Gallatin Media Center

For immediate release: April 4, 2025

At the end of March 2025, the Missouri River Drug Task Force (MRDTF) received information from a local apartment complex maintenance employee who reported finding ounce-quantities of suspected methamphetamine, scales, and baggies inside of an apartment bedroom while conducting routine maintenance. MRDTF followed up on this lead in coordination with Montana State University Campus.

Supported by Montana State University and Bozeman Police departments and Federal Drug Enforcement agents, an April 2 search warrant was executed. The results of the searched warrant yielded three adult Hispanic males later determined to be in the United States illegally, approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine, over 1 pound of cocaine, approximately $45,000, and four motor vehicles seized. All three males were booked into the Gallatin County Detention Center where they were held on drug related charges.

On the heels of the university drug bust, on April 3, MRDTF conducted a surveillance operation. During this operation a Bozeman Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop during which the officer noted observations consistent with the distribution of narcotics. Through consent of the owner, a search of this vehicle yielded approximately 1 ounce of cocaine located in a concealed container and approximately $500 cash. The Hispanic male later attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended and transported to the Gallatin County Detention Center where he was booked on drug related charges. During his interview, the male denied being a part of a drug distribution network.

Based on intelligence gleaned from this surveillance operation, MRDTF investigators were granted a search warrant for the male’s apartment located within the city limits of Bozeman. This search warrant was executed in the early morning hours of April 4 by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office MRDTF investigators, supported by the Montana Department of Criminal Investigations and the Bozeman Police Department.

An adult Hispanic female was detained while investigators completed the search. This search warrant yielded approximately 1 pound of cocaine and approximately $145,000 U.S. currency. The adult male and adult female were booked into the Gallatin County Detention Center where they were held on drug related charges. Both individuals were determined to be in the United States illegally.

These operations culminated in the seizure of over 2 pounds of methamphetamine, 2 pounds of cocaine, $190,000 cash, four motor vehicles and the arrest of five illegal aliens.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer praised the great work of observant citizens and the Missouri River Drug Task Force, and the coordination of multiple law enforcement agencies.

“This operation illustrates the long-term detrimental effects felt locally of unsecure borders and the need for strong community collaboration and enforcement amongst all of the cultural communities in Gallatin County. One observant citizen was unafraid to make a report and had a major impact on drug trafficking known to exist in Gallatin County,” Springer said.

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For immediate release: April 4, 2025

Media contact:
Scott Randall, Consultant Project Manager
406-447-5005
srandall@rpa-eng.com

Gallatin County Launches Second Virtual Open House for Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Action Plan

Gallatin County is excited to announce the launch of the second Virtual Open House for its Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Action Plan. This open house will be available from Friday, April 4 through Sunday, May 4 and invites residents, stakeholders, and community members to provide valuable feedback on the Draft Action Plan and its proposed safety recommendations.

This virtual event will share an overview of the proposed recommendations designed to reduce transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries throughout Gallatin County. The SS4A Action Plan focuses on improving transportation safety across rural areas and the urban-rural interface near Bozeman and Belgrade. These cities recently initiated their own SS4A planning efforts, and the county-wide plan will address safety issues specific to rural regions and their connections to these urban centers.

“We are excited to share the Draft Action Plan and proposed recommendations with the public,” said Cola Rowley, Gallatin County Deputy Administrator and project manager for the SS4A Action Plan. “Input from our community is essential to ensuring the plan reflects the diverse needs of all roadway users. Whether you walk, bike, drive, or use public transportation, this plan will work to make Gallatin County’s streets safer for everyone.”

Focus Areas: Targeting the Most Critical Safety Issues

In order to focus limited resources effectively, the SS4A Action Plan has identified several key crash types that predominantly contribute to community safety problems. By addressing these focus areas, the plan aims to make a measurable impact on reducing fatalities and serious injuries in Gallatin County. The four primary focus areas are:

• Run-off-the-Road Crashes
• Intersection Crashes
• Driver Age (Younger and Older Drivers)
• High-Risk Behaviors (Speed, Impairment, Seatbelt Use, Distractions)

These focus areas are at the core of the SS4A Action Plan, guiding the development of strategies, projects, programs, and policies that will be implemented to improve safety.

