LPOIC disputes lawsuit's claims

SANDPOINT — The Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club is casting aside claims that it libeled and defamed a former member for questioning the fishing club’s finances and derby format.

Legal counsel for the Bonner County angling institution filed an answer to the lawsuit brought by Calvin Nolan, who alleges he was run out of the club last year and subjected to ridicule after raising questions about the group’s spending and pivot to a challenge derby format, which restricted the number of rainbow trout that could be entered into club fishing derbies.

Michael T. Howard, a Coeur d’Alene attorney who is representing LPOIC, filed an answer to Nolan’s suit which disputes nearly two dozen specific claims raised by Nolan. The answer to Nolan’s civil complaint was filed in 1st District Court on Dec. 10, records show.

In its answer, the club denies that Nolan was a member in good standing or that club officials outed him as a malcontent within the club. The club further disputes that it acted in bad faith or in a manner which was meant to subject Nolan to ridicule or scorn.

The club also disputes that it hijacked a Halloween fishing derby LPOIC traditionally had no involvement with in order to freeze Nolan out of the contest.

LPOIC further contends that it is immune from the suit due to a state law which limits the liability of volunteers, officers and directors of nonprofit groups.

Howard is reserving the right to amend its answer to the civil complaint.

“Defendants have answered the complaint without an adequate opportunity to fully investigate the defenses which may be available to them,” Howard said in the club’s answer.

The club seeks the dismissal of the lawsuit with prejudice, a ruling which would prevent Nolan from attempting to revive the claims in additional litigation.

Club officials have declined to comment on the lawsuit.

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