Sh bakken living fall 2014

Fall 2014Vol. 1 Issue 4

FREE

� Housing� Meadowlark Brewery� Clean up Williston

Culbertson’s

JOURNEYthrough the boom

14256 HWY 85 N ALEXANDER, ND 58831701.828.3221

Convenience Store - Fuel Pumps - Clothing Restaurant - Showers - Trucker Lounge - Laundry and More

XNLV135029

Bakken Living Summer 2014 3

“Dine In or Take Out”

417 ReigeR DRive, Williston nD • 701-609-5445

Dine In OrTake Out

FEATUrING ALL sporting

event packages!

XNLV119946

Jeff Aisenbrey: (406) 489-3655 Brian Holst: (406) 489-1766

Of� ce: (406) 433-3655216 S. Central ∙ Mail: PO Box 165 ∙ Sidney, MT

J & L Fencing & Pitliners

XN

LV12

0103

Meeting your needs!

XN

LV15

3897

• Pitliners• Fencing:

chainlink & wire• Trenching

• Silt fence w/ stakes• Straw waddles• Felt / woven

construction fabric

4 Summer 2014 Bakken Living

Culburtson’s journey

Strawberry Paradise

Volunteer force cleans up

Tasty muffi n choices

The Housing Rush 8

20

28

14

26

Meadowlark Brewery 18

Publisher Sidney Herald 310 2nd Ave. NE, Sidney, Montana 59270 www.sidneyherald.com 406-433-2403

Writers Eric Killelea Susan Minichiello David Rupkalvis Jerry BurnesCover photo Camille Clausen Photography Ray and Heather Johnson family

Photography Jan Bloesser - Picture Perfect Photography, back inside cover Jerry Burnes Eric Killelea Susan Minichiello Jared Troudt Tyler Bell Ellen Wznick

Production Aaron Hanson Ellen Wznick

ELLEN WZNICK PHOTO| BAKKEN LIVING

Contents

Publisher Sidney Herald

Contributors

http://www.sidneyherald.com


Jan. 2014 - Dec. 2014

All items will be sold at

the MonDak Heritage Center

Gift Shop

Jan. 2014 - Dec. 2014Jan. 2014 - Dec. 2014RICHLAND COUNTY’S CENTENNIAL

Golf Balls ................. $10/sleeveCar Blanket ....................... $30Stainless Steel Hydra Bottle ... $12Folding Lawn Chair w/case ..... $30Umbrella .......................... $25Can Coolie ..........................$1Freedom Tumbler w/straw ...... $10Campfire Mug ......................$7Stainless Mug .................... $12

Mason Jar Cup .....................$8Hat ................................. $12Coat ................................ $60T‐shirts ........ $18 Adult $14 KidsBlanket ............................ $35Pillow Case ....................... $15Wine Glass ........................ $15Glass Plate ........................ $14Belt Buckle ........................ $45

XN

LV16

6803

XN

LV16

6339

Meat 406.433.1902 - Store 406.433.2305Shops at Fox Run (404 N. Central Ave., Sidney, MT) www.ReynoldsMarket.com

• 4 Full-time meat cutters on staff

• Fresh cut meat daily

• Special orders taken

• Large variety

• Homemade Reynolds breakfast sausage, bratwurst and fresh hamburger patties on hand

“Our butchers are on-site to visit with, stop by and say hi!”

BUTCHER’S BLOCKReal Meat by Real Butchers

http://www.ReynoldsMarket.com

6 Summer 2014 Bakken LivingGet your copy of

Sidney Herald'sRichland County Centennial Book

Shipping price $27.00Pickup your book at the Sidney Herald o� ce or the MonDak Heritage Center

Special price

$19.95

406-433-2403 • Fax 406-433-7802 • 310 2nd Ave. NE [email protected]

[email protected] 406-433-2403 [email protected]

to request no more faxes to be sent

XNLV169209

mailto:[email protected]




We provide oil field companies with equipment and experienced crews to complete your entire

project from start to finish.

406-433-6754 • 2265 S. Central, Sidney

www.slserviceinc.com

• Roustabout• Excavation• Pressure washing• Concrete• Industrial sandblasting & painting• Hot Shot• Structural welding• Tank battery construction• Industrial construction• Trucking services• Hydrovac services

XN

LV13

5946

Just for You!

XN

LV15

0464

• Located on the scenic shores of Devils Lake• Widest variety of gaming in North Dakota• Full Service Marina 24/7• High Stakes Room• Top Name Entertainers• RV Park• Furnished Log Cabins

1.800.WINUBETwww.spiritlakecasino.com

Proudy owned & operated by the Spirit lake Nation.7 miles South of Devils Lake, ND on Hwy 57

http://www.slserviceinc.com

http://www.spiritlakecasino.com


The Housing Rush

Th e Bakken oil boom has not only led to a boom in jobs, oil and money, but a massive increase in housing demand and development.

Much of the heavy construction is taking place near Williston and Watford City in North Dakota. But Sidney and other eastern Montana communities are being impacted as well.

While the housing rush seen in Williston has not made its way to Sidney, there are some housing projects going on locally and in areas between Williston and Sidney.

In Sidney, a housing project known as Sunset Village, a 36-unit apartment complex, will soon be built at Fift h Street SW and 11th Avenue SW.

Th e low-income apartments will replace

28 public housing units that are more than 60 years old and in serious disrepair. Sunset Vil-lage will off er 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom units, as well as a community room, playground and community garden.Th e apartments will be available for rent to individuals and families of low to moderate-income levels.

Th e housing project is co-sponsored by the Richland County Housing Authority and Mountain Plains Equity Group of Billings.Th e two organizations have combined resources and expertise in an eff ort to address the ever growing aff ordable housing needs of the Sidney community.

