Sarah Swanson

A Missoula-area factory that produces trim and siding for houses is set to lay off more than 100 employees next month. It’s the third closure of its kind in the county in the last year.

The state’s first Workforce Expo held on a tribal reservation took place Wednesday. The collaboration between the Fort Belknap Indian Community and Montana’s Department of Labor and Industry is an effort to expand career possibilities for rural youth.

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry Wednesday held a statewide training event for laid-off federal workers. Attendees were offered assistance applying for unemployment benefits and seeking new jobs.

The state’s labor department has hired Don Wetzel Jr. to strengthen its relationship and support to Montana’s Indigenous population. Wetzel Jr., who is Blackfeet, previously held a similar position with the state Office of Public Instruction.

The Montana Department of Labor and Industry is under new leadership. Gov. Greg Gianforte selected Sarah Swanson for the role of commissioner.