[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6428838,"mediaKeyId","5882556-3a73784c01ec71e7e522ecb91b14c16e","parentId",5882556,"title","Harney County deflection program expands outreach; DA reports early successes","audioSeconds",1018,"startMs",5155220,"endMs",6174160,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5882556-3a73784c01ec71e7e522ecb91b14c16e&start=5155&end=6174","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5882556-3a73784c01ec71e7e522ecb91b14c16e/thumbnail_5155220.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6428838/Harney-County/Oregon/Harney-County-deflection-program-expands-outreach-DA-reports-early-successes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428838-2986ba54d1b17de9d795ab380a1d61c2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190873&Signature=LGVL8qsLvm5uOAufcPVNA3RXhmGG-UblMUp~9ShEYQw4VpzDy7DqS0UgVg~Vo303XogU6tq9pnBDssoN0BfXZEDJGCFp4dM3i1WjlUyjssygbeIee4IHlRkqFBJzIAUBaj3JSWIWWcfAIvt2Evn~5CfZYknSe8SivCxSNEn9HxY33QdxejaEfHQ2xCVv2~GVY2aLfU7-tnVet-rcd45n94eZFXUiJ182b8XRWceH-9GWWc9kUiK9C9krenQJF1EaZXglL6qY1J0evGFulEu3Gt~x0L5LS4Su07NXYA0PpVhW3pUI3y6gAhS8tAORGaI6CfeVSMI0kkAj~dHpuzlS0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Harney County","date","2025-10-03T16:05:58Z","article","District Attorney Ryan Hughes briefed the County Court on Oct. 1 about Harney County’s state-funded deflection program, which places a law-enforcement coordinator in the DA’s office to link people with treatment and services as an alternative to prosecution.

Hughes said the program was created after state-level changes to drug law and subsequent legislative funding for “deflection” programs. The DA’s office applied for a grant and initially received $150,000; the county has since received a second-year award of $150,000. Hughes said the program funds coordinator wages and program administration; treatment and clinical services are paid through a mix of OHP (Oregon Health Plan) billing and program funds when needed.

Hughes said the county’s deflection coordinator, Officer Mike Mitchell, is based in the DA’s office one day a week and coordinates with Symmetry Care (treatment provider) and other local service providers. “He has meetings every week with Symmetry Care,” Hughes said. The coordinator also attends the county’s multidisciplinary team meetings and performs outreach with patrol officers and community partners.

Hughes reported that 11 people have enrolled in the program: four are currently active, two have graduated, four dropped out of outreach pathways, and one has charges pending. He described at least one case where an individual who had generated multiple weekly police contacts engaged with the program and had no police contacts during a recent multi-month period.

Hughes said Harney County’s small, rural structure has advantages: the coordinator can meet providers quickly and arrange immediate referrals. He said a central challenge remains stable housing and clean living spaces for participants and that program success will depend on ongoing coordination with service providers. He added that quarterly reporting to the state is required and that program officials from other counties have contacted Harney County to learn about the model.

Ending: The court asked the DA to provide program reports and budget details through the county’s budgeting process; Hughes said he will provide the required quarterly state reports and can supply county-level summaries for the court.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","County Court Regular Session 10/01/2025","oneSentenceSummary","District Attorney Ryan Hughes described a state-funded deflection program that pairs a county-based coordinator with treatment providers; he reported 11 enrollments, four active participants and two program graduates and said local rural scale makes Harney County’s model responsive.","taxTitle","Harney County, Oregon","taxId",73536,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6428841,"Harney Basin collaborative finishes integrated water plan and wins state recognition",1953,2167500,4121200,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5882556-3a73784c01ec71e7e522ecb91b14c16e&start=2167&end=4121","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5882556-3a73784c01ec71e7e522ecb91b14c16e/thumbnail_2167500.jpg","/articles/6428841/Harney-County/Oregon/Harney-Basin-collaborative-finishes-integrated-water-plan-and-wins-state-recognition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428841-3e400adc0a4b3089a4e8c210460239e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190873&Signature=HZsc2mPkevfApKYwurKSmGnK-eMvLQD~aUhXeHLbGXAMgH2oBNPCgJLWJnpHmifuAEyfrnL-2pTu835PHcxgnIUViCqjYhvQ9dJigzz~BU6nsl-4ntUIBGMFiwSxaYOA1dVyvS6IJo~0m3r4sfUMHZKqbGsrnOuADpLFAYwL0Zy3gCpudov8rtzDUP4iXwQNHh64drAsVOZ3vBzXUOYSWUDypiMSn1H-W4ZJS11SHArDwK6F1ORQcPToj4PHLaqpYQCs3nLqvDETXQq1-q9CF~DGjuFqhsyXOAzidHC51cC8yTM2XKSxcsW-Kk1JaG~sVd1MGr5yjOZTeMYuZwRCBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Holly (last name on file), facilitator for the Harney Community Based Water Planning Collaborative, told the County Court on Oct. 1 that the collaborative has completed an integrated plan addressing groundwater overdraft, surface-water allocation and ecological resilience and has received state recognition.