“Th ere is an increasing segment of the population, including service workers that are

8 Summer 2014 Bakken Living Bakken Living Summer 2014 9

Story by David RupkalvisPhotos by Tyler Bell

Bakken Living Summer 2014 9Bakken Living Summer 2014 9

Construction workers take advantage of the warm weather to build an apartment complex in Williston


being displaced by high rental rates — or there is simply noth-ing available at all. This project gives us the ability to offer a quality option at a decent price,” Paul Gro-shart, Richland County Housing Authority’s execu-tive director, said.

In Trenton, N.D., new hous-ing is slowly being built by the Tren-ton Indian Ser-vice Area. Henry “Chig” Ladue, chairman of the Trenton service area, said work is ongoing at the project that was approved last year.

“It’s started,” he said. “We have one just about done and we have others with the basements in.”

The project in Trenton was approved for 22 homes with lots around one acre. Since the home loans are offered the Sec-tion 184 Housing Pro-gram, there is a limit on price, and therefore, size.

“I’ve got every one of them taken so far,” Ladue said. “I’m planning on building until I run out of room.”

While the single-family homes are limited to occupancy by Native Americans, LaDue said there will be some apartments open to anyone.

Two units of four town homes are part of the planned buildout. Two of the homes in each unit will be set aside for low-income residents while the other two will be available on the open market.

Ladue said there is a tremendous need for housing in Tren-ton, with most of the residences in the area consisting of trail-ers and man camps. Ladue said he needs some help to keep up.

“The only thing holding us back is infrastructure,” La-due said. “Our sewer system is maxed out

and our water system in maxed out.”Ladue said his project recently received a

commitment for more water from the city of Williston, which should alleviate one concern. He is also working with Indian authorities in an

attempt to find money to expand the sewer system.

While Ladue said most of his housing will be reserved for Native American families, he expects more housing

to move toward Trenton and the Montana state line. He said as people move into the area many will look for the peace and quiet they can find out in the country and just away from the hustle and bustle seen in Williston and Watford City.

“The only thing holding us back is infrastructure. Our sewer system is maxed out and our water system in maxed out.”


Custom Fencing & Welding, Inc.Locally Owned and Operated Since 1985

Locally Owned and Operated for 28 years!

406-798-7754 • 34609 Hwy 200, sidney [email protected] | fax: 798-3488

XN

LV13

5894

244 N. Main Street, PO Box 550Watford City, ND 58854

Open Mon-Fri 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.Saturday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Sunday - ClosedOur family serving your family since 1952.

Telephone: (701) 444 - 2410 • FAX: (701) 444 - 2921

XN

LV16

7565

Larry C. Larsen, Pharmacist Kelsey Linseth, PharmacistJenna Wahlstrom, Pharmacist

Farley’s MarketDelivering COSTCO To

Williston, ND

www.FarleysMarket.com701-347-1499

XN

LV15

3968

Order online now. Place your orders 24/7

on our website. No membership

requiredOrders placed by midnight Tuesday are available for pick up every Friday & Saturday from 10am to 6 pm at our Williston depot location: 628 1st Street East, at the old Conlin’s Warehouse on the truck route.

we photographics photography and design

3 catalog layout3 poster design3 livestock photography

20 years experience in publishing

ellen wznick406.489.1118

sidney, [email protected]

www.facebook.com/pages/WE-Photographics-photography-and-design



http://www.facebook.com/pages/WE-Photographics-photography-and-design

http://www.FarleysMarket.com


214 S. Central Ave Sidney • 406-433-1800 M-F 9 am. - 6 p.m. Sat 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

ARCHERY & FIREARMS SALES • SERVICE

Now Hold...Breathe,

XN

LV13

5925

XNLV156404

811 S. Central Ave. • P.O. Box 14Sidney, MT 59270Call: 406-433-2650

Website: apenterprises.bizEmail: [email protected]

Fax: 406-433-2649

DOT & Non-DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing

XNLV119662

(406) 488-1946 • 225 14th St. S.E. Sidney, MT

EagleOil Field Services

C A S I N G C L E A N & D R I F T C R E W SS U P E R VA C T R U C K S

R O U S TA B O U T S

EagleEagleEagleEagleEagleEagleEagleEagleEagleEagleEagleEaglewww.edwardjones.comwww.edwardjones.com

Member SIPCIRT-1848A-A

Dreaming Upthe Ideal Retirement Is Your Job. Helping You Get There Is Ours.It’s simple, really. How well you retire depends on how well you plan today. Whether retirement is down the road or just around the corner, the more you work toward your goals now, the better prepared you can be.

Preparing for retirement means taking a long-term perspective. We recommend buying quality investments and holding them because we believe that’s the soundest way we can help you work toward your goals. At Edward Jones, we spend time getting to know your retirement goals so we can help you reach them.

To learn more about why Edward Jones makes sense for you, call or visit today.

Enid K Huotari, AAMS®Financial Advisor.

203 N Central AveSidney, MT 59270406-433-7788

XN

LV13

5536

XNLV156408

Built With Integrity

Call: 406-433-2648 • Fax: 406-433-2748P.O. Box 14 • Sideny, MT 59270

Extended Flowback & Pumping

[email protected]

G & A Enterprises, Inc.




http://www.gaenterprises.biz

http://www.edwardjones.com


dakotazoo.org

OUR CRITTERS WELCOME VISITORS:May-September, 10 am-7 pm daily

October-April, 1-5 pm Fri-Sun weather permitting

Sertoma Park, Bismarck, ND 701-223-7543

XNLV155895

XN

LV15

7048

106 26th St W Williston, ND 58801

701-572-4769

Neighborhood Grill & Bar

Of� ce: 406-742-5312 Dispatcher 701-844-5312

Fairview, Montana

-Communications-Equipment Rental -Pumps -Skid Houses-Trucking-Portable Toilets -Residential Septic Services

XN

LV13

5926


Visions of the oilfi eld conjure up greasy, muddy, dirty men in boots and hard hats. But when Clean-Up Williston Day comes around, the oil industry turns the perception upside down. Led by Dan Manjack, a Florida contractor who moved to Wil-liston to build a crew camp, the citywide clean-up day has been a roaring success for the past three years, thanks in large part to a helpful industry.

