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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 makes licensing faster and easier for dog owners. With the Fourth of July approaching, a time when many pets go missing, we also highlight how licensing can help reunite dogs with their families.

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 cause a facility to fall short of health standards. Whether you’re a frequent hotel guest or just curious about what inspectors really look for, this episode offers a revealing look at the work that protects public health.

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 to protect your health and the environment. We also preview upcoming rural collection events in June, including stops in Redmond, La Pine, and Sisters.

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 moments.  Thanks for listening and here's to the next 50!

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 respond when the terrain is tough, time is short, and lives are on the line.

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 to protect themselves and the community. Tune in for an important public health update and what you need to know to stay safe.

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 to growing needs, and why collaboration and community partnerships are key to improving lives.

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 community.

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 interpret these invaluable pieces of history.