Gallatin County Elections is launching texting services for voters on September 24, 2026

On September 24, some Gallatin County mobile users may receive a text message from Gallatin County Elections Department’s TextMyGov number 80949 inviting them to opt in for official notifications directly from our office.

Voters can opt-in to these optional text services to up to receive helpful election updates, including:

• Voter registration deadlines
• Ballot information
• Polling place details
• Election Day reminders

Voters who did not automatically receive an opt-in text may text “GallatinVotes” to 80949 to sign up. Voters who receive this message may also choose to text “STOP” at any time to remove their number from the notifications group.

Learn more about the service and its terms at TextMyGov’s opt-in terms and conditions.

Contact the Gallatin County Elections at gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov or (406) 582-3060 with any questions.

GREAT FALLS - Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is investigating a bear attack on a hunter on state-owned land near Elk Creek and Haystack Butte south of Augusta.

The victim was archery hunting on the morning of Sept. 14 when he encountered the bear and was attacked, sustaining significant but fortunately not life-threatening injuries. The hunter drove himself home after the attack and was transported to Benefis Hospital by private vehicle for treatment.

FWP’s priority is human safety, and game wardens and bear management specialists are continuing their investigation and posting signs in the area to notify the public of bear activity.

The species of the bear involved is currently unknown, and the incident remains under investigation. No further details are available at this time.

Montana is bear country, and hunters can help stay safe when afield by following these safety tips:

• Pack meat out as soon as possible.
• Avoid cutting up carcass at dusk or night. If you kill an animal at dusk, be prepared to cut up the carcass in the dark by carrying strong headlamps. Be extra vigilant and watch for bears.
• Properly hang meat until you can retrieve your downed game.
• If you must leave your animal, return to the site carefully. Leave it in an area that is easily observable from a distance.
• Drag gut piles into open areas, if possible, and at least 100 yards from your carcass as soon as possible.
• If a bear has claimed your animal, do not attempt to haze or frighten the bear away. Report any lost game to FWP.
• Bird hunters should be extra careful while walking in and along areas of brush, especially along waterways. Grizzly bears use thick cover for day beds. Walk with the wind, carry bear spray, and keep a close eye on hunting dogs. If there is abundant fresh sign of grizzly bears in the area, consider bird hunting somewhere else.
• Download: How to Hunt Safely in Grizzly Bear Country (PDF)
  
  

  More information on bear attack near Augusta

  GREAT FALLS – Evidence collected at the site of a bear attack near Augusta confirms it was a grizzly bear that attacked a hunter on Monday morning.

  The attack happened when an archery hunter encountered the bear and was attacked, sustaining significant but fortunately not life-threatening injuries. The attack happened on state land along Elk Creek southwest of Augusta.

  Investigators collected bear hair found on the victim and at the scene of the attack along with tracks. They also located the carcass of a domestic cow they suspect was killed by a bear about 150 yards from where the attack occurred. FWP specialists continue to investigate the attack in cooperation with U.S. Department of Agriculture – Wildlife Services.

  In coordination with Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, the area where the attack took place has been signed and is closed to public access, effective immediately, and until further notice.

  FWP cannot release the identity or health status of the victim.

  Grizzly bear euthanized near Augusta in response to livestock depredation

  GREAT FALLS - A grizzly bear was euthanized Tuesday evening 9.15 southwest of Augusta. The bear was euthanized in response to livestock depredation.

  The bear was feeding on a cow carcass on state land about three miles away from where an archery hunter was attacked along Elk Creek near Haystack Butte Monday morning. The hunter sustained significant but fortunately not life-threatening injuries. The attack was determined to be a surprise defensive encounter given the fed-upon carcass of another domestic cow about 150 yards away.

  The euthanized bear was an adult female without cubs. A total of three cattle carcasses were found in the area and all were determined to have been killed by a grizzly bear. The decision by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to euthanize the bear at this site was made due to the livestock depredations and was in agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture – Wildlife Services and FWP.  

  It is unknown if the euthanized bear is the same bear involved in the human attack, but due to the surprise and defensive nature of the encounter, no further action will be taken to locate the bear.

  Access to the state-owned land from the Elk Creek Road remains closed for the time being due to the cow carcasses remaining in the area.

BOZEMAN  — A downtown Bozeman fire has forced a locally owned hostel to close indefinitely, leaving the small business facing significant disruption while also working to help guests who were suddenly left without a place to stay.

On Thursday afternoon, September 10, Bozeman Fire responded to a reported chimney fire at 29 E. Main Street. Firefighters found a fire involving the kitchen and roof of the building; the fire was contained, and no civilians or firefighters were injured.

