The Bulletin - April 29 - May 3
Thank you for subscribing to Gallatin County's weekly newsletter! We hope this publication will keep you up to date on the latest Gallatin County happenings - from projects and public meetings, to events and employee accomplishments, and much more!
If you are viewing this newsletter on the Gallatin County website and would like to subscribe to have it sent weekly to your inbox, go to this link and check the box next to "The Bulletin: Gallatin County Weekly Newsletter" followed by the "Subscribe Me" button at the bottom of the page.
If you have questions about any of the information in this newsletter, email whitney.bermes@gallatin.mt.gov.
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Ballot Deadline for May School and Special District Election
Attention voters: here’s an important reminder about ballot deadlines for the May 7 School and Special Districts Election:
Ballots postmarked on or before Election Day but received after 8 PM on Election Day cannot be accepted. Don’t let your vote go uncounted!
To ensure your vote is counted, we recommend dropping off your ballot in person at one of our five convenient locations:
- Gallatin County Elections Department
311 W. Main St., Bozeman - Belgrade School District administration office
312 N. Weaver St. - Big Sky Water & Sewer District office
561 Little Coyote Rd. - Monforton School – front office
6001 Monforton School Rd. - Three Forks High School office
210 E. Neal St.
These drop-off locations are open during their regular business hours up until Election Day, then from 7 AM to 8 PM on Election Day itself, Tuesday, May 7.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions! We’re here to assist you every step of the way. Call us at 406-582-3060, email us at gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt, or visit our website at www.GallatinVotes.com. Let’s ensure every vote counts!
Gallatin County District Court Sending Postcards to Potential Jurors for 2024-2025 Term
This week, residents of Gallatin County who have been selected to serve in the upcoming jury term for Gallatin County District Court will receive official notifications regarding their selection. These individuals will be kindly asked to promptly complete a related questionnaire.
The Clerk of District Court’s Office will send out roughly 8,500 notices to residents who were randomly chosen to be a part of District Court’s upcoming jury term, which runs from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Names are drawn from a combined list of Montana registered voters, Montana licenses drivers, and holders of Montana identification cards.
District Court’s jurisdiction spans a diverse array of legal matters including criminal cases (primarily felonies), civil matters with over $12,000 damages, domestic relations, juvenile, probate, mental health, water cases, and appeals from Justice Court, Municipal Court, and administrative agencies.
It is important to note that recipients of these notifications are not being summoned for a specific jury trial at this time. Rather, they are being informed of their potential eligibility for jury duty during the year-long term.
It is essential for selected residents to promptly respond to these notices by completing the accompanying juror questionnaire within 10 days of receipt. Failure to do so may result in a personal visit from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, tasked with delivering questionnaires to non-responsive individuals. Such an undertaking places undue strain on our law enforcement resources, leading to potential delays in trials and impeding the timely administration of justice.
“Ensuring the timely completion of juror questionnaires is vital for the smooth functioning of our judicial system. By promptly returning these forms, residents play a crucial role in upholding the integrity of our courts,” said Sandy Erhardt, Gallatin County Clerk of District Court.
Recipients have multiple convenient options for completing their questionnaires:
- Scan the QR code on the front of the postcard with a smartphone and fill out the questionnaire online
- Visit https://mt.access.gov.com/gallatin-county and fill out the questionnaire online
- Get a paper copy of the questionnaire by calling Gallatin County Clerk of District Court’s office at 406-582-2168, emailing gallatindcjury@mt.gov, or stopping by in person at the Law and Justice Center at 615 S. 16th Ave., room 302 in Bozeman
All postcards will include these detailed instructions. If you have questions, please call the Gallatin County Clerk of District Court’s Office at 406-582-2168 or email gallatindcjury@mt.gov.
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, Local Emergency Responders to Conduct Full-Scale Aircraft Accident Exercise on May 4
On Saturday, May 4, 2024, Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) in conjunction with Gallatin County Emergency Management will conduct a full-scale aircraft disaster exercise on airport grounds.
