Gallatin Media Center

At 5:39, Saturday, April 30th, Fort Ellis Fire/Rescue and AMR Ambulance were dispatched to a report of a rollover crash at mile marker 319 westbound (Jackson Creek exit) on Interstate 90. Arriving units found eight teenagers all of whom had self-extricated from a Ford F150 pickup truck that had rolled off the north side of the interstate on icy roads. Two of the passengers were ejected from the vehicle.

With the large number of patients who were injured and cold, four additional ambulances were ordered ultimately transporting six patients to Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital and two patients to Livingston Healthcare. All patients were expected to recover from their injuries. The Montana Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. Assisting agencies included: Bozeman Fire, Hyalite Fire, Livingston Fire/Rescue and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department.

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Media inquiries can be directed to MHP and Buck Taylor, PIO, Fort Ellis Fire/Rescue at 406/539-9358.

Gallatin Local Water Quality District

 

For immediate release: April 28, 2022

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will be providing an update on the Bozeman Solvent State Superfund site at the next meeting Gallatin Local Water Quality District board meeting.

The meeting will be on Thursday, May 5 at 8:15 AM in the Community Room of the Gallatin County Courthouse, located at 311 W. Main St. in downtown Bozeman.

The public is invited to attend the presentation by Kate Fry, Senior Project Officer with DEQ’s Contaminated Sites Cleanup Bureau, which will include the following:

• A brief history of the site
• Remedies selected from the Record of Decision
• Implementation of remedies (when and how)
• Performance monitoring of the remedies – are they working?
• Challenges and solutions DEQ has seen
• What’s next?

This presentation is informational only. The DEQ will not be taking public comment on the project at the May 5 meeting.  An informal Q&A period may be included, as time allows.

For more information, contact the Gallatin Local Water Quality District by phone at 406-582-3168 or by email.  A brief history of the Bozeman Solvent Site can be found at: glwqd.org/contaminated-sites/

Media contact:
Nick Banish, District Manager – Gallatin Local Water Quality District
406-582-3145
nick.banish@gallatin.mt.gov

 

For immediate release: April 26, 2022

Commission Approves Funding For Public Open Lands Projects

The Gallatin County Commission approved using Open Lands Program money to help fund three projects, including the expansion of Burke Park on Peets Hill, and improvements to the Gallatin County Regional Park and Anderson Dog Park in Bozeman.

On Tuesday, April 26, commissioners voted unanimously to spend $172,900 total on the following projects:

1. Burke Park (Peet’s Hill) expansion and improvement project – City of Bozeman – $100,000
   • To assist with the acquisition of 12 acres at the south end of Peets Hill
2. Gallatin County Regional Park protected “quiet area” – Gallatin County Parks – $40,000
   • Construction of tree-lined, landscaped area at the Regional Park
3. Anderson Dog Park fetch field and trail repair project – Run Dog Run – $32,900
   • Improvements to off-leash dog park and Regional Park, including development of fetch field and trail reconstruction

Commissioners praised the projects as ones that have high value for the public and that have shown extensive collaborative efforts to move forward.

“We think these are awesome community projects that benefit tens of thousands of county residents,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Zach Brown.

Money for these projects comes from the voter-approved Gallatin County Open Space Levy, which was passed in 2018. This levy provides funding for conservation projects, such as conservation easements for private landowners, as well as “other eligible projects.” Projects in the “other eligible projects” category must be related to land acquisition, capital improvements, and maintenance projects that support the purpose of the Open Space Levy.

For fiscal year 2022, a total of $1.69 million was collected from the levy for conservation projects, while approximately $391,000 was available for “other eligible projects.”

Brown said that the county’s open lands program provides an undeniable community benefit, but that projects like conservation easements on private land don’t provide public access.

“This category of funding gives us a way to support public open space,” Brown said.

Following an application process, the Open Lands Board scored the submitted proposals and recommended these three projects for approval.

“It is exciting to play a role in a process where the county funds projects that will provide a tangible and lasting public benefit,” said Sean O’Callaghan, Gallatin County Open Land Coordinator.

More information on the projects, including applications and scoring, can be found here.

