Legals for November, 12 2026

2026 Mobile Home Taxes Due The second half of 2026 Mobile Home Taxes are due on or before 5:00 p.m. MST on November 30, 2026. Tax payments made through the mail will be considered current if postmarked on or before 5:00 pm MST November 30, 2026. Payments postmarked after this date will be assessed penalty, interest and returned. Payments may be mailed to: LAKE COUNTY TREASURER, TAX DEPT. 106 4TH AVE EAST, POLSON MT 59860 **Please include Tax ID or payment stub with your check.** Currently due mobile home taxes may be paid online at: WWW.LAKEMT.GOV There is a 3% convenience fee to pay by credit card. Payments made online must be received by 5:00 pm MST of the due date. All past due taxes must be paid by utilizing our office by calling 406-883-7224 or 406-883-7225. This notice is published in accordance with MCA 15-24-202. PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON NOVEMBER 12TH, 19TH AND 26TH 2026 MNAXLP __________________________

2026 Property Taxes Due The first half of 2026 Real Estate Property Taxes are due on or before 5:00 p.m. MST on November 30, 2026. Tax payments made through the mail will be considered current if postmarked on or before 5:00 pm MST November 30, 2026. Payments postmarked after this date will be assessed penalty, interest and returned. The second half of 2026 Real Estate Property Taxes are due on or before 5:00 p.m. MST on May 31, 2027. Tax payments made through the mail will be considered current if postmarked on or before 5:00 pm MST May 31, 2027. Payments postmarked after this date will be assessed penalty, interest and returned. Payments may be mailed to: LAKE COUNTY TREASURER, TAX DEPT. 106 4th AVE EAST, POLSON MT 59860 **Please include Tax ID or payment stub with your check.** Currently due property taxes may be paid on line at: HTTP://LAKEMT.GOV There is a 3% convenience fee to pay by credit card. Payments made online must be received by 5:00 pm MST of the due date. All past due taxes must be paid utilizing our office by calling 406-883-7225 or 406-883-7224. This notice is published in accordance with 15-16-101 Montana Code Annotated. PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON NOVEMBER 12TH, 19TH, AND 26TH 2026 MNAXLP __________________________

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION  IN THE TRIBAL COURT OF THE CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES OF THE FLATHEAD RESERVATION  Eagle Bank Plaintiff  VS. Jeremiah L Michel Defendant  Cause No. 26-0050-CV SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION  TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT: You are hereby directed to appear and answer the above-captioned complaint filed against you in Tribal Court in the Tribal Complex at Pablo, MT, on the15 day of Dec. 2026, at 11:00 0 or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard and to have with you all books, papers, and other evidence, as well as witnesses, you may need in presenting your defense and/or in proving your counterclaim. IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR AT THE APPOINTED TIME, A DEFAULT JUDGMENT MAY BE ENTERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE ENTIRE AMOUNT DEMANDED IN THE COMPLAINT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1277.22 PLUS THE COSTS OF BRINGING SUIT. You are hereby further notified that, within 5 days (excluding weekends and Tribal holidays) of the last date of this publication, you may request that this case be removed from the Small Claims Division and transferred to the civil trial court in Tribal Court to be formally heard under the law and procedure provided under Tribal law. You may seek legal advice in deciding how to proceed.  PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON OCTOBER 29TH, NOVEMBER 5TH AND 12TH 2026 MNAXLP __________________________

