. The skier’s beacon picked up a signal indicating a person with a beacon was possibly in the debris.

To assist Yellowstone National Park, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) activated the Big Sky Section, West Yellowstone Section, Valley Section, Heli Team, SAR Dogs, and SAR Comms. A hasty team of National Park Service Rangers and GCSSAR volunteers responded to the avalanche debris field. The hasty team conducted a thorough beacon search and searched the area with a dog trained for avalanche victim detection. An investigation was conducted to identify vehicles in the area and check on the status of the owners. The Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center was contacted for recent avalanche history in the area. The ground search did not find any indicators of buried victims and the investigation determined there weren’t any vehicles with unaccounted for individuals. With all of these factors considered, the search was concluded.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to thank the reporting party who saw reason for concern and brought the information to the attention of the National Park Service. With the multitude of recreational opportunities in this area, it is often a member of the public who first recognizes a potential emergency and brings those facts to our attention for investigation. Sheriff Springer would also like to thank the Search and Rescue volunteers who were ready and willing to dedicate their time and effort to conducting a detailed search, ensuring a safe conclusion to this event.

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.