Rooted in Chinook, Growing in Havre & Blooming Where You're Planted: an Interview With Tomi Simenson

Investing in Students, Investing in Community: An Interview With Melanie Skoyen

🎙️ Bear With Us Podcast | MSU Northern, Morgan Hall & Building the Future Welcome back to Bear With Us, the podcast from Bear Paw Development where we highlight the people, projects, and partnerships shaping North Central Montana. In this episode, Julea is joined by guest co-host Stephanie Larson to talk all things MSU Northern—from student experiences to the powerful impact of investing in higher education. They sit down with Melanie Skoyen, Managing Director of the Northern Alumni Foundation, to discuss how alumni, community members, and donors are helping shape the future of campus life. 🏫 In this episode, we cover: The mission and impact of the Northern Alumni Foundation The exciting renovation campaign for Morgan Hall How campus improvements support student success and retention The role MSU Northern plays in strengthening the Hi-Line economy Opportunities for alumni, businesses, and community members to get involved 💡 You’ll also hear personal stories about what makes Northern special—from lifelong connections to unforgettable college memories (including hiding from a storm in a stranger’s basement 😅). 💙 Whether you're an alum, a community member, or just curious about the future of rural education, this episode highlights how investing in students today builds stronger communities tomorrow. 🔗 Learn more or get involved: Visit the Northern Alumni Foundation website or stop by their office in Cowan Hall on campus. 👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support local stories and voices! #BearWithUs #MSUNorthern #HiLineMontana #HigherEducation #CommunityDevelopment #Montana

Rooted in Chinook, Growing in Havre & Blooming Where You're Planted: an Interview With Tomi Simenson

In this episode of Bear With Us, we sit down with Tomi Simonson, owner of Shores Floral, to talk about what it really means to bloom where you’re planted 🌸 Rooted in Chinook and now growing into Havre, Tomi shares her journey from part-time employee to business owner, the leap of expanding into a second location, and the realities of entrepreneurship in rural Montana. From weddings and wildflowers to risk-taking and resilience, this conversation is full of heart, hustle, and Highline pride. We talk about: 🌷 Taking over a long-standing community business 🌷 Expanding into Havre and what smart growth looks like 🌷 The challenges (and rewards) of rural entrepreneurship 🌷 Why consistency matters in small-town business 🌷 Building community through generosity — including the “Blessed by Blooms” program Whether you’re a small business owner, dreaming of starting something new, or just love a good story about local growth, this episode is for you. Be sure to like, subscribe, and support your local small businesses — and maybe don’t wait until 5pm on Valentine’s Day to order flowers 😉 Thanks for Bearing With Us! 🐻

Montana, Motorcycles, and Making Laws: An Interview with Senator Russ Tempel

In this episode of Bear With Us, we sit down with Montana State Senator Russ Tempel to talk about life in the legislature, advocating for rural communities, and the realities of representing one of the largest and most diverse districts in the state. From county commissioner to the Capitol, Senator Temple shares how decisions made in Helena ripple across the Hi-Line and North Central Montana. We dive into what a legislative session really looks like, the challenges rural lawmakers face, and the policies that matter most to small towns — including transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, and public safety. Plus, we talk motorcycles, lane-splitting legislation, and why understanding Montana’s backroads is just as important as understanding the bills. Whether you’re curious about state government, passionate about rural Montana, or just here for the motorcycle stories, this episode offers a thoughtful and approachable look at leadership, policy, and the people behind the laws. 🎙️ Bear With Us is a podcast from Bear Paw Development, highlighting the people, places, and policies shaping North Central Montana.

From Somewhere Else to City Hall: An Interview with Whitley Nelson

In this episode of Bear With Us, we sit down with Whitley Nelson, the newly appointed town clerk for Fort Benton, to talk about her unexpected path into local government and what it’s really like behind the scenes at City Hall. From working in different cities and industries to landing back in Montana, Whitley shares how she found her way to Fort Benton, stepped into public service, and took on one of the most essential (and often misunderstood) roles in small-town government. We talk about budgets, spreadsheets, public service, community involvement, and the realities of being the go-to person for just about everything. Whether you’re curious about how local government actually works, interested in small-town leadership, or just love hearing stories about people who unexpectedly find their place, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Bear With Us is a podcast from Bear Paw Development highlighting the people, projects, and leadership shaping North Central Montana. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone interested in community leadership and small-town life.

From One Mayor to the Next: An Interview with Doug Kaercher and Wade Bitz

In this special episode of Bear With Us, we sit down with Havre’s outgoing mayor, Doug Kaercher, and incoming mayor, Wade Bitz, for a candid conversation during a pivotal moment of leadership transition. Together, we reflect on where Havre has been, the challenges and accomplishments of recent years, and what lies ahead as the city enters its next chapter. Doug shares lessons learned from decades of public service, while Wade discusses what motivated him to step into the mayor’s role and what he’s most excited (and mindful) of as he takes office. From infrastructure and community engagement to leadership philosophy, social media challenges, and even a few lighthearted moments, this episode offers an inside look at how local government works—and why community involvement matters. 🎧 Topics include: * Reflections on Doug Kaercher’s time as mayor * What inspired Wade Bitz to run for office * Infrastructure, funding, and long-term planning * Civic responsibility and community partnerships * The importance of listening, leadership, and collaboration Thank you for tuning in to Bear With Us, the podcast from Bear Paw Development, where we highlight the people, projects, and partnerships shaping North Central Montana. 👉 Be sure to like, subscribe, and share to stay up to date on future episodes—and as always, thanks for bearing with us.