Gallatin Media Center

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.

For immediate release: April 29, 2021

The hostage in the Forest Park mobile home park situation has been released and is safe. We continue to negotiate with the suspect, who remains barricaded at this time.

For immediate release: April 29, 2021

As of 11:20 am on Thursday, April 29, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office continues to deal with an armed hostage situation in the Forest Park community off of Norris Road west of Four Corners.

Residents within the immediate area have been evacuated for their safety. Negotiators are currently communicating with the suspect. Resources from multiple agencies are on scene helping to ensure the safety of all involved. 

These types of incidents are difficult and fast changing. We will update the public as we can.

On April 28^th at 4pm, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue was requested at the Sourdough Trail for a report of a hiker with traumatic injuries. The individual was hiking off trail when they fell on a downed tree with exposed broken limbs.

Ground teams and a helicopter team entered the area to search for the hiker. The patient was located a few miles in and a quarter mile off the main trail. The hiker complained of intense pain and had noticeable injury in the rib area. Given the seriousness of the injuries, the patient was short hauled out via helicopter to a waiting ambulance.

Sheriff Springer would like to remind all outdoor enthusiasts that a simple slip in the woods could result in a major injury.  Some preparation, including communication devices and a hiking partner can minimize response time for rescuers. He would also like to extend his appreciation for all of the search and rescue volunteers who volunteer to help those in need.