For Treasure State Hostel, however, the emergency continued after the flames were extinguished.

Water used to fight the fire flooded the hostel, forcing the business to close and cancel reservations with little or no notice. The result is not only damage to a small local business, but immediate displacement for travelers who arrived in Bozeman expecting a place to stay at an extremely affordable rate. One bed in a dorm room at Treasure State Hostel is $24/night. Single private rooms start at $52/night compared to downtown Bozeman hotel current prices ranging from $455-$711 per night.

“We now have to cancel stays at the last minute, and I’m heartbroken for the people who are being displaced with almost no warning,” said hostel owner Nina Erickson. Rather than simply asking guests to fend for themselves, Erickson has committed to helping those displaced find emergency accommodations.

The hostel has established a GoFundMe campaign to provide immediate assistance to canceled guests and help the business survive while repairs and insurance claims are addressed. Guests whose stays are canceled for Friday or Saturday will receive $100 per night booked for this weekend, with $50 available for guests displaced from Sunday-night reservations.

The fundraiser's initial goal is $3,000. As of Friday morning, community members had contributed $884.

“Even if we don't reach our goals and this fundraiser doesn't cover all of our displacement fees, that's ok,” Erickson wrote. “Treasure State Hostel will cover it.”

Once immediate guest assistance is addressed, remaining funds will help the hostel cover ongoing bills while it is unable to operate and awaits the resolution of the insurance process.

A Small Business Asking Bozeman to Show Up

Treasure State Hostel is now asking the Bozeman community for help—not only through financial donations, but through sharing information about what has happened.

For an independently operated hospitality business, an unexpected closure can quickly become an existential challenge. Lost reservations, emergency expenses, damaged property, and continuing operating costs all arrive at once, while the business itself is unable to generate its normal income. 

“This community has always been more than a place where people come to stay,” Erickson said. “We want the people who come through our doors to experience Bozeman as a welcoming, connected place. Right now, we need that community in return.”

The hostel's fundraiser emphasizes that donations will first be used for immediate assistance to displaced guests. After those needs are met, remaining funds will help Treasure State Hostel remain financially afloat during the closure and recovery process.

For those unable to donate, the hostel is also asking supporters to share its story and help connect displaced travelers with local resources and accommodations - sharing this article with anyone who may be able to help with accommodations and reaching out to Nina via phone at 406.624.6244 or email to treasurestatehostel@gmail.com with I WANT TO HELP as a subject line is greatly appreciated. 

“Bozeman isn't only for the hyper-rich,” Erickson wrote. “We care about the down-to-earth guests who come here to share in our community.”

About Treasure State Hostel

Treasure State Hostel is a locally owned Bozeman lodging business providing affordable accommodations for travelers visiting the Gallatin Valley and Yellowstone region. Located in beautiful downtown Bozeman at ​27 E. Main Street Unit A. For Treasure State Hostel, this is not the first closure related to flooding from adjacent businesses. In September and October of 2025, the hostel was closed for 6 weeks, and before that, the business above flooded the hostel 5 times in 6 months. 

Vehicle titling and registration in Montana is handled by the Motor Vehicle Division of the Montana Department of Justice, with most in-person transactions processed through county treasurer offices. Private title and registration services handle filings on behalf of owners, including non-residents titling vehicles through a Montana LLC.

This directory covers the official channels first, then the categories of private service that exist and what each one is actually for. Wherever possible, go to the state directly. It is cheaper and it is not usually difficult.

Which state agency handles vehicle titles in Montana?
The Motor Vehicle Division of the Montana Department of Justice administers vehicle titling, registration, and driver licensing statewide. Current forms, requirements, and fee schedules are published at dojmt.gov.

Use the state site as the source of truth for anything involving forms, fees, or eligibility. Third-party sites, including this directory, go out of date. The agency does not.

What do county treasurer offices do?
County treasurer offices process most in-person vehicle transactions in Montana, including registration renewals, plate issuance, and title transfers. Montana has 56 counties, and each treasurer's office serves the residents and businesses of that county.

For Gallatin County residents, that means the county treasurer in Bozeman handles routine registration and titling business. Hours, appointment requirements, and accepted payment methods vary by county, so confirm before you drive over.

One practical note. County offices are busiest at month end and in the first week of the month, when renewals cluster. Mid-month mornings are noticeably faster.

What should you bring to the county treasurer?
Most wasted trips come down to a missing document. For a routine Montana transaction, expect to need the following.

