Gallatin Media Center

For immediate release: April 17, 2026

Media contact:
Eric Semerad, Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder/Elections Administrator
eric.semerad@gallatin.mt.gov
406-582-3054

On Friday, April 17th, the Gallatin County Elections Department mailed over 77,500 ballots for the May 5, 2026, School and Special Purpose District elections to all active registered voters.

This election will be conducted by mail only. No polling places open on Election Day.

School elections are being held in various school districts across the county and includes elections for various special districts including fire, resort area and hospital. Only voters who reside within those boundaries will receive a ballot for this election.

Voters can expect ballots to arrive in mailboxes this weekend or early next week. Sample ballots are available at www.MyVoterPageMT.com.

If you don’t receive your ballot by Wednesday, April 22, contact the Gallatin County Elections Office right away to request a replacement or confirm your registration and eligibility.

Voting Options

Voters may return their ballots by mail or in person.

If returning by mail, please send your ballot no later than Friday, April 24 to ensure it arrives by the deadline. Ballots must be received, not postmarked, by 8 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, May 5.

In-person ballot drop-off is available at the following locations:

• Gallatin County Elections Office – 311 W. Main St., room 210 in Bozeman
• Belgrade School District Administration Office – 312 N. Weaver St.
• Ridge View Elementary School – 117 Green Belt Dr. in Belgrade
• BASE Community Center – 285 Simkins Dr. in Big Sky

All locations are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours through Monday, May 4, and from 7 AM to 8 PM on May 5 Election Day.

Voters from any district may drop their ballots off at any of these sites.

New Ballot Requirement

A new Montana law (HB 719) now requires voters to include their birth year along with their signature when returning mail ballots.

This year’s ballot includes a box for your four-digit birth year.

If left blank, your ballot cannot be counted unless corrected by 5 PM on May 6. The Elections Office will contact affected voters using information on file to help resolve this issue promptly.

Track your ballot and check its status anytime at www.MyVoterPageMT.com.

Ballot Changes
Recent state requirements for ballot layout no longer require write-in lines to appear on a ballot unless there is a filed write-in candidate for a race. There are no filed write-in candidates for May 5, 2026.

Voter Registration

Gallatin County is currently in the late registration period for the May 5 election.

To register or update your registration (such as a name or address change), you must visit the Gallatin County Elections Office in person at the Gallatin County Courthouse, 311 W. Main St., Room 210 in Bozeman. Mailed or emailed registration cannot be accepted until after the election.

Late registration is available through Election Day, except for a brief closure from noon on Monday, May 4 until 7 AM on Election Day, when same-day registration resumes and continues until 8 PM.

Check your registration status at www.MyVoterPageMT.com.

If you have questions, please contact our office at gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov or 406-582-3060. For more information, you can also visit www.GallatinVotes.com.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14, 2026

Hyalite Fire District Responds to Structure Fire on April 13

Bozeman, MT — On April 13 at 9:46pm, the Hyalite Fire District responded to a reported structure fire involving a large shop outbuilding. Crews arrived on scene to find a large shop with smoke showing. Firefighters initiated a fire attack and successfully containing the fire to the room of origin. The building was occupied when the fire was discovered but the occupant was able to safely get out of the building.

Due to the quick and coordinated efforts of responding personnel, the fire was prevented from spreading to other areas of the structure. No members of the public or first responders were injured during the incident.

The Hyalite Fire District deployed a total of four structure fire engines, two water tenders, one support truck, one ambulance, and three command units. Mutual aid partners played a critical role in the response, providing an additional three structure fire engines, three water tenders, two command units, and one ladder truck.

Assisting agencies included the City of Bozeman Fire Department, Central Valley Fire District, Gallatin Gateway Fire District, Fort Ellis Fire Service Area, and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

The fire has been determined to be unintentional. The structure has been released back to the property owner, and the incident remains under review for insurance purposes.

The Hyalite Fire District extends its appreciation to all assisting agencies for their support and continued partnership in protecting the Gallatin Valley community.

Media Contact:
Hyalite Fire District
Brian Nickolay, Fire Chief

For immediate release: March 26, 2026

Media Contact:
Eric Semerad, Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder/Elections Administrator
eric.semerad@gallatin.mt.gov
(406)582-3060

 

Gallatin County Election Administrator Issues Statement on County Superintendent of Schools Candidate Filing

 

The Gallatin County Election Department has announced that Deanna Campbell, who filed as a candidate for Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools, will not appear on the November 2026 General Election ballot for that office.​

The Election Department received Ms. Campbell’s Declaration for Nomination and Oath of Candidacy for the office of Gallatin County Superintendent of Schools along with the required filing fee on March 3, 2026. The Primary Election ballot was certified with Ms. Campbell listed as a candidate for that office.​

Under Montana Law, candidates for the office of county superintendent of schools must meet specific statutory qualifications at the time of filing for office. One of these requirements is that a candidate must hold a valid, current class 1 professional certificate, class 2 standard certificate, or class 3 administrative and supervisory certificate issued by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.​

