Gallatin Media Center

For immediate release: Sept. 16, 2024

In the early morning hours of Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office along with Montana Highway Patrol and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office investigated a fatal motor vehicle accident involving a single motor vehicle on Kelly Canyon Road in Bozeman.

A vehicle with four occupants was involved in a crash. Three of the individuals sustained serious injuries and were transported to Bozeman Health Regional Medical Center. One of the occupants was pronounced dead on scene.

The decedent was identified as 18-year-old Madison Montgomery-Lukenbill of Belgrade. Her cause of death was determined to be blunt force injuries, and the manner was ruled an accident. Alcohol and speed are suspected to be factors in the crash.

Sheriff dan Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Madison Montgomery-Lukenbill during this time.

We also appreciate the other agencies that responded to the incident, which included AMR, Fort Ellis Fire, and Central Valley Fire District.

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For immediate release: Sept. 9, 2024

On the morning of Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a call regarding an unresponsive infant at a business in Gallatin Gateway. The child’s mother called 911 reporting that her 6-month-old son was not breathing. Law enforcement and medical personnel responded to the location but despite their lifesaving efforts, the child was pronounced deceased. The Gallatin County Coroner’s Office was contacted and responded to the location.

The situation currently remains under investigation.

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For immediate release: Sept. 9, 2024

In the evening hours of Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office along with the Bozeman Police Department, investigated a fatal motor vehicle accident between an SUV and a pedestrian that occurred near the area of South Third Avenue and Langohr Avenue in Bozeman. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

The pedestrian was identified as 60-year-old Lynette Johnson of Bozeman. Cause of death was determined to be blunt force injuries.

Sheriff Dan Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lynette Johnson during this time.

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For immediate release: Aug. 30, 2024

Media contact:
Meghan Hazer-Alvarez, Gallatin County Planning Department
406-582-
meghan.hazeralvarez@gallatin.mt.gov 

Upcoming Gallatin County Future Land Use Map & Housing Strategy Public Engagement  

Built on the vision and priorities for future land use established in the 2021 Growth Policy, Gallatin County is in the process of creating a Future Land Use Map (FLUM) and Housing Strategy to provide better guidance for growth and development and serve as the planning foundation for future regulatory reform. The initial round of outreach was completed in March 2024 and, using the results from this outreach, a draft FLUM and Housing Strategy has been completed. 

At these meetings, folks can meet the project team, explore the draft Future Land Use Map and Housing Strategy, and ask questions and provide feedback. 

All meetings are from 6-7:30 PM 

Monday, Sept. 9 – Bozeman  

Public Library Community Room
626 E. Main St. 

Tuesday, Sept. 10 – West Yellowstone 

Visitor Center
30 Yellowstone Ave 

Wednesday, Sept. 11 – Manhattan 

Gallatin Conservation District
120 S. Fifth St. 

Friday, Sept. 13 – Amsterdam Churchill 

Manhattan Bank
7175 Churchill Road 

Monday, Sept. 16 – Big Sky 

Big Sky Water & Sewer District
561 Little Coyote Rd. 

Tuesday, Sept. 17 – Belgrade 

Community Library
106 N Broadway 

 Thursday, Sept. 19 – Gallatin Gateway 

Community Center
145 Mill St. 

Wednesday, Sept. 25 – Virtual 

Zoom Link:  https://bit.ly/GLTN-VirtualMtg 
Meeting ID: 828 7470 4914
Call-in number: 1-719-359-4580   

For anyone unable to make the meetings, folks can visit the project website at Envision Gallatin to read more about the project, register for updates on project milestones, and review and comment on the draft FLUM and Housing Strategy. There is also a short survey. 

Questions, comments, and feedback can also be sent directly to the Planning Department by calling 406-582-3130 or by emailing the project team at envision@gallatin.mt.gov.  

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For immediate release: Aug. 30, 2024 

Media contacts: 

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

Michael Becker, Director of MSU News Service
406-994-4565
michael.becker@montana.edu 

Allison Killip, City of Bozeman Communications & Engagement Specialist
406-595-9354
akillip@bozeman.net 

 

First-Responder Efforts Ensure Community Safety During President Trump’s Visit to Gallatin County

On Aug. 9, former President Donald Trump visited Gallatin County, an event that went off safely due to the diligent collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement and other first responder agencies.  

