The Gallatin County Attorney’s Office is responsible for reviewing investigations submitted by law enforcement agencies, which are called “Request for Prosecutions” or RFPs.  When an RFP is submitted to the County Attorney’s Office by law enforcement, a prosecutor is supposed to promptly review the RFP, determine whether further investigation is required, and then make a decision about whether to prosecute the case or decline to prosecute the case based on the law and the investigation’s evidence. That is how the prosecution process is supposed to work.

“When I took office in January of this year, one of the first things I did was take stock of the physical office space. In an empty office stuffed under a desk and in a closet, I found boxes filled with unreviewed and unprosecuted RFPs from law enforcement for sexually violent crimes committed between 2008 and 2022. Once I realized what they were, it made me sick to my stomach,” Cromwell said.

The unreviewed RFPs totaled 113 cases: including 53 violent rape cases, 20 sexual assault cases, 14 domestic violence cases, 8 incest cases, and 7 sexual abuse against children cases, among others. One hundred of the victims identify as female. Fifty-two of the cases include some form of sexual violence against children.

“Clearly these cases were deprioritized by the former administration. No action had been taken on any of these cases, with the longest case sitting for the past 14 years,” Cromwell said.

“When I look at a case file, I don’t see pieces of paper; I see a victim whose life is forever altered because of the violence they suffered. I also see an offender who has not been held accountable for his or her actions. Justice has not been served and there has been no closure for victims. This is unacceptable,” Cromwell said.

Of the 113 cases, 42% of stem from investigations by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, 37% from the Bozeman Police Department, and 22% from the Belgrade Police Department.

“I want to be clear that law enforcement did everything properly. The failure has been at the County Attorney’s Office, and that stops now. Our community is in good hands with our law enforcement agencies and it should likewise be in the good hands of our county-level prosecutors,” Cromwell said. “I campaigned on a promise to address crimes involving sexual violence and I will.”

Cromwell has worked to create a multi-agency Joint Task Force consisting of experienced attorneys, law enforcement officers, and criminal justice professionals to review each case and pursue those that are still viable for prosecution. The Joint Task Force includes:

• Audrey Cromwell, Gallatin County Attorney
• Jane Mersen, attorney at Kasting, Kaufman, and Mersen, and town attorney for West Yellowstone and Manhattan
• Mike Emens, detective with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office
• April Waltee, victim advocate with Gallatin County Victim Services
• Prosecutors from the Cities of Bozeman and Belgrade

In addition, by working with the Bozeman and Belgrade City Prosecutors, Greg Sullivan and Kyla Murray, their city prosecutors have volunteered to review RFPs from their respective municipal law enforcement agencies and work with the County Attorney’s Office to prosecute them.

“I am proud of my community – that this Joint Task Force with personnel from Gallatin County, the City of Bozeman, and City of Belgrade are all willing to come together in service to our community to review and prosecute these cases and ensure that this never happens again,” Cromwell said.

Many County Attorney’s Offices have written policies or guidelines when reviewing sexually violent cases for prosecution. The Gallatin County Attorney’s Office has never had such a policy. This is something Cromwell would like to remedy. She has disclosed this issue to other prosecutorial agencies in an effort to create best practices and policies in charging, prosecuting, and taking sex cases to trial.

One policy Cromwell will immediately ensure is the prompt review of law enforcement requests for prosecution of sexually violent crime.

“I promise you this – as long as I am County Attorney, I will prioritize prosecution of sexual violence and ensure victims are not forgotten in boxes under a desk or in a closet. My deputies will review all new rape and sexual abuse cases as fast as possible upon receipt by law enforcement from here on forward,” Cromwell said.

Ultimately, Cromwell would like her deputies to review all new cases within two weeks of submission by law enforcement.

“We are currently severely understaffed, so right now we cannot review every submission within two weeks. However, as long as the County Commission funds additional attorney positions, we should be able to reach this goal by the end of my second year in office, if not sooner. I can assure you, though, never again will an RFP involving sex crimes sit in a box for 14 years,” Cromwell said.

“I am heartbroken for the victims of these violent crimes whose trauma was not acknowledged. To the victims in our community, I know you have been further traumatized by the failure of the criminal justice system in our county,” Cromwell said. “You have my word that this will never happen again as long as I am county attorney.”

