Inside Deschutes County

Defensible Space and Wildfire Protection Feb 19, 2025

On this episode of the Inside Deschutes County podcast, we sit down with County Forester, Kevin Moriarty to talk about the Sweat Equity Bin Rental Program. Listen and learn about a program that can help create defensible space and protect your neighborhood this wildfire season.

Discussing the New RecoverMe Campaign Feb 04, 2025

In this episode, we’re talking about an important initiative aimed at helping young adults navigate mental health and substance use challenges. Our guests, Alivia Duncan and Dustin Fanning Painter from Deschutes County Behavioral Health, join us to discuss SAMHSA’s new RecoverMe campaign—an initiative designed to connect young adults with practical, affirming resources and a supportive recovery community.

Commissioner Phil Chang Jan 17, 2025

In this episode, we’re joined by Commissioner Phil Chang, recently sworn in for his second term. Commissioner Chang shares insights on critical topics like wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, addressing houselessness, and transportation challenges. Tune in to hear about the work being done to make Deschutes County a better place for everyone.

Preserving Deschutes County's Records Dec 27, 2024

In this episode we sit down with Jeff Sageser, Recording Supervisor at the Deschutes County Clerk’s Office, to explore the fascinating world of historical archives and document preservation. Jeff shares insights into the delicate process of maintaining decades-old records, the role of cursive handwriting in historical documentation, and the challenges of ensuring future generations can access and interpret these invaluable pieces of history.

Unwrapping the Do's and Don'ts of Holiday Recycling Dec 11, 2024

Jackie Wilson from Deschutes County Solid Waste shares some practical tips, common recycling mistakes, and how we can all make the holidays a little greener. Whether you’re wondering what to do with all that gift wrap or how to properly dispose of a Christmas tree, we’ve got you covered.

Holiday Food Safety Nov 22, 2024

On this episode, we sit down with Emily Horton from Deschutes County Public Health to talk all things food safety. From turkey thawing tips to avoiding cross-contamination, Emily shares practical advice to help keep your holiday meals safe and delicious.

Supporting Deschutes County's Veterans Nov 07, 2024

In this episode, we sit down with A.J. Middleton, a dedicated Veterans Services Officer with Deschutes County Veterans’ Services. A.J. shares his insights into the vital services and support programs available to veterans and their families in our community.

The Final Days before the General Election Oct 31, 2024

Join us as we dive into the final days before the Nov. 5 General Election! We’re chatting with County Clerk Steve Dennison to bring you the inside scoop on voter turnout, last-minute tips, tech insights, and what goes into delivering timely and accurate results.

A Discussion with the District Attorney Oct 21, 2024

In this episode, we sit down with District Attorney Steve Gunnels. We discuss the critical shortage of defense attorneys, the growing importance of deflection programs, and factors influencing the County's crime rates.

Wildfire Evacuation Coordination and Response Oct 07, 2024

As wildfire season starts to wind down, we explore this year's multifaceted evacuation coordination and response. Join us as we discuss the lessons learned and strategies used during a crisis with representatives from Deschutes County Emergency Management and 9-1-1.

Drop It, Swap It Sep 13, 2024

In this episode, we dive into Deschutes County Solid Waste Department’s exciting new initiative—the inaugural Drop It, Swap It event! Designed to reduce waste through community donation and thrifting, the event encourages people to donate unwanted items and swap them for something new-to-you. We sit down with Susan Baker and Jackie Wilson from Solid Waste to learn how this event fosters sustainability, builds community, and helps keep useful items out of the landfill.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Aug 30, 2024

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. In this episode, we chat with Caroline Suiter and Bethany Kuschel from the Deschutes County Prevention and Health Promotion Team in Health Services. They explain the events that are happening throughout the month of September and how suicide prevention awareness is having an impact throughout our region.

Comprehensive Care for Youth and Families Aug 20, 2024

In this episode, we dive into the Comprehensive Care for Youth and Families program within Deschutes County Behavioral Health. Join us as we sit down with Program Manager Shannon Brister to explore how Comprehensive Care is making a difference in the community by providing holistic and accessible mental health services for children, youth and families.

