Updated Screwworm Warning Effects More Than Montana Cattle

Montana's ranchers are adjusting to the new outbreak of New World Screwworm. But the warnings from the state include not just livestock, but some domestic animals and other farm critters as well.

As of Tuesday, the New World Screwworm (NWS) outbreak has expanded, with 15 confirmed cases across Texas and New Mexico. This parasitic pest, which infests the wounds of warm-blooded animals, poses a severe threat to both commercial livestock and domestic pets.

The Montana Department of Livestock has implemented emergency entry restrictions to prevent the flies’ arrival. These measures mandate that all warm-blooded animals—including cattle, horses, dogs, and cats—originating from restricted states must undergo strict veterinary inspections and receive approved preventative treatments.

     Owners are urged to vigilantly monitor pets and livestock for non-healing wounds or unusual behavior.

Dennis Bragg photo

State Jumps Into Northwestern Energy Case

Governor Greg Gianforte and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality are stepping into a major utility case to shield local consumers from rising power bills.

The state announced today it will request to intervene in NorthWestern Energy’s "Large New Load Tariff" proceeding before the Public Service Commission. The proposal aims to establish a framework for how the utility serves massive, high-demand operations like data centers with loads of five megawatts or more.

Gianforte emphasized that while Montana welcomes high-paying jobs, large new power users must pay their own way so that local families aren't left subsidizing their electric bills.

If granted intervenor status, the DEQ will provide technical input and testimony to ensure expanding corporations cover their full incremental costs rather than shifting the financial burden onto existing ratepayers.

Charges filed in Anaconda murder

An investigation is underway in Anaconda following a fatal shooting at a local business.

According to the Montana Free Press, Shane Charles, a co-owner of Carmel’s Sports Bar & Grill, was killed at the bar Saturday night.

The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Attorney’s Office has charged 61-year-old Mark Ray Lock with deliberate homicide. Court filings allege that Lock approached Charles, engaged in a brief conversation, and then shot him.

Charles and his wife, Tamara, had purchased the bar in 2023 with the goal of transforming the establishment into a family-friendly community hub. This tragedy comes roughly one year after a separate shooting left four people dead at another local bar, The Owl Bar.

     The suspect is currently being held on a $1 million bond.