Manjack and Kelley Rankin of Statoil displayed fl iers in the

city and used social media to pick up support for this year’s cleanup, which happened right before Band Day in May, an event that attracts thousands to downtown Williston and the surrounding area.

More than 700 volunteers showed up May 3 wearing T-shirts reading, “I Will Keep Wil-liston Clean.”

For another year, the Willis-ton Regional Economic Devel-opment Corporation, the Wil-liston Convention and Visitors

By Jerry BurnesPhotos by Eric Killelea

Volunteer force cleans up Williston

Emry Kleven, 9, picks up trash along U.S. Highway 2 and 85. She joined her mother, Shawna, and family to remove trash in roadside ditches. “Littering is not good,” Emry said.


Bureau and regional businesses became involved. Manjack again recruited oil companies to con-tribute donations and supply volunteers.

“We are building a cohesive volunteer force,” Manjack told the Williston Herald.

Clean-up Williston Day sent volunteers to 42 different loca-tions with dumpsters donated for volunteers to use. It also had specialty dumps for tires, elec-tronics and trash. The city land-fill was also open free of charge.

Volunteers showed up from Liberty Oilfield Services, Select Energy Services, Statoil, Hal-liburton, Schlumberger, Oasis, Baker Hughes, Nabors and Wil-liston-based Petroleum Services.

“It’s our third year volunteer-ing before Band Day,” said Wade Slater, general manager of Pe-troleum Services. “Keeping our community clean is one of our priorities.”

Some of the companies opted to wait a week and pick up re-maining garbage closer to Band Day.

For the companies, keeping the cities they occupy clean isn’t just good service, but also a way to assimilate their men and their families into staying in a clean, healthy community.

“It’s important for guys not living here full time to come out and clean up,” Rankin said. “They come to call this place

Dozens of people showed up to

volunteer to help clean up Williston


home. Cleaning up the commu-nity helps recruit families.”

Th e eff ort isn’t all provided by oilfi eld companies either.

Williston Brewing Company donated free burritos for break-fast and lunch was provided by Grainger Industrial Supply, Walmart and Cash Wise.

Th e day also brought out the community, including kids and city leaders, to take part in the tidying of the boomtown. Pride in Williston and their communi-ty is what drew them to pitch in.

“I’m proud of my city,” Kassie Klein told the Williston Herald. She spent the morning picking up garbage with a group of out-of-state-workers from Wisconsin and Washington.

In the end, Manjack and the Clean City Williston Committee were pleased with the turnout and the success of the event.Th ey still had a few Is to dot and Ts to cross before Band Day, but the community learned what could happen when it worked together for its own benefi t.

“We are vets trying to do our part,” said soon-to-be Williston Mayor Howard Klug, who was cleaning along Airport Road. “Th ere was a nice turnout and the event was well-organized. It also seemed people on the roads were courteous to workers.”

Marcus Jundt, owner of the Williston Brewing Company, joined friends in picking up trash on Main Street. “We are going to help everywhere we can in the community,” Jundt said.

Liberty Oilfi eld Services employees were among the numerous companies which volunteered for the cleanup. “We want Williston to be a nice city,” said Allen Penman, operations manager.

Located in the Heartof the MonDak Region

Featuring State-of-the-Art Radiation Therapy & Chemotherapy

Richland

Roosevelt

SheridanDaniels

Valley

McCone

Dawson

Wibaux

Divide

Williams

McKenzie

Montana

North Dakota

• Streamlined Patient Care in One Convenient Location

• Montana’s First TomoTherapy Hi-Art Radiation Treatment System

• Four Private Chemotherapy & IV Therapy Infusion Bays with Windows

• Private Outside Entrance to the Cancer Care Center with Designated

Parking

Medical Oncologist - Jorge Nieva, MD: On-Site Clinic Hours 2 Wednesdays Each MonthFull-Time Radiation Oncologist - Lyle Harrison, MD: Face-to-Face Patient Care during Every Radiation Treatment Session

214 14th Ave SW • Sidney, Montana • Phone: (406) 488-2504 • Visit us online at: www.sidneyhealth.org/services/cancer-care


Serving MonDak

area for over17yearsAll Season MOTORSPORTS

Tatou tracks sales and service

ATV's sales & service

Marine sales & service

FFL dealer Licence

Guns & � rearms

Bait and tackle

123 7TH STREET SW | SIDNEY | 406.433.6712

XN

LV13

6082

XNLV136373

630 E. Broadway • Williston, ND 58801(c) 701.580.1831 • (o) 701.572.7639 • (f) 701.572.4080

[email protected] cdwaterservices.com

SA

TISFACTION

GUARANTEED100%

30-DAY GUARANTE

E

Rent or Purchase • Water Softener • Iron Removal Reverse Osmosis Water Delivery • Residential Commercial

“The Region’s Premier Source for Dance”

www.kaymichaelleestudio.com11 First Avenue EastWilliston, ND

Serving dancersages 3+ in the

MonDak Region:Competition Lines;Recreation Classes

We offer classes in:Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Pointe, Modern/Contemporary, Ballroom, Adult, Choreography, Musical Theatre, Fitness, & more

We do pageant training and have dresses to rent for prom, winter formal, etc.

