Thank you for subscribing to the Inside Deschutes County E-Newsletter! Here's what's making news across the County:

County Circuit Courthouse expansion groundbreaking

County Commissioners at the May 13 groundbreaking for the Courthouse Expansion Project

On Monday, May 13, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners held a ground breaking ceremony for the County's Circuit Courthouse Expansion Project.

After petitioning the Oregon State Legislature, the County was awarded two additional judges in 2021. However, the Courthouse did not have dedicated courtroom spaces for the additional judges, so the County formed a project team to expand and make improvements to the courthouse.

The expansion project will double the size of the existing courthouse by adding an extra 50,000 square feet. It will include two sets of courtrooms with jury deliberation rooms and judges' chambers, public service counters, administrative offices, and a sally port for the secure transfer of individuals who are in custody.

The estimated cost of the project is just over $44 million. The State Legislature contributed $15 million toward the cost of the building expansion, and another $1.5 million to remodel the existing facility. 

When the project is complete in late 2025, the courthouse will be fully functional for the growing county community, ensuring that justice is administered in a timely manner. 

County opens new facility for solid waste at the Negus Transfer Station

County Commissioners at the May 17 ribbon cutting event for the new solid waste facility

The County recently hosted a ribbon cutting event to celebrate the completion of a new Solid Waste facility at the Negus Transfer Station, which is located at 2400 NE Maple Ave. in Redmond.

The County invested $20 million to build the 35,000 square foot facility, which will open to the public at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 20. It will provide a safer, more convenient way for customers to deposit their trash and allow County Solid Waste to transfer trash to the Knott Landfill more efficiently. [Read more]

Deschutes County Public Health is reporting an uptick in whooping cough cases this year and is recommending the people get vaccinated.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory disease that is transmitted from person to person through droplets from a cough or sneeze. Newborn babies, who are too young to be vaccinated, are at highest risk for severe illness. 

“Getting vaccinated does not only protect you, it also protects your loved ones and close contacts, some of whom are more susceptible to complications from pertussis” said Dr. Rita Bacho, Program Manager for Communicable Disease Prevention and Management. [Read more]

Over the past two years, Deschutes County has received and allocated more than $38 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in support of key community projects. Our new video series highlights some of the County’s key investments and their impact in our local communities.

The Board of Commissioners awarded more than $10 million in ARPA funds to support houseless insecurity projects across Deschutes County. Our new video highlights the impact of the County’s allocation to Mountain View Fellowship’s Safe Parking Program.

Earlier this month, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) held a public hearing where residents provided their input on allowing recreational vehicles (RVs) to be used as rental dwellings.

Following the adoption of Oregon Senate Bill (SB) 1013, which became law in January 2024, the BOCC is considering whether to amend Deschutes County zoning code and permit property owners in rural residential areas to rent out a location for an RV on their property subject to certain conditions. 

While the hearing is now closed, the public can still submit written comments until 4 p.m. on May 29, 2024. [Read more]

This May and June, the Deschutes County Department of Solid Waste will be hosting three household hazardous waste collection events for the communities of Redmond, Sisters and La Pine. These special, one-day events will give residents the opportunity to drop off their household hazardous waste items FREE of charge.

“Common household waste like paint, garden fertilizers and batteries can harm the environment and pose health risks if not disposed of properly,” said Tim Brownell, Deschutes County’s Director of Solid Waste.

“Since our rural transfer stations aren’t currently equipped to accept household hazardous waste, we’re offering these free events so residents can safely dispose the items and help prevent them from ending up in the landfill.”

[Collection event locations, dates and hours of operation]

Remembering former Deschutes County Clerk Susie Penhollow

Photos courtesy Deschutes Historical Society

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our former County Clerk Susie Penhollow.

Mary Sue Chopp Penhollow, or Susie, was a native Bendite who first began working for Deschutes County as the deputy clerk. After 10 years in that position, she was elected County Clerk and served the community in that role for 20 years, from 1982 until 2002.

As part of her legacy, Susie will be remembered for working to improve the election process in Central Oregon, advocating for mail-in ballots and encouraging the public to become better informed voters. She will also be remembered for being a pioneer in record keeping, as she brought Deschutes County into the 21^st century by introducing the public to online real property records.

The entire Deschutes County family sends our most sincere condolences to the Penhollow family. Susie will be dearly missed.

Every year, May 6 through May 12 is designated as National Nurses Week.

Deschutes County is lucky to have an amazing group of nurses and we want to recognize the do invaluable work they do for us. The work includes reproductive health, immunizations, support for new moms and babies, communicable disease investigation, behavioral health, and so much more.

Deschutes County Health Services nurses play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of our community.

This year, the Deschutes County WIC program is celebrating its 50th Anniversary!

In celebration of this milestone, WIC is holding a health fair on June 6 from 2-4 p.m. at the Health Services Building located at 2577 NE Courtney Drive in Bend.



There will be food, games and prizes! We will also be distributing our Farmers Market coupons at this event.

We invite you to come celebrate with us!

Episodes 27 and 28 of the Inside Deschutes County podcast are live!

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.

And, 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 and discuss the economic impact of it all.



You can listen at deschutes.org/podcast or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

The 2nd annual Battle of the Bats is approaching. Come watch local law enforcement take to the diamond to determine softball superiority.



We hope you to see you June 9 at Skyline Sports Complex in Bend for this family friendly event. There will be food, games and even emergency vehicles to check out.

Admission is free!

We're hiring!

We know where you choose to live, work and play matters. Deschutes County is one of the largest employers in Central Oregon and the largest municipal government in the region. Our dedicated and passionate workforce of more than 1,200 employees provide County services in a number of departments, divisions, and offices. 

Located in the heart of Central Oregon, between the towering Cascade Mountain Range to the west and the high desert plateau to the east, Deschutes County is the outdoor recreation capital of Oregon. We enjoy a renowned quality of life, with big-city opportunities and small-town neighborhoods.

We hope you’ll consider joining our talented team!

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