In brief: Montana governor upbeat after trade mission to China

HELENA – Gov. Steve Bullock said he hopes his recent trade mission to China will result in future contracts for Montana businesses.

Bullock and representatives from 10 Montana companies spent a week in China meeting with potential investors, government officials and possible export partners.

More than 100 people attended seminars to learn about direct investment and trade with Montana, Lee Newspapers reported.

The state already exports more than $100 million in goods to China each year.

No E. coli, but water should still be boiled

MERCER ISLAND, Wash. – The latest round of tests on the water used by this affluent Seattle suburb was negative on Saturday for E. coli and total coliform. But officials are still advising people to boil their water just in case.

The health department said no cases of E. coli illness have been reported.

Health officials collected 18 samples Friday and finished tests Saturday afternoon, but all of them were negative. Twice last week, residents of Mercer Island were told to take precautions with their tap water.

The next round of test results were to be released today.

The city also sent dive teams into two water-storage tanks on Saturday to inspect them. The crews reported the tanks were clean, Mercer Island Police Cmdr. Leslie Burns said.

Burns said they have not identified the source of two positive E. coli tests. For that reason, the health department is keeping restrictions in place.