XN

LV16

7563

701.572.6597

XN

LV15

3901

XN

LV15

3901

HOSE ASSEMBLIES WHILE YOU WAIT

Montana • Colorado • Utah • Wyoming • New Mexico • Oregon • Washington • Idaho

406.433.1590After Hours 406.478.3116 • Fax 406.433.1589

Fluid Connectors - Industrial Hose - Seals - Hydraulics - Pneumatics Automation - Filtration - Racor - Instrumentation

SIDNEY, MT 205 10th Avenue SEwww.mfcpinc.com

Formerly MD Hose & Fitting

Located in the Heartof the MonDak Region

Featuring State-of-the-Art Radiation Therapy & Chemotherapy

of the MonDak RegionRichland

Roosevelt

SheridanDaniels

Valley

McCone

Dawson

Wibaux

Divide

Williams

McKenzie

Montana

North Dakota

Valley

• Streamlined Patient Care in One Convenient Location

• Montana’s First TomoTherapy Hi-Art Radiation Treatment System

• Four Private Chemotherapy & IV Therapy Infusion Bays with Windows

• Private Outside Entrance to the Cancer Care Center with Designated

Parking

Medical Oncologist - Jorge Nieva, MD: On-Site Clinic Hours 2 Wednesdays Each MonthFull-Time Radiation Oncologist - Lyle Harrison, MD: Face-to-Face Patient Care during Every Radiation Treatment Session

214 14th Ave SW • Sidney, Montana • Phone: (406) 488-2504 • Visit us online at: www.sidneyhealth.org/services/cancer-care


http://www.kaymichaelleestudio.com

http://www.mfcpinc.com

http://www.sidneyhealth.org/services/cancer-care


Meadowlark Brewery, a pub, brewery, restaurant and coffee shop, has opened in Sidney, where oil boom population growth has not resulted in restaurant growth in the last couple of years.

Centrally located on South Central Avenue, Meadowlark is the first brewery in Sidney since Prohibition, which was repealed in Montana in 1926.

There are a variety of beers on tap, which rotate and have included Moose Drool, Jack’s 90, Buffalo Bill Rye, Pump Jack, 312 Urban Wheat, Bent Nail IPA, Batch 19, Red Lodge Porter, Black Widow and Goose Island IPA. Plans to brew their own beer are in the works.

Peterson, who owns the brewery with his wife, Emily, describes the type of food offered on the menu as “gastropub,” a term usually used in more metropolitan areas for high-end food and beer.

Menu items includes ingredients not typically found at other Sidney restaurants, such as kale and smorrebrod.

“We’re thrilled with the feedback we’ve been getting so far,” Peterson said. “People are excited. We’ve tried really hard with our food here, we’re trying really hard with our coffee to be the best in town. That’s our goal, is to be the

By Susan MinichielloBakken Living

Susan Minichiello/Bakken LivingA server pours beer for Meadowlark Brewery patrons. The brewery is still hiring for all positions, and, similar to other Bakken area business, has faced some challenges competing with the oil industry for employees.

Meadowlark Brewery opens tap


best in town. The best food, the best service, the best beer selection, and then, once we start making our own beer, the best beer that you can get.”

Peterson recruited a friend, Aaron Holliday, to be the head chef at Meadowlark. Holliday, who is from southern California, shrugged off the title.

“I’m just a guy who likes to cook,” Holliday said. “I like to feed people things that they’ve never heard of or never had before.”

The House Cured Bacon Sliders ($12) include grilled scallions and sweet chili sauce, and likely the only restaurant in Sidney to served homemade bacon.

“A lot of people haven’t had homemade bacon before, and so when you have homemade bacon, it’s like, oh, that’s what bacon tastes like. For me that’s exciting and I really like doing that. People have a smile on their face because they’re trying something new.”

Holliday said making homemade bacon is “pretty easy.” He uses a curing mix which includes salt, pepper, herbs and garlic. “ He gives the making a coating of the curing mixture and lets it sit in a cooler for about a week to 10 days, then roast it in the oven.

Holliday’s favorite item on the menu is the Vietnamese Bahn Mi Fries ($13), which are hand-cut and come with Asian-styled pulled pork, pickled carrots, pickled cucumbers, jalapenos and Sriracha mayonnaise.

Even though Holliday spices up the menu with foreign dishes, he’s ultimately a meat and potatoes kind of guy.

“I’ve very particular about my burgers. I’m really happy with doing the burger of the week. The feedback’s been really good on that,” Holliday said.

Past burgers of the week include the Philly cheesesteak burger, the barbeque bacon burger, the jalapeno popper burger and the Greek burger. One week, Holliday also tailor the “animal style” burger of the week to the In-N-Out chain, which he said was one of his favorite places to eat a burger back home.

Burgers don’t come with fries at Meadowlark, but fries can be ordered on the side. A burger and fries together cost $16 before any special additions such as

bacon ($1.50) or a fried egg ($1.50) are added on.“When you think of the thought and the care that

went into making that burger and how fresh it is and the atmosphere and the service and the drinks that you’re getting for that price, we think it’s a pretty good deal,” Holliday said.

In economic development surveys conducted by the Richland Economic Development Corp., more restaurant options are among the top five demands identified by Richland County residents, alongside day care, infrastructure, housing and workforce.

“I think that the Meadowlark will be very successful. It definitely gives alternatives,” Leslie Messer, Richland Economic Development Corp. executive director, told the Herald.

With high oilfield wages snagging potential restaurant workers, Meadowlark, at first, had some difficulty recruiting. However, in the weeks leading up to its opening in May, more people applied, and Peterson said he has “a great staff,” but is still hiring.

“It is hard to compete with the oil business,” Peterson noted.

Meadowlark Brewery has worked with nearby businesses to keep things local. B&B Builders, Olson Plumbing, Prairie Electric, Frontier Heating Refrigeration & Air Condition, Lander’s Painting and Cal’s Carpet in Glendive have worked with Meadowlark.

The brewery is opened evenings, from 4-10 p.m., and the coffee shop is opened Monday through Friday, 7-11 a.m. Peterson’s mother, Rhonda, runs the coffee shop.

A year ago, Rhonda said she and her husband, Gail, “were thinking this place is going to be closed until 4 o’clock. It seems silly not to have any people going through it.” The idea for a coffee shop then sprouted.

A baker was hired to make baked goods for the coffee shop (scones and cookies), bread and desserts.

This summer, the second floor will open for more seating and a children’s play area, along with a rooftop.

“We want it to be a great experience,” Peterson said. “We’ve put a lot of thought and time into the design in here, and so we want it to be one big, well-rounded experience for people so when they come here, they walk out the door going, ‘Man, that was great.’ ”

Jared Troudt/Meadowlark BreweryThe Philly cheesesteak styled burger, served as the burger of the week during a week in July.