Proposed Recommendations: Comprehensive Strategies for Safer Roads

The SS4A Action Plan outlines a series of strategies designed to reduce fatalities and serious injuries in Gallatin County and generally improve transportation safety. These strategies include example projects, programs, and policies to help the community and its partners work toward safer streets for all users.

Several specific projects, programs, and policies are also recommended to proactively address identified safety concerns from all angles:

• 19 Projects: Infrastructure-focused efforts such as enhanced signage, improved traffic control, and shoulder widening to improve safety.
• 8 Programs: Combination of infrastructure-based programs (like curve signage, shoulder widening, and vegetation control) and behavioral-based initiatives (such as driver education and public awareness campaigns) aimed at reducing crashes and promoting safe driving.
• 3 Policies: Policy changes aimed at improving road safety, such as establishing prioritized snow removal routes, setting lighting standards, and implementing regulations for safe driving practices.

Virtual Open House Details

The Virtual Open House will include a variety of interactive materials, including a video, survey, and summary content, allowing participants to engage with the plan and provide their feedback on key safety priorities and proposed solutions. This is an excellent opportunity to ensure the community’s concerns and ideas are reflected in the final plan.

Event Details:

• What: Gallatin County Safe Streets for All Virtual Open House
• When: Friday, April 4 – Sunday, May 4
• Where: Online at GallatinCountySS4A.com

A Collaborative Process

The SS4A Action Plan is being developed through extensive community input, comprehensive data analysis, alignment with past planning efforts, and stakeholder feedback. This virtual open house is one of several ways the county is gathering input, ensuring that the plan reflects the experiences and safety needs of residents across Gallatin County.

About the Safe Streets for All Action Program

The SS4A initiative is part of a nationwide program aimed at reducing transportation-related fatalities and serious injuries. In 2023, Gallatin County received funding to develop a comprehensive safety action plan. The plan identifies the most significant roadway safety concerns in the community and outlines projects and strategies to address them. Action Plans are the foundation of the SS4A grant program. Once a community has an approved Action Plan, it can apply for additional funding to implement the plan’s projects and strategies, including infrastructural, behavioral, and/or operational activities.

How to Participate

Visit GallatinCountySS4A.com during the open house period to explore the materials, review the Draft Action Plan, and participate in the survey to share your thoughts.

Feedback can be submitted at any time through the website or by contacting the consultant project manager, Scott Randall, via email at srandall@rpa-eng.com, by phone at 406-447-5005, or by mail at 3147 Saddle Drive, Helena, MT 59601.

For more information about the SS4A program or to access the Virtual Open House, please visit GallatinCountySS4A.com.

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For immediate release: April 4, 2025

In the afternoon hours of Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office along the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office investigated a fatality that occurred in the Dakota Bowl, an out-of-bounds area of the Big Sky Resort. The skier was found unresponsive by ski patrol approximately 200 feet below the ridge at the bottom of a rock field.

Ski patrol initiated life-saving measures and transported the skier to the First Aid Room where he was pronounced dead. The skier was identified as 63-year-old Jon Lamb of Big Sky. An autopsy is scheduled, and cause and manner of death are pending autopsy results. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the death as the incident occurred in Madison County.

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

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For immediate release: April 3, 2025

On April 1, 2025, the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office, the Montana Highway Patrol and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office investigated a fatal motor vehicle accident involving two motor vehicles on U.S. Highway 191 near the intersection with Cobb Hill Road at mile marker 81.

The deceased driver was identified as 55-year-old Juan Farias, and the deceased passenger was identified as 22-year-old Oscar Jacuinde, both residents of Belgrade. The cause of death for both was determined to be blunt force injuries, and the manner was ruled accidental.

Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Juan Farias and Oscar Jacuinde during this time.

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For immediate release: April 3, 2025 

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

Gallatin County Moves Forward with Old Town Bridge Project 

Gallatin County has taken a significant step forward in the Old Town Bridge project to help replace two bridges on Old Town Road that span the Jefferson River near Three Forks.

