Gallatin Media Center

 

For immediate release: May 14, 2021

Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued yesterday, and on improving epidemiology of our COVID-19 outbreak in Gallatin County, Health Officer Matt Kelley is rescinding the local Health Officer order related to face coverings, effective today.

See the full press release here.

The Gallatin City-County Health Department Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for questions about COVID-19. Reach the Call Center by phone at 406-548-0123 or email at callcenter@readygallatin.com.

The most accurate local source of information remains the GCCHD website. Find information on COVID-19 vaccines in Gallatin County here.

Recently the Gallatin County Detention Center marked the 10^th anniversary of the first inmates moving into the current Detention Center, a project the voters of Gallatin County approved in 2008.

At the Gallatin County Detention Center, we have worked to improve public safety and the quality of life in Gallatin County. We maximize the community’s investment by helping inmates leave a little better than when they come here, so they are less likely to re-offend and end up in jail again. The Detention Center is a division of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and shares the mission to serve and protect the residents of Gallatin County. We are proud of the staff and volunteers who have made our detention center the premiere detention facility in the region.

“The Gallatin County Detention Center continues to set the standard for detention facilities across the state,” said Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer. “The design, engineering and operational planning created a facility which still looks new, is highly functional and safe for the detention staff and inmates. This is what happens when community wide collaboration occurs. This process took a number of years, but we got it right and we expect the facility to continue serving this community well into the future.”

To give each person the best chance at success when they re-enter society, the Gallatin County Detention Center offers programs for inmates including medical and mental health services, tutoring, job service, addiction programs and life skills classes. The Detention Center also has a Fresh Start Reentry Program to assist inmates with a discharge plan and follow-up so they can overcome the hurdles that are common on re-entry. Inmates who take advantage of these programs are less likely to return to jail, which leads to lower criminal costs, healthier families and less crime. Gallatin County Detention Center was the first facility in the state to provide these programs to help inmates improve their lives during and after detention, and to rebuild a successful life after leaving.

Thanks to the hard work of staff and volunteers in providing this critical programming for inmates, the recidivism rates of our inmates has maintained at about 18% for the last few years. That is well below the national average.

Some statistics since April 21, 2011, when we first began moving inmates into our detention center:

• 44,850 inmates have been booked
• The average daily population over 10 years is 145 inmates. In the last five years, the average has been 160.
• Over 125,000 hours of inmate programs have been provided by volunteers. Our current roster of volunteers is 196!
• Over 1.5 million meals have been served out of our kitchen.
• We hold inmates for 11 other counties and for Yellowstone National Park.
• We have had four jail commanders in the last 10 years – Dan Springer, Jeff Wade, Jason Jarrett, and currently Jim Anderson.

 

 

 

For Immediate Release: May 5, 2021

In anticipation of soon receiving emergency use authorization (EUA) of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 12 to 15 years old, the Gallatin County City-County Health Department will be expanding appointments for that age group in our upcoming vaccine clinics.

See the full press release here.

The Gallatin City-County Health Department Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for questions about COVID-19. Reach the Call Center by phone at 406-548-0123 or email at callcenter@readygallatin.com.

The most accurate local source of information remains the GCCHD website. Find information on COVID-19 vaccines in Gallatin County here.

For immediate release: May 5, 2021

On Wednesday morning, the Gallatin City-County Board of Health discussed current local emergency rules that are meant to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Gallatin County and legislation that may make those rules unenforceable.

See the full press release here.

The Gallatin City-County Health Department Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for questions about COVID-19. Reach the Call Center by phone at 406-548-0123 or email at callcenter@readygallatin.com.

The most accurate local source of information remains the GCCHD website. Find information on COVID-19 vaccines in Gallatin County here.

For immediate release: May 3, 2021

On Wednesday, May 5 at 7 AM, the Gallatin City-County Board of Health will meet to discuss current local emergency rules that are meant to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Gallatin County and legislation that may make those rules unenforceable.

See the full press release here.

The Gallatin City-County Health Department Call Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for questions about COVID-19. Reach the Call Center by phone at 406-548-0123 or email at callcenter@readygallatin.com.

The most accurate local source of information remains the GCCHD website. Find information on COVID-19 vaccines in Gallatin County here.

