Briefs - August 12

Clark Fork body suspects pursued

 Associated Press — Two suspects in the death of a transient whose body was found in the Clark Fork River in Missoula have made their initial court appearances.

Bail was set Friday at $150,000 for Kenneth Damien Hickman and $50,000 for Mechailiah Aiden Tembreull.

Both suspects were charged with aggravated assault resulting in bodily injury in the death of 36-year-old Gilbert George Berry, whose body was found in the river Tuesday. An autopsy determined he was beaten and shot.

Two other suspects are being sought by police.

Classes open for Montana State

According to a Montana State University release, a new online course from Montana State University helps students, teachers, counselors and other professionals learn more about working with children who have been traumatized by abuse, neglect, abandonment at birth or other events.

Participants who are not currently enrolled as an MSU student should contact the instructor for pre-requisites and permission to enroll. Tuition and fees are listed on the Website. The course runs Aug. 25 through Dec. 12 and is fully online.

The instructor is Kate Cremer-Vogel. She is a licensed professional counselor specializing in children who have been abandoned, abused and neglected, especially those children who have been adopted.  

To register, visit MSU’s Extended University at http://eu.montana.edu/credit/.

Also, Montana State University’s online graduate courses for science teachers are now open for fall registration.

Fall 2014 courses include offerings in biology; physics; earth science; land resources and environmental science (LRES); microbiology; nutrition; and education, curriculum and instruction (EDCI).

Ignite the Nites coming to Libby

Ignite the Nites will road through Libby this weekend. The 52nd annual open car show and celebration will start Thursday, Aug. 14 and run through Saturday, Aug. 16. The Igniters Car Club started in 1961 and the Ignite the Nites event developed decades later. Ignite the Nites offers entertaining events from a Friday night cruise to a burn-out showcase.

New responses to campaign end

Senator Jon Tester last week released a statement after Senator John Walsh decided to end his campaign.

“I respect Senator Walsh’s decision to step out of the race, I know it was a difficult one,” Tester said in a release. “John has dedicated his life to serving the people of Montana and our country.  From his 33-year career of military service to his work in the U.S. Senate, John Walsh has courageously devoted himself to our state and our nation and we all owe him thanks for his service.”

The Montana Democratic Party also responded to Walsh’s abrupt decision.

“The Montana Democratic Party looks forward to an open and transparent opportunity for Democrats to come together to decide our new nominee,” Montana Democratic Party chair Jim Larson said in a release. “As we move forward in this race, we must remember this election is not about one person; it’s about Montana.”

Libby native graduates from basic training in Texas

Air Force Airman Mikayla D. Dlask graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through   the Community College of the Air Force.    

Dlask is the daughter of Anna A. and Corey J. Dlask of Libby.

She is a 2012 graduate of Libby High School.