The plan follows a nine-year, phased process that addressed groundwater first and then surface water. Holly said the collaborative identified about 31 groundwater strategies and 18 surface-water strategies across categories that include voluntary pumping reductions, irrigation efficiency, domestic well assistance, riparian restoration, infrastructure modernization and expanded monitoring. “We are through with our planning phase,” she said.

Why it matters: The plan documents basin-scale strategies to address an estimated groundwater overdraft of about 110,000 acre-feet per year and seeks to balance agricultural, municipal, tribal and ecological needs. State recognition from the Oregon Water Resources Department and an interagency review team signals that the plan conforms to place-based planning guidance and positions the basin to compete for state and federal funding.

Holly said near-term actions (1–3 years) include the Harney Domestic Well Fund, CREP enrollments and pilot irrigation-efficiency projects, all already underway. Midterm work (4–10 years) emphasizes larger restoration and infrastructure updates such as riparian and upland vegetation projects, fish-passage improvements and modernization of diversions. Long-term ideas include exploring managed aquifer recharge and broader conservation scaling beyond a 10-year horizon.

The collaborative recommends that the Harney Watershed Council lead implementation, supported by the High Desert Partnership and a mix of state, federal and philanthropic funding sources (OWRD, NRCS, EPA, ARPA, philanthropic partners). Holly described an oversight structure based on balanced representation for agriculture, tribes, conservation groups, municipalities, agencies and residents.

Court members asked about the plan’s relationship to the Division 512 rules and whether groundwater work had been available to state regulators during rulemaking. Holly said the groundwater phase was completed and shared in time with the Division 512 rules advisory process and she presented the groundwater plan to state bodies and the Rules Advisory Committee during that period.

Ending: Holly and Karen Noon, Watershed Council coordinator, said implementation is beginning and requested continued county support. The court acknowledged the lengthy collaborative process and expressed interest in county coordination on near-term projects and funding opportunities.","The Harney Community Based Water Planning Collaborative presented an integrated groundwater and surface-water plan to the County Court, saying the nine-year process produced 50 strategies and state recognition from the Oregon Water Resources Department and interagency review team.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6428843,"Harney County Chamber outlines tourism, business outreach after lodging tax cut",1795,225760,2021740,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5882556-3a73784c01ec71e7e522ecb91b14c16e&start=225&end=2021","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5882556-3a73784c01ec71e7e522ecb91b14c16e/thumbnail_225760.jpg","/articles/6428843/Harney-County/Oregon/Harney-County-Chamber-outlines-tourism-business-outreach-after-lodging-tax-cut","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428843-6104a78560401702e4fe61b89cf075df/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190873&Signature=Dh4fbRQSL8Z-JqCVJ~EGd1~LIlPOlwS5bgeczHcMXdqwujDpEMxncYOZm4prPy5mt3k0mzf5lEToVRSiooVIv6BdX4PY4NwpQoKqRwcVvE1-fcLZI-8xnVY1KyBGamSJtUgIv9P88poMyEwQV7MvQgERL3MVCS2TEsvHYXJ8TWGt7nlSvL7PvVxL9-AKmx3JtD-XWkWI2stHY-rsSJX9Kfvfdreut562B1JmmJaxTe4j7ZMo486ThO2lkcw5CrdSP1wOJ7qNAVmAMGTykrZL688sW5h7AZPRyqgjm8b5tkIekryesfe2fOMcL96Fs25sTQsZELDuJ2OqDYnOd8uo1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jessica Hedges, executive director of the Harney County Chamber of Commerce, told the County Court on Oct. 1 that she will continue quarterly updates to the court and focus the chamber’s work on tourism promotion, business outreach and visitor services.

