The Gallatin County 911 Records Division is resuming regular public office hours this week.

Since October, due to short staffing, the records department has been closing to the public at 3 PM each business day to enable staff to catch up on records requests.

The department is now fully staffed, so beginning Jan. 20, public office hours will again be 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.

Records is located behind the window at the main entrance of the Law and Justice Center (615 S. 16th Ave. in Bozeman). The department maintains records from the Bozeman Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gallatin County Detention Center.

In addition to in person, records can be made online here.

For any records request questions, please call 406-582-2005.

When it's too cold outside to enjoy a picnic in the park or take a jog around the neighborhood, there are still plenty of ways to get in a good workout indoors. From at-home fitness apps to creative group classes, working up a sweat doesn't have to mean braving the elements. So whether you're looking for some solo cardio or want to try something new with friends, here are a few indoor workout ideas to keep you moving all winter long.

 
Fuel Fitness in Bozeman Montana is a great place to get started on your fitness journey!

The Fuel Fitness gym in Bozeman Montana is an excellent option for anyone looking to jumpstart their fitness journey. Guaranteed to give you a great workout experience in Bozeman, the welcoming staff and cutting-edge equipment create an environment that makes working out more enjoyable. With multiple benefits and activities offered each day, it's easy to find something that fits your unique goals and interests. From childcare to personal trainers and cardio machines, you're sure to find something new to challenge yourself with at Fuel Fitness Bozeman Montana. If you're unsure where to start on your fitness adventure, be sure to check out this one-of-a-kind gym in Bozeman and experience all it has to offer!

If you're looking for something more intense, try Orange Theory Fitness in Bozeman Montana!

Orange Theory Fitness (OTF) in Bozeman, Montana, can be a perfect choice if you're ready to take your workout routine up a notch. Using the latest HIIT techniques and heart-rate monitoring systems, OTF offers fitness classes guaranteed to blow away any other gym experience. With certified instructors who are passionate about their craft and an array of exceptional amenities such as lockers, showers, and private restrooms, this is an ideal place in Bozeman to sweat it out. So come on down and let yourself go – you won't regret it! They offer high-intensity interval training that is sure to make you sweat.

This type of training ensures you get the most out of a short time. Through these structured bursts of exercise alternated with rest periods, your body can be efficiently pushed to its limits. Imagine working so hard during each interval that you don't just burn off fat but also break a sweat and build endurance. High-intensity interval training utilizes anaerobic exercises combined with aerobic exercises for even better results. Give it a try, and let the endorphins take over!

If you're looking for a great place to work out indoors in Bozeman, look no further! The Fuel Fitness gym and Orange Theory Fitness offer a variety of workouts that are sure to get your heart pumping. So what are you waiting for? Grab your gym shoes and head on over to one of these great locations today!

Tourist attractions combined with exercise

If you count walking as exercise, your brain won’t even notice the effort you put in when visiting local indoor attractions in Bozeman, Montana. The American Computer and Robotics Museum, The Museum of the Rockies, the Montana Science Center, and The Bozeman Art Museum are just a few tourist attractions bound to keep you busy for hours on end.

For those looking to learn more about their favorite beverage, Bozeman, Montana, has several brewing companies looking to be explored. Stroll in any of Bozeman’s breweries to understand how a delicious ale is made. Many of these breweries offer a bite to eat, so you don’t go home too hungry after all that walking.

The Bozeman Hot Springs has outdoor pools, but it also has several indoor swimming pools and a fitness center so you can get your exercise in no matter the weather. The Bozeman Hot Springs also has saunas and hot tubs to relax after your exercise routine.

And if Axe throwing is your thing or your newest interest, Bozeman, Montana, has you covered! Visit the Lookout Throwing Company to get your axe-throwing technique just right.

 
For families looking to entertain mom, dad, and the kids, why not try JumpTime in Bozeman? This exciting indoor trampoline park provides you and your children with a selection of a ninja warrior course, slam dunk basketball, and extreme dodgeball. It’s guaranteed to be a ton of fun and counts as exercise.

Indoor cycling at a local studio in Montana

Going to Montana's local indoor cycling studio can provide many health benefits. One great thing about this type of workout is its low impact, meaning it won't add extra strain and stress to your body like a higher-impact workout. Plus, because you will be pedaling against adjustable resistance, you can vary your intensity level to always push your body while staying safe. Not only will this give you a great cardio routine, but it will help you to strengthen your muscles as well.

