Legals for April, 24 2026

Honorable MATTHEW J. CUFFE District Judge 512 California Avenue Libby, MT, 59923 MONTANA NINETEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT LINCOLN COUNTY IN RE THE NAME CHANGE OF: MELANIE DIANE BABAS, Petitioner. Cause No. DV-25-69 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from MELANIE DIANE BABAS to MELANIE DIANE DEVINE. The hearing will be at the Nineteenth Judicial District Court, Lincoln County, Montana, located at 512 California Avenue, Libby, Montana on May 22, 2026 at 11am. DATED this 30th day of March, 2026. TRICIA BROOKS Clerk of the District Court s/ Amanda Eckart Deputy Clerk of Court PUBLISHED IN The Western News April 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2026. MNAXLP

Lewis N. Stoddard, Bar No. 60723896  Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C.  300 W. Main Street, Suite 150  Boise, ID 83702  Phone: 801-355-2886  Facsimile: 801-328-9714  [email protected]  Attorney for Plaintiff  HWM File Number: MT23389    MONTANA NINETEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT  LINCOLN COUNTY  New Day Financial, LLC,  Plaintiff,    v.    Unknown Heirs and Devisees of the Estate of Johnnie L Hantz; and Unknown Parties in Possession of or with an interest in the real property commonly known as:    1416 Dakota Ave, Libby, MT 59923,  Defendants.    SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION  CIVIL NUMBER: DV-27-2026-0000002-FO    TO: Unknown Heirs and Devisees of the Estate of Johnnie L Hantz and Unknown Parties in Possession of or with an interest in the real property commonly known as:1416 Dakota Ave, Libby, MT 59923;    A lawsuit has been filed against you for amongst other things, foreclosure of real property located in the County of Lincoln, State of Montana. The real property has an address of 1416 Dakota Ave, Libby, MT 59923 and is more particularly described as follows:    Lot 4 and the North 1/2 of Lot 5, Block 15, South Libby, according to the plat thereof on file in the office of the Clerk and Recorder, Lincoln County, Montana.    Within 21 days after service of this summons on you or (42 days if you are the State of Montana, a state agency, or a state officer or employee, or 60 days if you are the United States of America, or federal agency), you must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of the Montana Rules of Civil Procedure. Do not include the day you were served in your calculation of time. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiff`s attorney, if plaintiff is represented by an attorney, whose name and address are listed above.    If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.    You also must file your answer or motion with the court.  Date:  April 6, 2026   /s/ CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT  PUBLISHED IN The Western News April 10, 17 & 24, 2025. MNAXLP

COLUMBIA FALLS ESTATE PLANNING DENISE P. ROMER, ESQ. Montana Bar No. 38016558 139 6th Street West Columbia Falls, MT 59912 406-897-8521 406-897-8522 (F) [email protected] www.estateplanning406.com Attorney for the Estate MONTANA NINETEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LINCOLN COUNTY In Re: The Estate of DARRELL L. GARDNER, Deceased. Cause No: DP-26-57-11 HONORABLE MATTHEW J. CUFFE District Court Judge NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appoint Co-Personal Representatives of the above-caused Estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within (5) four months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to AUTUMN MAGGART and GABRIELLA GARDNER, the Co-Personal Representatives, to c/o Columbia Falls Estate Planning, 139 6th Street West, Columbia Falls, MT 59901, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 20 day of March 2026. s/ Autumn Maggart, Co-Personal Representative s/ Gabriella Gardner, Co-Personal Representative PUBLISHED IN The Western News April 10, 17, & 24, 2026. MNAXLP

BDM Mini Storage 30775 US Highway 2 Libby, MT 59923 Storage Unit B27 Jason Boyd Storage Unit B29 Jason Corthell Auction will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at noon. PUBLISHED IN The Western News April 21 & 24, 2026. MNAXLP