Hedges said the chamber’s budget took a roughly $15,000 hit this year after the city of Hines retained transient lodging tax (TLT) revenue that previously went to the chamber. “We took a huge hit this year,” Hedges said, adding that roughly 24 percent of the chamber’s operating budget came from TLT funds that are now redirected. The chamber still receives TLT from the cities of Burns and Hines but said overall grant funding is limited because the chamber is a 501(c)(6) entity and not eligible for many c3 grants.

Why it matters: The chamber runs the county’s visitor center, administers destination marketing and supports local businesses. Hedges said bringing outside lodging dollars into Harney County helps local businesses remain viable, and the chamber is pursuing paid advertising, content creation for an “Adventure Harney” brand and signature events to increase visitor nights.

In the presentation Hedges described three core chamber roles: membership services for local businesses; destination management and advertising tied to TLT-funded activities; and operating the visitor center. She listed ongoing work including the Skull 120 gravel bike event, the Harney County Christmas Jamboree, a chamber auction fundraiser, paid online advertising campaigns and a small grant to create outdoor recreation content.

Hedges said the chamber is working with the Bureau of Land Management on a NEPA environmental assessment for trails near Radar and supports other trail planning efforts that could expand mountain-biking and non-motorized opportunities. “We have a trail system the BLM is working on that I’m supporting,” she said. She also said past plans for bike trails at Moon Reservoir are under review but may need updated feasibility work.

Court members asked how the chamber’s staffing and reduced funding affect countywide outreach. Hedges said she remains the on-site visitor-center contact and still supports scheduling and community events, but loss of funds has reduced staff capacity; the chamber previously had a director and at least one part-time staff position. She said the chamber used short-term interns to increase capacity earlier in the year and is exploring sustainable funding and volunteer help.

Hedges told the court she has increased chamber membership from about 155 to roughly 190 businesses through outreach and changed the chamber’s countywide focus. She said part of her strategy is to market Harney County’s outdoor assets in ways that spread visitor pressure across sites and reduce impacts on sensitive areas such as the Alvord and the South Steens.

The court and Hedges discussed the county’s possible future ballot measure to restore TLT countywide and the chamber offered to help with public outreach. Hedges also offered to coordinate outreach on TLT use and to partner on communicating how lodging tax funds are spent.

Ending: The court thanked Hedges for the update and suggested coordinating future outreach on lodging tax options. Hedges said she will provide materials to the court and continue the chamber’s quarterly presence at meetings.

","Jessica Hedges, executive director of the Harney County Chamber of Commerce, told County Court the chamber will continue quarterly visits and focus on tourism marketing, trail planning and business support after a $15,000 drop in transient lodging tax funding from the city of Hines.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6428834,"County reads proposed uniform fee schedule by title; second reading set for Oct. 15",145,7331210,7476400,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5882556-3a73784c01ec71e7e522ecb91b14c16e&start=7331&end=7476","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5882556-3a73784c01ec71e7e522ecb91b14c16e/thumbnail_7331210.jpg","/articles/6428834/Harney-County/Oregon/County-reads-proposed-uniform-fee-schedule-by-title-second-reading-set-for-Oct-15","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428834-88b328ef16d037496d0e0f285d210ad1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190873&Signature=Gtxo1Is~Y~yK7ZAAlqes764nT0N7gfJl2LiBn12-joJGAyNcW-W81OZmhue~deh4j5vHXfjJXV3AkNIHJivd6TNZ7H6zjywcw8oGVyb5aWTs--bG3dhNCvHR0T5VVotapon0CXIwaOI3Jibwu3ovZqoUUtSEI5IkPpt4X~fJ6IzLAOJmnMFIH5Ioi7wnMYHZYK6tQEyGYctda~vaWVPaCobEssOgwnCqMDNbjAEylmILW2kOQw9Y4cynB3Ap4LNEyzfkGrT1tAi5aPp2vsNmLnFCprtRZ6KXrzcDUNj6gQLZ3KuFkDG7Efx7GchJYxpx7QJgsn36UU0nSG3pwN8vzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County Court conducted the first reading by title of Ordinance 2025-01, “In the matter of establishing Harney County’s uniform fee schedule for various county departments,” on Oct. 1 and scheduled the required second reading for Oct. 15.