This exercise will test on-scene coordination between the airport, airline, hospital and emergency response personnel from across the Gallatin Valley. It is another opportunity for these agencies to collaborate to improve emergency plans and response protocols, all for the benefit of our county’s residents and visitors.
Multiple agencies, business and organizations partner with airport staff for this exercise, including Bozeman Health, Central Valley Fire District, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Gallatin County 911, Hyalite Fire District, Salvation Army, Red Cross and numerous others.
Due to this exercise, from 10 AM to 2 PM on May 4, folks will see an increased presence of emergency response vehicles at the airport. These will be for exercise purposes only and will not impact airline or air traffic at the airport. Please do not call 911 to report.
“This exercise gives us the opportunity to test and revise our airport emergency plans as we continue to grow, not only as an airport, but also as a community,” said Jake Simpson, BZN Senior Director of Operations and Maintenance. “We rely heavily on our partnerships in Gallatin County when it comes to large scale emergencies and this exercise lets us strengthen those relationships.”
Kevin Larsen, Gallatin County Emergency Management’s operations and training manager added: “Gallatin County Emergency Management strives to maintain a prepared and resistant community, and to support coordinated interagency responses to incidents and events throughout our county. This exercise is a great way to test plans, improve communications at numerous levels, build capability, and challenge assumptions. Collaboration with our emergency response partners builds community resiliency, and better prepares us to face a variety of disasters, both natural and man-made.”
The exercise also meets the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirement for the airport to conduct a full-scale emergency exercise every three years in addition to annual table-top drills.
LAST DAY to Take the Gallatin County Fairgrounds Public Survey
Our "Fairgrounds Future" master planning process is in full swing, and we want YOUR input!
If you haven't already, April 29 is the LAST DAY to make your voice heard in our online public sentiment survey. We're dedicated to creating a space that better serves our amazing community year-round, but we need your feedback to make it happen.
Click here to take the survey!
The survey closes at the end of the day on Monday, April 29. Don't miss out on this opportunity to shape the future of our beloved fairgrounds. Remember, one response per person, but feel free to share the link far and wide.
Together, we'll create a brighter future for the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. Let's make memories and build a space we're all proud of!
"Salons and Saloons" Invites Hospitality, Hair Professionals to Conversation About Mental Health
In an effort to address the critical issue of mental health, the Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition and the Gallatin County Mental Health Local Advisory Council are proud to announce "Salons and Saloons," a community event aimed at initiating dialogue and providing support for local servers, bartenders, barbers, stylists, and other hospitality and hair professionals.
Scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, from 9 to 10:30 AM at the Emerson Center Ballroom (111 S. Grand Ave. in Bozeman), "Salons and Saloons" will serve as a platform for service workers to engage in crucial conversations surrounding mental health within our community.
Ellie Martin of Routefinder Consulting underscored the significance of the event, stating, "Service workers play a vital role in our community, often acting as confidants and supporters for their patrons. 'Salons and Saloons' aims to recognize their invaluable contributions while providing them with the resources and support needed to navigate mental health challenges effectively."
The event will offer attendees the opportunity to:
- Acknowledge the vital role of service workers as supporters, listeners, and caring connectors to their customers.
- Share essential information and resources for assisting individuals in distress.
- Facilitate open dialogue to better understand the needs and concerns of service workers when assisting patrons with mental health issues.
Complimentary coffee and baked goods will be provided.
People interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP at this link. For further inquiries, please contact ellie@routefinderconsulting.com.
"Salons and Saloons" aims to help foster a supportive and empathetic community, where every individual, regardless of their profession, feels valued and supported in their mental health journey.
Join Us at 2024 Job Fair Jamboree!
Come see what careers Gallatin County has to offer at the 2024 Job Fair Jamboree!
Gallatin County staff will be on hand at the Motnan aDepartment of Labor & Industry's event on Wednesday, May 1 at the Best Western Gran Tree Inn from 11 AM to 4 PM.
This event provides job seekers a chance to meet with employers and access community resources.
