County Talk

Season 3 kicks off with a special County Talk episode featuring Montrose County Commissioners Sue Hansen, Kirstin Copeland, and Sean Pond. The commissioners share what it’s really like to serve on the Board, including Kirstin’s perspective as the newest commissioner, Sue’s reflections after eight years of service, and Sean’s experience balancing county leadership while running for U.S. Senate. The conversation also breaks down how county government works, why open meetings laws matter, what major capital projects are underway across the county, and how residents can stay informed and get involved in 2026 and beyond.

New Episode of County Talk with Commissioner Sue Hansen! Step into the excitement of fair week as Commissioner Hansen takes you on a walk through the early buzz of the fairgrounds. From behind-the-scenes chats with fair organizers to a heartwarming moment with a young participant submitting entries in the open show, this episode captures the spirit of community and tradition. Don’t miss a quick look at the action-packed horse show! 

Join Commissioner Sue Hansen and get an exclusive behind‑the‑scenes tour of The Business Cultivator in Olathe, CO—guided by Cultivator Manager Adriana Chavira! Explore how their startup-to-scaleup program gives entrepreneurs access to capital, workshops, coworking spaces, and a commissary kitchen. Learn how this regional hub is transforming business dreams into thriving ventures. Whether you’re curious about entrepreneurship or community impact, this episode is packed with inspiration!Tune in now to see how innovation is cultivated, one idea at a time. 

In this episode of the County Talk Podcast, Commissioner Sue Hansen sits down with Mike Hindson, the County’s Road and Bridge Project Manager, to talk all things infrastructure! From current construction updates to long-term planning, Mike gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how our county keeps roads safe, bridges secure, and projects moving forward.Topics covered:Ongoing road construction projects How bridge repairs are prioritized Funding and budgeting challenges What residents can expect in the coming monthsHow the department responds to emergencies and severe weatherWhether you're a concerned resident, or just curious about how your county works, this episode has something for you!00:00 - Intro - Road and Bridge02:02 - Mike’s Background04:35 - Road and Bridge Projects10:30 - What’s Changed13:30 - Community Impact19:19 - Final Thoughts

In this episode of County Talk, Commissioner Sue Hansen sits down with Lisseth Bergstrom, the dynamic Works Program Supervisor in Montrose County’s Human Services Department. From helping families get back on their feet through the Colorado Works Program to spinning tunes as a local DJ, Lisseth brings heart and hustle to everything she does.Tune in as we explore:What the Colorado Works Program really does for our communityWho it serves and how it helps people move forwardA behind-the-scenes look at Lisseth’s day-to-day role and why she loves working with peopleAn inspiring story from the frontlines of human servicesAnd yes—how this dedicated public servant transforms into a DJ after hours!Have questions or feedback? Drop us a line at [email protected]:00 Intro - Lisseth Bergstrom’s background01:35 - What is the works program and who do they help08:25 - What is the childcare program and how to apply?11:09 - Success stories14:10 - DJ Life16:57 - Final thoughts

Join Sue Hansen on County Talk as she chats with Carlos Funes, the Montrose County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Officer about laws in Montrose, a day in his life, community impact, and what he'd like Montrose County residents to know.

Check out the latest County Talk episode with Commissioner Sue Hansen and Safety and Risk Coordinator Oscar Castaneda! In this episode, we’re diving into Montrose County’s internal safety training programs for employees, including CPR and first aid. Tune in to learn how these programs are helping keep our team safe and prepared!

Join Commissioner Sue Hansen and Montrose County Treasurer Rosemary Murphy for County Talk's first episode of Season 2. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the complexities and rewards of being a county treasurer, and learn about the crucial role the Treasurer plays in managing the county's finances.

In this special episode, Commissioner Hansen sits down with outgoing commissioners Keith Caddy and Roger Rash to reflect on their years of service, the challenges they’ve faced, and the lessons they've learned along the way. From policy decisions to personal growth, these leaders share their experiences navigating complex issues as they helped to shape the future of Montrose County.As these two remarkable commissioners close this chapter of their careers, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for their dedication, service, and unwavering commitment to their communities. Their leadership has made a lasting impact, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors. A special thank you also goes out to Commissioner Hansen who will continue the important work ahead.