Jared Troudt/Meadowlark BreweryThe Meadowlark Signature Drummies plate ($11) are crispy, Korean flavored chicken drumsticks. For $1 more, customers can “make ‘em roulette wings,” which includes one super hot wing in the mix.


Culbertson Mayor Gordon Oelkers cuts a broad fi gure, his large hands gripping a cup of coff ee at the Wild West Diner.

He sits with friends at the diner off U.S. Highway 2, welcoming newcomers into his town of 1,000, struggling to keep its small town appeal.

“It’s the third oil boom the town’s been through, but by far the biggest,” said Oelkers.

Oelkers’ story is not unlike many Culbertson Cowboys and Cowgirls. His grandparents home-steaded. His father started the Oelkers Service Co., a family business off ering auto service, tire sales and a gas station, in 1953.

He graduated from Culbertson High School and earned a marketing degree at Montana State University. He worked in Denver for fi ve years, but returned home to buy the station with his brother. He has been married to his teenage sweetheart, Ardis, for 30 years. Th ey have two adult children

enrolled at MSU and a son in eighth grade. In his spare time, Oelkers coaches baseball and basketball, and involves himself in Trinity Lutheran Church.

“We have deep roots here. Half the town is re-lated to us,” Oelkers said.

Culbertson is located in eastern Montana, 23 miles from the North Dakota line and 60 miles from the Canadian border.

Th e town’s name comes from Mayor Alexander Culbertson, the clerk of Fort Union before the town was built on the Missouri River in 1887. His second wife was Princess Natawista Iksana, Sacred Snake Woman, daughter of a chief of the Blackfoot Nation.

Th e town was estab-lished with the arrival of the railroad, when the horse trading business was replaced by cattle ranch-ing. It was incorporated in 1912.

Roosevelt County, in which the town resides, was created by the Mon-tana Legislature in 1919. Th e county name honors

Story & Photos by Eric Killelea

Culbertsonʼs journey through the boom

Culbertson Mayor Gordon Oelkers said about 80 percent of the oil impacts are good and it’s nice that his town is growing.

Bakken Living Summer 2014 21former President Th eodore Roosevelt, who died shortly before the county was formed.

Like most counties along the state border, its economic mainstays transitioned from ranching to oil production over time. Th e town bustled during the fi rst and second booms, the latter in the 1970s and 1980s, but the oil industry lacked today’s drilling technology, said Oelkers, who refused a tool pusher position to fi nish his education at MSU.

“I said no, and six months later, the oilfi eld died,” Oelkers said. “We maintained, but nothing was thriving.”

Th e town’s economy is now robust, but it’s struggling with rapid growth in popula-tion and the accompanying demands on infrastructure, services and housing.

Roosevelt County had a population of 10,425 at the time of the 2010 U.S. Census. More than 74 percent of the county’s land area lies within the Fort Peck Indian Reser-vation, the home to Assiniboine and Sioux tribes.

Culbertson then had a population of 716, but now it exceeds 1,000, said Oelkers. He believes the town supports more eco-nomic development than Poplar, Wolf Point, Brockton, Bainville and Froid, also located within county limits.

An $8 million sewer project is expected to be completed next year. Its construction has blocked the town’s main street and numerous roads, causing people to enter businesses through alley doors. Once completed, the new system will accommodate 1,400-1,500 residents, Oelkers said.

Th e U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural De-velopment Grants and North Dakota State Revolving Fund loans are partially paying for the project, but improvements also have increased enterprise service bills from $40 to $100 per month.

Culbertson generates most of its revenue from property taxes, Oelkers said. It $100,000 general bud-get and $100,000 worth of enterprise funds, which consist of garbage, sewer and water revenue, help fund infrastructure needs.

To spread out the cost, the town annexed new developments, including a 110-unit United grain facility across from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, Oelkers said. It has approved 300- and 40-

unit extended-stay motels, and a 180-unit multi-use subdivision.

“We are growing our tax base so we can generate more income,” Oelkers said. Th e grain facility will pay $70,000 in property taxes in 1.5 years, he said.

Culbertson only formalized its planning and zon-ing regulations three years ago.

“Before, you hand me plans on a napkin and I’d approve the building permit,” said Oelkers, explain-ing how projects were approved in the past.

Most residents here own their homes. Newcom-ers have trouble fi nding aff ordable housing since prices increased from $80,000 to $200,000 in re-cent years, and rents skyrocketed to $1,250-$2,000 monthly for two- and three-bedroom apartments.

“Th e community is pretty welcoming to new people coming in, but it’s just a matter of fi nding a place for them to live,” Oelkers said.

Th e Roosevelt County Sheriff ’s Offi ce has its work cut out for it, given the increase in popula-tion, Oelkers said. Th e offi ce has 2 “cross-deputized offi cers” who respond to calls in Culbertson, Wolf Point and Poplar, the latter two cities having federal oversight.

“More 18- to 32-year-old guys are able to stay here because of work, but bar fi ghts, drugs and do-mestic calls have increased,” Oelkers said. “About 98 percent of the guys are no problem, but crime grows with the population.”

Given the growing crime issue, Culbertson’s annual rates for law enforcement increased from $1,000 to $2,000 over the past year, said Oelkers, who

Culbertsonʼs journey through the boom

There’s been three months of construction to fi x sewer and water lines.

22 Summer 2014 Bakken Livingbelieves law enforcement currently has a handle on the town’s happenings.

Overall, the mayor said he was content in how the town has managed growth, but he believes it may be time for him to step down from office come elec-tion time in three years. By then, he’ll have served as mayor for two decades

“About 80 percent is good, and 20 percent is bad. It’s nice to be one of the towns that are growing,” Oelkers said. “But 20 years is enough.”

Culbertson School DistrictSuperintendent Larry Crowder, 48, moved to

Culbertson in 1998 with his wife, Tamara, and their family to oversee the education of Culbertson el-ementary, junior high and high school students in a single building.