It is free to attend and job seekers can register for a door prize giveaway at the event!
Gallatin County Commission Approves Funding for Open Lands Projects
The Gallatin County Commission approved using Open Lands Program money to help fund nine projects that support open space in Bozeman, Three Forks, West Yellowstone, Big Sky, Bridger Canyon and waterways across the Gallatin Valley.
On Tuesday, April 23, commissioners voted unanimously to spend $648,158 to provide funding to a wide range of projects.
One of the funded projects was the Headwaters Trail System, which is a network of about 12 miles of paved trails that runs along the former Milwaukee Railroad bed through the city of Three Forks. The $100,000 from Gallatin County will go toward maintaining over four miles of trail in three different sections: from the Madison River pedestrian bridge east to where the trail terminates; from the Drouillard Fishing Access site to Kansas Street in Three Forks; and from Hickory Street south to the baseball fields.
The other eight projects funded include:
- Big Sky Owners Association – Little Coyote Pond Fishing Access and amenities - $100,000
- Gallatin River Task Force – Greek Creek streambank restoration and river access improvement project - $50,000
- Gallatin Watershed Council – Cleanup of streams and rivers in the Lower Gallatin Watershed - $10,308
- Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter – Improvements at Maxi Park, an 18-acre off-leash dog park at the shelter - $17,850
- Trout Unlimited – Third phase of the Dry Creek restoration project that would restore 14 additional stream banks - $50,000
- West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation – construction of the Rendezvous Operations Building to serve as a base for the Rendezvous Trail System - $100,000
- Crosscut Mountain Sports Center – construction of 3 kilometers of paved trail for roller-skiing - $100,000
- Gallatin County Regional Park – construction of a 1,200 square-foot shop to store park supplies and equipment, and a connecting trail to the park and an asphalt walkway along Vaquero Parkway - $100,000
"This is a really fun exercise to be reminded of all the great work that’s happening out there in the community in providing conservation and recreation infrastructure across the county,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Zach Brown. “They all add incredible richness and value to our communities.”
Money for these projects come from the voter-approved Gallatin County Open Space Levy, which was passed in 2018. This year, there is about $3.5 million available total in the program.
While a majority of that money funds conservation projects, such as conservation easements for private landowners, about $887,000 was earmarked by the Gallatin County Commission for “other eligible projects.” These projects must be released to land acquisition, capital improvements, and maintenance projects that support the purpose of the Open Space Levy. Money left over from this round of applications will be rolled over to next year’s pool of funds.
Nine applications were received during the application period earlier this year. The Open Lands Board scored the submitted proposals and made recommendations to the Gallatin County Commission.
More information on each project, including applications and scoring, can be found attached to the commission’s agenda here.
Free Well Testing Clinic on May 23
The Gallatin Local Water Quality District is hosting a FREE Well Testing Clinic on May 23 from 5-7pm at the Gallatin Gateway Community Center. Free well testing kits will be available for pickup, analysis costs vary depending on what you choose to test for.
Presentations from the Water Quality District, MSU Extension, the Gallatin City-County Health Department, and the Gallatin Conservation District will help inform community members on what to test for, how to test, and other information about well and septic systems.
Give Big Gallatin Valley - Support County Programs!
For 24 hours this week, Give Big Gallatin Valley is raising money for our area's nonprofits!
If you're looking for some great ideas of nonprofits to support with donations, please consider these awesome organizations that help support some incredible county programs:
- The Gallatin Rest Home Auxiliary enhances the lives of our rest home residents with activities, comforts, transportation and more!
- Friends of Gallatin County Sheriff SAR supports our fantastic Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers
- Gallatin County 4-H Foundation supports local 4-H educational activities, events and learning opportunities
- Gallatin County Public Safety Foundation supports the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office Shop with a Sheriff program
- Gallatin County CASA/GAL Program, Inc. and Haven work with our Gallatin County Victim Services program to provide resources and support to our area's crime victims
- Friends of Hyalite partners with the Gallatin County Road Department to fund road plowing in Hyalite Canyon
To pitch in your support of any of these organizations, please visit www.givebiggv.org between 6 PM on Thursday, May 2 and 6 PM on Friday, May 3!