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual or domestic violence, there are numerous local resources to support you here in our community:

Help Center Sexual Assault Counseling Center 24-hour hotline – 406-586-3333

Gallatin County Victim Services – 406-582-2075

Haven’s 24-hour support line – 406-586-4111

Montana State University VOICE Center – 406-994-7069

National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-800-799-7233

Long-term disability is a topic that affects many individuals worldwide, and it is crucial to gain an understanding of its implications, coverage options, and the importance of being prepared for such circumstances. Long-term disabilities can take various forms, such as chronic illnesses, injuries, or conditions that limit a person's ability to work and maintain their regular lifestyle over extended periods.

It is essential to address this topic because, despite the unpredictability of encountering a long-term disability, its effects can be physically and financially straining for individual and their families. In this article, we will discuss the significance of having long-term disability insurance, the factors to consider when selecting the coverage most suitable for your needs, and steps to increase your chances of obtaining adequate support should you ever need to rely on it.

Definition and Types of Long Term Disability

Long-term disability (LTD) refers to a condition that prevents an individual from performing their regular work duties for an extended period. LTD is often caused by illness, injury, or accidents that render an individual unable to earn a living.

There are two main types of long term disability insurance policies, group and individual:

Long-term disabilities can be categorized into several types, including but not limited to:

It is essential to understand the definitions and types of long term disabilities to determine the appropriate coverage and support needed for individuals with these conditions.

Causes and Risk Factors

Long-term disability can result from various causes, ranging from illness to injury. In this section, we will discuss some common causes and risk factors associated with long-term disability.

Some common causes of long-term disability include:

Several risk factors can contribute to the likelihood of developing a long-term disability. Some of these risk factors include:

Identifying and addressing these risk factors is essential to reduce the likelihood of developing a long-term disability. Medical professionals can often provide recommendations and resources for managing and reducing these risks.

Eligibility for Long Term Disability Benefits

When seeking long term disability benefits, it is important to understand the eligibility requirements. This section will cover Qualifying Conditions, Waiting Period, and Benefit Duration.

Qualifying Conditions

A long-term disability must meet specific criteria to qualify for benefits. These conditions typically include:

Each policy and insurer may have additional requirements for qualifying conditions.

Waiting Period

The waiting period, also known as the elimination period, is the duration between the onset of your disability and the start of your long-term disability benefits. Most policies have a waiting period of:

It is important to be aware of your policy's waiting period as it affects when your benefits will begin.

Benefit Duration

Benefit duration refers to the length of time that you will receive monthly benefits. Common benefit durations include:

Note that each policy may have different benefit durations and may be influenced by factors such as your age, occupation, and insurance provider.

Applying for Long Term Disability Benefits

Applying for long-term disability benefits can be a complex and time-consuming. Understanding the requirements and deadlines is essential to ensure a smooth application process and maximize your chances of receiving the benefits you need.

Documentation Requirements

When applying for long-term disability benefits, providing thorough and accurate documentation is crucial. This includes:

It's important to gather all necessary documentation before starting the application process to avoid delays and ensure a smoother process.

Filing Deadlines

Filing deadlines for long-term disability benefits can vary depending on the policy and specific situation. Some key deadlines to be aware of include:

It's essential to be aware of and adhere to these deadlines to avoid jeopardizing your eligibility for benefits. Reach out to your insurance company or plan administrator for specific deadlines related to your policy.

Long Term Disability Insurance

Long Term Disability Insurance plays a crucial role in securing your financial future in the event of an injury or illness that prevents you from working for a prolonged period. Understanding the different types of policies available and their specific features is essential. This section will cover Group Policies, Individual Policies, and Policy Features.

Group Policies

Group Policies are commonly offered as a benefit by employers, providing coverage to employees at a lower cost than individual policies. The key features of group policies are:

Individual Policies

Individual Policies are bought directly from the insurer and offer personalized coverage based on your occupation, income, and health status. Highlights of individual policies include:

Policy Features

While selecting a Long Term Disability Insurance policy, consider these vital features:

Understanding these aspects of Long Term Disability Insurance policies will help you make well-informed decisions.

Managing and Living with Long Term Disability

Living with a long-term disability presents challenges that can impact various aspects of life. This section will discuss the key strategies to manage and adapt to a long-term disability, including financial planning, healthcare, and support services.

Financial Planning

Managing finances is essential to living with a long-term disability. Consider the following steps to ensure financial stability:

Healthcare

Healthcare plays a crucial role in managing long-term disabilities. Ensure you have access to the necessary care and resources:

Support Services

Support services can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with long-term disabilities. Consider these resources:

Understanding your legal rights and protections is essential when navigating long-term disability situations. This section covers two fundamental laws: the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life, including employment. It applies to employers with 15 or more employees.

