Whatcom County Public Works Podcast

Season 3, Episode 3: Learn More About Water Adjudication

Public Works Natural Resources Manager Gary Stoyka and Outreach Specialist Becky Snijder van Wissenkerke join the podcast to discuss the WRIA1 water adjudication process and the tools that Public Works has set up to help the water users involved. (Read the episode transcript) 

Season 3, Episode 2: Ferry Crew Safety & Training

Roland and Mandy speak with the Whatcom Chief's Senior Master, Gary Poole, and Public Works Safety & Training Coordinator, Gabel Bredy, about the safety and training measures for the crew of the Whatcom Chief. Listen to learn more about their recent state-wide safety award!

Season 3, Episode 1: Interview with Director Elizabeth Kosa

Roland & Mandy interview Whatcom County Public Works Director Elizabeth Kosa. Elizabeth shares an overview of our 2024 accomplishments and some big projects Whatcom County can expect in 2025. (Read the episode transcript)  

Season 2, Episode 13: Winter Road Maintenance

Public Works Maintenance & Operations Assistant Superintendents Gina Miller and Michael Koenen join the podcast to discuss our winter road maintenance work and set expectations for the coming season. 

Season 2, Episode 12: Councilmembers Buchanan, Scanlon, and Stremler

Whatcom County Councilmembers Barry Buchanan, Jon Scanlon, and Mark Stremler join the podcast to discuss public works issues, both present and future. 

Season 2, Episode 11: Division of Emergency Management Deputy Director Matt Klein

The new deputy director of the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office Division of Emergency Management (DEM), Matt Klein, joins the podcast to discuss division responsibilities. Learn more about how our two entities work together, as well as DEM's role in emergent and non-emergent times.  (Read the episode transcript)

Season 2, Episode 10: Public Works Assistant Director Laura Frolich

Public Works' new assistant director, Laura Froluch, joins Roland & Mandy to discuss her background, her goals for the position, and the department budget.  (Read the episode transcript)

Season 2, Episode 9: Summer Road Maintenance

Public Works Maintenance & Operations Assistant Superintendents Gina Miller and Michael Koenen will join the podcast to discuss road maintenance activities drivers experience each summer. 

Season 2, Episode 8: All About Roundabouts

Whatcom County Public Works Engineering Manager Josh Cihak joins Roland and Mandy to share more about these often misunderstood traffic features. Did you know there's even a rock song written about them?

Season 2, Episode 7: County Engineer Doug Ranney

Whatcom County Engineer Doug Ranney joins podcast hosts Roland and Mandy to talk about the role and work of the Whatcom County Public Works engineering team. 

Season 2, Episode 6: N. Lake Samish Bridge Project & Bridge Program

Hosts Roland & Mandy chat with Bridge & Hydraulic Engineering Manager James Lee about the N. Lake Samish Bridge Project. James also shares more about upcoming bridge projects and the Whatcom County Bridge Program as a whole. 

Season 2, Episode 5: Noxious Weeds Program

Listen as hosts Roland and Mandy are joined by the staff of our Noxious Weed Program to discuss all things weeds. Laurel & Cevan share tips for identification, prevention, remediation, and the tools you can borrow to free your yard from weeds.

Season 2, Episode 4: Salmon Recovery & Fish Passage Program

Podcast hosts Roland and Mandy are joined by Senior Salmon Recovery Planner John Thompson and Engineering Supervisor Ben Floyd to talk about the new fish passage program at Whatcom County Public Works. 

Season 2, Episode 3: Natural Resources Program

Erika Douglas, Environmental Programs Manager from our Natural Resources Division, joins Roland & Mandy to discuss water quality. 

Season 2, Episode 2: Flood construction projects

Roland and Mandy interview Whatcom County Public Works River & Flood Engineering Supervisor Christina Schoenfelder about flood construction projects. Christina shares how they are prioritized and gives an overview of recent projects. 

Season 2, Episode 1: An interview with Public Works Director, Elizabeth Kosa

Roland and Mandy interview Whatcom County Public Works Director Elizabeth Kosa. Elizabeth shares her background, how she came to the position in March 2023, and provides an overview of some of the big projects Whatcom County can expect in 2024. 

Season 1, Episode 5: Winter driving safety

Join hosts Roland & Mandy for tips on fall & winter driving, including how little water it takes to create a dangerous road situation! 

Season 1, Episode 4: An interview with Gina Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Maintenance & Operations

Roland & Mandy interviewed Assistant Superintendent Gina Miller of our Maintenance & Operations division. Gina gives an overview of the work of M&O and some of the barriers they face to getting it done. 

Season 1, Episode 3: Projects in Birch Bay

Roland & Mandy discuss projects in and around the Birch Bay community, including Birch Bay Drive, Jackson Road Bridge, California Creek, and Cottonwood Drive. 

Season 1, Episode 2: Road construction detours in Whatcom County

In this episode, hosts Roland & Mandy discuss the various road detours experienced around Whatcom County this summer and preview what to expect over the next few years.