Exit 309 Ramp Closures Expected Week of April 29
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Knife River are constructing crossovers on Interstate 90 (I-90) and resurfacing the on- and off-ramps at the Main Street Interchange (Exit 309).
Crews are expecting to close the eastbound off-ramp starting Monday, April 29, weather and other unforeseen factors permitting. Construction is expected to continue with the eastbound on-ramp later next week. Each of the ramps is anticipated to be closed for approximately two days at a time to remove and replace the old pavement. The ramps will not be closed simultaneously and will reopen as soon as the new pavement is safe to drive on.
What motorists should expect during construction:
- Crossover traffic patterns on I-90.
- Both east and westbound traffic traveling on the same side of I-90.
- Interchange ramp closures.
- Traffic reduced to one lane in each direction.
- Flaggers or temporary signals directing traffic at times.
- Reduced speed limits.
- Wide load restrictions.
Visit 511mt.net for the most up-to-date information about width restrictions and other traffic conditions.
Gallatin Canyon Pavement Preservation and Safety Improvements Update
The following is from the Montana Department of Transportation:
Work is underway on the Gallatin Canyon Pavement Preservation and Safety Improvements project. Here’s what to expect for the week of April 29.
CK May crews will continue excavation operations this week, necessitating single-lane closures on US Highway 191 (US 191) north of Gallatin Gateway.
Drivers can expect reduced speeds, single-lane closures, and flagger-controlled traffic flow between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please plan for extended delays. Although lanes will reopen during night hours, reduced speeds will be maintained 24 hours a day throughout construction.
If you have questions, please email Kristine at Kristine@bigskypublicrelations.com. Our project hotline is also open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 406-207-4484. Visit our project webpage at https://mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/gallatincanyon/. To subscribe to wekkly text updates, text GALLATINCANYON to 41411.
Featured County Job Posting: 911 Records Manager
Each week, we will feature one of our current job openings at Gallatin County! You can find this position and many more here.
The Gallatin County Fairgrounds is looking for a temporary front office worker for the 2024 Big Sky Country State Fair! Dates of work will be May 1-July 28.
The position performs a variety of administrative and technical tasks toward the organization, supervision and management of manual and automated records of the Bozeman City Police, Gallatin County Sheriff’s office and the Detention Center in compliance with state and federal laws concerning the maintenance of records and dissemination of sensitive information.
The job comes with incredible benefits like health, dental and medical, as well as paid parental leave, tuition assistance, and more!
You can see the full job posting here.
Gallatin County In The News
Gallatin County informs voters of printing error on elementary school ballot
County dishes out $650k in grants for open space projects
Fatal crash raises questions about Jackrabbit Lane safety
Cops swap cuffs for diapers in Gallatin County charity drive
Upcoming Commission Meetings
The following meetings of the Gallatin County Commission are quorum meetings. Click on the meeting name for agendas, meeting locations, and virtual attendance options. You can see the full calendar here. Please note the calendar is subject to change. For questions on any upcoming meetings, email commission@gallatin.mt.gov or call 406-582-3000.
Monday, April 29
*Meetings canceled due to lack of quorum.*
Tuesday, April 30
- Public Meeting - 9 AM
- Budget Meeting - 1 PM
Wednesday, May 1
- Administrator Update - 8:30 AM
- Communications Coordinator Update - 10 AM
- Mental Health Funding Discussion - 10:30 AM
Monday, May 6
- Work Session - 8:30 AM
- Operations Update with 911 Records Department - 11 AM
- County Attorney Meeting - 2 PM
Planning and Community Development
What's New & Happening Now - Check out this page for the latest information on subdivisions under review, planning meeting agendas, buildings for lease or rent applications, and other large projects across the county.
Upcoming Planning and Community Development Meetings
You can see the full calendar here. Please note the calendar is subject to change.
No meetings for the week of April 29.
