Thomas Glorvigen and Sara Johnson met in 1970 while students at MSU and began a 40-year romantic relationship. In 1974 he purchased a KOA franchise, bought land, borrowed money, and the next year opened Camp Three Forks 1 mile south of the HWY 287 interchange, all in his name only. Johnson was employed with the Forest Service until 1988 when she went to work full-time for C1F. In 1992 she established the Native Ecosystem Council, which she ran from the campground. In 2004 they signed an employment agreement that set forth duties, salary, and health insurance benefits for her. In 2008 the agree­ment was transferred to the newly formed Camp Three Forks LLC. C1F did not pay any of her health insurance costs and she also claimed that on certain years she was not paid her $12,000/yr salary in full. Johnson sued Glorvigen 5 years after their relationship ended, alleging a partnership, implied contract, and unjust enrichment as to the campground business, and Glorvigen and C1F alleging breach of the employment agree­ment. Judge McMahon rejected on summary judgment all claims against the campground business run by C1F, keeping in place claims against Glorvigen's campground land and against C1F for breach of the employment agreement. He also limited the start of all claims due to various statutes of limitation.

verdict

Defense, campground business claims following breakup of 40-year romantic relationship.

The Townsend jury found 12-0 that Johnson had no partnership or implied contract with Glorvigen and that he was not unjustly enriched by her efforts, and 9-3 that C1F did not breach the 2004 employment agreement.

No experts.

At mediation with Nels Swandal, Defendants offered 40% of the net value of the campground (currently listed for $1.2 million); Johnson countered with 50%. $100,000 offer of judgment, rejected with no counteroffer.

Jury deliberated 3 hours 4th day.

Johnson v. Glorvigen and Camp Three Forks LLC. Broadwater DV-17-03, 12/6/18.