For immediate release: July 26, 2022
After a clerical error negated the results of two local-option marijuana tax ballot questions in the June primary election, Gallatin County voters will be again asked to decide on the two taxes, but this time as part of the November general election.
See the full press release here.
Media contact:
Whitney Bermes, Gallatin County Communications Coordinator
406-595-8963
whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov
For immediate release: July 26, 2022
The Gallatin County Commission is considering asking voters to decide on a mill levy to fund operations of the Gallatin Rest Home, the soon-to-be only skilled nursing facility in the county.
See the full press release here.
Media is welcome to use any photos of the Gallatin Rest Home found on their Facebook page.
Media contacts:
Whitney Bermes, Gallatin County Communications Coordinator
406-595-8963
whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov
Darcel Vaughn, Gallatin Rest Home Administrator
406-404-4001
darcel.vaughn@gallatin.mt.gov
PRESS RELEASE
Sourdough Bike Crash
On July 24, 2022, at 9:23 am Gallatin County Dispatch received information that an emergency GPS device had been activated. The coordinates provided from the GPS device placed it in the Sourdough Trail area. A later message from the device indicated that a bicyclist had crashed and sustained a laceration to their leg and that the bicyclist was not able to walk out.
Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section and AMR personnel responded to the Sourdough Trailhead. Search and Rescue volunteers deployed several UTV’s up the trail to meet with the mountain biker. Volunteers located the patient several miles up the trail where they assessed their injuries and packaged the patient. The bicyclist was transported back to the trailhead and transferred to the awaiting AMR unit. The patient was ultimately transported to Bozeman Health for further evaluation.
Sheriff Springer would like to commend this mountain biker for carrying a GPS device. Quick and proper activation not only provided our teams with an accurate location, but the patient was also able to relay information about what happened and injury details. This type of information can expedite rescue and ensures our crews have all necessary supplies, resulting in a faster and more efficient rescue.
Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.
PRESS RELEASE
Emigrant Peak Rescue
On July 16, 2022, at 4:24 p.m., Gallatin County dispatch received a call from a Park County Sheriff’s Office deputy seeking assistance from Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue for a rescue on Emigrant Peak. The patient was in a group of hikers that were 800’ from the summit of Emigrant Peak. The patient was having respiratory issues with heat related complications. The other hikers were unsuccessful in trying to descend with the patient and needed professional assistance. Due to the medical condition, and time it would take to perform a ground-based rescue, it was determined a short haul would be the most expedient means of getting the patient to a higher level of care.
Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue Heli Team and Comms Team volunteers, along with a Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office deputy, responded to the call. The Comms Team and GCSO deputy provided mission support and liaised with Park County. The Heli Team deployed from Gallatin County to a landing zone near Emigrant Peak staffed with a Park County Sheriff’s Office deputy and Livingston Fire and Rescue personnel. After a reconnaissance flight, the team located the patient and was lowered to perform a medical assessment. The team stabilized and packaged the patient and then short hauled them to the landing zone. The patient was turned over to awaiting medical personnel.
Sheriff Dan Springer would like to recognize the Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Park County deputies, and medical responders that assisted in this mission. Through teamwork, and clear communication, teams from two different counties were able to work together to provide aid to a citizen in need.
Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.
On July 15, 2022, at 11:33 A.M., Gallatin County dispatch received a call for a mountain biker who crashed while riding the trails in Leverich Canyon. The mountain biker sustained injuries to their head, shoulder, and leg.
Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue Valley Section volunteers, along with members of Hyalite Fire and AMR, deployed to Leverich Canyon. The patient was located 1.5 miles from the trailhead. Teams performed a medical assessment, stabilized the patient, and then transported to the trailhead. The patient was ultimately transported to Bozeman Health for further medical evaluation.
Sheriff Dan Springer would like to thank all responders for executing this rescue so professionally and seamlessly as well as the citizens in the area that gave the rescuers space and consideration to perform their duties safely.
Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.
On July 15, 2022, at 11:35 am, Gallatin County Dispatch received a call for an injured hiker on Ousel Falls Trail in Big Sky. The hiker sustained an ankle injury and needed assistance getting back to the trailhead.
Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Big Sky Section responded to the Ousel Falls Trailhead and deployed a team with rescue equipment on the trail. The team met the patient half way between Ousel Falls and the Ousel Falls parking lot. A one-wheeled litter was utilized to transport the patient back to the Ousel Falls parking lot.
Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind recreationalists that even a nice afternoon hike may not go as planned so be sure to take a means of communication, hike with a friend, and take layers for changing weather conditions.
PRESS RELEASE
Beehive Basin Rescue
On July 13, 2022, at 2:43 pm, Gallatin County dispatchreceived a call from hikers that needed assistance getting out of Beehive Basin. One hiker in the group became tired, weak and nauseous and was unable to continue without professional assistance.
Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue Big Sky Section and Valley Section volunteers responded to the call, made their way to the ill hiker, conducted a medical assessmentand provided a ride out to the trailhead. Big Sky Fire was standing by to provide medical assistance as needed. All team members and the hiking group arrived at the trailhead just as severe lightening, hail and a rainstormbegan.
Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the hikers for having a means of communication, recognizing that they needed help early on and having extra water and food. It is always good to have the above items and to be prepared for the variable extremes that can occur in our beautiful backcountry.
This missing Newell children in the Belgrade area have been located. Thank you to everyone who was looking for them.
In the early morning hours of Thursday, July 7, 2022, Bozeman Police Department and the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office investigated a homicide that occurred on the 4200 block of Brenden Street. The victim was identified as 19-year-old Lesman Joan Escobar-Andara. Lesman had been stabbed repeatedly and succumbed to his injuries. Cause of death was determined to be sharp force injuries to the chest and the manner was ruled a homicide.
Our deepest condolences go to the family and friends of Lesman Joan Escobar-Andara.
Beker Cuelho, Chief Deputy Coroner
Benjamin Burtch, Deputy Coroner
PRESS RELEASE
Madison River Search
On June 30, 2022, at 9:00pm, Gallatin County dispatch received a call for two paddle boarders that were overdue from the Madison River near Greycliff Fishing Access.
Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section responded to the lower Madison River and deployed a water search team. The Drone Team was utilized to canvas the river, while deputies, searched the banks and roads along the river. Montana Highway Patrol troopers and Fish Wildlife and Parks officers also assisted in the search.
Ultimately, the paddle boarders made their way off the river and toward Madison Road, where a passing motorist picked them up. Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue members met the paddle boarders and determined no medical assistance was required.
Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind recreationalists that even a nice afternoon float may not go as planned so take plenty of water, sun screen, and check in and out with someone when going on the river. Lastly, please take a means of communication as it can resolve an undesirable situation quickly.