The reading summarized purpose, authority and enactment provisions. The ordinance states that fees collected by county departments will be charged before certain filings, recordings or services are completed and that the full fee table appears in appendices A, B and C. The ordinance notes conformance with state law and cites ORS 203.045 and ORS 192.44 as authority for county-level fee schedules and governance.

Under ORS 203.045, the court explained, ordinances must be read in open meeting on two separate days at least 13 days apart unless each member waives the full reading or a copy is distributed at least one week before the first reading. The court used a posted QR code and distributed copies to members as permitted by statute and set Oct. 15 for the next reading.

Why it matters: The fee schedule centralizes fees across county departments, including building and on-site (septic) services, and could affect permit costs for residents and businesses. County staff said some fee components reflect state surcharges (for example, a $117 state surcharge for certain on-site evaluations) and other portions of fees are retained by the county.

Ending: County staff said the ordinance will take effect after the second reading; the court asked staff to ensure advance public notice and distributed copies ahead of the Oct. 15 session.","County Court read by title an ordinance establishing a uniform fee schedule for county departments (Ordinance 2025-01) and set the second reading for Oct. 15; the ordinance cites ORS 203.045 and ORS 192.44 as authority and will take effect following the second reading.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6428836,"County Court approves Lumen conduit work within Airport Lane right-of-way",199,8165100,8365000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5882556-3a73784c01ec71e7e522ecb91b14c16e&start=8165&end=8365","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5882556-3a73784c01ec71e7e522ecb91b14c16e/thumbnail_8165100.jpg","/articles/6428836/Harney-County/Oregon/County-Court-approves-Lumen-conduit-work-within-Airport-Lane-right-of-way","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6428836-5e072835d5fb62ca1238ed81d67ca3e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190873&Signature=nAhCXj5RNnM0Awi-v4ZwdtA36yiBOyvlv5pWH5WIf01SVG-xpP6Dz8ysVL9Nnel9ubl3dqEJhE0BLyCc8By-7L~3Cj2zaP~4mThzmLC~CVWVYKawEkPNH-Fz6R3R0BIJph85278ApHoQec6Sq3L5~A~PjxRv0e9ciQdOm74UPmJ20CdTUVsv0jKKQya66apoCUJD07~NQCQhU0ruC4rGEazINrzRor9WY5BMRywlgqsQFoLIOAjDfnF2gSLaD6NKurf5Ap08Wv9qNvTzHW8nVQOIwa5qnJExrYhaK6iBUdMq85Ajw7PLMRNeNPWx5VuLaCVVdYhWSJ5DYfJhabtblg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County Court voted to approve an application from Lumen to install buried telephone conduit and junction boxes along Airport Lane on Oct. 1.

Roadmaster Eric reviewed the application and confirmed the work would be within the county right-of-way serving the airport lane and said the company will use horizontal boring and mark locations and junction boxes to avoid future conflicts with county road maintenance. “They need to be off on the other side of the ditch so it doesn’t conflict with anything we may have going in the future,” Eric said.

Court members moved and seconded approval. When asked, Eric said the work appears to expand existing airport-area infrastructure rather than create a new corridor; the installation will add conduit and junction boxes to infrastructure that is already present and will extend to the airport location.

Votes at a glance: The motion to approve the application for location of telephone conduit and buried cable, Airport Lane, was made, seconded and approved by voice vote; no roll-call tally with named votes was recorded in the minutes.

Ending: County staff will notify Lumen of the approval and the roadmaster will continue to coordinate construction details and permits to ensure horizontal boring and markings minimize impacts to county road maintenance operations.","County Court approved an application from Lumen to place additional buried telephone conduit and junction boxes paralleling county right-of-way on Airport Lane; the roadmaster had reviewed and cleared the proposal and the motion passed by voice vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Harney County deflection program expands outreach; DA reports early successes

Harney Basin collaborative finishes integrated water plan and wins state recognition

Harney County Chamber outlines tourism, business outreach after lodging tax cut

County reads proposed uniform fee schedule by title; second reading set for Oct. 15

County Court approves Lumen conduit work within Airport Lane right-of-way