The county signed onto a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) last month. Gallatin County is now awaiting the final executed document with signatures from SHPO and the Army Corps, which is expected this week. This agreement has been in negotiation for many months, and Gallatin County has been unable to go out to bid until all required federal permits are secured. 

The bridge located on Old Town Road East was closed to traffic in June 2022 after an inspection identified significant safety issues with the structure. This closure resulted in a 10-mile detour and has forced emergency services to reroute, causing considerable delays in service. The bridge located on Old Town Road West, located approximately one-quarter mile west of this structure, currently has a 7-ton load limit. Due to the significant population increases in both Gallatin and Broadwater Counties, Old Town Road and the two bridges continue to be vital infrastructure for the region. 

Gallatin and Broadwater counties have been collaborating and finding funding to replace the bridges. Both received grants from the Montana Coal Endowment Program and matching funds from the Montana Department of Transportation.  

With this key milestone nearly complete, Gallatin County is preparing for the next steps in the project. The anticipated schedule is as follows: 

• Advertisement of the project: April 5, 12, and 19 

• Preconstruction meeting for interested contractors: Week of April 14 

• Bid opening: Tuesday, April 29 at 9 AM 

• Recommendation of award and Notice of Award to the Commission for approval: May 6 Commission meeting 

Once a contractor is selected, Gallatin County aims to mobilize construction as quickly as possible. Construction for both bridges will be bid and constructed under one contract in an effort to reduce costs. 

The Gallatin County Commission acknowledges the frustrations of Old Town residents about the bridge closure and is committed to addressing the significant inconveniences and threats to public health and safety that have resulted from the closure. 

“We understand the immense frustration and hardship this bridge closure has caused for Old Town residents,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Zach Brown. “We share their urgency in getting this project completed, and while the permitting process with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and SHPO has been beyond our control, we have done everything in our power to push this forward. Now that we are on the brink of breaking ground, we are fully committed to seeing this project through as quickly as possible.” 

For more information, including a project timeline and history, please visit Old Town Bridge project website. 

Stahly Engineering has led this project through design and permitting stages, after being selected by the county through a competitive procurement process. The next phase will be led by a contractor who will implement physical construction of the bridges. This contractor will be selected through a competitive bidding process to take place in April and May, according to the planned timeline outlined above. 

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For immediate release: March 24, 2025

The Gallatin City-County Health Department has a new temporary home at 400 E. Babcock St. in Bozeman following structural damage to its main office on Mendenhall Street. The health department will be located at this temporary address for at least six months while assessments and repairs are underway. Office hours at the new address are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Click here to read the full press release. 

    

For immediate release: March 24, 2025 

Media Contact:
Patty Howard, Recycling/Outreach Educator for Gallatin Solid Waste Management District
406-582-2493
patty.howard@gallatin.mt.gov 

New High-Visibility Clothing Requirement at Logan Landfill Enhances Safety Measures 

The Gallatin Solid Waste Management District (GSWMD) announces the implementation of a new safety protocol at Logan Landfill to ensure the well-being of all visitors and staff. 

Effective March 1, all people exiting their vehicles in designated areas where heavy equipment is in operation are required to wear high-visibility (hi-vis) clothing. A minimum of 400 square inches of high-visibility material is mandatory. Hats do not fulfill this requirement.  

This measure aims to enhance safety by increasing visibility in high-risk zones. 

From March 1 through March 29, reusable hi-vis vests will be provided at no cost to customers lacking appropriate attire. Starting March 31, a $3 fee will be applied for each vest issued to individuals without compliant hi-vis clothing. 

Logan Landfill, managed by GSWMD, is dedicated to maintaining a safe environment for both visitors and employees. It is currently open for summer hours:  

• Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

• Saturday: 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

For more information on the hi-vis clothing policy or other services, please contact GSWMD at 406-582-2495 or visit our website at www.gallatinsolidwaste.com.  

About Gallatin Solid Waste Management District: 

The Gallatin Solid Waste Management District is committed to providing efficient, environmentally sound, and cost-effective waste management and recycling services to the residents of Gallatin County. Through continuous improvement and community engagement, GSWMD strives to promote sustainability and public safety. We serve the areas of Amsterdam, Belgrade, Big Sky, Bozeman, Four Corners, Gallatin Gateway, Manhattan, Three Forks, and West Yellowstone (part of Hebgen/West Yellowstone Refuse District). 