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY  In the Matter of Guardianship and Conservatorship  PATRICK REAGAN,  An Adult.  Cause No. DG-24-2026-0000021-GC  NOTICE OF HEARING REGARDING PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF FULL  GUARDIANSHIP AND  CONSERVATORSHIP OF AN ADULT THIS IS A LEGAL NOTICE  Your rights may be affected. An important court proceeding that affects your rights has  been scheduled. If you do not understand this notice or the other court papers, contact an  attorney for legal advice.  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Petitioner, Wonder W. Moon, by and through the  undersigned counsel of record, has filed with the court the following:  1. Petition for Appointment of Full Guardianship and Conservatorship of an Adult.  A COURT HEARING has been scheduled to consider the Petition and related papers as  follows; DATE and TIME: November 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.  JUDICIAL OFFICER: John A. Mercer  YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO RESPOND TO THIS PETITION, but if you choose to respond, you may do so by filing a written response or by appearing in-person at the hearing. If you choose to file a written response: 1. File the original with the Court;  2. Provide a copy to the office of the Judicial Officer named above; and  3. Mail a copy to all interested parties at least five (5) business days before the hearing at the following address:  David J. HagEstad, Esq.  Patricia N. Morse, Esq.  Sara M. Arno, Esq.  HAGESTAD LAW GROUP, PLLC  2425 W. Central Ave., Suite 200  Missoula, MT 59801  If you want to object to any part of the Petition that accompanies this Notice, you must file with the Court a written objection describing the legal basis for your objection at least three (3) days before the hearing date or you must appear in person or through an attorney at the time  and place set forth in this Notice of Hearing. There is a fee for filing a response. If you cannot  afford the fee, you may file a Fee Deferral Application to request a payment plan from the  Court.  PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON OCTOBER 29TH, NOVEMBER 5TH AND 12TH 2026 MNAXLP __________________________

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY GUARDIAN TAX MT LLC, a Nebraska Limited Liability Company Plaintiff, vs. CODY J. GREENFIELD, 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-24-2026-0000170-OC Judge: Molly Owen SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION TO: 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: A lawsuit has been filed against you. This action is brought to quiet title to land situated in Yellowstone County, Montana, and described as follows: Lot 9 in Block 4 of Cramer’s Subdivision, according to the map or plat thereof on file in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Lake County, Montana. Street Address: 605 5th Avenue E. Polson, MT 59860 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 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. PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON OCTOBER 29TH, NOVEMBER 5TH AND 12TH 2026 MNAXLP __________________________

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF W.R.B., YOUTH IN NEED OF CARE Cause No. DN-24-2024-8 SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION TO: FATHER OF (Initials of Youth) YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition for Determination that Preservation/Reunification Efforts Need Not Be Provided, Termination of Putative Father’s  Parental Rights and Permanent Legal Custody with Right to Consent to Adoption (“the Petition”)  regarding, W.R.B. the child who is the subject of the above-captioned proceedings brought  pursuant to Title 41, Chapter 3 of the Montana Code Annotated, has been filed in Cause No. DN25-3 in Montana Twentieth Judicial District Court, in Lake County by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division (CFS), located at 49627 Highway 93, Polson, Montana, 59860, 406-883-7843 The Petition requests that CFS be granted the following relief: a Determination that Preservation / Reunification Efforts Need Not Be Provided; Termination of Parental Rights; and Permanent Legal Custody. A copy of the Petition is filed with the Clerk of District Court for Lake County, (406) 883-7254 and is hereby served upon you at this time. The child who is the subject of the proceedings, was born on April 25, 2015, in Kalispell,  Montana. The child’s mother is Lindy. The child’s putative father is unknown. NOW, THEREFORE, YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED to appear at the hearing regarding the Petition that is set on the 3 rd day of December, 2026, at 1:30 o’clock p.m., at the Lake County Courthouse located at 106 4th Avenue East, Polson, Montana, then and there to show cause, if any you may have, why CFS should not be granted the relief requested in the Petition. NOTICE: Your failure to appear at the hearing will constitute a denial of interest in the child, which denial may result, without further notice of this proceeding or any subsequent proceeding, in judgment by default being entered for the relief requested in the Petition. You have the right to be represented by an attorney in these proceedings. If you are unable  to afford an attorney, the Court will have an attorney appointed to represent you. PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON OCTOBER 29TH, NOVEMBER 5TH AND 12TH 2026 MNAXLP __________________________

