Richland County
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Population………………….. 9,096 estimated
School Enrollment K-12…('06-'07).…..1,581
Type of Government………..Mayor / Council
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Living Amid the Riches of Richland County, Montana
By Leslie Messer
In the heart of Northeastern Montana, you will find the Rich-Land. This is a place of open spaces, breath taking natural beauty, as well as an adaptive, diverse economy. There is a certain pride demonstrated from the long-term residents of Richland County. An unspoken mannerism of warmth, dedication and determination to make the best with what they have. This vision has been passed along from generation to generation, as the pioneers of long ago etched out their places in history, to be honored still today.
Richland County encompasses just over 2,100 square miles of land with an estimated population of 9,096 residents living in the cities and towns of Crane, Fairview, Lambert, Savage and the county seat, Sidney. Air transportation is provided to Richland County by Big Sky Airlines and the Richland-Sidney airport. There are three state highways that intersect at Sidney, and rail service is mainly provided by Burlington Northern Santa Fe.
The adequate supply of irrigation water availability from the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers fosters an optimum environment for agricultural crops. The management of the water falls under the control of the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project. With agriculture (to include dry land as well as irrigated crops) as one of the top economic drivers in the county, there are several agricultural processors or handling facilities located here. Sidney Sugars, the sugar beet processing plant, Busch Ag Resources, Inc. a malt barley handling facility, as well as two dairies, Bostana Dairy and Greenway Dairy, have increased the property and tax base values here. Equally important are the elevators located in Lambert, Fairview as well as in Sidney.
The oil and gas production has dramatically increased in Richland County with an average of approximately 56,000 barrels of oil per day extracted from the Bakken play. This production is roughly the amount equivalent to support a small oil refinery. Thus Montana has initiated communications with some Canadian based companies to further this possibility. Other oil industry construction projects include the Hi-Land Partners natural gasification plant as well as the SemStream Liquid Propane off-loading facility.
The Lower Yellowstone Rural Electric Association and the Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. (MDU) Lewis & Clark plant provide power to the area. The coal for MDU is extracted nearby at the Westmoreland Mine some twenty miles south in Savage. Mid-Rivers Communications and Qwest also substantially meet the communication needs of the residents here.
Sidney Health Center is one of the finest facilities in Eastern Montana as a full-service medical facility providing services to the greater Richland County and surrounding areas. The campus has a hospital, clinic area with a retail pharmacy, and a 93-bed extended care facility offering services from birth to end-of-life. There are currently fifteen medical providers, four dentists and two optometrists addressing the health care needs.
The recreational opportunities are as abundant as the wild life in this small piece of Eden. In essence, the residents of Richland County manage the resources of this Rich-Land with the foresight and stewardship for many future generations yet to come. Tourism and hunting are some of many reasons to visit. Turkey, ring-necked pheasants, mule and white-tail deer are but a few of the available game for the avid hunter. For the bird watchers; western meadowlarks, robins, sparrows, wrens, grouse, blue herons, pelicans, owls, eagles and hawks are only a few of the numerous winged species inhabiting our amazing landscape.
Fishing, boating and canoeing on the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers are favorite past-times, especially during the spring and summer months. Some of the various types of sport fish sought are walleye, ling, catfish and the pre-historic paddlefish to name just a few. Visitors to the river’s edge are also encouraged to keep their eyes to the gravel bars for the Montana moss agates. These are stones with beautiful, opaque, and translucent patterns within them. They are located primarily in the Yellowstone River between Sidney and Miles City, Montana.
Other recreational activities that the one might enjoy are: an 18-hole golf course, swimming pools and water slide, moto-cross, softball, baseball, go carts, bowling, tennis, tap dance, gymnastics, ice skating, cross country skiing, hockey, camping, hiking and trap shooting. No matter your favorite season, there is an activity to meet your challenge. The MonDak Heritage Center boasts some of the very best displays of artifacts and featured art reminiscent of days gone by.
Be sure to plan your next trip to the heart of Northeastern Montana well in advance of the many annual festivities taking place here. There are several events that are worth taking in while you’re visiting at various times of the year. For example, the catfish tournament held in June in Savage draws over 100 fishermen each year. Lambert hosts the annual 4th of July parade, displaying farm equipment as well as classic cars. Fairview is a hive of activity each July when hosting the Old Timers Festival, featuring an old fashioned barbeque and street dance. Sidney has something going on each every month. Beginning with the Best of the West Beef Showcase held in February, the Sunrise Festival of the Arts in June, to the Christmas Stroll and Parade of Lights held in November.
The scenic beauty of this region of Montana brings out photography enthusiasts in droves. The splendid display of brilliant shades of ever changing hues in blue skies, white clouds, and green grasses creates magnificent photo opportunities.
Once you are a witness to the riches of the Rich-Land, you may find yourself drawn back time and time again. This is a place to live, work and play; a place to raise your children and to call home. Come experience Richland County for yourself!
