Inside Deschutes County

Deschutes County

Deschutes County is in the heart of Central Oregon, located between the towering Cascade Mountains to the west and the high desert plateau to the east. The county encompasses 3,055 square miles of scenic beauty, mild climate, diverse recreational opportunities and a growing economy. Join us as we discuss the exciting progress and growth of our area. read less

GovernmentGovernment

Start Here

Events Coming to Fair & Expo

Events Coming to Fair & Expo

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.

Episodes

Events Coming to Fair & Expo

Events Coming to Fair & Expo

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

Big Happenings at Solid Waste

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

Primary Election Preview

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

Healthy Schools Program

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

The Transportation System Plan

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

Commissioner Patti Adair

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

DEQ Free Well Water Testing

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

SkidCar Training

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

School Exclusion Day

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

County Counsel's Many Responsibilities

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

The Value of Veterans' Services

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

The Latest on Rural ADUs

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

A Chat with Community Justice

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

Managing County Properties

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

RVs as Rental Dwellings

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

How Snow Plowing is Prioritized

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

A Conversation with the Assessor

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

Checking in with the County Clerk

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

Answering Questions about Respiratory Season

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

What It’s Like to Work at 9-1-1

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.