Here is the latest Montana news from The Associated Press

BROWNING, Mont. (AP) Officials with the Blackfeet Department of Public Safety say a man was stabbed to death near Starr School, about nine miles northwest of Browning. Acting director Henry Devereaux says the stabbing was reported at about 9 a.m. Friday.

Devereaux said he was not sure if anyone had been arrested.

Missoula, Mont. (AP) A former University of Montana chemistry professor says he and other scientists have discovered a way to cheaply produce large volumes of an environment-friendly chemical that has wide applications. Don Kiely says the new technique means biodegradable glucaric acid can be produced in large enough quantities to make it feasible. He says glucaric acid can be converted into high-value, bio-based chemicals or materials that could be used as road salt and detergents.

HELENA, Mont. (AP) Workers plan to cut down trees on Mount Helena beginning Monday as part of a project to stop a pine bark-beetle infestation. The plan calls for thinning stands in four project areas on 98 acres. All ponderosa pines already killed by the beetles will be cut down.

FORT BENTON, Mont. (AP) Fort Benton police say a man suspected of shooting and killing his girlfriend and then shooting himself remains alive but in critical condition. Police Chief John Turner says officers believe the man shot himself in the head. On Saturday he was being treated at a Seattle hospital. Police say the shooting was reported about 5 p.m. Thursday.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-30-09 0231CST | save this article / add to your favorites list