Under the ADA, employers are required to:

For more detailed information on ADA and its implications, visit the ADA website.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

The FMLA is another federal law that provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for specific family and medical reasons, including serious health conditions that result in long-term disability.

Eligibility criteria for FMLA:

While on FMLA leave, your employer must continue your health insurance coverage under the same terms as before your leave. They must also reinstate you to the same or equivalent position upon your return from leave.

For further information on FMLA, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.

Conclusion

Long-term disability insurance is crucial in providing financial security for individuals who cannot work due to an injury, illness, or chronic condition. Considering the potential risks associated with a prolonged inability to generate income, it is essential to be well-informed about the options available in long-term disability insurance.

When selecting a policy, consider factors such as the waiting period, benefit period, and coverage amount. Also, it is worth exploring employer-sponsored plans, individual policies, and government programs, such as SSDI, to determine the best possible combination that meets your individual needs and circumstances.

Having a comprehensive long-term disability insurance policy in place can provide much-needed peace of mind and financial stability for you and your loved ones in challenging times.

On March 17, 2023 at 4:45 pm, the West Yellowstone Dispatch Center received a call for a snowmobiler who crashed into a tree, disabling the snowmobile, near the West Yellowstone Airport. The snowmobiler was uninjured but needed assistance getting out of the woods. Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue – West Yellowstone Section responded to the scene on snowmobiles, assessed the rider at the scene, and returned the snowmobiler to town.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind riders that spring temperatures will create varying trail conditions requiring an extra level of caution in controlling snowmobiles. Be prepared for groomed snow to unexpectedly turn to ice or slush. In this event, the snowmobiler was wearing appropriate “personal protective equipment” which ensured the accident did not result in injury to the rider.

Photo courtesy of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

BOZEMAN — Montana State University music student Jacob Kittleson won the young artist brass category at the Music Teachers National Association Northwest Divisional Young Artist Performance Competition and will advance to the national competition March 25–29 in Reno, Nevada.

“It's very exciting to get the chance to perform,” said Kittleson, who is from Great Falls. “It’s just an incredible opportunity because they bring in these amazing judges, and the feedback we're able to get from an educational standpoint is so helpful.”  

Kittleson, a tuba player, beat state winners from Washington, Wyoming and Idaho in the regional competition and will now play against students from across the U.S.  

“It’s incredible to see Jake perform at such a high level, competing against undergraduate and graduate students at a national level,” said Jason Bolte, director of the MSU School of Music in the College of Arts and Architecture. “Competing at the MTNA National Competition is a testament to his work ethic, musicianship and the high-quality instruction he has received from our music faculty.”  

Kittleson, a senior majoring in music, said he first got interested in playing tuba in elementary school. 

“It was the largest and shiniest object in the (band) room,” Kittleson said, explaining that he was too small to play the tuba at first, so he played the euphonium until sixth grade. “(The tuba) has such a dark, warm sound that just envelops the room. I've pretty much stuck with it ever since.” 

Kittleson is no stranger to this national competition. In 2021, he competed virtually in the young artist brass category, along with MSU student violinist Cade Fiddaman, who competed in the young artist strings division. 

“I'm excited to finally do (the competition) in person, especially now that I’ve had a couple more years to develop my skills,” Kittleson said. The competition is being held in conjunction with the MTNA conference, and he hopes to attend performances and seminars as well.  

“There are going to be some great players to listen to, so I'm looking forward to that too,” he said. 

MSU associate professor Jeannie Little said Kittleson’s passion for the tuba has deepened through the years and makes him a wonderful musician. 

“Jake is immensely gifted,” she said. “During this upcoming competition, he’s the only tuba in a field of trumpets, horns and euphoniums. The tuba is a big and sometimes very unwieldy instrument. Jake makes it sing.”  

She said Kittleson has been heavily involved with many musical groups on MSU’s campus, including the Spirit of the West marching band and the Montanans choir.  

“He will play in every and any ensemble if you let him,” Little said, noting that Kittleson not only persevered but excelled during remote and socially distanced lessons for his first two years at MSU. “He's so excited and so curious about all things music, and that translates to learning new and difficult pieces.”  