Notice of Public Hearing    Land-Use Regulatory Updates    The Lincoln County Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to review proposed changes to the Lincoln County Subdivision Regulations as well as the Buildings for Lease or Rent Regulations on Wednesday May 13, 2026, at 11:00am at the Lincoln County Courthouse.      In July of 2025 the County initiated a process funded by a grant from the Montana Community Reinvestment Act to comprehensively update to the Lincoln County Subdivision Regulations, Buildings for Lease or Rent regulations, as well as all the administrative support materials and procedures utilized in the Planning Department.  Many areas of the regulations have changed statutorily in the last several legislative sessions and others need to be changed to align with judicial interpretations.  A steering committee was assembled consisting of developers, engineers, landowners, wildfire and safety professionals with the following goals in mind while working within Montana’s statutory framework:  areas of our regulations that are confusing, cumbersome or redundant  processes that could be streamlined  forms and applications that are insufficient in gleaning the right information  ideas to support development of housing that meets average citizens’ income needs  The Planning Board has been involved throughout the process, and their final meeting reviewing the proposed changes before forwarding it to the commissioners will be held on Tuesday May 5th at 5:30pm.      A copy of the proposal can be viewed on the Planning Department website: https://lincolncountymt.us/planning-homepage/. For further information, contact the Lincoln County Planning Department, 512 California Ave., Libby, Montana, 59923; Phone (406) 283-2309 or [email protected].  Dated this 22nd day of April 2026  Kristin Smith, KMR Consulting  For Lincoln County    PUBLISHED IN The Western News April 24, 2026. MNAXLP

Public Notice    The City of Libby Board of Adjustments will be holding a hearing on Monday, May 18th, 2026, in the Council Chambers of City Hall during the 7:00 pm council meeting to consider a lot size variance application for vacant property located at 5th and Utah. The Board will hear comments from any concerned parties.       For further information on the actions to be taken or to submit comments, contact the City Administrator at 293-1278, [email protected], or stop by City Hall at 952 E. Spruce St., Libby, MT PUBLISHED IN The Western News April 24, 2026. MNAXLP