“Our community’s safety is always our top priority, and during President Trump’s visit, we had excellent coordination among all of our law enforcement agencies,” said Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer. “We are grateful for the professionalism and cooperation from all agencies.” 

The following personnel costs are overtime hours incurred by some of the local agencies that assisted on the visit. When a candidate for office with U.S. Secret Service protection makes a visit, the campaigns do not request law enforcement services and therefore are not financially responsible. The Secret Service is the agency that requested the assistance of our local law enforcement through mutual aid. The Secret Service is specific in their needs and requests, and it is our responsibility to meet those needs to keep our community safe. 

Our local law enforcement agencies remain steadfast in their commitment to public safety, whether during daily operations or while hosting high-profile visitors to our community. 

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office: $23,170.22 

City of Bozeman: $20,034.50 – this includes $17,094.40 for Bozeman Police Department, $2,862.13 for Bozeman Fire Department, and $77.97 for cost of food for motorcade team that did not attend full event. 

Montana State University Police Department: $12,783.30 – this includes $3,680.02 for cost of food and water for all first responders supporting the event. 

Belgrade Police Department: $6,569.36 

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For immediate release: Aug. 28, 2024 

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

Gallatin County Staff Hosting Property Tax Rebate Filing Workshop 

If you, or someone you know—whether a family member, friend, neighbor, or colleague—needs help applying for the Montana property tax rebate, Gallatin County is here to assist. We are hosting a workshop to guide residents through the filing process. 

Workshop Details: 

• Date: Thursday, Sept. 5 

• Time: 2:00 – 5:00 PM 

• Location: Gallatin County Courthouse Community Room (3rd Floor), 311 W. Main St., downtown Bozeman  

Our trained county staff will be available to provide one-on-one assistance with the application process. We will also have large monitors available to accommodate those with visual impairments. No appointment is necessary – assistance will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.  

During the workshop, staff can help you locate essential information required for the rebate application, such as your home’s geocode and tax history. If applicable, please bring Social Security numbers for your spouse or dependents. 

The Montana property tax rebate offers up to $675 or an amount equal to the property taxes paid on your primary Montana residence for the 2023 tax year. The deadline to claim this rebate is October 1, 2024, and applications can be submitted online or via paper form. 

For more details and to apply online, visit http://getmyrebate.mt.gov.

The Montana Department of Revenue’s office in Bozeman also has staff available to assist in person. The office is located at 2273 Boot Hill Court, suite 110, in Bozeman. It is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. For questions, call 406-582-3400. 

The Bozeman Senior Center will also have volunteers are able to assist with tax rebate filing from 1 to 3 PM on the following dates: Aug. 27, Sept. 4 and Sept. 12. Please call 406-586-2421 for more information.  

The Montana Department of Revenue’s office in Bozeman also has staff available to assist in person. The office is located at 2273 Boot Hill Court, suite 110, in Bozeman. For questions, call 406-582-3400. 

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For immediate release: Aug. 21, 2024

On August 21, 2024, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and a U.S. Forest Service smokejumper plane responded to a reported fire in the area of Flathead Pass in Gallatin County. As a result, the fire was determined to be caused by a group of campers.

Subsequent to the investigation, each camper was charged with Disorderly Conduct.

In this case, starting a campfire in the peak of fire season is a hazardous act which serves no legitimate purpose.

Please note that should a campfire become uncontrolled, the persons who started the fire will be held criminally and financially responsible for said fire. The Bridger Foothills fire of 2020 cost approximately $10 million, according to Gallatin County Emergency Management.

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For immediate release: Aug. 21, 2024 

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

 

Gallatin County Commissioners Appoint New County Auditor  

The Gallatin County Commissioners appointed Jill Therrien as the new County Auditor following the recent resignation of the previous auditor. Therrien was unanimously selected by the commissioners after an application process and was officially sworn into office by Justice of the Peace Bryan Adams on Aug. 20. 