“Our K-12 population of 280 is almost identi-cal to the total popu-lation we had when I moved here,” Crowder

said. There were 125 elementary-aged students in 1998 compared with the 170 elementary students enrolled during in the 2013-14 school year.

Enrollment in grades K-6 has increased from 145 to 155 to 170 over the past three years, each breaking a school record, Crowder said. The “modest growth” resulted in the district’s decision to add four new classrooms to be ready for fall 2015.

“We think the four-classroom addition that we will begin this summer should be good for five years, minimum,” Crowder said.

The school district receives funding from oil taxes. The state of Montana keeps 53.39 percent of oil tax revenue while the county and school district split the rest of the money generated from oil produc-

tion. The district now has $2 million in its general fund derived from state and local taxes and another $2.1 million generated from oil production. Half of the money was generated from oil production within the district while the other half was generated from “concentric circle” funding provided by neighboring school districts.

Under a recently approved law, the legislature required Bainville, Fairview and Lambert to hand over funding that exceeded their oil tax revenue cap. This is the first year the district received concentric circle funding, said Crowder, who sees the law as benefitting his students, since the school received only $50,000 from oil production five years ago.New funding will help fund the construction of the new classrooms.

“We can adequately live within our means (even if) the money is not returned by the legislature in the 2015 session,” Crowder said.

The additions are helpful for adjusting to a higher student mobility rate, too. About 72 students either arrived or departed following the first day of school last fall. The influx of new students added to nearly 100 students bused into town from “across the creek” in Poplar and Brockton.

“Many of the students who come into our school are not at grade level,” Crowder said. The district implemented testing to gauge skills, and uses its fed-eral Title 1 program to assist students with reading and math.

The district also installed new technology to assist students. In 1998, the school had three Inter-net connections and its intercom system “needed to warm up because it had vacuum tubes in it,”

Crowder said. Starting in 2006, students welcomed Internet access, SMART boards and air-conditioning in every classroom.

“We think we do education well, and everyday we just strive to do better,” Crowder said.

Despite in-creased enrollment,

“We think we do education well, and everyday we just strive to do better.”

Culbertson School District had a K-12 population of 280 students, with more than half elementary aged.

Bakken Living Summer 2014 23the district tries to keep its student to teacher ratio low. The elementary school ratio sits at an average of 17 students per teacher.

“I like that, but if we add four more teachers, I’d like that even better,” Crowder said. The district also used its general fund to raise starting salaries from $22,000 to $31,000 over the past four years in an effort to better recruit and retain quality teachers.

Student demographics have changed as well. The school has more “at risk” youth who live in poverty, according to the federal free and reduced lunch status reports.

“Their parents come here looking for the Ameri-can Dream, but they don’t have lot of money when they arrive,” Crowder said.

Still, the district pushes to accommodate all its students.

“We tell them we are the Culbertson Cowboys and Cowgirls and our school colors are purple and gold and we’re proud of it and we will stand by their efforts,” Crowder said. “We don’t care where they’re from or where they live today. We just want to edu-cate them.”

Culbertson has a high graduation of 99 percent, said Crowder, who said he could count only three students who dropped out during his tenure.

Students are encouraged to enroll in post-sec-ondary education and take employment opportuni-ties in the Bakken.

“A strong majority of our kids go to post-second-ary education as a first option,” Crowder said. “But we’re excited to help them out in whatever capacity we can. There are opportunities in the oilfield I never had, making double the minimum wage at a starting job.”

Many students have enrolled at colleges or universities only to discover they’d rather earn high wages in the oilfield.

“It’s the Johnny Manziel mentality,” said Crowder, explaining that the Heisman Trophy winning college quarterback’s decision to leave college after only two years in order to enter the NFL was similar to un-dergraduate students leaving studies to take oilfield employment for high wages.

Small town businessSpring means construction, and construction has

torn up roads for the past three months in downtown Culbertson. Business owners will be relieved when detour signs are removed, traffic can enter the town’s main street and patrons can once again walk through the front doors of businesses in July.

“I’ve been missing the gravy,” said Karla Ford-bregd. She said patrons have difficulty finding her Culbertson Hometown Market. She is located on Broadway Avenue, part of Montana Highway 16. The avenue was under construction for some time, limiting certain access routes to the town library, fire department and city hall.

Fordbregd, the owner of the market for 21 years, is the cousin of Oelkers. Her husband, Ken, works for Roosevelt Medical Center. They have has three adult children, one who lives in the region working in the oilfield.

“My son did two tours with the North Dakota National Guard in Iraq, then came back here and found a good job,” Fordbregd said.

An influx of people has brought more business. More business has kept her successful, but caused her to hire four full-time women, three part-time women and two high school boys, who help unload an increased amount of produce through the thin back doorway twice per week.

She remains skeptical about whether the town will continue to grow at such a fast pace. She doubts she will expand the market anytime soon.

“Why would you jump into something that might not pay back? I want to see it happening first,” Ford-bregd said. “I’m very conservative.”

Karla Fordbregd, owner of Culbertson Hometown Market, said businesswas hurt by downtown construction. She would be at rest, however, whendetour signs were removed and traffic could enter the town’s mainstreet.

24 Summer 2014 Bakken LivingRoosevelt County Hospital

The Roosevelt County Hospital is the local, not-for-profit healthcare center that serves a majority of county residents, treating longtime residents and visitors during the current oil boom.

Jennifer Kess-ner, chief financial officer, moved to town in 1983. She met her husband and raised a child here, where resi-dents could pay $125 per month in lot rent.

“They didn’t gouge you back then,” Kessner said.

Sharon Schmitz, busi-ness office man-ager, and Teresia Moore, Emergency Medical Services director, tell similar stories of their experience with low rents and raising children in the town.

“It was the place to be,” Moore said.The hospital had 36 beds in the nursing home

and 15 inpatient beds in the 1980s. It became a criti-cal access hospital in the late 1990s. The nursing home closed and the hospital and clinic now have 25 critical access beds and three emergency room beds.

A doctor, two physician assistants and six full-time nurses still treat “a large Medicare group,” Schmitz said. However, the emergency room has treated an increasing number of patients ages 18 to 32.

