Here is the latest Montana news from The Associated Press

ALEXANDER, N.D. (AP) The North Dakota Highway Patrol has identified a 28-year-old motorcyclist who died in a crash in western North Dakota. Authorities say Christopher Hove of Glendive, Mont., was traveling southbound on North Dakota state Highway 68 near Alexander at about 4:25 p.m. Saturday when he collided with farm equipment being towed by a pickup truck.

KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester has sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, asking for more transparency about the millions of dollars projected to be spent in Montana upgrading security checkpoints along the Canadian border. Tester says the Montana ports need improving but it should be done efficiently.

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) A Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks official is warning hunters pursuing deer and other game to be alert for grizzly bears. Mike Madel says the state's robust grizzly bear population has been following river corridors farther east from the Rocky Mountains and he recommends hunters avoid dense riparian areas and instead hunt the fringes.

HELENA, Mont. (AP) State officials will be talking today about developing vast tracts of state-owned coal in southeastern Montana, but any decision on the much-discussed issue is unlikely to come soon. Gov. Brian Schweitzer has been outspoken with his opinion that the state could get more money by waiting to lease its 610 million tons of coal located near Ashland.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-21-09 0231CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list