Here is the latest Montana news from The Associated Press

Missoula, Mont. (AP) A Kalispell woman has been dealt a 27-month prison sentence for embezzling $227,000 from two companies she did bookkeeping work for. Federal judge Donald Molly also ordered Judy L. Hammack on Friday to pay $223,000 in restitution.

Hammack had pleaded guilty to taking $157,000 from a masonry company and $70,000 from a construction firm.

EAST HELENA, Mont. (AP) The state Department of Environmental Quality says the demolition in August of three smokestacks that towered over the Asarco lead smelter in East Helena for decades didn't produce negative health effects. The DEQ says air sampling tests confirm that the demolition was carried out safely and successfully.

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) A federal mediator has been called in to help settle a dispute between school bus drivers and Billings School District 2, meaning buses will be rolling tomorrow. An automated telephone call to parents of 15,000 students on Friday let them know that buses would be running. The contract expired July 1 and negotiations have so far failed.

KALISPELL, Mont. (AP) Bull trout numbers in northwest Montana's Swan River drainage have dropped to their lowest level in 17 years, as introduced lake trout appear to be outcompeting and eating their native cousins. State fisheries biologist Tom Weaver warns continued declines of bull trout are likely there if the non-natives spread farther.

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