In brief: Man arrested in fatal assault

Ferry County sheriff’s deputies have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with the Saturday homicide of a Ferry County resident.

Taken into custody was Morgan Christensen, whose most recent address is in Malo, in Ferry County.

Deputies said an assault occurred early Saturday that led to the death of Brian Brill, 51.

Details of the assault were not released.

Brill was taken to Ferry County Hospital but died Saturday, a sheriff’s office spokesperson said.

Christensen is being held in Ferry County Jail on $500,000 bond.

Two hikers missing in Glacier Park

KALISPELL – Rescue teams at Glacier National Park searched in wintry conditions and rugged terrain Sunday for two East Coast hikers reported missing by family members.

Park officials said 50 searchers were looking for 32-year-old Neal Peckens of Virginia and 32-year-old Jason Hiser of Maryland. Weather was the biggest challenge facing searchers, who have found 18 inches of snow on the trail at higher elevations and 5-foot drifts in some areas, spokeswoman Denise Germann said.

“The area they are working in is very steep and exposed,” she said. “It’s right along the Continental Divide, and it’s very windy.”

The two were reported missing Friday after failing to catch a flight home from Montana. Their vehicle was found late Friday, and the search started Saturday.

VERNONIA, Ore. – A 12-year-old boy is recovering from burns to his face and hands after carrying his grandmother to safety after an explosive fire at their home in Vernonia.

The fire erupted Friday after a propane heater started leaking. Seth Cutright said he could smell the gas just before his grandmother, Rose Cutright, lit a cigarette and ignited the blaze.

He said his grandmother was on fire, but then it went out and he carried her outside.

The two are recovering at the Oregon Burn Center in Portland.