   •  The existing title, properly signed by the seller if this is a transfer

   •  A bill of sale showing the purchase price and date

   •  Government-issued photo identification

   •  Proof of current insurance on the vehicle

   •  A lien release, if a lender was recorded on the title

   •  An odometer disclosure, where the vehicle age requires one

   •  Payment in a form that office accepts, which is not always a card

Call ahead about payment. Some county offices still limit card payments or add processing fees, and finding that out at the counter is a bad afternoon.

How are boats, trailers, and motorcycles handled differently?
Montana treats several vehicle categories differently from standard passenger vehicles, and these differences are a large part of why owners of these vehicles look at Montana in the first place.

Boats are titled and registered in Montana, and boats carry a hull identification number rather than a VIN. Legal Tags says it can title a boat using the hull identification number in cases where no prior title exists, which matters for older hulls and project boats that changed hands informally.

Trailers cover an unusually wide range, from small utility trailers to large equipment haulers and travel trailers. Homebuilt and heavily modified trailers are a recurring titling problem in many states because there is no manufacturer statement of origin to work from.

Motorcycles, including older and imported models, follow the standard vehicle process. Off-road machines are a separate classification and are not the same as street-legal motorcycles for registration purposes.

Confirm current eligibility rules for any of these with the state rather than a provider summary, since categories and thresholds are set by statute and change.

What are the main categories of vehicle titling help available?

The distinction between the fourth and fifth rows is the one most people miss. Registration services and titling specialists are not the same business. Registration authorizes road use. Titling establishes ownership. If your title is missing or defective, a registration service cannot solve it.

What is a registered agent and do you need one?
A registered agent is a person or company designated to receive legal and official correspondence on behalf of a business entity at a physical address within the state. Montana requires every LLC formed there to maintain one.

If you are a Montana resident registering your own vehicle, you do not need a registered agent. This applies to owners titling a vehicle through a Montana LLC, which is a route used mainly by non-residents.

Why do non-residents title vehicles in Montana?
Montana allows a limited liability company formed in the state to hold title to a vehicle, and the state does not require emissions testing or safety inspection as part of titling and registration. That combination makes Montana a workable jurisdiction for vehicles that cannot clear the requirements in the owner's home state.

The vehicles that come through this route most often are imports, kit and assembled vehicles, older diesels, long-term project builds, and vehicles bought without complete paperwork. In each case the underlying problem is the same. The vehicle does not fit the categories a modern state registration system was built to process.

Montana also offers permanent registration on some vehicle categories, which removes the annual renewal cycle. Legal Tags, one of the companies working in this space, says permanent registration is automatic for boats, trailers, and motorcycles, and available for standard vehicles at least ten years old.

It is worth stating plainly that this does not override anything. A Montana title does not change what an owner's home state requires of vehicles kept and driven there, and those requirements vary widely from state to state. Anyone considering this route should read their own state's rules and, if the situation is complicated, get advice from someone qualified to give it where they live.

What private services operate in this space?
Several companies handle Montana LLC formation, registered agent service, and vehicle titling and registration for non-residents. They differ mostly in whether titling or registration is their primary business.

Registration-focused providers
These companies form the LLC and file registration paperwork. They work well for vehicles that already have clean titles and simply need to be registered. They are generally the lower-cost option, and for a straightforward vehicle that is the right trade.

Titling specialists
These companies take on cases where ownership itself has to be established: missing titles, unfiled transfers, assembled vehicles, and vehicles with gaps in the ownership chain. The work is more involved and priced accordingly.

Legal Tags is an example in this category. The company forms the Montana LLC, acts as registered agent, and handles titling and registration, with titling as its primary service. It publishes free reference material on Montana vehicle registration covering how the process works by vehicle type.

The company also says it titles boats using the hull identification number in cases where no prior title exists, which is a narrower capability than most providers offer.

Attorneys
When ownership is genuinely disputed, when a vehicle is caught up in an estate or a divorce, or when a prior owner has surfaced with a competing claim, this is a legal matter rather than a filing matter. A Montana attorney handling property or estate work is the right call.

How do you choose between them?
Five questions will separate a provider that fits from one that does not.

   •  Do you handle titling, or only registration? These are different services

   •  Will you review my documents before I pay anything?

   •  Which agency will issue the final document, and under what process?

   •  What does your guarantee actually cover, in writing?

   •  Is registered agent service included, and what does renewal cost annually?

That last question catches people out. The LLC is an ongoing entity with an annual maintenance obligation, and a first-year price that excludes renewal is not the real cost.

