PODCAST · government
Inside Deschutes County
by 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.
Episodes
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10 Things to Know: Nov. 3 General Election
Election Day is approaching! In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison shares 10 things to help voters prepare for the Nov. 3 General Election. From checking voter registration and understanding your ballot to returning it on time and tracking its status…
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Emergency Preparedness: Are You Ready?
Are you ready when an emergency happens? In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, we’re talking emergency preparedness with Ashley Volz from Deschutes County Emergency Management and Carrie Karl, Director of Emergency Management for the City of Bend. From wildfire season and evacuation to...
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Suicide Prevention in Our Community
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. On this episode of Inside Deschutes County, Caroline Suiter and Bethany Kuschel from the Deschutes County Suicide Prevention team discuss how to recognize when someone may be struggling, start a conversation and help prevent suicide. They also...
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Bonus: Understanding Wildfire Evacuation Decisions
In this bonus episode, Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert and Emergency Manager Ben Duda discuss how decisions are made during a wildfire emergency. They explain how agencies work together, what factors influence emergency response and evacuation decisions, and what residents should know when...
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Bonus: How Emergency Alerts Reach You
In this bonus episode of Inside Deschutes County, we take a closer look at how emergency alerts reach you during a wildfire or other emergency. Deschutes County Emergency Manager Ben Duda and Deschutes County 911’s Chris Perry join us to explain how information moves from first responders in the...
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Bonus: The Akawa Butte Fire Response
In this bonus wildfire update episode of Inside Deschutes County, Deschutes County Emergency Manager Ben Duda and Al De Vos with the Oregon Department of Forestry use the Akawa Butte Fire as a starting point for a discussion about wildfire response, preparedness and public safety in Central…
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10 Things to Know: 106th Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo
In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, Fair & Expo Director Jeff Curtis counts down the 10 things you need to know before the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo returns July 29 through Aug. 2. From new attractions and entertainment to longtime traditions, Jeff shares what visitors can expect and...
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Bonus: Fourth of July Fire Safety
In this special bonus episode of Inside Deschutes County, the first in a series of wildfire season updates, Deschutes County Emergency Manager Ben Duda is joined by Heather Miller with the Oregon State Fire Marshal to discuss current fire conditions, fireworks safety and what residents should…
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Bridging Behavioral Health and Community Justice
In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, Gary Costa and Jesse Kratz from Behavioral Health join Jeff Pickens from Community Justice to discuss their collaborative approach to supporting people on parole and probation. Learn how this partnership connects clients with behavioral health services,...
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Transportation Funding and the Future of County Roads
In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, we catch up with Road Department Director Chris Doty to talk about the ongoing transportation funding conversation happening across Oregon and what it could mean locally for roads, maintenance and future projects. We also discuss how this year’s mild...
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Inside the Terrebonne Community Plan
In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, Tanya Saltzman, Senior Planner with Deschutes County Community Development, joins us to talk about the Terrebonne Community Plan. She explains how the plan guides future growth in Terrebonne, what priorities have been identified through community input,...
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10 Things to Know: May 19 Primary Election
In this episode, Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison joins us to share 10 things voters should know ahead of the May 19 Primary Election. We talk about why this election is getting extra attention in Deschutes County, including the move from three to five county commissioners and how those…
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Welcoming the New Fair & Expo Director
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…
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Lessons From a Career in Solid Waste and Public Service
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…
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Emergency Management and Winter Readiness
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…
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Recycling Updates, Holiday Sorting, and a Quiz
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...
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A Conversation With Deschutes County’s New Health Services Director
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...
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Changes to County Outdoor Lighting Rules
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...
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Understanding the County Budget
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...
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Vaccines and Respiratory Health in Central Oregon
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,...
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The Courthouse Expansion Project
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...
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Sheriff Ty Rupert
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...
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Understanding District Mapping
In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, District Mapping Advisory Committee Facilitator Neil Bryant breaks down the committee’s upcoming work. Learn how the committee was formed, how district lines are reviewed, the criteria that guide the process, and how the public can get involved.