In Episode 25, Commissioner Sue Hansen talks with Montrose County Assessor Brad Hughes about everything from what a county assessor does to simple assessment formulas, and also about the recent opening of the Courthouse Time Capsule. 

Who is Darth Grader? Watch episode 24 of County Talk with Commissioner Sue Hansen and Road and Bridge Superintendent Brandon Wallace. Find out who Darth Grader is and learn more about the new plow technology and winter operations.

You won't want to miss this fascinating conversation between Commissioner Sue Hansen and Steve Pope with the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association, who has been involved in water on the Western Slope for over 30 years. Steve will also be one of the presenters at the West Slope Water Summit on Thursday, November 14, 2024. You can watch the Water Summit online at www.westslopewatersummit.com.

Join Commissioner Sue Hansen and Natural Resources Director Justin Musser for Episode 22 of County Talk. Learn about Justin's job, noxious weeds, public lands, grazing, energy and mining. 

In episode 21 of County Talk: Boring But Important, Commissioner Sue Hansen speaks with County Manager Frank Rodriguez during his first week on the job. Learn more about Frank's background, his family, how work relationships turn into your legacy, and Frank's tenets at Montrose County.

In episode 20 of County Talk: Boring But Important, Commissioner Sue Hansen speaks with Gina Simpson, Environmental Health Specialist at Montrose County Public Health. Gina talks about the importance of education and how it's really not about enforcement.  Tune in to learn more about Gina's fascinating background, food trucks, and how Montrose County restaurant inspections are scored. 

Join Sue Hansen for the nineteenth episode of County Talk: Boring But Important for a conversation with Scott Hawkins, Emergency Manager for Montrose County. Sue and Scott talk about what an emergency manager does, what led him to become an emergency manager, training exercises, the annual flu clinic, emergency alerts, and more!

Join Commissioner Sue Hansen and Montrose County Child Support Services Program Manager Chris Sorensen. Learn more about what Child Support services are offered at Montrose County, the Montrose County team, parent coaching, the focus on every child's well being, and common misconceptions.

Join Commissioner Sue Hansen and Montrose County WIC Supervisor Laura Lenihan, RN. Learn about the Women, Infant, Children program at Montrose County and the services it provides in our community. 

Join Commissioner Sue Hansen and Montrose County Coroner Rick Fellabaum to learn more about Rick, what the Coroner's office actually does, and Rick's involvement with Project Lead the Way Biomedical track at Montrose High School.

Join Commissioner Sue Hansen and Senator Cleave Simpson at the 2024 Colorado Energy Summit in Montrose, CO.

Join Commissioner Sue Hansen and Kara Choquette at the 2024 Colorado Energy Summit in Montrose, CO.

Join Commissioner Sue Hansen and Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer at the 2024 Colorado Energy Summit in Montrose, CO.

Join Commissioner Sue Hansen and Paul Szilagyi at the 2024 Colorado Energy Summit in Montrose, CO.

Join Commissioner Sue Hansen and Representative Cathy Kipp at the 2024 Colorado Energy Summit in Montrose, CO.

In Episode 13, Commissioner Sue Hansen talks to Montrose County Event Center Director Matt Smith about everything ranging from the importance of dirt prep, the fair and events. Find out what the Event Center has in store in the future.

In Episode 12, Commissioner Sue Hansen talks to Commissioner Roger Rash as well Veteran Services Officers Phillip Rich and Sheldon Smith about what a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) does and how they help our regional communities and their veterans.

In episode 11, Commissioner Sue Hansen talks to Montrose County Planning & Development Director Tallmadge Richmond about the Planning Department, what it is, zoning regulations, the new Montrose County Master Plan, and the importance of planning.

