ABOUT SOUTH DAKOTA: COUNTY OF THE MONTH

Largest City: Philip

County Seat: Philip

Population: 1,998

Founded: 1914

About Haakon County:

Haakon County was founded in 1914, making it one of the last counties in the state to be officially organized. Along with Jackson County, Haakon was formed after the people of Stanley County voted to divide into three counties. Philip was chosen as the county seat, and the old schoolhouse initially served as the county courthouse.

According to South Dakota Geographic Names by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, Haakon County was named for Haakon VII of Norway, who had become King of Norway in 1905. The name was popular among the many Scandinavian settlers in the area, but it was, in fact, a pioneer of Irish descent who suggested the name. Hugh J. McMahon, who owned a ranch near the town that is now Philip. Stanley County was divided into three separate counties suggested the name in order to drum up support for the split. He also proposed naming the county seat Philip. His clever efforts succeeded in November of 1914, when the voters supported the division, creating Haakon County and its neighbor, Jackson County.

The towns of Midland and Philip also have great histories and interesting stories. Midland was founded by a local storekeeper in 1890. This storekeeper, J.C. Russell, stayed in business until his death in 1941. He named the town after a post office that was nearby and was thought to be midway between the Missouri and Cheyenne Rivers. Hence, he chose the name "Midland" as a geographical marker.

Philip was founded in 1907 when the North Western railroad arrived. The town was founded by James "Scotty" Philip, who is also known for having the largest buffalo herd in captivity.

Haakon County is home to the ghost town of Leslie. While little remains of Leslie, it is still an important historical site in Haakon County. It was the site of the first post office in the county and was once the site of one of the largest Native American villages in that part of our state. It was even the home to Sitting Bull for a brief period.

Haakon County is mostly rural and carries on the proud South Dakota tradition of frontier living. There are many great reasons to visit Haakon County including beautiful, expansive prairies and recreational opportunities like hunting and fishing.

Tim's Work for Haakon County:

As South Dakota's Senior Senator, Tim is well-positioned to secure federal funding for projects that are important to the people of Haakon County and all South Dakotans. He has used his seat on the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee to secure funding for programs that directly impact the lives of people in Haakon County.

Bringing Safe, Clean Water to Haakon County and Surrounding Areas

The Mni Wiconi water project serves several counties and rural communities in western South Dakota. The final project will serve more than 50,000 residents, including some of the poorest counties in the United States. It will also provide reliable water for South Dakota agricultural producers and small communities. Dependable, clean drinking water will improve communities' public health and economic sustainability. Tim has helped secure significant funding over the years to be used for continued construction of the project, as well as for the operation and maintenance of the water system that is already in service. For 2006, the project will receive $22.8 million.

Upgrading Technology for Sheriffs and Police Departments

Technology plays an ever-greater role in the fight against crime. Radios, mobile data computers and dash-mounted video cameras can help to offset the disadvantages that rural law enforcement officers often face. Due to the high cost of technology purchases, however, many cities and counties in South Dakota have been unable to invest in the kind of technology needed in the modern fight against crime. Tim was able to help secure $250,000 to help bring many South Dakota law enforcement agencies into the 21st century.

Wildlife Control

Tim helped secure $750,000 in funding for the Animal Damage Control Program run by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks. This funding will continue to help South Dakotans offset the costs of damage associated with controlling predatory, nuisance, and diseased animals. The program provides vital assistance to South Dakotans who suffer damage to land, property, crops, or livestock caused by wildlife. Overall funding for the program is a cooperative financial partnership involving county, state, and federal governments as well as license-buying sportsmen and women.

The Northern Great Plains Regional Authority helps coordinate transportation, infrastructure and other projects that are important for economic development throughout South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. The $1.49 million that Tim helped secure for this initiative will help the local economies throughout our state.