Legals for January, 15 2026
Lake County Leader | UPDATED 1 week, 1 day AGO
Eli J. Patten (MT Bar #11219) David F. Knobel (MT Bar #212614) Robert J. Joki (MT Bar #68066678) CROWLEY FLECK PLLP 500 Transwestern Plaza II 490 North 31st Street P.O. Box 2529 Billings, MT 59103-2529 Telephone: (406) 252-3441 Facsimile: (406) 252-3181 Attorneys for Plaintiff Montana Twentieth judicial District Court, Lake County GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. Harlan Matthew Mathias, Freda Lynette Finley, Antoine Robert Carman, Roberta Lee Carman, Dorthea Marie Carman, Tulana Carman, Taralea Carman, Accredited Surety and Casualty Company, Inc., Accredited Bond Agencies, Inc., Scott Chambers, and all other persons, unknown, claiming or who might claim any right, title, estate, or interest in or lien or encumbrance upon the real property described in the complaint adverse to Plaintiff’s ownership or any cloud upon Plaintiff’s title, whether the claim or possible claim is present or contingent, Defendants. Cause No.: DV-25-87 Judge: Hon. John A. Mercer SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION TO: Roberta Lee Carman, 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), you must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the complaint filed herein 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. This action is brought to quiet title to land situated in Lake County, Montana, and described as follows: A portion of the W1/2NE1/4SW1/4 of Section 17, Township 21 North, Range 19 West, p.m. Lake County, Montana, further shown and described as being lot a on Certificate of Survey No. 5092, on file in the office of the clerk and recorder of Lake County, Montana. Street Address: 33909 Blue Bird Ln., Ronan, MT 59864. WITNESS my hand and the seal of said Court this 24 day of November, 2025. Lake County Clerk of District Court By: M. Chapman Deputy Clerk PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON JANUARY 1, 8 & 15, 2026. MNAXLP __________________________
HEALTH BOARD MEMBER NEEDED The Lake County Commissioners are seeking one volunteer to serve on the Lake County Board of Health. The board has regular bimonthly meetings during the day to address community health and environmental health issues. There is no requirement for applying other than attendance at meetings and some background or knowledge in the health realm is appreciated. The Board of Commissioners will accept letters of application to serve on the board through Friday, January 30, 2026. Letters should be addressed to the Commissioners at 106 4th Avenue East, Polson, Montana 59860. For further information, contact the Commissioners at 883-7204 or [email protected]. PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON JANUARY 8 & 15, 2026. MNAXLP __________________________
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE TRIBAL COURT OF THE CONFESERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES OF THE FLATHEAD RESERVATIUON, PABLO, MONTANA. NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: DEBORAH LOUISE BLOOD, Deceased. Cause No 25-0316-P Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, CloAnn Blood Westerman has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present their claims to the Personal Representative within 4 months after the date of the first publication, or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, return receipt request, and/or to the Clerk of Court of the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribal Court, PO Box 278, Pablo, Montana 59855. DATED this 22nd of December 2025. /S/ CLOANN BLOOD WESTERMAN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE PO BOX 356 ST. IGNATIUS, MT 59865 PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON JANURARY 8, 15 & 22, 2026. MNAXLP __________________________
CALL FOR BIDS Lake County Montana Commissioners are requesting sealed bids for up to: 400 tons of MC 800 cutback asphalt for the 2026 season. 200 tons of CRS-2 emulsion asphalt for the 2026 season. 1) Prices shall be on a per ton basis F.O.B. Pablo, MT and specify minimum load quantities (approx. 10,000 gallons). 2) Bid shall include liquid anti strip agent at 0.5% added to the MC 800 at point of loading. 3) Truck shall have unloading pump and hoses for MC 800 to fill County tank. The CRS-2 tank has a pump. 4) Driver shall have Worker’s Compensation Insurance. 5) Driver shall have protective clothing suitable for handling hot asphalt products. Bids shall be opened on Tuesday February 10, 2026 at 10:00 am in the Commissioner’s Office at 106 4th Ave. East, Polson, MT 59860. All bids shall be clearly marked “Sealed Bid”. For more information or questions, contact Jay Garrick, Lake County Road Supervisor, (406) 883-7206 or email at: [email protected] /s/William Barron, Chairman Board of Lake County Commissioners PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON JANUARY 15 & 22, 2026. MNAXLP __________________________
NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE To be sold for cash at a Trustee’s Sale on May 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM on the front steps at the Lake County Courthouse located at 106 4th Avenue East, Polson, MT 59860, the following described real property situated in Lake County, State of Montana: Lot 6 in Block 9 of LEWIS ADDITION to the City of Polson, Lake County, Montana, according to the map or plat thereof on file in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Lake County, Montana. More commonly known as 211 9th Ave W, Polson, MT 59860. Stephanie Janelle Pruitt, as Grantor, conveyed said real property to First American Title Company, as Trustee, to secure an obligation owed to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as designated nominee for Eagle Bank, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, by Deed of Trust on December 8, 2020, and filed for record in the records of the County Clerk and Recorder in Lake County, State of Montana, on December 8, 2020 as Instrument No. 583599 of Official Records. The Deed of Trust was assigned for value as follows: Assignee: Guild Mortgage Company LLC Assignment Dated: December 11, 2025 Assignment Recorded: December 17, 2025 Assignment Recording Information: as Instrument No. 636127 All in the records of the County Clerk and Recorder for Lake County, Montana. Jason J. Henderson is the Successor Trustee pursuant to a Substitution of Trustee recorded in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Lake County, State of Montana, on December 30, 2025 as Instrument No. 636292, of Official Records. The Beneficiary has declared a default in the terms of said Deed of Trust due to the Grantor(s) failure to make monthly payments beginning June 1, 2025, and each month subsequent, which monthly installments would have been applied on the principal and interest due on said obligation and other charges against the property or loan. By reason of said default, the Beneficiary has declared all sums owing on the obligation secured by said Trust Deed immediately due and payable. The total amount due on this obligation is the principal sum of $132,464.15, interest in the sum of $2,353.05, other amounts due and payable in the amount of $4,458.73 for a total amount owing of $139,275.93, plus accruing interest, late charges, and other fees and costs that may be incurred or advanced. The Beneficiary anticipates and may disburse such amounts as may be required to preserve and protect the property and for real property taxes that may become due or delinquent, unless such amounts of taxes are paid by the Grantor. If such amounts are paid by the Beneficiary, the amounts or taxes will be added to the obligations secured by the Deed of Trust. Other expenses to be charged against the proceeds of this sale include the Trustee’s fees and attorney’s fees, costs and expenses of the sale, and late charges, if any. Beneficiary has elected and has directed the Trustee to sell the above described property to satisfy the obligation. The sale is a public sale and any person, including the Beneficiary, excepting only the Trustee, may bid at the sale. The bid price must be paid immediately upon the close of bidding in cash or cash equivalents (valid money orders, certified checks or cashier’s checks). The conveyance will be made by Trustee’s Deed, without any representation or warranty, including warranty of title, express or implied, as the sale is made strictly on an as-is, where-is basis, without limitation, the sale is being made subject to all existing conditions, if any, of lead paint, mold or other environmental or health hazards. The sale purchaser shall be entitled to possession of the property on the 10th day following the sale. The Grantor, successor in interest to the Grantor, or any other person having an interest in the property, has the right, at any time prior to the Trustee’s Sale, to pay to the Beneficiary, or the successor in interest to the Beneficiary, the entire amount then due under the Deed of Trust and the obligation secured thereby (including costs and expenses actually incurred and attorney’s fees) other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred and by curing any other default complained of herein that is capable of being cured by tendering the performance required under the obligation or to cure the default, by paying all costs and expenses actually incurred in enforcing the obligation and Deed of Trust with Successor Trustee’s and attorney’s fees. In the event that all defaults are cured the foreclosure will be dismissed and the foreclosure sale will be canceled. The scheduled Trustee’s Sale may be postponed by public proclamation up to 15 days for any reason. In the event of a bankruptcy filing, the sale may be postponed by the Trustee for up to 120 days by public proclamation at least every 30 days. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Successor Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Dated this 31st day of December, 2025. Jason J. Henderson Substitute Trustee 38 2nd Avenue East Dickinson, ND 58601 Telephone: 801-355-2886 Office Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8AM-5PM (MST) File No. MT21818 PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON JANUARY 15,22 & 29, 2026. MNAXLP __________________________
