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! 🐻

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of Bear With Us, we dive into the heart of Havre’s new community brand and what it means to the people who call this place home. Joined by Karina Densmore of Havre Local, we read real community responses collected during the brand launch celebration—funny, heartfelt, nostalgic, and uniquely Havre.

We talk about:
✨ The new “Stay for the Story” brand
✨ Favorite Havre memories and places
✨ Local events and hidden gems
✨ How community pride shows up every day
✨ Why cotton-candy skies and buffalo jumps matter
✨ And yes… the Ugly Burger 😄

If you missed the brand unveiling, this episode gives you a front-row seat.

📍 Learn more about Havre’s new brand at Bear Paw Development
📍 Follow Havre Local on Facebook for events & community stories

#HavreMT #StayForTheStory #BearWithUsPodcast #BearPawDevelopment #HavreLocal

Welcome to this special interview with John Morgan - where we dive deep into how we can rethink downtown Havre, lift up small businesses, and breathe new life into our community.

In this episode, we talk about the big ideas behind the Havre Urban Renewal Plan: how TIF districts can unlock investment, the importance of façade improvements, why walkability and downtown safety matter, and the role local folks have in shaping our shared future.

What we cover:

· What an Urban Renewal District is - and why it matters to Havre

· The story behind the TIF-based Business Revitalization Fund

· How strategic planning, community input, and creative placemaking can reshape downtown

Learn more about the Havre Urban Renewal Plan here: https://www.bearpaw.org/havre-urd

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss future episodes of “Bear With Us” - where small-town stories meet big ambition.

What can you do with one dollar and a big dream? In this episode of Bear With Us, we talk with Kalyn Joyce, leader of of Spire Health, about how she and her team are transforming a vacant lot in Geraldine, Montana, into a new community wellness center.

Kalyn shares her journey from idea to action — from growing up in a small town to coming home and creating a space that brings health, connection, and revitalization to her community. We discuss perseverance, rural pride, and what it takes to turn a long-time dream into reality.

Join hosts Sara and Julea as they explore how one small town’s determination is building a healthier, stronger future for everyone.

In this episode of Bear With Us, we sit down with Amy Revious, Bear Paw Development’s new Food and Agriculture Development Center (FADC) Director! Amy shares her journey from Bozeman to the Hi-Line, her passion for supporting rural communities, and her vision for strengthening Montana’s local food systems.

From farm-to-school programs and agritourism to creative ways local producers can grow their businesses, Amy dives into the opportunities and challenges facing Montana’s food and ag sector—and how Bear Paw’s FADC helps turn ideas into reality.

Plus, you don’t want to miss the episode’s opening question: What kind of bear would make the best farmer? 🐻🌾