Program helps laid off employees get degrees

MISSOULA (AP)

Employees who lost jobs in 2007 and 2008 when Stimson Lumber Co.'s Bonner mill shut down are now earning degrees at the University of Montana's College of Technology and elsewhere When the mill closed for good last year, 100- some employees were forced to find new work. About 70 of them chose to take advantage of the federal retraining program called Trade Adjustment Assistance. Many of them were among graduates taking part in commencement ceremonies Saturday at the University of Montana. In total, about 40 former Stimson workers will graduate from trade schools and community col...