 
The social aspect and individualized attention of an instructor at a cycling studio can also benefit many people. Working out with like-minded individuals can provide additional motivation and incentives to keep up your routine. Plus, most studios have music playing during the classes, which can help distract you from the effort of pedaling, making the ride more enjoyable overall. So, keep the beat while you move your feet (and give those glutes a well-deserved workout).

Workout equipment you can buy for your home gym

If you’re looking to assemble your home gym and you want the best results, there are several pieces of essential equipment you should consider getting. Free weights such as dumbbells and kettlebells are both highly effective, along with a multi-purpose weight machine that allows you to use it for many exercise types. An adjustable bench can also be extremely useful for bench presses or ab workouts.

 
Some additional items you may want to look into are a creatine supplement and an adjustable heart rate monitor to easily track your progress. You can also get an exercise mat, some resistance bands, a foam roller to ensure a deep tissue massage, and a skipping rope. Your at-home gym will feel like a place for professionals in no time!

Free weights and other things to use while working out at home

Working out at home can be an exciting and convenient way to stay healthy, and there are plenty of things you can use to help you meet your fitness goals. Free weights such as dumbbells and kettlebells are ideal for strength or cardio training, making them one of the most versatile pieces of workout equipment.

 
With free weights, you have the power to sculpt the body you desire while building lean muscle mass and toning existing muscles. They also require minimal space, making them ideal for anyone with a small living area that cannot fit a large piece of equipment. Additionally, ankle weights can offer bonus resistance for any activity – from running and jumping jacks to push-ups and burpees – giving you an extra edge on the caloric burn.

 
If you have the weights, you may consider following a workout plan created by Kayla Itsines, Rachael Attard, or any other verified fitness coach. These fitness gurus usually publish their workouts online, which makes them easily downloadable and accessible so you can work out anytime you want.

How to stay motivated when working out indoors

Staying motivated while working out indoors is key to ensuring you reach your fitness goals. One way to stay motivated is by creating a routine and exercising at the same time every day. This creates a sense of consistency, which can help you stick with your routine,  making it easier to motivate yourself even when you don't particularly feel like it.

 
Additionally, setting measurable goals for yourself can be incredibly helpful in maintaining your motivation throughout your workout session. Setting short-term achievable goals can create a sense of accomplishment that can significantly boost motivation while seeing progress toward longer-term goals is also a great motivating force. Finally, incorporating new activities into your routine or changing up your exercises occasionally can do wonders for keeping things exciting and helping you stay motivated.
 
If you’re looking for ideas on mixing up your workout routine this winter, try indoor cycling, online workouts, yoga, and home gym equipment. There are many options available that can help you stay active and motivated in Bozeman, Montana, all winter long. Do you have any favorite indoor workouts? Share them in the comments below!

HELENA – Three juvenile grizzly bears tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus this fall. The three bears, one near Augusta, one near Dupuyer, and another near Kalispell, were observed to be in poor condition and exhibited disorientation and partial blindness, among other neurological issues. They were euthanized due to their sickness and poor condition. These were the first documented cases of HPAI in grizzly bears. A fox and a skunk in Montana also tested positive for HPAI last year, and the virus has been found in raccoons, black bears and even a coyote in other states and countries.   

“We suspect these mammals probably get the virus from consuming infected birds,” said FWP Wildlife Veterinarian Jennifer Ramsey.

Avian influenza (AI) virus is a naturally occurring virus in birds. AI viruses are classified into two groups, based on the severity of disease they cause in infected poultry. Low pathogenic AI viruses generally cause no clinical illness, or only minor symptoms in birds. HPAI viruses are extremely infectious and fatal to poultry and some species of wild birds.

Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers risk of HPAI spread to humans to be very low, Montanans should take precautions when handling game birds, sick or dead birds and mammals they find. Whenever possible, avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife. Even if an animal is not suspected to have died from a contagious disease, gloves should always be worn if a dead animal must be handled for disposal.

FWP staff would like to know about unusual or unexplained cases of sickness and/or death of wild birds and animals by calling their local wildlife biologist or the wildlife lab in Bozeman at 406-577-7880 or 406-577-7882.