Upon review of her qualifications, it was determined that Ms. Campbell does not hold a qualifying, current educator or administrative certificate as specified in statute. As a result, although her filing was initially filed and she will appear on the certified Primary Election ballot, she is not legally qualified for the office and therefore will not appear on the General Election ballot in November.​

The office remains available to answer questions from candidates and the public, and Election Administrator Eric Semerad can be contacted at (406) 582-3060 or eric.semerad@gallatin.mt.gov for further information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kirsten Smith, Facilitator

406-570-0058 | ksmith@bloomconsult.org

March 2026

Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition Marks Transformative Year,

Securing $10.9 Million and Expanding Services Across the Region

Coalition partners, funders, and providers cite collaborative model as a strong example of what community-driven behavioral health coordination can achieve

BOZEMAN, Mont. — The Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition (GBHC) today released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting a landmark year for behavioral health services in Gallatin County and Southwest Montana. Through sustained cross-sector collaboration among 28+ partner organizations, the coalition secured $10.9 million in collaborative funding and launched seven new behavioral health services — all while deepening the trust and coordination that define GBHC’s nationally recognized collective impact model.

Among the coalition’s most historic achievements in 2025 was the September opening of Bozeman Health’s 14-bed adult psychiatric inpatient unit, which supported 119 patients receiving acute psychiatric care close to home last year. The year also saw the launch of Rimrock’s Bozeman office offering addiction treatment services including withdrawal management and intensive outpatient care, the establishment of Gallatin County’s Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program backed by $1.5 million in SAMHSA funding, and the opening of HRDC’s Homeward Point shelter, which housed 107 people on its second night of operation.

“[QUOTE FROM SCOTT MALLOY, Montana Healthcare Foundation] — The Montana Healthcare Foundation believed from the beginning that Gallatin County had the community will and the right partners to build something lasting. What GBHC has achieved is a testament to what happens when organizations put collective community goals ahead of individual organizational territories and show up to work together year after year.”

— Scott Malloy, Montana Healthcare Foundation

The Montana Healthcare Foundation (MTHF) has been integral to GBHC’s development since 2017, when it funded Bozeman Health to lead the community’s initial behavioral health system assessment. MTHF subsequently funded Gallatin County as the backbone organization for coalition-building from 2019 to 2021, providing the foundational investment that enables today’s ongoing robust collaboration across systems of care.

Partners Drive From Across the State to Participate

The depth of commitment to GBHC is perhaps best illustrated by the dedication of its member organizations. Rimrock, Montana’s largest addiction treatment provider, opened a Bozeman office in 2025 and has been an active coalition partner — with the organization’s CEO making the drive from Billings each month to participate in coalition meetings.

“[QUOTE FROM JEFF KELLER, Rimrock] — I make that drive every month because this coalition is the real thing. The level of trust, the quality of conversation, and the commitment to genuine collaboration here is unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere in Montana. When you’re in a room where people consistently put the community’s needs above their own organization’s interests, you make it a priority.”

— Jeff Keller, CEO, Rimrock Foundation

Building Toward the Future

Looking ahead, GBHC is actively pursuing crisis receiving and stabilization services, clubhouse model implementation for adults with serious mental illness, and continued buildout of the Lighthouse Ranch youth behavioral health campus — which has raised $5.6 million of its $8.5 million goal through a community fundraising campaign. The coalition is also engaged in Montana’s HB872 process, which will invest $300 million in the state’s behavioral health system, advocating for mobile crisis sustainability, youth crisis services, and adult crisis infrastructure in Gallatin County. Participation is ongoing with Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) as they roll out the federally-funded Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Montana has been allocated $233 million in year-one funding to strengthen rural health systems and improve access to care statewide.

GBHC’s 2025 Impact Report is available at gallatinmt.gov/gallatin-behavioral-health-coalition

About the Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition

The Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition is a multi-agency collaborative established in 2021, providing strategic coordination for the region’s behavioral health system. The coalition is facilitated by Kirsten Smith of Bloom Consulting and comprises 28+ partner organizations spanning healthcare, government, nonprofits, education, and recovery services. For more information, visit www.gallatinmt.gov/gallatin-behavioral-health-coalition.

###

Download Impact Report

In the morning hours of Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office along with Bozeman Police Department investigated the death of an individual found deceased in the area near Baxter Lane and Sacco Drive in Bozeman. The decedent was identified as 56-year-old Augusta Old Crow who resided in Bozeman. The cause and manner of death is still under investigation.

Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Augusta Old Crow during this time.

In the morning hours of Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Gallatin County Coroner’s Office along with Bozeman Police Department investigated a fatal motor vehicle crash involving a vehicle versus pedestrian at the intersection of West Oak St. and Agate Ave. The pedestrian was transported to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased. The deceased pedestrian was identified as 39-year-old Leslie Brown of Bozeman.

Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Leslie Brown during this time.

 

 Fort Ellis Volunteer Fire Department Contact: Buck Taylor, 406-539-9358

The weekend was a busy one for Fort Ellis Fire/Rescue volunteers east of Bozeman.

