Opinion ID: 2083741
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 14

Heading: Brian Bertrand, Mike Bertrand, Max Schultz, Dave Wells, and Harley Wells Estate

Text: Brian Bertrand, Mike Bertrand, Schultz, Wells, and the Harley Wells estate challenge the PSC's decision only to the extent it denied a portion of their respective claims alleging ownership of grain sold to AEI. We find no merit to these appellants' arguments and conclude that with regard to the denied portions of these appellants' claims, the PSC did not err. With respect to the denied claims of each of these appellants, the evidence in the record reflects that the grain had not been delivered to AEI, but instead was direct-shipped to various other locations. The PSC denied these claims based upon its determination that the evidence demonstrated that the grain had not been delivered to AEI, and thus, none of the grain at issue was actually in storage at the warehouse on March 11, 2002. In accordance with the provisions of § 88-547, the PSC determined that because the grain at issue was not in storage at the time the PSC took title to the grain, Brian Bertrand, Mike Bertrand, Schultz, Wells, and the Harley Wells estate were not owners, depositors, or storers of grain at AEI. Accordingly, the PSC determined that as to this portion of these appellants' claims, these appellants were not entitled to a pro rata distribution of the proceeds. On appeal, Brian Bertrand, Mike Bertrand, Schultz, Wells, and the Harley Wells estate assert that the PSC erred in denying their grain claims. In summary, these appellants claim that the PSC was incorrect in its determination that because the grain had been physically delivered to locations other than AEI, they were not owners, depositors, or storers of grain at AEI under § 88-547. As we have stated earlier in our analysis, § 88-547 contains both a temporal and a physical requirement. In order for owners, depositors, or storers to take part in the pro rata distribution of the proceeds, their grain must be stored in the warehouse at the time the PSC takes title to the grain. Further, under § 88-526(3), [g]rain in storage is defined as grain which has been received at any warehouse. In the instant case, the record contains evidence demonstrating that with regard to the claims at issue, the grain of these appellants was not stored in the warehouse on March 11, 2002. We agree with the PSC's application of § 88-547 to these claims. Accordingly, we find no merit to the argument raised on appeal by Brian Bertrand, Mike Bertrand, Schultz, Wells, and the Harley Wells estate, and we conclude that the PSC did not err in its determination to deny a portion of these appellants' claims.