Bonner County District Court officials have published legal notices for several civil matters scheduled for the coming weeks, including a name change petition, a dispute over pet ownership, and estate administration proceedings. The filings, recorded in the First Judicial District, provide public notice of upcoming hearings and deadlines for interested parties.
Michelle Lynn Buck has petitioned the court to legally change her name to Michelle Jasnah Stevens. According to the filing, Buck cited marriage and a desire to avoid sharing a name with a family member as reasons for the request. A hearing on the matter is set for 11:00 a.m. on Oct. 21, 2026, at the Bonner County Courthouse in Sandpoint. The notice was published multiple times in September to ensure public awareness of the pending judicial action.
In a separate civil case, Melanie Dewing has filed a lawsuit against Jason Cortright regarding the ownership and possession of a specific dog. Case No. CV09-26-1484 seeks a court declaration of ownership, the return of the animal, and damages for conversion. The summons requires Cortright to file a written response within 21 days of the last publication of the notice or face a default judgment. Legal representation for the plaintiff is listed as Silver Summit Law in Coeur d’Alene.
The court also issued notices regarding the administration of two local estates. Sandra O. Lindsey was appointed personal representative for the estate of Judith Ann Vogel, while Susan Blenz was named personal representative for the estate of Kenneth L. Blenz. Creditors and claimants have four months from the first publication of these notices to present claims against either estate. These appointments allow the representatives to begin settling debts and distributing assets according to Idaho probate law.
State water rights officials have also recorded several new appropriation applications in Bonner County. Roscoe and Kelli Cummins filed for irrigation and domestic use, while Carlos N. De Herrera applied for domestic water rights from Grouse Creek. Ponsness Holdings LLC sought irrigation rights from a spring tributary to Lake Pend Oreille, and Kevin Shearer filed for power generation use from Rapid Lightning Creek. These applications reflect ongoing efforts by residents and businesses to secure legal access to local water resources.
Legal notices in Idaho serve as a formal method of public notification, ensuring that individuals affected by court orders or property claims have the opportunity to respond. The Bonner County Clerk of the Court maintains records for all such filings, which are available for public review. Residents with questions about specific cases can contact the clerk’s office at the courthouse on South First Avenue in Sandpoint.