 Join Sue Hansen for the 10th episode of County Talk: Boring But Important with guests Aimee Tooker and Sean Pond of the Halt the Dolores campaign. Sue, Aimee, and Sean explore the background of the proposed Dolores Canyons National Monument, explain how this would impact the West End,  and dive into the history of the Uranium Belt.  tory of the Uranium Belt.  

Join Sue Hansen for a ninth episode of County Talk: Boring But Important where she talks with Stephanie Holsinger, Program Manager for Child Welfare and Adult Protective Services, and Rebekah Lansdown, Executive Director of Kin Connect Child Placement Agency. Sue, Stephanie and Rebekah discuss the role of child welfare and Kin Connect in our community, Child Abuse Prevention Month, and at the end they bust five common child abuse myths.

Join County Commissioner Sue Hansen on the podcast County Talk: Boring But Important episode 8 with Montrose County Clerk & Recorder Tressa Guynes. In this episode, you'll learn more about Vehicle Registration, the new office at 317 South 2nd Street, the plate and records room, elections, and even a little bit about glue!

Sue Hansen welcomes Chad Dunlap with the Montrose County Fair & Rodeo Board of Directors to County Talk to talk about the fair, ag in Montrose, growing up in 4-H, and the importance of the fair in our community. 00:00 - Intro01:15 - County Boards (what they do)01:44 - Fair Board02:30 - Do you need an Ag Background?03:00 - What the Fair Board Does03:45 - Planning all year for one event04:30 - Chad’s Background06:00 - Chad’s 4H beginnings07:20 - 4H kids work hard08:25 - Who’s a good fit for the board?09:20 - Two Vacancies (what they do)10:20 - The Open Show*13:30 - Goal is for the fair to be diverse16:00 - The importance of Volunteers17:30 - How we can volunteer18:15 - The importance of the fair19:40 - Other County Board Openings20:50 - Conclusion

Sheep in the classroom?! What's the difference between soil and dirt? Learn more about Ag Day with Katie Alexander, CSU Extension, Lisa Franks, Pomona Elementary Teacher, and Commissioner Sue Hansen.  In a world filled with flashy headlines and sensational stories, County Talk - Boring But Important cuts through the noise to focus on the issues that truly matter to our community. We believe that the nitty-gritty of county affairs may not always be the most exciting, but they are undeniably important for our everyday lives. This podcast aims to shed light on the behind-the-scenes workings of our county, the decisions that shape our future, and the people who make it all happen.

Join Montrose County Commissioners Sue Hansen and Keith Caddy as they honor National Agriculture Week. Learn about the county's Future Farmer Scholarship, unwavering support for ag and our producers, and how ag values fuel the heart of our community. In a world filled with flashy headlines and sensational stories, County Talk - Boring But Important cuts through the noise to focus on the issues that truly matter to our community. We believe that the nitty-gritty of county affairs may not always be the most exciting, but they are undeniably important for our everyday lives. This podcast aims to shed light on the behind-the-scenes workings of our county, the decisions that shape our future, and the people who make it all happen.

Join County Commissioner Sue Hansen, Montrose Regional Airport Contract Specialist Vendla Stockdale, Telluride Guest Services Supervisor Jamie Mawhorter, and Montrose Regional Airport Ambassador Nala and learn more about Nala's very important role at the airport.In a world filled with flashy headlines and sensational stories, County Talk - Boring But Important cuts through the noise to focus on the issues that truly matter to our community. We believe that the nitty-gritty of county affairs may not always be the most exciting, but they are undeniably important for our everyday lives. This podcast aims to shed light on the behind-the-scenes workings of our county, the decisions that shape our future, and the people who make it all happen.

Join Commissioner Sue Hansen for the first episode of County Talk: Boring but Important, a new podcast exploring the issues and challenges facing our community. In this episode, Commissioner Hansen is joined by Assistant County Manager Emily Sanchez to discuss the historic courthouse renovation project.Join Sue and Emily as they give an overview of the project, talk about why the tree out front was removed, learn about the history of the courthouse, and more.This is a informative and engaging conversation that will give you a better understanding of the historic courthouse renovation project. Whether you live in the county or just have an interest in local government, County Talk is a podcast you won't want to miss.