In a recent government meeting, Deschutes County officials approved a significant grant aimed at modernizing reproductive health services, with the Oregon Health Authority providing the funding. The motion to accept the grant and authorize the county administrator to sign the intergovernmental agreement was unanimously supported by the commissioners.

The meeting also highlighted the success of the Deschutes County Fair, which took place in early August. Commissioners expressed gratitude for favorable weather conditions that allowed the event to proceed without the extreme heat or smoke that often plagues summer activities. The fair saw record attendance at the county employee family breakfast, fostering community engagement and showcasing local youth through 4-H programs. The commissioners acknowledged the contributions of fair board member Mike Schiele, who recently passed away, and celebrated Alton Gregory as the grand marshal of the event.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the Sisters Folk Festival, with plans to refresh the display of festival posters in the county administration hallway. The commissioners discussed the potential to return older posters to the festival organizers as a gesture of goodwill.

Lastly, the board addressed ongoing concerns regarding wildfire hazards, with plans to draft a letter responding to a recent state wildfire hazard map. Jen Patterson will prepare an initial draft for the commissioners' review in the coming week.

The meeting underscored the county's commitment to community health, engagement, and safety, while also preserving local history and culture.