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AI, Cyber Threats and Protecting County Data
Protecting sensitive information like health records, legal documents, and property data is a critical part of local government. In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, we talk with Zach Neemann, the County’s Information Security Manager, about how Deschutes County works to keep digital…
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Homeless Outreach in Deschutes County
On this episode, Colleen Thomas from the Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) shares how her team connects people experiencing homelessness with mental health support and other critical resources. Colleen also shares what drives her, what challenges the team faces, and what she wants the public...
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New Online Dog Licensing Service
In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, we sit down with members of the Deschutes County Tax/Finance Department to talk about the County’s transition to DocuPet, a new online dog licensing service launching in July. We cover what’s changing, why the County made the switch, and how DocuPet…
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Inside Pool and Hotel Inspections
In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, we dive into the behind-the-scenes world of pool and hotel inspections with longtime Environmental Health Specialist John Mason. From checking chlorine levels to tracking down bed bugs, John shares what it takes to keep public pools safe and what might...
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Managing Household Hazardous Waste
In this episode, we’re joined by Greg Brady from Deschutes County Solid Waste to talk about household hazardous waste—what it is, why it matters, and how you can safely get rid of it. Greg shares how the County has expanded its free disposal options at Knott Landfill and what steps you can take…
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Looking Back at 50 Episodes
In this milestone episode of Inside Deschutes County, we celebrate 50 episodes of storytelling, service, and community connection. From Commissioner insights and wildfire mitigation to lost treasures and cartoon impressions, we revisit some of the most impactful conversations and memorable…
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Deschutes County Search and Rescue
In this episode, we sit down with Lt. Nathan Garibay to talk about the life-saving work of Deschutes County Search and Rescue. From avalanches, to ski rescues to recent flooding near Burns, Lt. Garibay shares how teams train, deploy, and stay ready for anything. Hear firsthand what it takes to...
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Measles Awareness and Prevention
In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, we talk with Deschutes County Health Officer Dr. Richard Fawcett and Public Health Director Heather Kaisner about the recent concerns surrounding measles. They break down how measles spreads, why it’s making a comeback, and what steps residents can take...
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IDD's Impact Across Central Oregon
In this episode, we talk with Paul Partridge, Program Manager for Deschutes County’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) program. Paul shares how the program supports more than 1,000 individuals across the region. We explore the challenges families face, how the program is adapting…
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Sheriff Kent van der Kamp and Deputy Jason Billings
In this episode of Inside Deschutes County, we sit down with Sheriff Kent van der Kamp and Deputy Jason Billings to discuss the transition to new leadership, budgeting for public safety, and the future of law enforcement in Deschutes County.
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Defensible Space and Wildfire Protection
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.
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Discussing the New RecoverMe Campaign
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...
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Commissioner Phil Chang
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…
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Preserving Deschutes County's Records
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...
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Unwrapping the Do's and Don'ts of Holiday Recycling
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.
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Holiday Food Safety
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.
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Supporting Deschutes County's Veterans
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.
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The Final Days before the General Election
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.
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A Discussion with the District Attorney
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.
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Wildfire Evacuation Coordination and Response
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.
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Drop It, Swap It
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...
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Suicide Prevention Awareness
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...
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Comprehensive Care for Youth and Families
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...
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The Importance of Licensing your Dog
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!
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Environmental Health's Busy Summer
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.
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Budget Adopted for Fiscal Year 2025
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.
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WIC's 50th Anniversary
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.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
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Deschutes County
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Inside Deschutes County have?
Inside Deschutes County currently has 78 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Inside Deschutes County about?
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...
How often does Inside Deschutes County release new episodes?
Inside Deschutes County has 78 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Inside Deschutes County?
You can listen to Inside Deschutes County on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Inside Deschutes County?
Inside Deschutes County is created and hosted by Deschutes County.
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