In the "My Hometown" series, KRTV staff share some of what makes their hometowns so special. In this week's segment, KRTV anchor Heath Heggem traveled back to Winifred in central Montana and shares the Wichman's story.

Mary and Gordon Wichman don't have any trouble staying busy: they're caring for 14 children.

The grocery bill is $2,000 dollars a month, and the house they live in has 6,000 square feet and 12 bedrooms. It's construction was backed by Winifred native and self-made millionaire Norman Asbjornson.

In return, the Wichman's needed to move back to their hometown and help bolster the declining school enrollment.

Mary explained, "That was part of Norman's thing - he wanted to get kids in the school system. He wanted families back in Winifred. He doesn't want to see Winifred die, so that was another reason he helped us out."

The Wichman's didn't always have such a full house; they were blessed with two biological sons, which led to a desire to help kids who were in need of a good home; that, in turn, has led to several adoptions.

"Not that we went into it to adopt children," said Mary. "We've either had the kids long enough or the parents have come to us and asked us if we'd keep the kids and adopt them."

Along with raising a large family, the Wichman's also have some big business plans. Construction on a sign shop is nearing completion, and Gordon explained, "Sign production and vacuum-forming plastic and different things - we're hoping to have 10 to 15 employees within just a few years to help bring industry to a town that doesn't really have much other than agriculture."

No question: this family has been good for Winifred. And the Wichmans say Winifred has given their family a place to call home.

Gordon said, "They've been very open, very giving. Anything we need, people are always asking us if we need things. It's been a wonderful place to move back to.