Therrien succeeds Erin Cox, who resigned earlier this month to relocate closer to family. Therrien will complete the remainder of Cox’s term, which extends through Dec. 31, 2026. 

Having worked for Gallatin County for 15 years, Therrien brings a wealth of experience from her roles in the finance department, where she worked as a controller, lead accountant, and budget assistant. She holds a Master’s of Professional Accountancy and a Bachelor of Arts in Photography, both from Montana State University. 

Therrien expressed her enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I’m excited and honored to take on this position. I see it as an excellent opportunity to apply my skills and experience in service to the citizens and employees of Gallatin County.” 

Commissioner Zach Brown praised Therrien’s appointment, saying, “This is a complete slam dunk for the county. Jill is more than ready to hit the ground running.” 

The auditor’s role is crucial in safeguarding taxpayer dollars. Key responsibilities include reviewing all county claims on a weekly basis, conducting internal audits of assets, evaluating internal policies and procedures, overseeing accounting transactions, and managing the county’s credit card program. Additionally, the auditor’s office provides necessary training for county staff and offers guidance on financial transactions. 

Commissioner Jennifer Boyer added, “I’m so thankful for Jill’s willingness to serve. The auditor’s office is our window of transparency into daily expenditures and fiscal management.” 

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Gallatin County Justice of the Peace Bryan Adams swears in newly appointed County Auditor Jill Therrien on Tuesday, Aug. 20. Photo courtesy of Gallatin County.

 

 

 

On 08/16/2024 at 2:03 PM, Gallatin County dispatch received a 911 call from a pair of hikers, one of which had become injured while hiking the South Cottonwood trail. The pair initially attempted to self-extricate, but determined it was too dangerous and difficult, and requested assistance from Search and Rescue.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) members from the Valley section responded, along with Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and an ambulance from American Medical Response.

A hasty team with an accompanying paramedic quickly ascended the trail to locate and evaluate the injured hiker.  Once the team made contact, it was determined a one-wheeled litter would be most effective to extricate them.  GCSSAR members successfully assisted the hiker to the trail head using the litter, where they elected to have a friend transport them to follow-up medical care.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend other hikers in the area who were quick to offer assistance, and ultimately help get in touch with 911. Much of our county’s backcountry still has limited to no cell service. Having multiple means of communication and ensuring a trusted person knows your plan and when to expect you back are good ideas for ensuring a safe return home.

 

For immediate release: August 14, 2024 

Media contact:
John Ansley, Gallatin County Weed District Coordinator
406-582-3265
john.ansley@gallatin.mt.gov

Big Sky Community Member Honored for Outstanding Contribution to Noxious Weed Management 

Gallatin County recently celebrated the exceptional efforts of a dedicated community member in the ongoing battle against noxious weeds. Mel Crichton, a longstanding advocate for healthy plant communities, was awarded the second-annual Gallatin County Outstanding Noxious Weed Management Award during the Gallatin County Commission’s public meeting on Aug. 13. 

“Managing noxious weeds, particularly on smaller lots in our rapidly developing county, remains a persistent challenge,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Zach Brown. “This award recognizes those who not only manage their own land but also inspire their neighbors to take action. It’s a way to spotlight the best and brightest in our community.” 

The Gallatin County Weed District established this award to honor individuals and groups who play a crucial role in preserving our county’s natural landscapes. These stewards are instrumental in protecting the wild lands and local agriculture that contribute to Gallatin County’s unique character. 

The award process involved community nominations, which were reviewed by the Gallatin County Weed Board. After careful consideration, the board selected Crichton for this year’s honor. 

Crichton was nominated by Jennifer Mohler of the Gallatin Invasive Species Alliance. In her nomination, Mohler praised Crichton as a “weed warrior” who has been a pivotal figure in Big Sky’s weed management efforts for years. His work extends beyond his former property near the Big Sky golf course to the open spaces between the course and neighboring homes. Upon moving to a different subdivision, he quickly elevated weed management practices within the homeowners association. 

“He’s dedicated, persistent, and proactive,” Mohler wrote. 

The Gallatin County Weed District is currently accepting nominations for next year’s award. 

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