At the competition, Kittleson will play a capriccio by Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki. The piece is designed for an unaccompanied tuba and is “very contemporary,” he said, adding that the piece’s tone is interesting because it has no time signature, a musical element that keeps a song on the proper beat.   

“It offers a lot of freedom to the performer,” he said. “One of the things I like most about it is how it hides in dance figures. There's one part where it's a waltz, but then it leaves off a beat and a dancer will be stumbling – it's always very sneaky with it.” 

Kittleson will graduate this spring and pursue a master’s degree of musical arts in tuba performance from Arizona State University. He credits his success to his teachers and opportunities at MSU. 

“MSU has just provided me so many opportunities for places to perform, and the faculty has just been amazing and supportive,” he said. “They've taught me so much, especially Dr. Little.”  

On March 15, 2023, at approximately 10:15 am, a multi-vehicle crash which included 6 vehicles and a semi-truck fully blocked Gallatin Road/US-191 at mile marker 66. A Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputy first arrived on scene at 10:48 am. At 11:23 am, Montana Department of Transportation closed Gallatin Road until the hazard could be cleared.  Due to the crash, approximately 6 miles of northbound traffic was backed up in the canyon. There were no injuries reported.  Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Big Sky Fire Department, and Montana Highway Patrol to man the roadblock at Gallatin Road and Lone Mountain Trail. Information regarding the closure was distributed by multiple first-responding agencies to the appropriate local media outlets to alert the public of the closure.  At approximately 2:38 pm, the hazard was cleared and the canyon was patrolled to ensure the road was safe to reopen.  There were 16 traffic incidents in the Big Sky area due to the weather between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm with no injuries reported.

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The rise in the number of unhoused people based in and around Bozeman has not gone unnoticed by many locals, and it’s an issue that deserves attention for a variety of reasons.

So is this influx likely to take some of the sheen away from the city’s reputation, and if so, what steps can be taken to address it?

Bozeman's Homeless Population: The Growing Problem

As Bozeman grows, so does its homeless population. In the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in homelessness that is slowly becoming more conspicuous.With an estimated 1000 people in need of shelter according to local organizations like Gallatin Valley Interfaith Associates and the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), this issue is one that needs immediate attention from both the community and government officials alike.

The rising cost of living means it’s increasingly difficult for low-income individuals and families to secure housing or even basic necessities such as food and clothing. This further contributes to homelessness, with many unable to find permanent housing due to economic constraints, or simply not having enough resources at their disposal.

It’s clear that something must be done now before we reach a tipping point where Bozeman’s idyllic image is no longer sustainable under these circumstances.

What Can We Do To Help? A Look at Local Solutions

It is essential that we come together as a community to tackle this problem. Fortunately, there are several local organizations and initiatives in place that aim to provide relief for those affected by homelessness.

For example, the HRDC runs emergency housing programs, such as the Housing First Village which helps individuals and families find temporary shelter while they get their lives in order and overcome other challenges they face.

The Gallatin Valley Interfaith Associates (GVIA) also offers various outreach services including providing meals or access to medical care on top of their case management program designed to help clients transition out of homelessness into sustainable living arrangements.

In addition, numerous volunteers have stepped up, whether it be hosting donation drives or offering food deliveries directly to people in need. These individuals demonstrate an incredible amount of compassion towards Bozeman’s most vulnerable population, and make a huge difference in countless lives every day.

All of this requires extensive technology to orchestrate and oversee, and it’s through tools like the HMIS database by Foothold Technology that it’s possible for government bodies and non-profits to better encompass the logistical obstacles involved in this process.

Exploring State Initiatives Aimed At Reducing Homelessness in Montana

The state of Montana has also been proactive when it comes to addressing homelessness. For instance, the Housing First Initiative is a program that provides permanent housing for those experiencing chronic homelessness and mental health issues, both of which are contributing factors to the current situation in Bozeman. This is being handled in tandem with the HDRC, as mentioned.

Additionally, the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) currently runs homeless shelters across the state with plans to expand further going forward. This expansion includes additional funding towards supportive services, such as case management and employment assistance.

So as you can see there’s a unified effort, backed by various initiatives and technologies, going into ensuring that unhoused people are not overlooked in Bozeman, or more widely across the entire state.

Final Thoughts

When talking about homelessness, it’s important to put compassion at the top of the agenda. Bozeman is a city that has certainly done this, and the steps it has taken to retain its idyllic image have certainly borne fruit so far, which is good news for locals.