• BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- Wildlife officials are hoping to move 60 sage grouse from Montana to North Dakota to boost a waning population.
• Western states are trying to keep the federal government from listing the birds as endangered. Officials fear that could restrict ranching, grazing and energy development.
• Game and Fish biologist Aaron Robinson says officials are studying whether the sage grouse population in southeast Montana is stable enough to withstand the loss of 30 females. If so, they'll be brought next spring to southwestern North Dakota. If the effort succeeds, another 30 birds will be transplanted in 2015.
• The North Dakota Petroleum Council says it supports efforts to keep wildlife species from being listed as endangered.
• The Little Missouri Grazing Association says it has no immediate concerns about the potential transplant of birds.
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• PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- The U.S. Agriculture Department has awarded grants to three South Dakota electric cooperatives to help support economic development projects.
• The utility companies will use the money to make loans to local businesses for projects that will create and retain jobs in rural areas.
• Codington Clark Electric Cooperative will get a $300,000 grant to set up a loan fund that will help construct a building to facilitate business expansion.
• Dakota Energy Cooperative will use $300,000 to make a loan for an addition to the Madison Elementary School in Huron.
• Kingsbury Electric Cooperative will get a $300,000 grant to set up a loan fund that will help finance a building for Horizon Health Care's medical and dental clinic in De Smet.
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• SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- The Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Festival continues Friday night with southern rock and blues band the North Mississippi Allstars head

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