Inside Deschutes County

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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 systems secure. From cyber threats to the growing influence of AI, Zach explains how technology is evolving and what it takes to protect the data that matters most.

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 to better understand about homelessness in Central Oregon.