Gallatin Media Center

For immediate release: Sept. 15, 2025 

Media contact:
Patty Howard, Gallatin Solid Waste Management District Recycling/Outreach Educator
406-582-2493
patty.howard@gallatin.mt.gov  

Gallatin County Offering Free Composting Workshops This Fall 

Gallatin County residents are invited to learn how to turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost at a series of free community workshops this fall. 

The Gallatin Solid Waste Management District, in partnership with YES Compost and Happy Trash Can, will host seven composting workshops across the county from September 25 through October 16. 

These one-hour sessions will cover the basics of composting, including: 

• What materials can and cannot be composted 

• How to start and maintain a compost pile or bin 

• Benefits of composting for your garden and the environment 

• Local composting services and drop-off options 

“Composting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce household waste,” said Patty Howard, Recycling and Outreach Educator for the Gallatin Solid Waste Management District. “These workshops will help residents gain confidence in composting and take a big step toward sustainability at home.” 

Workshops are open to all community members, no registration required. 

Workshop Schedule: 

• Sept. 25: Gallatin Gateway Community Center, 145 Mill St. – 5 to 6 PM 

• Oct. 1: Manhattan Conservation District Meeting Room, 120 5th St. – 5:30 to 6:30 PM 

• Oct. 1: Big Sky Chapel, 510 Little Coyote Rd. – 5 to 6 PM 

• Oct. 4: West Yellowstone Povah Center, 10 S. Geyser St. – 2 to 3 PM 

• Oct. 7: Three Forks Library, 607 S. Main St. – 5 to 6 PM 

• Oct. 9: Belgrade Library, 205 E. Main St. – 6 to 7 PM 

• Oct. 16: Bozeman Library, 626 E. Main St. – 6 to 7 PM 

For questions or more information, contact Patty Howard at 406-582-2493 or patty.howard@gallatin.mt.gov. 

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For immediate release: Sept. 10, 2025

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating numerous reports of a phone scam in which callers pose as law enforcement officers. The scammers claim the recipient has an active warrant and instruct them to withdraw cash and convert it to Bitcoin to avoid arrest.

We want to remind our community that law enforcement will never call you to demand money or payment for a warrant, or request any form of cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin. Warrants are not resolved over the phone or through electronic payment apps.

If you receive a call of this nature, do not provide any personal information, withdraw cash or send any form of currency.

If you are unsure of the authenticity of a call you can end the call, look up the respective law enforcement agencies’ official phone number, and call them back.

If you receive one of these scam calls, you are encouraged to report the incident to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office at 406-582-2100 or your local law enforcement agency.

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On September 5th, 2025 at 5:00pm the Hyalite Fire District was dispatched for a report of a structure fire at the Hyalite Youth Camp located in Hyalite Canyon. Hyalite Fire responded as mutual aid due to the fire being located in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Crews arrived on scene to find a small utility building with smoke showing from the roof of the structure. The fire was not threatening any other structures although the threat of a wildfire is always a concern during wildfire season.  The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes of arrival. No injuries were reported. The structure house two propane generators and solar power equipment which suffered significant damage. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. The Hyalite Fire District was assisted by the City of Bozeman Fire Department and AMR ambulance. Other mutual aid resources were cancelled while responding. In all three structure engines, one water tenders, and two incident command vehicles, one sheriff deputy, and one ambulance responded. The Hyalite Fire District thanks our mutual partners for helping with this incident.

For immediate release: Sept. 8, 2025 

Media contact:
Meghan Hazer Alvarez, Gallatin County Community Development Manager
406-582-3130
meghan.hazeralvarez@gallatin.mt.gov 

Gallatin County Invites Public Input on Zoning Reform Options at Upcoming Hearings 

After listening to Gallatin County residents’ concerns and ideas about land use planning, local officials identified three potential zoning reform options for further investigation. Now, they are inviting the public for an update and the opportunity to weigh in once again. 

The Gallatin County Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6 PM, followed by a Gallatin County Commission hearing on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 9 AM. Both hearings will take place in the Community Room of the Gallatin County Courthouse, 311 W. Main St., Bozeman, and will also be available via Zoom. Links for virtual participation are available on the Planning Department and County Commission websites. 

These hearings follow a series of community listening sessions held earlier this year, where residents shared their experiences, thoughts and frustrations with the county’s complex planning framework, which includes 22 separate zoning districts and leaves 74% of private land unzoned. Based on public feedback, the County Commission asked planning staff to give more detail on three of the eight options, while noting that the status quo already has enough detail and is still an option. 

