CF Lodge dispute settled

CLARK FORK — A legal dispute over the ownership of the Clark Fork Lodge and its assets has been settled, documents filed in 1st District Court show.

A preliminary injunction and a final judgment in the case was entered on June 7.

The judgment bars the lodge’s former owner, Kelly Theodore Kearns, from being on the premises and orders the return of the lodge’s phone line and internet connection, in addition to accounts for utilities, satellite television, online bookings and social media. All rights to the name of the lodge are also turned over to Bill Stevenson, court records indicate.

Counsel for Stevenson sought the injunction after Kearns allegedly attempted to repossess the business and its contents after he was unable to walk back the real estate transaction which sold the business to Stevenson, according to court documents.

Counsel for Kearns argued the transaction was never finalized so his client retained ownership, court documents said.

During the attempted repossession, which was aided by a Bonner County sheriff’s deputy and outdated deed records, property was allegedly damaged, locks were changed and various account log-in credentials were hijacked, according to the injunction.

Both sides agreed to keep the injunction in place and voluntarily entered into mediation to resolve the dispute, court records show.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.