Montana

West Nile virus detected in four eastern Montana counties

Published

2 years ago

August 20, 2024

West Nile virus detected in four eastern Montana counties

West Nile virus has been detected in four eastern Montana counties: Blaine, Dawson, Prairie and Wibaux, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services reported Monday.

Six mosquito pools in the four counties tested positive for the virus, which the health department says is an early indicator that activity is increasing within the state.

Historically, Montana identifies the first human and/or horse WNV cases of the year within about two weeks of detecting WNV in mosquitoes.

Infections can occur in humans after a bite from an infected Culex mosquito. Increased risk of transmission to humans is expected to continue through October – or as long as mosquitoes are active in the state.

Most people who become infected with WNV will not experience symptoms, but 1 in 5 experience minor illness causing headache, rash, body aches, joint pains, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fatigue and body aches may persist for weeks following infection.

About 1 in 150 human infections result in severe disease, referred to as neuroinvasive West Nile. Neuroinvasive West Nile can cause neurological symptoms including disorientation, stupor, coma, paralysis, vision loss, and convulsions. WNV can be fatal or lead to long-term neurological complications such as paralysis.

Currently, there is no vaccine or targeted medication for WNV in humans, aside from supportive care.

Horses can also be infected with WNV. Horse owners may contact their veterinarian to obtain an annual vaccine to protect against WNV.

To keep mosquitoes away from homes, it’s important to regularly empty standing water at least once per week. For items such as rain barrels, a screen can be applied to the opening to restrict mosquito access. Check out the 4 Ds of mosquito bite prevention below for other mosquito bite prevention tips.

The 4 Ds of Mosquito Bite Prevention:

DEET: Use insect repellent containing effective ingredients such as DEET or picaridin. To verify the effectiveness of insect repellent, go to the EPA’s website: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents [links-2.govdelivery.com]
Drain: Drain standing water around the house to prevent mosquito breeding.
Dawn/Dusk: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Stay inside or take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites during these times. If doors or windows are left open in the summer, make sure they’re fitted with a screen to keep mosquitos out of the house.
Dress: When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against bites.

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Montana

Montana Lottery Mega Millions, Big Sky Bonus results for April 24, 2026

Published

4 hours ago

April 25, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at April 24, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from April 24 drawing

07-16-32-35-40, Mega Ball: 12

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from April 24 drawing

12-24-25-28, Bonus: 14

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 24 drawing

12-26-28-29-47, Bonus: 04

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Montana

Emergency declared as supply chain disruptions hit farms

Published

16 hours ago

April 24, 2026

Press Room

Emergency declared as supply chain disruptions hit farms

Economic impacts from the conflict between the U.S. and Iran continue to affect numerous industries.

In Montana, officials have declared an emergency to help meet fertilizer demands across the state.

“Global logistical disruptions and supply chain volatility have impacted the consistent flow of fertilizer into the United States and Montana,” the emergency declaration said.

Slowed deliveries into Montana, the vast distances that must be traveled with supplies and a lack of drivers have increased short-term demand for the delivery of anhydrous ammonia and other fertilizers by commercial delivery trucks, state officials added.

The weather forecast, combined with an ongoing drought, may threaten farmers’ ability to obtain fertilizer in time for planting and crop emergence.

Through May 1, hours-of-service requirements for commercial motor vehicles are being suspended to facilitate and expedite the delivery of fertilizer products.

This relief applies to motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to the emergency.

Temporary registration and fuel permit requirements are also suspended.

However, vehicles operating in excess of legal size and weight still require a permit and will be allowed to travel at nighttime, on weekends and on holidays when providing direct assistance. Loads exceeding 10 feet wide traveling during nighttime hours on non-interstate highways require a front pilot vehicle.

Drivers must comply with posted load limits on roads and bridges unless specifically authorized.

Fuel prices also remain a concern across the trucking industry.

Analysis indicates those costs will remain elevated as global conflicts continue.

The Energy Information Administration said uncertainty, combined with low U.S. inventories, will result in a peak national average diesel price of over $5.80 per gallon in April.

For 2026, EIA expects diesel to average $4.80 per gallon.

“Our modeling indicates that fuel prices will continue to rise until these variables resolve,” EIA Administrator Tristan Abbey said in early April. “Full restoration of flows will take months.” LL

Montana

Montana Student Loan Assistance Program Preserves Family Farms and Ranches

Published

1 day ago

April 24, 2026

Press Room

Montana Student Loan Assistance Program Preserves Family Farms and Ranches

College-educated ag producers can apply for up to five years of student loan assistance

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Student Loan Assistance Program is now accepting applications. Established during the 2019 legislative session, this program provides student loan assistance to Montana’s college-educated youth pursuing careers in farming or ranching.

“The Student Loan Assistance Program seeks to help relieve some of the financial stressors that our young farmers and ranchers often face,” said MDA Director Jillien Streit. “When we can encourage or help bring a kid back to the farm, that’s a win for Montana agriculture.”

Qualified farmers and ranchers are eligible for student loan assistance through the program for up to five years. Applicants must be a Montana resident designated as the primary owner, heir, successor or assignee of a farm or ranch in Montana that obtained their associated or baccalaureate degree(s) from a Montana college or university and have agreed to operate their farm or ranch for at least five years.

Applications are due May 18, 2026, and can be submitted through WebGrants. Full program guidelines are available on the department’s website at agr.mt.gov/Student-Loan-Assistance-Program.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky. For more information on department programs and services, visit agr.mt.gov.

–Montana Department of Agriculture

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