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES The Consolidated Charlo/Lake County Water and Sewer District is requesting proposals from qualified engineering firms to provide services for the Manganese Treatment Project. The scope includes preparing a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) for the public water system and implementing a project to treat manganese in the District’s water supply. The PER will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the District’s water system, with emphasis on manganese treatment for the existing wells. The services to be provided will include, but are not limited to: Completion of a Preliminary Engineering Report meeting the requirements of the W2ASACT Uniform PER Outline including: Assessment of existing conditions and summary of system requirements, including data collection. Preparation of a detailed alternatives analysis of potential improvements to the District’s existing water system with an emphasis on manganese treatment in the existing water supply wells. Development of recommendations regarding possible improvements that may be needed including design criteria, construction cost estimates and prioritization of each proposed improvement. Preparation of funding agency grant and/or loan applications. Project planning and development. Environmental Review. Design of improvements. Prepare construction bid package(s) in conformance with applicable agency requirements and supervise the bid advertisement, tabulation, and award process, including preparation of the advertisements for bid solicitation, conduction of the bid opening, and issuance of the notice to proceed. Conduct preconstruction conferences. Construction engineering and contract administration. Field staking, on-site observation of construction work, and preparation of inspection reports. Review and approve contractor requests for payment and submit approved requests to the District. Provide reproducible record drawings upon project completion and submit to reviewing agencies. Conduct final inspection, testing, and start-up services. Assist in the preparation of user rates and ordinances. Prepare an operation and maintenance manual. Review contractor’s labor standard requirements in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations. Assist in project administration as required by funding agencies. Further support and assistance as needed. Responses to this RFP should include: Cover letter. The firm’s legal name, address and telephone number. The principal(s) of the firm and their experience and qualifications. The experience, qualifications and availability of the staff to be assigned to the project. A description of the firm’s prior experience and name of a local official knowledgeable of the firm’s performance. Include at least three (3) references. A description of the firm’s current work activities and how these would be coordinated with the project as well as the firm’s anticipated availability during the term of the project. A proposed work plan and schedule for the activities to be performed. A list of experience working in similar sized communities involving Public Sewer and Water Systems (include a contact telephone number). Resumes of key personnel. Respondents will be evaluated according to the following factors: Overall quality of the proposal 10% Proximity of the location of the engineering firm to the project area 10% Prior experience of firm with similar projects 30% Engineering firm’s prior and ongoing experience with the District 15% Availability and experience of key personnel assigned to this project 30% Referens 5% The District may select the engineering firm based on an evaluation of the written proposals or select several finalists to be interviewed. The Award will be made to the firm whose proposal is deemed most advantageous to the District. Questions and responses should be directed to Jamie Bauer, District Clerk, [email protected], 406-644-8776. Proposals shall be submitted by mail to Jamie Bauer, District Clerk, at the following address: Consolidated Charlo/Lake County Water and Sewer District Attn: Jamie Bauer 50811 Rocky Butte Rd Ronan, MT 59864 The proposals must be received by mail prior to 5:00 p.m. local time on February 13, 2026 to be considered. Submit three (3) hard copies and mark the outside of the response package with “Charlo Manganese Treatment Project - Engineering Services Proposal.” This solicitation is being offered in accordance with federal and State statutes governing the procurement of professional services. Accordingly, the District reserves the right to negotiate an agreement based on fair and reasonable compensation for the scope of work and services proposed, as well as the right to reject any and all responses deemed unqualified, unsatisfactory or inappropriate. Compensation for activities will be negotiated following selection of an engineering firm. The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON JANUARY 15 & 29, 2026. MNAXLP __________________________
Ariston E. Johnson #9891 JOHNSON & SUNDEEN 109 Fifth Street SW Probate No. DP-24-2025-0000079-II PO Box 1260 Watford City, ND 58854 [email protected] (701) 444-2211 Attorney for: Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of John Morris Jacobson, Deceased NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication or mailing of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be presented to James Jacobson, personal representative of the estate, c/o Johnson & Sundeen, PO Box 1260, Watford City, North Dakota 58854, or filed with the Court. Dated this 13th day of January, 2026. JAMES JACOBSON Personal Representative Ariston E. Johnson #06366 JOHNSON & SUNDEEN 109 Fifth Street SW PO Box 1260 Watford City, ND 58854 Attorney for Personal Representative PUBLISHED IN LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON JANUARY 15, 22 & 29, 2026. MNAXLP __________________________