The Importance of Licensing your Dog Jul 25, 2024

Join us as we dive into the benefits of dog licensing with Kristina Boyer from Deschutes County and representatives from Brightside Animal Center in Redmond. Plus, we find out the most popular dog breeds and dog names in Deschutes County!

Environmental Health's Busy Summer Jul 10, 2024

Summer is a busy time of year for Deschutes County Environmental Health. From restaurants to swimming pools to drinking water, inspectors are working to keep you and your family safe. We talk to Environmental Health Supervisor Eric Mone about the work they do.

Budget Adopted for Fiscal Year 2025 Jun 27, 2024

In Episode 30, we talk County finances. With the budget for Fiscal Year 2025 officially adopted, we speak to Budget Manager Dan Emerson and get his input about how this important process came together.

WIC's 50th Anniversary May 31, 2024

WIC is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, a huge milestone for the public health program which helps women, infants and children with their nutritional needs. We talk to Supervisor Christine Pagano about the legacy of the program and where it goes from here.

Events Coming to Fair & Expo May 22, 2024

It's a busy time of year at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. We talk to Director Geoff Hinds about the events headed our way, how concert performers are chosen at the fair and discuss the economic impact of it all.

Big Happenings at Solid Waste May 06, 2024

A new transfer facility, new recycling diversion standards and another step toward a new landfill location. There's lots happening in the world of solid waste. We spend some time with Solid Waste Director Tim Brownell to explain it all.

Primary Election Preview Apr 22, 2024

The May 21, 2024 Primary Election is upon us. Your last day to register is April 30 and ballots are going out soon. County Clerk Steve Dennison walks us through all the nuances in this special Primary Election Preview.

Healthy Schools Program Apr 09, 2024

The end of the school year is right around the corner, so it's a great time to talk to Aimee Snyder, the supervisor of the Healthy Schools program. Hear about the innovative partnership with Bend-La Pine Schools, the inspiring success stories and where the program goes from here.

The Transportation System Plan Mar 20, 2024

On this episode, we talk to Road Department Director, Chris Doty and Senior Transportation Planner, Tarik Rawlings about the latest developments on the Transportation System Plan. Find out about the projects that will be worked on, where the money comes from and how they're prioritized.

Commissioner Patti Adair Mar 14, 2024

As we mark one year since the launch of the Inside Deschutes County podcast, we welcome County Commissioner Patti Adair. We discuss Measure 110, funding for the Stabilization Center, nitrate concerns in South County and much more.

DEQ Free Well Water Testing Mar 01, 2024

Episode 22 is now live! Oregon DEQ is offering free well water testing in southern Deschutes County as part of a groundwater quality study. Antony Vorobyov from DEQ stops by the studio to talk about why they're collecting the samples.

SkidCar Training Feb 26, 2024

Winter is not quite done with us yet. In this episode, we talk to Michael Johnston who leads the SkidCar Training program with Deschutes County. He talks about the class, the vehicle used and what the hardest thing is for people to learn when it comes to sliding on the roads.

School Exclusion Day Feb 12, 2024

Bonus episode! School Exclusion Day is Feb. 21. We chat with Deschutes County Health Officer, Dr. Richard Fawcett, and Immunization Coordinator, Sarah Van Meter, about what parents need to know.

County Counsel's Many Responsibilities Feb 09, 2024

David Doyle, in-house legal counsel for Deschutes County, discusses his various responsibilities. Plus, we talk about his experience with Johnnie Cochran, his love of the Pittsburgh Pirates and his many ties.

The Value of Veterans' Services Jan 31, 2024

Deschutes County serves approximately 7,000 veterans. From helping with benefits to coping with trauma, Veterans Services Officer, Keith Macnamara talks about the extreme need in Central Oregon.