Bozeman, Montana is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. And if you guessed right, Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in “The Bozone”, second to English, of course. There are also plenty of places to meet up for Spanish practice in Bozeman, whether you're a beginner or an advanced speaker.

Here’s a brief list of some of the best places you can meet up with friends or fellow learners to practice Spanish in Bozeman.

Learn Spanish Online With Lingoda 

Of course, the internet is by far the easier way to learn and practice a new language these days, regardless of your location. By taking Spanish lessons with a language learning platform like Lingoda, you can advance your skills from beginner to advanced level as quickly or as gradually as you’d prefer.

Besides being taught by certified, native-level teachers, the platform offers a variety of tools and resources to help students practice and develop their language skills, including flashcards, quizzes, and practice tests

Bozeman Public Library 

Famous for its diverse collection of materials, this library is home to a variety of Spanish-language books and magazines, as well as language-specific DVDs and CDs. There are also multiple events and classes each month that members can use for help in learning Spanish. 

It's a great place to meet up with fellow Spanish learners and native speakers alike so you can polish your language skills.

Gallatin Valley Mall 

Are you looking for a place to practice Spanish in an informal setting? The Gallatin Valley Mall could be just the perfect spot for you. Besides always having people coming and going, the mall has plenty of shops and restaurants where you can meet with friends.

This presents you with numerous opportunities to strike up a conversation in Spanish with someone, whether or not you come together. You can also take a break from shopping or eating and practice your Spanish skills with a native speaker.

Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture

Located at 111 South Grand Avenue, Bozeman, Montana, the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture is another incredible meeting spot to practice Spanish. The 14,000-square feet establishment hosts a variety of cultural events and workshops throughout the year, as well as Spanish-language films. 

It's a great way to get out of the house and practice your Spanish with friends – and even strangers in a uniquely different environment.

Bozeman Pond Park

For more outdoor fun, Bozeman Pond Park would be the perfect spot. There are plenty of people walking around, and it's a great opportunity to get some fresh air and take some Bozeman selfies while practicing Spanish. You can also take a break and sit on the grass to chat with someone in Spanish.

And whenever you need to change things a little bit, you and your pals can always choose a different public park, like Bogert Park or Lindley Park, which are also quite picnic-friendly.

Try a Local Spanish-Friendly Restaurant

Would you rather have Spanish practice conversations while enjoying a sumptuous, delicious meal? If so, Bozeman has a great selection of restaurants (especially Mexican) that offer just the right atmosphere.

A good example is El Rodeo, which is actually located at the Gallatin Valley Mall. The Mexican restaurant not only serves delicious food but also has friendly staff members that often speak Spanish. It also stands next to a Mexican ice cream shop. 

There are many more great Mexican restaurants you can try, including Albertano's Authentic Méxican Food on 7th Avenue, El Rodeo Taco Truck, Fiesta Mexicana on Wheat Dr, and La Tinga on Baxter Lane. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, try a Latin American restaurant where you can also enjoy a variety of Latin American dishes while striking conversations.

Local Coffee Shops and Restaurants 

Finally, if you're looking for a more intimate setting, consider visiting local coffee shops. A good place to start would be Cafe Internationale just off College St & 10th Ave, which is often frequented by Spanish speakers. 

It's the perfect place to meet up and chat with someone over a cup of coffee while practicing Spanish. Similar alternatives in town include the cozy Wild Joe's, Cafe M, and Cateye Café on Tracy Ave, among others.

No matter where you choose to meet up, Bozeman is full of great places to practice Spanish. With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect spot to hone your language skills. 

If you want to create a successful makerspace, but you don’t know where to start, then looking into the equipment you need is a good jumping-off point.

The right tools and machinery are essential for any maker project, so here are some of the key pieces of equipment you should invest in to give users of the space the means to fulfill their most ambitious designs.

Press Brakes

Press brakes can be used to bend sheet metal into various shapes and sizes with accuracy. They offer more control than hand-bending, resulting in less waste material during the fabrication process. This makes them an invaluable tool for creating complex parts quickly and efficiently.

Furthermore, press brakes require minimal setup time, which allows users to move from one job to another quickly.

It’s easy to find a wide selection of press brakes for sale online, and the budget-friendly option is to choose second-hand models, which is a good call for makerspaces that are just getting started and don’t have a huge amount of capital to throw around.

