Here is the latest Montana news from The Associated Press

HELENA, Mont. (AP) The state says Montana exports rose to a record high in 2008 for a fourth consecutive year. The Montana Department of Commerce says commodity exports rose 18 percent to about $2 billion in 2008. Bulk shipments of wheat led all commodity exports.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) The Powder River County Sheriff and a deputy remain on leave following a fatal shooting last week at a ranch near Broadus. Authorities remain tight-lipped about the shooting, only releasing the name of the man killed by Sheriff John Blain. Authorities say Undersheriff Brett Tabolt is currenlty the only remaining full-time Powder River County law enforcement officer on duty.

HELENA, Mont. (AP) Lawmakers have tapped 16 topics out of a possible 18 to study in advance of the next legislative session.

The studies deal with a range of subjects from historic preservation to the state's student loan system, and may result in legislation for the 2011 session. The two study resolutions that failed to make the cut called for examining family self-sufficiency and establishing a Montana scholarship fund.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) The Sioux Falls Stockyards plans to end cattle auctions next month because of a limit on how much rain water can run off the grounds. Managers say it was a tough decision, but any precipitation over half an inch puts the operation over the limit. He says hog and sheep auctions will continue, but the last fat cattle sale will be June 24 and the final feeder cattle auction will be June 25.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 05-28-09 0331CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list