At both hearings, planning staff will present findings from that research. At the Sept. 23 Planning Board hearing, perspectives from the Commission will be shared, along with public comment, and a discussion among members of the Planning Board.  On Oct. 21, the County Commission will consider the Planning Board’s discussion and any additional public testimony and determine whether to move forward with one of the proposed approaches. 

Community participation is highly encouraged. Residents can: 

• Provide verbal testimony at either hearing. 

• Submit written comments to the Gallatin County Planning Department, 311 W. Main St., Room 108, Bozeman, MT 59715. 

• Email questions or comments to envision@gallatin.mt.gov or call (406) 582-3130. 

For ADA accommodations, please contact the County ADA Coordinator at (406) 582-3007. 

This step is part of the county’s ongoing effort to create a more effective zoning system that reflects community priorities while addressing growth challenges. To learn more, view project resources, and sign up for updates, visit www.EnvisionGallatin.com. 

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On August 30th, 2025, at approximately 6:19 pm, Gallatin County 911 Dispatch received a call for the rescue of an injured hiker.  The hiker injured their leg while hiking up near the top of Beehive Basin Trail.  The hiker was unable to walk all the way back to the trailhead on the injured ankle.

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and GCSSAR Big Sky Team responded, deploying a hasty team of 4 into the field from the intersection of Upper Beehive Loop Road and North Fork Trail.  The GCSSAR team was able to successfully locate the injured hiker, load them onto a one-wheel stretcher, and transport them to the trailhead.  From there, the injured hiker was given a ride to their personal vehicle where a family member drove them home.

Sheriff Springer would like to remind hikers to always recreate with a friend or family member if possible and always carry warm clothing and plenty of food and water.  Accidents can happen, and having someone there to help you goes a long way in getting help quickly.

On August 31st, 2025, at 11:55am, Gallatin County 911 dispatch received a report of an offroad vehicle rollover in the area of Buck Ridge Trail, south of Big Sky, MT. Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office deputies and volunteers of GCSSAR Big Sky Team were dispatched to assist the injured driver.

Bystanders were able to provide initial first aid, and upon arrival, GCSSAR volunteers assessed the patient and packaged them for transport on a side-by-side OHV to the trailhead where the subject was transferred to a Big Sky Fire Department ambulance for follow-on medical care.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the bystanders for their swift actions which ensured that Search and Rescue teams were able to locate, stabilize and package the patient quickly. Furthermore, Sheriff Springer would like to remind ATV operators that the proper wear of a helmet, knowing the trail and your limitations, and keeping to appropriate speeds is vital for your safety on the trail.

 

For immediate release: August 29, 2025

A Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) is present at the Elk Grove Pond in the Elk Grove Subdivision south of Four Corners. This pond is now under a closure advisory. Do not fish, swim, or recreate in the water until further notice. Keep all pets and livestock away from the water. Advisory signs are posted in the area warning the public that toxic algae have been identified in the water and toxins are present.

Read the full press release here.

For Immediate Release: August 29, 2025

Enrolling in the WIC (Women, Infant, Children) program can help with a critical time in pregnancy and early childhood. The WIC program is designed to support the health and well-being through monthly benefits for nutritious food, breastfeeding support, health screenings and referrals, nutrition education, and helping to support vulnerable populations including migrants, homeless, and those in transitional housing. Early enrollment ensures timely access to these important benefits.

Read the full press release here.

On August 26th, 2025 at 12:25pm the Hyalite Fire District was dispatched for a report of a wildland fire in the area of 9400 Nash Road. Hyalite Fire responded and arrived on scene to find an approximately one acre wildland fire burning in grass and mixed brush. The fire was threatening several structures including primary residences. Given the threat to structures Hyalite Fire requested mutual aid from several neighboring fire agencies. The fire was brought under control at 2:00pm and had burned two acres. No injuries were reported although one landowner was treated for possible smoke inhalation but not transported to the hospital. No structures were damaged as a result of the fire although several fences were damaged. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. The Hyalite Fire District was assisted by the City of Bozeman Fire Department, Fort Ellis Fire Service Area, Gallatin Gateway Fire District, Central Valley Fire District, Gallatin County Emergency Management, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and American Medical Response. In all six brush wildland engines, five water tenders, two incident command vehicles, one structure fire engine, five sheriff deputies, and one ambulance responded. The Hyalite Fire District thanks our mutual partners for helping with this incident. As a reminder to the public please use caution during wildfire season and report any fire as early as possible.

For Immediate Release: August 21, 2025

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are present on Hebgen Reservoir in the Rainbow Point Campground area. Routine monitoring of Hebgen has confirmed the presence of anatoxin-a which poses a risk to people, pets, and livestock.

Advisory signs are at public access points in the Rainbow Point Campground area warning the public that toxic algae has been identified in the water in these areas.

Click here to read the full press release.