3D Printers

3D printing is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to produce complex shapes with high precision at low cost – even on small production runs or prototypes.

With a 3D printer, users can rapidly prototype designs before committing resources towards producing final products; this saves time by eliminating mistakes that would otherwise occur when making parts manually, or ordering custom items from manufacturing facilities overseas.

Additionally, many 3D printers come equipped with software that automatically prepares models for printing, so all you need is a computer connected via USB cable. This is useful whether you’ve got small, personal projects to complete, or you want to start a small business using what you produce.

Computers With Design Software

Designing projects requires powerful computers that run specialized software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks; these programs allow designers, engineers and artists to create accurate detailed plans while still maintaining creative freedom over their projects’ design elements (such as shape & size).

Having these types of programs on tap gives makerspaces an edge over competitors who may lack access due to budget constraints – plus it ensures users have everything they need at their fingertips without having to leave their workspace.

Woodworking Tools

Woodworking tools such as saws and routers provide precision cuts necessary when fabricating wooden objects like furniture or toys; investing in quality tools will ensure your space has what it needs when working on large-scale projects like building houses out of recycled materials.

Another point to make is that woodworking machines help reduce the amount of time spent cutting and sanding by hand, making jobs that involve them faster and more efficient to complete.

Sewing & Crafting Tools

Sewing is an important skill for makerspaces, and having the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to creating beautiful projects. Invest in a high-quality sewing machine, as well as other accessories such as fabric scissors and measuring tape that will help users craft with precision.

Additionally, snap up crafting tools such as glue guns and hot air guns – these are great for making jewelry or customizing t-shirts! Plus they don’t require any experience or special skills, so anyone can use them safely to create amazing gifts, works of art and more.

Finally, consider investing in digital cutting machines like Cricuts or Silhouettes – these devices are capable of cutting intricate designs out of paper, vinyls or fabrics quickly and accurately. They come with software that allows users to customize their designs before committing them to materials.

With access to these types of machines, your makerspace will thrive, and it can grow as interest in it blossoms locally.

On Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 4:52 p.m. the West Yellowstone Police Department dispatch center received a 911 call from a snowmobile group requesting assistance. Two snowmobiles had become hopelessly stuck and the riders were attempting to walk out the Big Sky Trail, 12 miles north of West Yellowstone.

Volunteers from Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone and Custer Gallatin National Forest Service responded to assist with the search.

Volunteers located the snowmobilers who were cold and tired but in otherwise good health. After freeing one of the stuck snowmobiles, volunteers escorted the pair safely back to West Yellowstone.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the snowmobilers for carrying a reliable means of communication and for recognizing their need for assistance early, allowing volunteers to get to them quickly and safely.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

Bozeman is a naturally relaxing space to live and visit. The Rocky Mountains provide an awe-inspiring backdrop to a city that loves to practice wellness and unwind after an honest day’s work.

Likewise, the nearby prairie land provides ample space if you love to mountain bike, hike, or backpack.

Even if you don’t have time to explore Bozeman’s great outdoors, you’ll still find plenty of relaxing activities near the city to suit your itinerary and budget.


Acupuncture/Massage/Spas

Massage and spa treatments are a great way to unwind during your stay in Bozeman. Get away from the bustle of life and book yourself into a massage session with therapists at spa destinations like:

Getting a massage or spa treatment can be a welcome break from a busy itinerary and may be just what you need if you’re “vacationing” at home in Bozeman. Planning your staycation around a spa day can make you feel like you’re stepping into another world, even if you’re staying local. If you’re traveling to Bozeman, spa visits can help you get through long drives and nights spent sleeping on uncomfortable sleeping pads, too.

You may wish to get some acupuncture treatment while visiting Bozeman. Compass Point Acupuncture is a highly rated, women-led business that accepts insurance.

Wellness Centers

Wellness centers provide the perfect retreat if you live a busy lifestyle and just need some time away from it all. While staying at a wellness center, you can expect to be pampered and taken care of during your entire stay. There are plenty of wellness centers in and around Bozeman, meaning you can choose an option that suits your itinerary and budget.

The Bozeman Wellness Center offers guests comprehensive health and wellness services. They have trained chiropractors and nutrition consultants on-site. They also offer applied kinesiology sessions, which make them an ideal fit if you’re recovering from an injury or are looking to improve your overall health and well-being.

