Powder River County Bank v. Arness-McGriffin Coal Co.

Sam Arness appeals a Powder River County District Court order granting summary judgment to the Powder River County Bank (the Bank) on Arness’ four counterclaims against the Bank. The sole issue on appeal is whether the court erred in dismissing appellant’s counterclaims on the basis that those claims arose out of, and were dependent upon, an illegal loan agreement. We affirm.

Beginning at least in 1980, the Bank made various loans to appellant personally and to several businesses with whom appellant was affiliated. Appellant personally guaranteed the loans made to the businesses…