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Cassie R. Dellwo Calyn A. Hitchcock Five Valleys Law, P.L.L.C. 1410 S. Reserve Street, Suite C Missoula, Montana 59801 Phone (406) 203-1410 Fax (406) 830-3144 [email protected] [email protected] Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTHIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF BARBARA L. LYONS, Deceased. Cause No. DP-24-2026-61 Hon. Molly Owen NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Deborah J. McGuinness, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, in care of Cassie R. Dellwo, at 1410 S. Reserve St., Suite C, Missoula, Montana 59801, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 22nd day of October, 2026. /s/Deborah J. McGuinness Deborah J. McGuinness Personal Representative c/o Cassie R. Dellwo FIVE VALLEYS LAW, P.L.L.C. 1410 S. Reserve St., Suite C Missoula, MT 59801 PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON OCTOBER 29TH, NOVEMBER 5TH AND 12TH 2026 MNAXLP __________________________

IN THE TRIBAL COURT OF THE CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES OF THE FLATHEAD RESERVATION, PABLO, MONTANA TRIBAL CREDIT PROGRAM OF THE CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES OF THE FLATHEAD INDIAN RESERVATION, Petitioner(s)/Plaintiff(s) vs. JULIE MCDONALD, Respondent(s)/Defendant(s) To: JULIE MCDONALD cause No. 26-0210-CV SUMMONS FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION Last Known Address, if any: 53262 CROW DAM RD.. CHARLO. MT. 59824 Name and Address of Plaintiffs Counsel or Plaintiff (if no counsel): TRIBAL CREDIT Explain Object of Complaint/Petition: COMPLAINT General Legal Description of Property: MONEY OWED (if title to or interest in or lien on real property involved): Deadline: The above-named person has fifteen (15) days from the last date of publication (excluding the last date Of publication, Saturdays, Sundays and Tribal legal holidays) in which to answer and defend and failure to answer and defend could result in judgment by default. Court Information: CSKT Tribal Court, 42487 Complex Boulevard, Pablo, Montana 59855 | (406) 275-2740 PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON OCTOBER 29TH, NOVEMBER 5TH AND 12TH 2026 MNAXLP __________________________

NOTICE TO CREDITORS MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY  IN RE THE ESTATE OF BRUCE L. BASLER, Decedent.  PROBATE NO. DP-26- 72 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named 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 of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. A written statement of the claim indicating the name and address of the claimant, the basis of the claim and the amount claimed may be filed with the Clerk of the District Court, Lake County, Montana, or mailed, return receipt requested, to the Personal Representative at the following address: Paul M. Basler c/o Clinton J. Fischer Law Office, P.C. P.O. Box 879 Polson, MT 59860  DATED this 22ND day of October 2026.  PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE’S ATTORNEY:  Clinton J. Fischer CLINTON J. FISCHER LAW OFFICE, P.C. P. O. Box 879 Polson, Montana 59860 PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON NOVEMBER 12TH, 19TH, AND 26TH 2026 MNAXLP __________________________

POLSON SCHOOL DISTRICT SURPLUS SALE Polson School District will hold an in-person surplus sale on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to noon at Polson High School, 1712 2nd St. W., on the west side of the VoEd Building near the stadium. Items include chairs, desks, tables, cabinets, shelving, shop equipment, tools, microscopes, textbooks, appliances, and miscellaneous equipment. Visit https://www.polson.k12.mt.us/ to preview items available for sale. For questions, contact District Clerk Deb Anderson at [email protected]. PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON NEVERMBER 5TH, 12TH, AND 19TH 2026 MNAXLP __________________________