What should you avoid?

   •  Any provider guaranteeing approval before reviewing the vehicle and documents

   •  Any offer to alter, backdate, or ghost-sign paperwork, which is fraud and can void the resulting title

   •  Claims that a salvage or rebuilt brand can be removed from a vehicle record

   •  Pricing that omits annual registered agent renewal

   •  Vague answers about which agency issues the title

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to visit Montana to title a vehicle here?
Generally no. Filings are handled by mail and through service providers. Montana residents transacting in person go through their county treasurer.

Is permanent registration available on every vehicle?
No. Eligibility depends on vehicle type and age. Confirm current rules with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division rather than relying on a provider's summary.

Can a Montana LLC hold more than one vehicle?
An LLC can hold multiple vehicles. Whether that suits your situation is a question for the provider forming the entity, and in some cases for an attorney.

What if my vehicle has no title at all?
That is a titling problem rather than a registration problem, and it needs a provider that handles ownership establishment. Registration services generally cannot help.

Where do I find current Montana fees?
The Montana Department of Justice publishes current fee schedules. Fees are set by statute and change, so use the state source rather than a third-party figure.

Start with the state
For most Montana residents, the county treasurer and the state MVD site cover everything needed. Private services exist for cases those channels are not built to handle, mainly non-residents and vehicles with ownership problems. Knowing which category you are in saves money.

Legal Tags is a Montana based company that handles vehicle titling and registration nationwide.

When most people think of the new year, they think of January, but for many of us associated with education from preschool through to the highest levels, the novelty and excitement of new beginnings belong to autumn. As presidents of Montana’s two flagship universities, we are fortunate to have front-row seats to the energy that the beginning of the fall semester brings to Montana State University, the University of Montana, and the array of the Montana University System’s campuses across the state.

For the new students straight out of high school hoping to shape their futures and create lifetime memories to the continuing students who are building on and refining their academic pursuits tothe adult learners changing careers, Montana’s public universities and colleges are uniquely positioned to be powerful engines of personal reinvention.

The evidence is clear: A postsecondary degree or certification leads to higher wages, greater career satisfaction, more meaningful community involvement, economic mobility, and even enhanced physical and mental health. As educational professionals with years of experience in the classroom and in leadership positions, we have seen time and again that those who invest their time and resources in postsecondary education realize a profound return on their investment in both tangible and intangible ways. Yet it doesn’t stop with the students’ individual successes. When a student crosses one of our graduation stages with a credential in hand, Montana gains more than a college graduate. We gain talent for our employers, capacity for our businesses, and the human capital our communities need to grow and thrive.

You place a high level of trust in us to help Montana’s students achieve these goals and more. And in the spirit of this season of beginnings, we want reaffirm to our students, their families and our fellow citizens that our unique, dynamic and innovative campuses will continue working to ensure that you, your employers, your communities, and this incredible state we call home realize the dividends of the time, talent, and resources invested in Montana’s public colleges and universities.

Welcome back, students.

Montana, watch what we can do.

Dr. Jeremiah Shinn, President
University of Montana

Dr. Brock Tessman, President
Montana State University

BOZEMAN – The City of Bozeman is starting a Civic Academy and is encouraging all residents to apply and learn more about how their local government works. The seven-session course will run on Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. between Oct. 14 and Dec. 9 and will cover how the city provides services like public safety, infrastructure, parks and trails, library, planning, and more. The annual session will accept up to 30 participants and will culminate in a graduation on Dec. 9.

"We’re not the first to come up with this idea, but we’ve seen it be successful in many other cities like ours,” said City spokesperson Takami Clark. “Civic academies allow residents to look under the hood of local government. They’ll get in-depth information that they might not get otherwise, and it’ll help them connect at a deeper level with local decision-making.”

The City of Bozeman already hosts a Citizens Police Academy and a Citizens Fire Academy, both dedicated to showing the inner workings of those departments. Bozeman Civic Academy covers the entire range of city services.

The interactive program includes field trips to city facilities, presentations from officials, and engaging activities that give participants first-hand experience of how the city works.

“If you’ve ever been curious about how to get more involved with your local community, this is a great place to start. It’ll set you on a path that could help you explore a career with the city or serve on one of our boards or even City Commission,” explained Clark. “One thing we know about our residents is that they care deeply about Bozeman, and this is one way you can start to get involved and understand how to make an impact.”

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and be City of Bozeman residents. Applications to participate in the Academy are due Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Residents interested in learning more and applying can visit bozemanmt.gov/academy.