Inside Deschutes County

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.

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.

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 co...

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

  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.  

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.

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.

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 sustainab...

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.

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.

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!  

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.

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 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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.