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE To be sold for cash at a Trustee’s Sale on March 4, 2027, 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 9 in Block 7 of Polson Heights 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 705 11th Ave E, Polson, MT 59860. Dean Flynn, as Grantor, conveyed said real property to Flying S Title & Escrow, as Trustee, to secure an obligation owed to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as designated nominee for Glacier Bank, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, by Deed of Trust on January 31, 2025, and filed for record in the records of the County Clerk and Recorder in Lake County, State of Montana, on February 5, 2025 as Instrument No. 620179 of Official Records. The Deed of Trust was assigned for value as follows: Assignee: NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing Assignment Dated: August 27, 2025 Assignment Recorded: August 27, 2025 Assignment Recording Information: as Instrument No. 633998 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 February 13, 2026 as Instrument No. 637035, 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 May 1, 2026, 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 $201,029.12, interest in the sum of $7,801.37, other amounts due and payable in the amount of $4,331.91 for a total amount owing of $213,162.40, 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. Important Notice to Potential Bidders: Federal law administered by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, requires certain residential real estate transactions to be reported to the federal government. If you are the winning bidder at auction, you may be required to provide identifying information about yourself and, if applicable, any entity or trust purchasing the property. This information is required by federal law and must be provided to complete the sale. Failure to provide required information after the sale may delay or prevent issuance of the foreclosure deed. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Dated this 23rd day of October, 2026. 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. MT23639 PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON NOVEMBER 5TH, 12TH, AND 19TH 2026 MNAXLP __________________________

LEGAL NOTICE BLHMT, LLC FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION BLHMT, LLC has applied for a floodplain development permit for shoreline stabilization improvements along Flathead Lake. The proposed project consists of repair of an existing seawall, placement of approximately 30 cubic yards of riprap, construction of stone access steps, and associated erosion-control measures within the mapped 100-year floodplain on property located at 21263 MT Hwy 35, Bigfork, Montana, legally described as parcel A of COS 5543 in section 20, T25N, R19W. HALATA FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION J. & J. Halata Revocable Living Trust has applied for a floodplain development permit for shoreline stabilization improvements along Flathead Lake. The proposed project consists of placement of approximately 20 cubic yards of riprap and 22 cubic yards of other fill material associated with 70 linear feet of shoreline stabilization within the mapped 100-year floodplain on property located at 32139 Bear Grass Lane, Bigfork, Montana, legally described as parcel 1 of COS 7171 in section 17, T25N, R19W. Information regarding the proposal is available at the Lake County Planning Dept. Written comments will be accepted until November 27, 2026. Comments may be mailed to: Lake County Planning Dept, 106 Fourth Ave East, Polson, MT 59860; or e-mailed: [email protected]. PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON NOVEMBER 12TH 2026 MNAXLP __________________________

NOTICE TO CREDITORS MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF James F. Hadwin, Deceased. Probate No. DP-24-2026-0000065-IT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Scott Hadwin has been appointed Personal  Representative of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the  decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the  first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.  Claims must be mailed to Scott Hadwin, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o KAUFMAN VIDAL HILEMAN ELLINGSON PC, 22 Second Avenue West, Suite 4000, Kalispell, MT 59901, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court.  DATED this 5th day of November, 2026. ESTATE OF JAMES F. HADWIN, Deceased Scott Hadwin, Personal Representative  KAUFMAN VIDAL HILEMAN ELLINGSON PC By: /s/Nicole F. Morton  Nicole F. Morton  Attorney for Personal Representative PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON NOVEMBER 12TH, 19TH, AND 26TH 2026 MNAXLP __________________________

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT LAKE COUNTY MidFirst Bank, Plaintiff, v. Unknown Heirs and Devisees of The Estate of Debbie Bronson; Daniel R. Lutnes; United States of America, by and through the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; and Unknown Parties in possession of or with an interest in the real property commonly known as: 59878 Lower Crossing Road, Saint Ignatius, MT 59865, Defendants. SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION Case No.: DV-24-2026-0000172-FO To: Unknown Heirs and Devisees of The Estate of Debbie Bronson, David R. Lutnes, and Unknown Parties in possession of or with an interest in the real property commonly known as: 59878 Lower Crossing Road, Saint Ignatius, MT 59865, A lawsuit has been filed against you for amongst other things, foreclosure of real property located in the County of Lake, State of Montana. The real property has an address of 59878 Lower Crossing Road, Saint Ignatius, MT 59865 and is more particularly described as follows: A portion of the SE 1/4 SE 1/4 of Section 11, Township 18 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Lake County, Montana, further shown and described as Tract B on Certificate of Survey No. 6599, on file in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Lake 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: November 5, 2026 /s/ CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON NOVEMBER 12TH, 19TH, AND 26TH 2026 MANXLP __________________________

