BELGRADE - On December 31, 2022, at approximately 7:43pm, personnel from the Belgrade Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Central Valley Fire District responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Jackrabbit Lane, just south of Amsterdam Road. The pedestrian, a 64 year-old female, was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the victim has not been released, pending notification of next of kin. No other details are available at this time. This matter is under investigation by members of our Criminal Investigations Division. Any persons who may have been a witness to the incident are encouraged to contact the Belgrade Police Department, CID Division, at 406.388.4262.

If you’re looking for general contracting services in Great Falls, Montana and surrounding areas, consider hiring William Widmer Construction.

“Wild Bill” Widmer has been in business since 1999 and he’s done everything from constructing entire homes and cabins to simple home renovations and remodels.

Some of his most popular contracts include bathroom remodeling services, kitchen & basement renovations, and home additions such as a porch or storage shed. He can also do remolding, interior revamps, and more.

In his more than 20 years of experience as a general contractor, Wild Bill Widmer has built over 20 homes, 50 bathroom remodels, and 100 cabins & cottages. He’s installed dozens of beautiful decks and outdoor kitchens. Needless to say, his experience speaks for itself.

Here are a few photos of his recent jobs:

If you’re in Great Falls, Vaughn, Simms, or the surrounding areas and need a general contractor, give William Widmer Construction a call today at 406-899-1189 or visit https://www.wildbillsremodeling.com/. 

On December 26, 2022, at 1:33 pm, Gallatin County dispatch received a call that a snowmobiler had sustained a leg injury on Buck Ridge Trail.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) Big Sky Section and Big Sky Fire responded to assist with the call. A GCSSAR team snowmobiled to the patient’s location with the ambulance sled in tow. The patient was assessed and transported to the waiting Big Sky Fire Ambulance who took the patient to the next higher level of care.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind winter recreationalist that even a trail ride can result in a medical emergency. Please ride within your capabilities and enjoy the amazing back country in which we get to recreate.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

CHARITY, JUSTICE, BROTHERLY LOVE, AND FIDELITY
 This year Bozeman Elks Lodge #463 celebrated 124 years of service.
 
During the past year, Bozeman Elks Lodge #463 collaborated with community partners, hosted special events, focused on youth, veterans, and improving community life in cities and towns throughout Southwest Montana.
 
Lodge #463 partnered with American Legion Post #14 to place 2500 flags on Veterans’ graves at Sunset Hills Cemetery and proudly walk in the Memorial Day Parade...
 
Recognized a community member as Veteran of the Year for exemplifying the "Can Do Spirit" With Honor, Courage, And Commitment in his personal life and in serving his country.
 
Participated in Music on Main as a friend of Downtown Bozeman to share information with parents about the Elks Hoop Shoot and Elks Drug Awareness Program.
 
Provided online resources and evidence-based strategies to reduce underage drinking, excessive drinking, tobacco use, impaired driving, and illegal drug use on C-CODA’s website (c-coda.org) that is funded by the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant.


Hosted a Flag Retirement Service in partnership with American Legion Post #14, Vietnam Veterans of Southwest Montana, Boy Scouts Troop 649, and Cub Scouts Troop 3649.
 
Honored Veterans with a BBQ and Jazz Music performance on a summer night in July.
 
Held an Elks Hoop Shoot free throw event for youth ages 8-13 in Manhattan, Montana.
 
Participated in National Night Out event that is aimed to bring neighborhoods, businesses, and public safety together to promote a positive presence of public servants in our community. 
 
Partnered with American Legion Post #14 and Vietnam Veterans of Southwest Montana to support the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign that will make a year-round impact in our community through social services assistance, homeless shelters, and disaster relief. 
 
Participated in Wreaths Across America Day at Vietnam War Memorial Wall, Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bozeman, Montana to remember and honor our veterans through the laying of Remembrance Wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes.
 
Participated and supported Hope & The Holidays as an affiliate member to provide gifts, food and support to families in and around Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley, during the holiday season, and all year long.
 
Presented a $4,000 Check (Beacon Grant) to The Travis W. Atkins Veteran Support Center at Montana State University and a $2,000 Check (Spotlight Grant) to the Greater Gallatin United Way's Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
 

ENNIS – Ennis Fishing Access Site has been closed temporarily due to flooding.  Ice jams on portions of the upper Madison River have caused water, ice and debris to inundate the site, creating unsafe conditions for motorists and pedestrians. Access to the site will be restored as soon as conditions allow.  Valley Garden Fishing Access Site northeast of Ennis is also under a temporary closure due to floods. Seasonal flooding may impact access at other sites throughout the winter. Visit fwp.mt.gov to learn more about temporary closures that may be in effect across the state.

On Monday, December 19, 2022, at 10:54 a.m. the West Yellowstone Police Department dispatch center received a 911 call from a snowmobiler on Horse Butte, 7 miles northwest of West Yellowstone. The passenger of a two-up snowmobile had become trapped underneath after the snowmobile flipped upside down. The passenger was reported to possibly have a broken leg.

Volunteers from Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone, Custer Gallatin National Forest Service and Hebgen Basin Fire Department responded to assist with the rescue.

Rescuers were able to lift the snowmobile off the snowmobiler and determine that their leg was not broken. Both riders were escorted back to town safely.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the snowmobiler for quickly realizing the need to call for help thus allowing responders to get to the scene quickly and provide aid.

Bell ringers will not ring in person for their safety as frigid temperatures hit Montana
 
Bozeman – With subzero temperatures predicted to hit throughout Montana starting Thursday, December 22, The Salvation Army will not have its kettles available for in-person donations for the safety of its bell ringers.
 
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to drop below zero on December 22nd and December 23rd. Storefronts in the Bozeman area will not have a physical bell ringer throughout this inclement weather, but The Salvation Army will have Virtual Red Kettles on its website to accept donations in the meantime and plan to return in person on Christmas Eve.

 
““It's been a tough year for Christmas and the Red Kettle campaign, so far, our donations are down, and the need has gone way up,” said Captain Amber Ohl, at The Salvation Army Bozeman. “The funds that are raised now, we use throughout the year to help meet different needs that come our way."
 
We are still looking to raise $24,000 more this holiday season and have a generous donor who will match dollar for dollar up to $10,000. These funds help provide meals, shelter, rental assistance, and more services in the Bozeman community.
 
Christmas Eve will mark the last day of The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. When weather and conditions permit, you can find bell ringers at Rosauers, Town and Country on 19th, Smith’s, Walmart, and other storefronts in the Bozeman area. Donations can still be made online through the Virtual Red Kettle at bozemanredkettle.org.

 
In addition to protecting bell ringers, The Salvation Army will also increase its efforts for individuals and families in need at this time by increasing its feeding support and bed counts. To inquire more about our additional services, please call 855-768-7977.

On Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 2:54 p.m. Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue responded to assist Fremont County Idaho Search and Rescue in looking for a snowmobiler that had become separated from their group. The snowmobiler was reported to have no food or water and had a history of heart problems. White-out conditions were present, and the temperature was dropping rapidly.