On Saturday, February 7th around 3:30 pm, Fort Ellis was called for a fast-moving wildland fire threatening structures north of Interstate 90 at the Jackson Creek exit at Laurel Ranch Road.  Firefighters noted windy conditions on scene. While one shed was lost, fire personnel worked quickly to contain the blaze before it reached any residences. The fire was contained to roughly 40 acres and no injuries were reported.

On Super Bowl Sunday, February 8th about 4:45pm, a Fort Ellis Fire/Rescue firefighter noticed smoke in the area of Fort Ellis Road south of Bozeman Trail Road and went to investigate.  On arrival in the 1800 block of Fort Ellis Road, he found the corner of a two-story residence on fire with no occupants home. Gallatin County Dispatch was alerted of an active fire on scene.  Firefighters from Bozeman Fire, Fort Ellis Fire/Rescue and Hyalite Fire brought the fire under control and recovered items from the structure for the homeowner. AMR provided a stand-by ambulance. The home was heavily damaged, though no injuries were reported and the family cat was located safely.

Fort Ellis wants to thank the following organizations for assistance throughout the weekend:  Amsterdam Fire, AMR, Bozeman Fire, Bridger Canyon Fire, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department, Gallatin County 911, Hyalite Fire and Montana Highway Patrol.

—

 

In the morning hours of Saturday, January 31, 2026, 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 three motor vehicles at the intersection of East Valley Center Rd and Harper Puckett Rd in Bozeman. A vehicle traveling southbound on Harper Puckett failed to stop at the stop sign and entered East Valley Center, colliding with two vehicles, one traveling eastbound and one traveling westbound. The driver of the eastbound vehicle was pronounced dead on the scene. The driver of the westbound vehicle was transported to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center. The deceased driver was identified as 73-year-old Danny Lake of Gallatin Gateway. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force injuries, and the manner was ruled accidental. The crash is being investigated by Montana Highway Patrol.

Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Danny Lake during this time.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2026
Statement Regarding Rumors of ICE Activity in Gallatin County

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is aware of numerous community organizations perpetuating unsubstantiated reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is active or will be active in our community and schools. To date, there is no credible information to suggest these rumors are factual.

Your Sheriff’s Office has been in contact with multiple federal agencies responsible for immigration enforcement in our state. They have confirmed there are no current ICE-related operations planned in Gallatin County. These dangerous rumors are patently false!

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to the safety and well-being of all citizens in our county. We encourage our community members to rely on verified information from official sources and avoid spreading misinformation that can cause unnecessary concern or harm.

Above the Noise

I want to speak directly to the citizens of Gallatin County. We are witnessing a dangerous trend in public activity. Yesterday, a Sheriff’s Office Captain pulled over a vehicle in his issued, unmarked, police vehicle. He wore his issued Sheriff’s Office vest with clear and unobstructed markings that said SHERIFF. He pulled the driver over for reckless driving and the contact went without incident. However, shortly thereafter, there were social media posts stating ICE had pulled someone over while describing this Captain’s vehicle and time of traffic stop. This is not the first time we have seen reports that are false and misleading.

These reports are an attempt to create fear and chaos within our community and they are patently false.  Our local Law Enforcement Officers are well trained; they conduct themselves with professionalism and they are dedicated to preserving the quality of life here in Gallatin County. If agitators or obstructionists attempt to interfere with lawful law enforcement operations, there will be criminal consequences for those doing so. Vigilantism is not an acceptable form of intervention and won’t be tolerated in this community.

I have no doubt the media and social media will be directing your attention to the Missouri River Drug Task Force (MRDTF). The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office has commanded MRDTF since the early 1990’s.  The mission of the Missouri River Drug Task Force is to provide a collaborative federal, state and local law enforcement effort to identify, target, and address those involved in drug trafficking, manufacturing, and violence. Their sole focus is to identify those criminals distributing and manufacturing large quantities of illegal drugs. These cases can take months to build as they track down those selling high quantities of drugs and distributing them here in Gallatin County and surrounding areas. We will continue using every resource available to identify, locate and arrest these individuals. We will continue to make sure our community members are protected from this scourge of the population. If we have cartel members, gang members, local residents, legal residents, illegal residents or anyone else selling, stealing property, and/or committing acts of violence, we will use the resources available to arrest them and remove them from our neighborhoods.

This should not be controversial and to believe otherwise is irrational and damaging to our community. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is committed to a high level of professionalism when carrying out our investigations and our local, state and federal parters are expected to conduct themselves with the same level of professionalism in our community. This is why we engage in agreements to define the framework of their actions while they are working here. Partnering in this way, ensures an avenue of communication with their supervisors and agency heads if their behaviors aren’t aligned with our expectations. All my deputies are aware of my expectation they will “Engage non-standard actions immediately”. This means we will step in and engage if we see anyone acting in a manner not appropriate to the profession. Your Sheriff’s Office and I, as your Sheriff will continue to do the Right thing, at the Right time for the Right reasons.