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT TO ALL INTERESTED GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES AND PUBLIC GROUPS As required by state and federal rules for determining whether an Environmental Impact Statement is necessary, an environmental review has been performed on the proposed action below: Project Arlee/Lake County Water and Sewer District Phase I Wastewater Improvements Location: Arlee, Montana Project NumberwpcsRF: C301308 Total Cost $ 761,000 The purpose of the proposed action is to improve reliable wastewater collection and treatment, protect groundwater, and ensure continued proper system operation for the Arlee/Lake County Water and Sewer District. The district reviewed the collection svstern, lift stations, and wastewater treatment facility and identified several system deficiencies. The top four most pressing needs that would be addressed are replacement of approximately 15 manhole rims with locking rims; extension of the public sewer system west of U.S. Highway 93 near N Couture Loop; the evaluation ot the existing lagoon’s aeration svstern; and upgrades to the treated effluent irrigation pump station. The Highway 93 crossing would include approximately 1,000 linear feet of new 8-inch PVC gravity sewer main, five manholes, and a 125-foot jack-and-bore crossing beneath the highway to serve existing residences with failing septic systems. The remaining deficiencies identified in the PER are anticipated to be addressed in future phases as funding becomes available. Project impacts are anticipated to be minor, short-term construction effects, principally dust, noise, traffic control needs, temporary disturbance, and potential dewatering. These impacts would be mitigated through construction planning, dust control, restricted work hours, restoration of disturbed areas, and resource specific precautions. Based on the source materials, no significant adverse effects are anticipated after mitigation, while wastewater system reliability and protection of groundwater, the local aquifer, and the community water source are identified as beneficial outcomes. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2027 and be completed in one construction season. The proposed project, including administration, engineering, and construction, is estimated to cost approximately $762,000. The district has grant funding from Montana DNRC Renewable Resource Grant and Loan program (RRGL: $125,000) and Montana Department of Commerce Montana Coal Endowment Program (MCEP: $327,500). The remaining project costs, estimated at $309,000 would be funded through a Iow interest loan (2.5%. 2(hearterm) obtained from the DEQ Water pollution Control State Revolving Fund (WPCSRF) loan program. Federal and State grant/loan programs will fund the project. Environmentally sensitive characteristics such as wetlands, floodplains, threatened or endangered species, and historical sites are not expected to be adversely impacted because of the proposed project. Additiona environmental impacts related to land use, water quality, air quality, public health, energy. noise, and growth were also assessed. public participation during the planning process demonstrated support for the selected alternative. No significant long-term environmental impacts were identified. An environmental assessment (EA), which describes the project and analyzes the impacts in more details, is available for public scrutiny on the DEQ web site (https:(/deq.mt.gov!public/water-gublic) and at the following locations: Rebecca Ridenour, P.E. Department of Environmental Quality 1520 East Sixth Avenue p.o. Box 200901 Helena, MT 59620-0901 Arlee/Lake County Water and Sewer District PO Box 272 34454 Houle St Arlee, MT 59821 Comments on this Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or on the Environmental Assessment (EA) may be submitted to the Department of Environmental Quality at the above address. Comments must be postmarked no later than 30 days after the publication date of this FONSI in the newspaper. After evaluating comments received, the department will revise the EA or determine if an environmental impact statement is necessary. If no substantive comments are received during the comment period, or if substantive comments are received and evaluated and the environmental irnpacts arc still determined to be non-significant, this FONSI wili stand. No administrative action will be taken on the project far at least 30 calendar days after the release of the FONSI. Sincerely, Mike Abrahamson, P.E. WPCSRF Section Supervisor Water Quality Division Montana Department of Environmental Quality PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON NOVEMBER 12TH 2026 MNAXLP __________________________