EMS has four ambulances operated by a volun-teer staff that responded to an increase in the num-ber of calls from 19 to 57 over the past year, Moore said.

“Fortunately, we are having very few critical (pa-tients) or deaths,” Moore said.

The hospital saw a 253 percent increase in the number of new clinic patients between 2010 and 2014, Schmitz said. She attributed much of that increase to increasing numbers of motor vehicle crashes and oilfield incidents.

Not unlike medical facilities nationwide, the hospital struggles to overcome bad debt and non-collected bills, Kessner said. Its bad debt increased 224 percent between 2011 and 2014.

“We’re serving a very mobile group of people

coming in,” Kessner said. “No addresses, no phone, no insurance and no cash in their pockets when they come here.”

The facility now asks for co-payments upfront, especially in the emergency room, where 21 percent of patients contribute to bad debt.

“We struggle day to day but we manage. We bud-get very tightly and we carry on,” Schmitz said. “If the patients aren’t paying, lights start going off.”

So far, the administration and staff have ways to treat new patients, recruit and retain staff and keep a handle on the finances. “We’re a not-for-profit hospi-tal, so we’re never going to make a lot of money. But we can provide good health care.”

XN

LV16

5011

406-433-55111060 S. Central Ave., Ste. 2, Sidney, MT

Estate Planning • Wills and Probate Elder Law • Charitable Tax Planning

Trusts • Corporations

Oil & Gas Law • Real Estate

Family & Criminal Law

Donald L. Netzer

Tara M. Rose-Miller

NetzerLaw Office, PC


• Continental Breakfast• Touch-Tone Dial Phone• Cable TV - HBO - Disney• Remotes

• High Speed Internet• One Block from City Swimming Pool• Across from Veterans Memorial Park• Three Blocks from Downtown

601 S. Central,Sidney

406.433.1520FAX: 406.433.5245

XN

LV15

3905

PARK PLAZAMOTEL

Low Rates and a Great Location

Fulkerson Funeral Home

It’s about saying goodbye

315 2nd. St. NW, Sidney •488-2805www.fulkersons.com

XNLV120401

Come TryYour LUCK!Cool, comfortable, friendly, relaxed atmosphere!

Monday - Sunday 8am - 2am406-433-7222 • 222 S. Central Ave., Sidney

XN

LV12

0323

Retirement Living at it’s Best!

410 3rd Ave. SW, Sidney, Montana 59270

406-433-3721

CrestwoodX

NLV

1203

30

Welding Supplies, Bulk & Compressed GasesBus (406)482-8939 • Fax (406)482-8168

www.amwelding.com216 North Central, Sidney, MT 59270 X

NLV

1359

19

SERVICE & PARTS2429 W. Holly St.

Sidney, MT (406)488-44001-800-624-6540

XNLV135936

DIRECTORY ADSX

NLV

1203

99

Treatment of

Yellowstone Chiropractic Clinic

222 2nd Ave. SW, Sidney406-433-4757

Toll Free 1-866-433-5757

TreaTmenT of • SportS & Work InjurIeS• AccIdent • pAIn

Dr. Ryan LaguaChiropractic Physician

DOTPhysicals AvailableCertified Medical

Examiner

http://www.fulkersons.com

http://www.amwelding.com


Muffi ns are one of my favorite foods to create and to eat, a small package chock full of delicious fl avors and comforting delicacy. Th ey are easy to make, easy to bite into and easy to take on the go. Plus, there are an endless variety of muffi n recipes to choose from.

Also, many recipes for sweet breads such as ba-nana, pumpkin or zucchini bread can be made into muffi ns. And eating a fl at piece of bread just doesn’t compare with biting into a rounded muffi n.

Th ere are myriads of muffi ns to be made and sa-vored. I’ve adapted the muffi n recipe that my family uses and made some delicious muffi n twists.

Raspberry Smoothie Muffi ns off er an extra moist and soft experience as they are made with a milk berry drink and yogurt. Mango Coconut Muffi ns will bring you straight to a tropical paradise with warm mangos inside and toasted coconut on top. Cinnamon Carrot Muffi ns are healthy and hearty, as they are made with oatmeal and whole wheat fl our. Try one or all of these delicious delicacies.

Cinnamon Carrot Muffi ns1 egg1¼ cup milk¼ cup oil1 cup fl our1 cup whole wheat fl our½ cup oatmeal¼ cup sugar3 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon. salt1 tablespoon cinnamon1 cup shredded carrotsBeat the egg, milk and oil together. Mix in

fl ours, oatmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. When just moistened, stir in carrots. Fill greased muffi n tin cups just below the top. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.

Try one or all of these tasty muffi n choices

By Sara SpauldingWilliston Herald


Raspberry Smoothie Muffi ns1 egg1 cup Silk Mixed Berry Fruit and Protein drink

or another similar drink1 cup Greek raspberry yogurt¼ cup oil2½ cups fl our¼ cup sugar3 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon salt1½ cups frozen raspberriesBeat the egg, berry milk drink, half of the yo-

gurt and the oil together. Mix in fl our, sugar, baking powder and salt. When just moistened, stir in one cup of raspberries. Fill greased muffi n tin cups just below the top. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of raspberries on top of the muffi ns.

Bake for 18-20 minutes at 400 degrees. Adjust the racks in your oven to assure that the raspberries don’t get burned. When the muffi ns are cooled and ready to eat, top them with a dab of the remaining raspberry yogurt.

Mango Coconut Muffi ns1 egg1 cup coconut milk¼ cup oil2 cups fl our¼ cup sugar3 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoons salt1 cup mangos, cut into small chunks1 cup shredded coconutBeat the egg, coconut milk and oil together. Mix

in the fl our, sugar, baking powder and salt. When just moistened, stir in mangos and a ½ cup of coco-nut. Fill greased muffi n tin cups just below the top. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded coconut on top of each muffi n.

Bake for 18-20 minutes at 400 degrees. Adjust the racks in your oven to assure that the coconut gets toasted and not burned.