Media contacts:
Sean O’Callaghan, Gallatin County Open Lands Coordinator
406-582-3130 (office)
sean.ocallaghan@gallatin.mt.gov

Whitney Bermes, Gallatin County Communications Coordinator
406-595-8963 (cell)
whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

 

*****Update as of 5pm on 4/23/2022****

Throughout the last 24 hours the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office along with Montana Highway Patrol and Fish, Wildlife and Parks have continued to search the area of Karst Stage Loop and throughout the Big Sky region. With the information gained throughout the investigation as well as information gathered from citizens, the involved person appears to no longer be in the area. The presence of law enforcement will remain in the area as the investigation will continue and leads follow up on.

The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging continued vigilance by everyone in the area, keep all property and vehicles locked, do not pick up hitchhikers and call 911 if you see anything suspicious.  The male is a Caucasian male approximately six feet tall, was last seen wearing tan pants and a tan shirt.  The case is an on-going matter jointly worked by Fish Wildlife and Park and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Dan Springer thanks the public for its vigilance, support and numerous calls providing information. Please call 406-582-2100 if you have any additional information regarding this matter.

 

PRESS RELEASE

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

UPDATE 23 APRIL 2022 – 0900 HOURS:

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office continued their assistance of Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) in searching the Highway 191 Canyon throughout the night.  The suspect fled from FWP Officers who were attempting to conduct a traffic stop on a reckless driver at approximately 4:00 pm yesterday evening at which time the Sheriff’s Office’s began their assistance.

 

The last known area of the subject was Karst Stage Loop.  Sheriff’s deputies will continue their assistance searching the canyon throughout today though it is possible he was given a ride out of the area.  The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have information that may aid in identifying the suspect to call 406-582-2100.  A member of the public has likely heard from this individual or seen him and we are asking for your assistance.  The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to encourage canyon residents to be vigilant about locking your homes and vehicles so as not to prevent the theft of your property.  FWP nor the Sheriff’s Office have additional information about the suspect’s history or motives beyond finding a vehicle with keys in it which he stole.

 

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:

The suspect is describes as Caucasian, approximately 6 feet tall, with reddish facial hair and a slight to medium build.  If the suspect is still in the area, he is likely very cold, hungry and is seeking shelter and assistance.

 

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

On 4/22/22 at approximately 4:00pm a Fish, Wildlife and Parks Warden attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a reckless vehicle traveling north on Highway 191. The vehicle came to a stop near the Castle Inn, where the sole male occupant and driver fled on foot. The vehicle was later discovered to be stolen. Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Fish Wildlife and Parks and Montana Highway Patrol have saturated the area with K9 teams deployed to aid in locating the male. The Sheriff’s Office has issued telephone notifications at 1745 hrs to residents in the area, encouraging occupants to lock their doors, windows, outside structures and remain inside. Anyone who observes a suspicious person in the area is encouraged to call 911 and avoid contact with the person. The search is an on-going matter, the Sheriff’s Office will update the public as the search develops and thanks the public for its vigilance and support.

Current guidance to the public: The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging continued vigilance by everyone in the area, keep all property and vehicles locked up, limit travel in the area, call 911 if you see anything suspicious. Do not pick up anyone hitchhiking in the area. The male is a Caucasian male approximately six feet tall, was last seen wearing tan pants and a tan shirt. He was last seen south of the Storm Castle Bridge.

Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools

For immediate release: April 15, 2022

To better educate voters in upcoming school district elections, the Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools Office announced that it will serve as a clearinghouse for information on school district trustee candidates in the May 3 election.

Superintendent of Schools Matthew Henry sent a 10-question, voluntary questionnaire to all candidates running for seats on school boards in the 16 school districts across Gallatin County. The questionnaires collected from the trustee candidates will be posted on the Superintendent’s website.

“Residents of the county often contact my office seeking information about trustee candidates in their school districts,” Henry said. “My office devised this questionnaire to better serve the public and assist voters in making informed decisions.”

Responses from candidates were requested to be sent by April 14 to be posted on the Gallatin County website. Responses received after that will be posted when received up until Election Day on Tuesday, May 3.

Find candidate responses here.

