Here is the latest Montana news from The Associated Press

RUDYARD, Mont. (AP) BNSF Railway says a 3-year-old boy has been struck and killed by a freight train in northern Montana. A BNSF spokesman says the train hit the boy late yesterday morning in Rudyard, some 40 miles west of Havre. Train operators threw the emergency brake and sounded a whistle upon seeing the boy on the tracks.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) Yellowstone County is fighting a mountain pine beetle infestation. Billings City Forester Eric Gilsrud verified the beetles in six trees in Walsh Park and in another tree in nearby Edgerton Park within the last two weeks. Other urban areas in Montana with beetle infestations include Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Butte and Missoula.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) A wildfire west of Columbus that forced the evacuation of 100 homes has been contained. Fire information officer Lee Schmelzer said yesterday afternoon that the 1,000-acre fire was 100 percent contained. Fire officials said lack of sustained wind aided firefighter efforts.

HELENA, Mont. (AP) The Montana Historical Society and archaeologist Ruthann Knudson of Great Falls are inviting residents to help reveal part of the state's past. Knudson says those with projectile points, other Indian artifacts or knowledge of sites are urged to take part in the survey. A form is available on the Montana Historical Society Web site.

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