Strawberry Smoothie2 cups coconut milk1 cup strawberry yogurt2 cups fresh strawberriesMix all ingredients together in a blender. Garnish with a strawberry on each glass.

Strawberry Spring Mix Salad: Half bag (5 oz.) spring mix greens2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced½ cup chopped walnuts¼ cup poppy seed dressingToss all of the ingredients together until the dressing is evenly coated. It’s ready to eat.

Strawberry Scones1½ cups flour1¼ cups oatmeal¼ cup sugar1 tablespoon baking powder ½ cup oil1/3 cilantro2 cups fresh strawberries, slicedBring your rice and water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Heat up the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook stirring occasionally until a chunk cut in half shows no pink. Add in the rice and cilantro and stir for one minute. Add the strawberries and stir occasionally for two to three minutes. It’s ready to eat.

Strawberry Sweet Cake1 box strawberry cake mixWater, eggs and oil for the cake mix directions1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced1 jar pink strawberry flavored frosting10-12 fresh strawberries, sliced in halfMix up the boxed strawberry cake mix. Mix in one cup of sliced strawberries. Bake according to package directions in a rectangular pan. Let cool. Cut into a slight heart shape to look like a strawberry. Frost it with pink frosting. Place the remaining strawberries on the cake to look like the strawberry’s seeds.

Strawberry ParadiseStrawberries are one of my absolute favorite foods. I even have a strawberry apron and a strawberry dish set complete with a strawberry-shaped pitcher in storage in Minnesota. Not to mention the strawberry toboggan hat and earmuffs you could have seen me wearing this winter. Strawberries are the perfect addition to many dishes. Try out the following delicious strawberry delights to make a complete five-course strawberry meal. There are tips for serving them as a five-course meal following the recipes. Each course is made using fresh strawberries. You’ll be in strawberry paradise.

By Sara SpauldingWilliston Herald


Set the table with silverware and water glasses. Use one knife, one spoon and three forks, with the dinner fork in between a salad and dessert fork. Forks go on the left and the knife and spoon on the right, with the spoon on the outside. The plates will come with each course. First, cut up all the strawberries you will need for all five courses. Make the scones and cake next. Place scones on small plates and prepare a serving jar for the jam. Start cooking the rice. Let the cake cool while you make the salad. Put salad on small plates in the fridge. When the cake has cooled, frost and decorate it. Set it aside with a knife and dessert plates to be eaten last.

Check on the rice and cook the chicken. While the chicken is cooking, make the smoothie. Put it in glasses to be kept cool in the fridge. Finish making the stir-fry, but don’t add the strawberries yet. Leave it on low heat while you serve the first three courses. Seat your guests and serve the smoothie to start. Follow with the scones. Before you serve the salad, turn up the heat and add the strawberries to the stir-fry. Turn the heat to low again. Serve the salad. Dish up the stir-fry on plates and serve. Finally, bring the cake to the table and serve it to the guests.

Tips to serve the strawberry paradise as a five-course meal.


Williston, ND209 Washington Ave

701.572.2171Mon - Sat: 6am - 10pm

Sunday: 9am - 5pmHardware Hours:

Mon - Sat: 6am - 10pm Closed Sunday

Ray, ND11503 Hwy 2701.568.2171

Mon - Sat: 6am - 10pm Sunday: 6am - 8pm

Fairview, MT605 S Ellery Ave.406.742.5273Mon - Sat: 6am - 8pm

Closed Sunday

Wildrose, NDPO Box 561

701.539.2272Mon - Sat: 7am - 6pm

Closed Sunday


701.572.2171Mon - Sat: 6am - 10pm



Ray, ND11503 Hwy 2701.568.2171



Closed Sunday


701.539.2272Mon - Sat: 7am - 6pm

Closed Sunday


701.572.2171Mon - Sat: 6am - 10pm



Ray, ND11503 Hwy 2701.568.2171



Closed Sunday


701.539.2272Mon - Sat: 7am - 6pm

Closed Sunday

Wildrose, NDX

NLV

1359

33

XNLV166637

1521 S. Central, Sidney, MTM-F 8am-5pm • (406) 433-3735

$5.00Pickup

$6.00Delivery

$

Trust the water experts

Reverse OsmosisDrinking

Water System

Best Price in TownR.O. Filtered Bottled Water• Less than 10 ppm TDS • No sodium or chlorine• Easy pick-up or delivery

• Reduces impuritiesup to 98%

• Costs pennies per gallon• No bottles to fi ll or carry

Watersoftner

salt

Serving Sidney and surrounding area for over 60 years!

Rust Buster

Salt

Water Conditioner• Hardness & iron removal• Make cleaning easier• Cut soap use by half

XNLV

154652

Because your comfort, is our happiness

(406) 488-4657 1991 W. Holly St.

Sidney1991 W. Holly St.

Sidney

(406) 488-4657 (406) 488-4657 1991 W. Holly St.

Sidney

(406) 488-4657 1991 W. Holly St.

Sidney

(406) 488-4657 (406) 488-4657 (406) 488-4657 (406) 488-4657 (406) 488-4657 (406) 488-4657 (406) 488-4657

Sidney 406-488-8706

Stanley 701-628-8706 X

NLV

1539

22

Dispatch 406-480-1702 • Of� ce 406-488-9773P.O. Box 1389, Sidney, Mt 59270

We haul fresh water and salt water. Sidney, MT

Serving the community for six years.

XNLV

153906

XNLV

118324

RANGERLounge, Casino & Eatery

Open Dining: Tues.-Sat. 5-10 p.m.Open Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-2 a.m.

POOL • DARTS • LIVE POKER8 BIG SCREEN TV’S • CATERING

110 S. CENTRAL • SIDNEY • 482-4566

nJan Bloesser photo | Picture Pertect Photography

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR

2221 S. Central, Sidney

406.433.6757www.sondassolutions.com X

NLV

1196

60

http://www.sondassolutions.com

Documents

Sh bakken living fall 2014