Opheim

History

*Opheim was named for Alfred Sumner Opheim (1872–1949), who together with his wife Helen (Ouandahl) Opheim (1874–1930), served as the first postmasters of the town. *The town was founded before the expansion of the Great Northern Railway, but benefited by having its own depot. In the early 1990s, railway abandonment occurred between the towns of Scobey and Opheim. *Opheim was once the location of Opheim Air Force Station, a former United States Air Force General Surveillance Radar station. Since its closing in 1979, the population has decreased significantly. *The city was also home to many banks, bars, stores, and a movie theater, all of which have changed hands or closed. The town has no major source of income and is currently facing a slow economic decline. *Granrud's Lefse was started in a garage in Opheim in 1977 by Evan and Myrt Granrud. It is one of the few area bakeries that still produces the traditional Norwegian potato flatbread, Lefse. It was sold in 2018 and moved to Scobey, Montana. *Opheim has a strong Norwegian-American heritage as reflected by the high school's mascot, the Vikings. Opheim High School was the source of media attention in 2008 when the graduating class consisted of one student. *Opheim celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011 over the 4th of July weekend. Hundreds of former residents and former students enjoyed a number of events marking a rich history of immigrant homesteaders that once made Opheim a thriving town of almost 500 residents and business providing services to all of north Valley County.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , all land. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Opheim has a semi-arid climate, abbreviated "BSk" on climate maps.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Opheim School
  Elementary · Opheim · 21 students · 5.3:1 ratio
• Opheim High School
  High · Opheim · 5 students · 1.7:1 ratio
• Opheim 7-8
  Middle · Opheim · 2 students · 2:1 ratio