Blue Lotus is located in the north end of Bozeman and is a sanctuary for all who love to unwind and find new ways to further their wellness. Blue Lotus offers private sessions, where you can practice Reiki or experience positive shifts in energy during flower essence consultations.

Investing in health and wellness during your vacation can help you practice self-care and leave a lasting impression. You’ll learn plenty from your time at a wellness center in Bozeman and can reap the rewards of a better diet and a calmer mind for years to come.

Spiritual Centers

For many, spirituality and relaxation go hand in hand. In Bozeman, you can practice and explore your spirituality in any way that feels right for you and will find plenty of expert support along the way.

The Bozeman Dharma Center is a hotspot for folks who are interested in the teachings of the Buddha. They regularly host workshops and retreats, too. You can join events that improve your mental well-being and are designed to help you become a better version of yourself.

The Mountain Top Retreat offers Christians a similar retreat in the mountains of Montana. The retreat describes itself as “Christ-centered” and is focused on the idea of grace and exchanged life. You can also take part in activities during your stay, like snowmobiling, fishing, and horseback riding.

Quiet, Natural Getaways

Sometimes you just want to get away from the world and all its noise. If retreating into the wilderness for a few days alone sounds like your perfect staycation or vacation, then Bozeman is the place for you.

You can take advantage of Bozeman's location to find campgrounds near the town. Mallard’s Rest has 13 campsites and is only a short drive from downtown Bozeman. Similarly, Red Cliff Campground is an hour south of Bozeman with meadows and rivers nearby.

If you want something a little less wild, you should pay a visit to the Bozeman Hot Springs. The Bozeman Hot Springs offer a gym and live events as well as a large pool space that is fed by natural hot springs in the area.

Whole Food/Farm-to-table Restaurants and Experiences

Bozeman is renowned for its locally grown food and agriculture. The surrounding prairie land is a fertile food basket that feeds the state and provides whole foods for your kitchen and farm-to-table restaurants.

Red Tractor Pizza uses fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that are sustainably grown. They offer pizzas for any diet, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan!.

Bodhi Farms offers a similar farm-to-table experience. As a guest, you can stay in a glamping tent and eat in an authentic, nordic tent. Their menus change with the seasons, too, so you can be certain that you’re eating food that is sustainably sourced from small-scale farmers.

Conclusion

Bozeman has all the resources you need for a restful vacation. You can unwind in the hot spring during the day and eat locally sourced, farm-to-table produce in the evening. If you need some extra support, consider checking into one of Bozeman’s highly-rated wellness retreats where you’ll be pampered and tended to during your stay.

On January 14, 2023, at 2:57 P.M., Gallatin County Dispatch received a call for a backcountry skier that had fallen at Lick Creek in Hyalite Canyon resulting in a shoulder and leg injury. The skier was with a group of friends when the incident took place. One of the friends skied to a high point to get service and call dispatch while other friends assisted the patient.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) and Hyalite Fire responded to Lick Creek Trail to initiate a rescue. GCSSAR deployed teams of rescuers on skis and snowmobiles. The snowmobile teams made contact with the patient on the forest service road. They conducted an evaluation on the patient before transporting them out on a snowmobile. The patient met with Hyalite Fire units waiting at the trailhead for further evaluation.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the skier and friends for recreating as a group, utilizing available resources, and acting as a team to enable efficient and safe rescue for the patient.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

Sage Basin Rescue

On Friday, January 13, 2023 at 6:42 pm, West Yellowstone Police Dispatch Center received a 911 call for two lost snowmobilers recreating in the Sage Basin area, south of Big Sky. The snowmobilers recognized they were lost and requested assistance in getting safely out of the backcountry. The lost parties were confirmed to be uninjured, warm, and with operational snowmobiles. They were asked to stay put while volunteers from Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue were deployed to assist them.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the West Yellowstone and Big Sky sections deployed into the backcountry from two different trailheads. The lost snowmobilers were located at 9:30 pm and safely led out of the backcountry to Sage Creek Trailhead.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to recognize the snowmobilers for asking for assistance when they determined they were lost and would like to thank the Search and Rescue volunteers for their dedication to this successful mission. The lost snowmobilers in this incident were prepared for an emergency in winter conditions and followed direction until help could arrive.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.