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On March 19, 2025, Gallatin County 911 Dispatch received a call for a snowmobile accident in which two snowmobilers had struck a tree and were seriously injured. GCSSAR, Big Sky Team and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded.

GCSSAR Big Sky volunteers deployed resources including hasty teams, a Snowbulance, and an Orion rescue sled. When they arrived at the scene on the accident, they found one of the patients was in a deteriorating medical condition. Search and Rescue called for LifeFlight medical helicopter, who responded and landed the helicopter on the groomed snowmobile trail. The patient was flown to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center. The second patient was transported by ground to the trailhead. The second patient was transferred into the care of Big Sky Fire Department and was transported to Big Sky Medical Center.

The Big Sky Section of Search and Rescue received tremendous assistance from a group of volunteer firefighters and other bystanders who were recreating in the area. Sheriff Dan Springer would like to thank all the bystanders who had taken time to receive medical training and who jumped into action to help other backcountry users in their time of need.

In addition, the injured snowmobilers were wearing all the appropriate equipment including full face helmets and goggles. Wearing the proper equipment for the sport likely prevented this terrible accident from having deadly consequences.

 

For immediate release: March 10, 2025 

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

 

Gallatin County Announces Informational Presentation on Hidden Creek Affordable Housing Development in Bozeman 

Gallatin County invites community members to an informational presentation and neighborhood meeting to discuss the Hidden Creek affordable housing project, a collaborative effort to address the growing need for permanent deed-restricted community housing. 

Event Details: 

• What: Informational presentation and neighborhood meeting 

• Who: Neighbors and anyone interested in the development 

• When: Monday, March 17, 2025, at 5:30 PM 

• Where: Gallatin County Courthouse, 311 W. Main Street, Room 300, Bozeman, MT or a virtual attendance option is also available here.

The Hidden Creek project, located on the vacant land north of the Gallatin County Rest Home on Durston Road in Bozeman, represents a partnership between Gallatin County, United Housing Partners LLC (UHP), and the Human Resource Development Council, District IX (HRDC). This innovative development aims to expand affordable housing options in Gallatin County by providing: 

• 182 Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) apartments 

• 8 for sale equity-restricted rowhomes managed by a community land trust (CLT) 

• An infrastructure-ready parcel for future use, to remain under Gallatin County ownership 

The presentation will include updates on the formal subdivision process and site plans, as well as opportunities for public input. Representatives from Gallatin County, UHP, and HRDC will be available to answer questions and discuss how the development will meet community needs. 

Efforts to develop the Hidden Creek neighborhood began in 2021, and milestones include securing $2 million in funding from the City of Bozeman, and $2.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, a $500,000 pre-development loan, and donation of the land from Gallatin County. Construction planning is ongoing, with continued input from local stakeholders and partners.

For additional details about the Hidden Creek project, including site plans and project history, visit the Gallatin County Affordable Housing webpage. 

Community members are encouraged to attend in person or online to share their thoughts and learn more about this transformative initiative. 

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On February 17th, 2025, at 6:11pm, Gallatin County 911 Dispatch received a call reporting a missing person who had been snowmobiling in the Taylor’s Fork area near Big Sky. The caller reported that they were snowmobiling with a family member who had gotten stuck in a lower basin area. The caller thought their family member had made it out but then was unable to find them. After a couple of hours of searching and not locating the other snowmobile, the caller contacted Gallatin County 911 Dispatch to seek assistance. The Big Sky section of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) was activated.

The missing person eventually contacted 911, which provided coordinates to their location. GCSSAR teams met at Sage Creek Trailhead, where the missing party had originally left from. One Team left on snowmobiles to look for the missing person while another stood by in case there were other needs. At about 8:43pm, searchers located the missing person, who was all right without any injuries. GCSSAR members escorted them safely back to the trailhead.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind all who recreate in the backcountry that not only is it a good practice to go with another person but also make sure to plan how you are going to keep in contact with each other in areas without cellular service such as a two-way radio, or GPS messaging device.