Inside Deschutes County

Latest Episodes:

Welcoming the New Fair & Expo Director Feb 23, 2026

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In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, new Fair & Expo Director Jeff Curtis joins the podcast for a conversation recorded shortly after his arrival in Central Oregon. He shares his background in event and venue management and what drew him to Deschutes County. Jeff also talks about his vision for the future of Fair & Expo, including opportunities to grow events, strengthen partnerships and build on the facility’s role as a year-round community asset.

Lessons From a Career in Solid Waste and Public Service Jan 30, 2026

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In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, Solid Waste Director Tim Brownell reflects on his career in public service and the evolution of Deschutes County’s solid waste system as he prepares for retirement. The conversation covers how the system works day to day, key milestones during his tenure, and the challenges of managing waste for a growing community. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of how local waste management affects daily life and the long-term planning needed to keep the system running effectively.

Emergency Management and Winter Readiness Jan 13, 2026

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In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, Ben Duda, Emergency Manager with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, explains how the County prepares for winter storms, wildfires and other large-scale incidents. Even when winter is slow to begin, planning and coordination continue behind the scenes to keep the community ready. The discussion also covers how alerts and warnings are issued and practical steps community members can take to stay informed and prepared.

Recycling Updates, Holiday Sorting, and a Quiz Dec 15, 2025

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In this episode, Jackie Wilson from Deschutes County Solid Waste shares updates on the County’s expanding recycling options and the broader recycling modernization effort underway. The conversation also looks at why this is such a busy time for Solid Waste, with more waste and recycling generated during the holidays, and wraps up with a fun Recycle or Trash quiz to help clear up some common recycling questions.

A Conversation With Deschutes County’s New Health Services Director Nov 19, 2025

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In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, we talk with the County’s new Health Services Director, Holly Harris. She shares what drew her to the role, her background in behavioral health, and how those experiences shape her approach to leading one of the County’s largest and most complex departments. She also offers her perspective on the work ahead and her vision for how Health Services can best support the community.

Changes to County Outdoor Lighting Rules Nov 07, 2025

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How dark should the night sky be in Deschutes County? In this episode, we talk with Tanya Saltzman from the Community Development Department about new lighting standards that take effect Dec. 23. Then, Chris Hill and Bill Kowalik from Dark Sky Oregon join the conversation to share why protecting our night skies matters for wildlife, human health, and our view of the stars.

Understanding the County Budget Oct 27, 2025

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In this episode, we take a closer look at how the County budget comes together. With property tax statements recently going out, it’s a good time to ask how Deschutes County decides where those dollars go. Commissioner Tony DeBone, Chief Financial Officer Robert Tintle, and Budget and Financial Planning Manager Cam Sparks break down how the County budget works, what drives it, and why transparency matters.

Vaccines and Respiratory Health in Central Oregon Sep 29, 2025

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In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, we sit down with Dr. Richard Fawcett, Deschutes County Health Officer, and Sarah Van Meter, Immunization Program Coordinator, to talk about vaccines and the upcoming respiratory season. They share what community members should know about flu, COVID-19, and RSV, along with updates on vaccine access in Central Oregon.

The Courthouse Expansion Project Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we take a closer look at the Deschutes County Courthouse expansion. Facilities Director Lee Randall and Capital Improvement Manager Eric Nielsen walk us through the next big milestones and what’s ahead for construction. Presiding Judge Wells Ashby also shares what the expansion means for those who work in the courthouse, reminding us it’s not just about bricks and steel but about creating a space that supports fairness, access, and the people at the heart of our justice system.

Sheriff Ty Rupert Aug 26, 2025

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In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, Interim Sheriff Ty Rupert shares his vision for the Sheriff’s Office and what lies ahead under his leadership. He also reflects on the path that brought him to this moment, offering a look back at his career in law enforcement and how those experiences shaped his approach as Sheriff.

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