For immediate release: May 3, 2021

The Gallatin County Commission has proclaimed the month of May as Drug Court Month in Gallatin County in hopes of bringing awareness to and honoring a local program that has transformed the lives of our citizens.

See the full proclamation here.

Started in 1999, Gallatin County Treatment Court is an 18-month voluntary program that is an alternative sentencing for adult offenders whose crimes were motivated by substance abuse.

Participants receive treatment for chemical dependency and mental health issues. Among a number of things, participants are required to attend addictions counseling, mental health therapy and support groups, as well as submit to frequent drug and alcohol testing, report weekly to a case manager and perform community service.

The five core values of Treatment Court are honesty, integrity, responsibility, sobriety and service.

Since the program started, 189 people have graduated from Gallatin County Treatment Court. There are currently 20 participants, with 23 more applicants pending.

“Drug Treatment Court is one of the things that I think the county can be most proud of in the last 23 years,” said Commissioner Joe Skinner. “That’s 189 people who have been able to turn their lives around, not just for them but for their spouses, their children, their parents, their friends, and become very productive citizens in the community.”

“The cumulative effects on our community are immeasurable,” said Commission Chairman Scott MacFarlane. “It’s obviously a critical component and jewel of our community and makes our community what it is. One of those things that might go unnoticed a lot of the time, but here’s our opportunity to recognize it.”

Commissioner Zach Brown applauded the county for providing funding to this Treatment Court from the beginning of the program.

“It’s something that I feel a lot of gratitude and pride for this community, that we choose to invest in these folks’ lives, and a model that can be really powerful and transformative,” Brown said. “Thank you to everyone involved.”

The program is managed by a team that includes:

• Judge John Brown, Gallatin County District Court
• Steve Ette, Director of Court Services
• Eric Kitzmiller, Chief Deputy with Gallatin County Attorney’s Office
• Kirsten Mull-Core, Attorney
• Dr. Jim Murphey, Psychologist
• Vicki Deboer, Clinical Supervisor with Alcohol and Drug Services of Gallatin County
• Jared Poole, Probation and Parole Officer for Montana Department of Corrections
• Andrea Lower, Treatment Court Coordinator
• Kelley Parker-Wathne, Assistant Treatment Court Coordinator

Media contact:
Steve Ette, Director of Gallatin County Court Services
steve.ette@gallatin.mt.gov
406-582-3706

 

 

 

 

For immediate release: April 30, 2021

The Big Sky Country State Fair is now accepting entries for the various competitive events taking place in the 2021 Fair. These events range from the much-loved Barnyard Brawl (think Calf Scramble, Mutton Bustin’, and more!), the hair-raising Bozeman Roundup Ranch Rodeo, the all NEW American Minor League Ninja and classic competitive events like quilting, culinary arts, and photography.

See the full press release here.

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

For immediate release: April 29, 2021

The situation in Forest Park mobile home park has been resolved.

The incident began this morning when a male subject barricaded himself in a residence with a female hostage. The female was released without incident at approximately 2:50 PM.

The subject remained barricaded in the residence. Law enforcement continued contact with the subject throughout the day. At approximately 7:30 PM, the subject suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was immediately treated on the scene then transported to Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital for further treatment.

The investigation is continuing. Residents were allowed to safely return home this evening. We thank area residents for their patience throughout this long incident. We appreciate your cooperation.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office would also like to thank the following agencies and community partners for assisting on this incident:

• Bozeman Police Department
• Montana Highway Patrol
• Central Valley Fire Department
• Lewis & Clark County Sheriff’s Office
• Helena Police Department
• Billings and Yellowstone County tactical teams
• FBI
• Bozeman Help Center 211
• Salvation Army
• Red Cross

For immediate release: April 29, 2021

The situation in Forest Park mobile home park has been resolved. The investigation is continuing. Residents can safely return home. Thank you for your patience throughout this incident.

For Immediate Release: April 29, 2021

The Gallatin City-County Health Department is saddened to announce that one more Gallatin County resident has passed away from complications due to COVID-19.

See the full press release here.

The Gallatin City-County Health Department Call Center is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to answer questions about COVID-19. Reach the Call Center by phone at 406-548-0123 or email at callcenter@readygallatin.com.

The most accurate local source of information remains the GCCHD website.

Find information on COVID-19 vaccines in Gallatin County here.