The Latest on Rural ADUs Jan 04, 2024

As of Dec. 1, 2023, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can be permitted in certain zones in rural Deschutes County. But there are key steps that must be followed. We dive into the latest on the ADU process with Associate Planner Kyle Collins.

A Chat with Community Justice Dec 19, 2023

In this episode, we have an in-depth conversation with Community Justice Director Deevy Holcomb and Juvenile Detention Manager Rob Gilman about parole, probation, detention and successful outcomes.

Managing County Properties Dec 06, 2023

Property Management can sometimes find itself in the middle of some of the County's biggest stories. We discuss some of those and the department's other focus areas with Property Manager Kristie Bollinger.

RVs as Rental Dwellings Nov 21, 2023

In this episode, we speak with Senior Planner Tanya Saltzman about proposed new rules to let property owners rent out RVs.

How Snow Plowing is Prioritized Nov 02, 2023

Bonus episode! Road Department Director Chris Doty talks about annual road closings, how his team prioritizes which areas of the County to plow first and his beard!

A Conversation with the Assessor Oct 31, 2023

Deschutes County Assessor Scot Langton talks about this busy time of year for his office and why property taxes can be difficult to understand.

Checking in with the County Clerk Oct 20, 2023

With the Nov. 7 Special Election right around the corner, we check in with County Clerk Steve Dennison to discuss all things elections. He also reveals a contest for the kids and discusses his Halloween decoration strategy!

Answering Questions about Respiratory Season Oct 03, 2023

Dr. Richard Fawcett and Emily Horton from Public Health join the Inside Deschutes County podcast to answer important questions as we head into cold and flu season. They also discuss changes with the COVID vaccine and what people should do to stay healthy.

What It’s Like to Work at 9-1-1 Sep 21, 2023

Switching from task to task quickly, thinking outside the box to solve problems and serving our community all at the same time. It's a challenging job to answer calls for help but one that has its rewards. On this episode, we speak to Recruiting and Training Manager Megan Craig and Dispatcher Chad Hicks about life at Deschutes County 9-1-1.

Behind the Scenes with Facilities Sep 05, 2023

They like to stay behind the scenes, but their work is front and center across Deschutes County. We talk to Facilities Director Lee Randall about the big projects happening now and just how he and his teams keep everything running so smoothly.

Preparing for an Emergency Aug 22, 2023

Wildfires and smoke are having an impact on Central Oregon. This month, we talk to Emergency Services Coordinator, Ashley Volz and Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Carissa Heinige about how you can keep yourself and loved ones safe and informed.

Performing at the Fair Jul 31, 2023

There's so much that goes into the Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo, but in Episode 6, we talk to Rodeo Director Roxia Thornton and performer JD Platt about what goes into their respective shows and why they do what they do. It's a fun conversation as we head into the start of the Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo this week!

What’s New at the Fair Jul 14, 2023

With the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo just days away, we talk to Fair Director, Geoff Hinds and Commissioner Patti Adair about what to expect this year. Plus, they share their favorite memories of attending the fair.

Explaining County Audits Jun 14, 2023

The word "audit" has a certain reputation. However, in this episode we talk about the extreme value of audits and why they're not as scary as some people might think. We speak with County Internal Auditor David Givans and Performance Auditor Aaron Kay about how they use their skills to help employees and community members alike.

Landfill Siting Update May 24, 2023

This month we talk to Director of Solid Waste, Chad Centola and Incoming Director, Tim Brownell. They discuss the landfill siting process and some of the adventures on their jobs. You won't want to miss this very interesting conversation.

Preparing for Prescribed Burns Apr 18, 2023

Spring is upon us and that means prescribed burns are right around the corner. We talk to Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang, Forester Kevin Moriarty and Climate and Health Coordinator Sarah Worthington about the potential impacts.

Commissioner Tony DeBone Mar 13, 2023

On our inaugural Inside Deschutes County podcast, we welcome Deschutes County Commissioner Tony DeBone. We discuss courthouse expansion, the idea of a managed homeless camp in south Bend and much more.

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