PUBLIC NOTICE  PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD  Notice to Water Users (Pursuant to Section 85-2-307, MCA)  The following application has been submitted to appropriate water in the State of Montana.  THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION PROPOSES TO GRANT AN APPLICATION FOR BENEFICIAL WATER USE PERMIT. DESCRIBED BELOW ARE THE PERTINENT FACTS WHICH SUMMARIZE THE APPLICATION. THE DRAFT PRELIMINARY DETERMINATION (PD) DOCUMENTING THE FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND ANY CONDITIONS ATTACHED TO THE WATER RIGHT ARE AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT https://dnrc.mt.gov/Water-Resources/Water-Rights/application-status-environmental-assessments/.  PUBLIC COMMENT DEADLINE: MAY 24, 2026. PUBLIC COMMENTS MUST BE FILED ON A PUBLIC COMMENT FORM, FORM 654, AND MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE STATED DEADLINE. THE FORM IS AVAILABLE ON THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE OR CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ANY WATER RESOURCES REGIONAL OFFICE. MAIL PAPER COPIES OF THE COMPLETED FORM TO: DNRC WATER RIGHTS BUREAU, PO BOX 201601, HELENA, MT 59620-1601. SUBMIT ELECTRONIC COPIES OF THE COMPLETED FORM TO: [email protected]. PER 85-2-307(5)(C), MCA, IF NO PUBLIC COMMENTS ARE RECEIVED, THE DRAFT PD WILL BE ADOPTED AS FINAL AND THERE WILL BE NO OPPORTUNITY TO OBJECT TO THIS APPLICATION.  DIRECT ANY QUESTIONS PERTAINING TO THE APPLICATION, OR REQUESTS TO OBTAIN THE DRAFT PD OR PUBLIC COMMENT FORM TO THE WATER RESOURCES OFFICE AT 655 TIMBERWOLF PARKWAY, SUITE 4, KALISPELL, MT 59901-2387, PHONE: 406-752-2288, FAX: 406-752-2843.  IF ISSUED, THE RIGHT WILL BE SUBJECT TO PRIOR EXISTING WATER RIGHTS.  Application Number:   76D 30170983  Owners: KURTIS M HAFFERMAN  KATHY M MINER  PO BOX 1690  LIBBY, MT 59923-5001  Priority Date: DECEMBER 19, 2025 at 03:22 P.M.  Purpose (Use): LAWN AND GARDEN  Maximum Flow Rate: 18.00 GPM Maximum Volume: 0.92 AC-FT Maximum Acres: 0.76  Source Name: KOOTENAI RIVER  Source Type: SURFACE WATER  Point of Diversion and Means of Diversion:  Point of Diversion and Means of Diversion: ID 1; Govt Lot: 1; Qtr Sec: NWNENE; Sec 36; Twp 31N; Rge 31W; County LINCOLN Period of Diversion: APRIL 15 TO OCTOBER 15 Diversion Means: PUMP Subdivision: MBMI DEVELOPMENT INC TRACT/LOT: 8 Purpose (Use): LAWN AND GARDEN Volume: 0.92 AC-FT Period of Use: APRIL 15 to OCTOBER 15 Place of Use: ID 1; Acres: 0.47; Govt Lot: 1; Qtr Sec: NWNENE; Sec 36; Twp 31N; Rge 31W; County LINCOLN Subdivision: MBMI DEVELOPMENT INC TRACT/LOT: 8 ID 2; Acres: 0.29; Qtr Sec: SWSESE; Sec 25; Twp 31N; Rge 31W; County LINCOLN Subdivision: MBMI DEVELOPMENT INC TRACT/LOT: 8 Total: 0.76 Remarks: WATER MEASUREMENT INFORMATION THE APPROPRIATOR SHALL INSTALL A DEPARTMENT APPROVED IN-LINE FLOW METER AT A POINT IN THE DELIVERY LINE APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT. WATER MUST NOT BE DIVERTED UNTIL THE REQUIRED MEASURING DEVICE IS IN PLACE AND OPERATING. ON A FORM PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT, THE APPROPRIATOR SHALL KEEP A WRITTEN MONTHLY RECORD OF THE FLOW RATE AND VOLUME OF ALL WATER DIVERTED, INCLUDING THE PERIOD OF TIME. RECORDS SHALL BE SUBMITTED BY JANUARY 31 OF EACH YEAR AND UPON REQUEST AT OTHER TIMES DURING THE YEAR UNTIL A FORM 617 PROJECT COMPLETION NOTICE IS SUBMITTED. FAILURE TO SUBMIT RECORDS MAY BE CAUSE FOR REVOCATION OF THE PERMIT. THE RECORDS MUST BE SENT TO THE KALISPELL REGIONAL WATER RESOURCES OFFICE. THE APPROPRIATOR SHALL MAINTAIN THE MEASURING DEVICE SO IT ALWAYS OPERATES PROPERLY AND MEASURES FLOW RATE AND VOLUME ACCURATELY. PUBLISHED IN The Western News April 24, 2026. MNAXLP ID 1; GLot: 1; Qtr Sec: NWNENE; Sec 36; Twp 31N; Rge 31W; County LINCOLN  Period of Diversion: APRIL 15 TO OCTOBER 15  Diversion Means: PUMP  Subdivision: MBMI DEVELOPMENT INC  TRACT/LOT: 8  Purpose (Use): LAWN AND GARDEN  Volume: 0.92 AC-FT  Period of Use: APRIL 15 to OCTOBER 15  Place of Use:  ID 1; Acres: 0.47; Govt Lot: 1; Qtr Sec: NWNENE; Sec 36; Twp 31N; Rge 31W; County LINCOLN  Subdivision: MBMI DEVELOPMENT INC  TRACT/LOT: 8  ID 2; Acres: 0.29; Qtr Sec: SWSESE; Sec 25; Twp 31N; Rge 31W; County LINCOLN  Subdivision: MBMI DEVELOPMENT INC TRACT/LOT: 8  Total: 0.76  Remarks:  WATER MEASUREMENT INFORMATION  THE APPROPRIATOR SHALL INSTALL A DEPARTMENT APPROVED IN-LINE FLOW METER AT A POINT IN THE DELIVERY LINE APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT. WATER MUST NOT BE DIVERTED UNTIL THE REQUIRED MEASURING DEVICE IS IN PLACE AND OPERATING. ON A FORM PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT, THE APPROPRIATOR SHALL KEEP A WRITTEN MONTHLY RECORD OF THE FLOW RATE AND VOLUME OF ALL WATER DIVERTED, INCLUDING THE PERIOD OF TIME. RECORDS SHALL BE SUBMITTED BY JANUARY 31 OF EACH YEAR AND UPON REQUEST AT OTHER TIMES DURING THE YEAR UNTIL A FORM 617 PROJECT COMPLETION NOTICE IS SUBMITTED. FAILURE TO SUBMIT RECORDS MAY BE CAUSE FOR REVOCATION OF THE PERMIT. THE RECORDS MUST BE SENT TO THE KALISPELL REGIONAL WATER RESOURCES OFFICE. THE APPROPRIATOR SHALL MAINTAIN THE MEASURING DEVICE SO IT ALWAYS OPERATES PROPERLY AND MEASURES FLOW RATE AND VOLUME ACCURATELY.  PUBLISHED IN The Western News April 24, 2026. MNAXLP