Media contact:
Matthew Henry, Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools
406-582-3090
matthew.henry@gallatin.mt.gov

For immediate release: April 15, 2022

Big Sky Country State Fair is pleased to announce their 2022-night show line-up, a mix of celebrated multi-genre hip-hop and country artists! T.I. with special guest Willie Jones will kick out the
week. Russell Dickerson with special guest Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry will be on Thursday. And we will round off the week with Brantley Gilbert and special guest Ashland Craft.

See the full press release here.

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

T.I. and special guest Willie Jones

Russell Dickerson with special guest Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry

Brantley Gilbert with special guest Ashland Craft

Gallatin County Elections Department

 

For immediate release: April 14, 2022

On Friday, April 15, ballots for the 2022 school and special districts election on May 3 in Gallatin County are being mailed to active voters in districts that are holding elections.

Those districts include the following:

• Schools:
  • Belgrade
  • Big Sky
  • Bozeman
  • Gallatin Gateway
  • Lamotte
  • Manhattan
  • Monforton
  • Springhill
  • Three Forks
  • West Yellowstone
  • Willow Creek

• Special districts:
  • Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District
  • Logan County Water and Sewer District

In total, more than 70,000 ballots will be mailed. Voters can expect to start seeing their ballots in the mail by this weekend or early next week.

For questions on specific school district ballot measures or candidates, please see this information provided by the Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools, or contact your school district directly.

As with all mail ballot elections, there is always an option to vote in-person at the Gallatin County Elections office, located in the Courthouse at 311 W. Main St., room 210 in Bozeman. In-person voting for this election begins Friday, April 15. If your ballot is destroyed, spoiled, lost, or not received, you may request a replacement ballot no later than 8 PM on Election Day.

Ballots must be received at the Gallatin County Elections office or a designated place of deposit by 8 PM on Election Day. Ballots may be returned by mail or in-person. If you’re mailing your ballot, mail it no later than Wednesday, April 27 to ensure it arrives at our office in time.

Places of deposit for this election are:

• Gallatin County Elections Department (311 W. Main St., room 210 in Bozeman)
• Monforton School District Office (6001 Monforton School Road, Bozeman).

Voters in any district can drop their ballots off at either location. Both locations are open during regular business hours Monday through Friday until May 2, and then from 7 AM to 8 PM on Election Day on May 3.

Voter registration

Gallatin County is currently in the late registration period for the May 3 election. In order to register to vote, you must appear in-person at the Gallatin County Elections office. Election Day voter registration is currently under legal review. The best way to ensure you’re able to vote in this election is to register by noon on Monday, May 2.

You can check your registration status at MyVoterPageMT.com.

If you have other questions, please contact our office at gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov or 406-582-3060. For more information, you can also visit gallatinvotes.com.

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

 

For immediate release: April 13, 2022

The Gallatin County Commission has established a C-PACE program in Gallatin County, which will provide financial help to small business owners who wish to invest in energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy projects.

On Tuesday, April 12, commissioners approved a resolution to establish Gallatin County as a Commercial Property Assessed Capital Enhancement (C-PACE) district.

Commercial building owners evaluate and select qualified projects that fall under the categories of energy conservation measures or renewable energy systems. The building owners then secure financing from a bank or other financial institution. Gallatin County would then add an assessment to the building owner’s property tax bill, allowing the assessment to pay off the loan over 20 years as the project realizes energy savings from the improvements.

This program uniquely allows commercial property owners to invest in energy efficiency projects and solar or renewable energy upgrades with no down payment.

Qualified projects require utility savings to exceed payment obligations, making investments cash positive for commercial property owners and tenants.

The program is administered statewide by the Montana Facility Finance Authority. The program is tax neutral with no financial exposure to the county or to taxpayers.

Gallatin County Commissioner Zach Brown praised the district as a benefit to the county’s business community. It will ultimately lower the cost of doing business in Gallatin County, while also driving down energy consumption, he said.

“I’m glad Montana is finally getting on board, following the many other states who already have a C-PACE program on the books. This will be a great financing program for Gallatin County businesses looking to invest in energy saving projects,” Brown said.

For more information on eligible projects, program guidelines, applications, and any other questions, visit the Montana C-PACE Financing website at lastbestpace.com.

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