EDITOR’S CHOICE
PHS achieves 93.5% graduation rate, outpacing state by 10 percentage points
Philomath High School’s four-year high school graduation rate continues to rise far above statewide averages, according to data released Thursday by the Oregon Department of Education. PHS achieved a 93.5% four-year graduation rate for the Class of 2025, significantly higher than the state average of 83.0%. The school graduated 116 students out of an “adjusted cohort” of 124. Those numbers are down a bit from the Class of 2024’s graduation rate of 98.0%. PHS Principal Mark Henderson said the latest…
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featured
Obituary: Janice Sue Page (1964-2025)
Janice Sue Page was born on April 14, 1964, in Sacramento, California, and passed away on November 5, 2025. She lived a life defined by service, loyalty, resilience, and a deep, abiding love for both people and animals. Janice proudly served her country in the United States Army as a…
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Adult Prom returns to Benton County Fairgrounds on Feb. 13
Benton County is bringing back its popular Adult Prom on Friday, Feb. 13, offering community members ages 21 and up a chance to dress up and dance the night away. The event runs from 7-10 p.m. in the Benton County Fairgrounds auditorium. Tickets are $35 per couple or $20 for…
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Philomath High swim teams build culture of support and success
During a pause in Philomath High’s final home swim meet of the season on Wednesday, eight seniors received recognition for their participation in the program, celebrating with family members and posing for photos. Sandwiched in between the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard butterfly, the emotion of the moment was palpable…
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Rotary Club to address city vision plan, community service projects at Feb. 3 meeting
The Philomath Rotary Club invites community members to attend its meeting at noon Monday at Peace Lutheran Church, the organization’s club president announced. The meeting will include discussions on several ongoing community service projects, including the installation of peace poles at five school sites and one at Philomath Community Services.…
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BCSO Log: Various crashes around the region
Benton County Sheriff’s Office responds to multiple crashes on rural roads, plus a trespassing incident and traffic stop arrest in the latest weekly log.
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SPORTS
Gallery: PHS swimming at tri-meet (Jan. 28, 2026)
A collection of photos from a Philomath High School home swim meet vs. Marist Catholic and Junction City on Wednesday.
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Cascade pulls away late for girls basketball win over Warriors, 59-53
Philomath High girls basketball coach Ben Silva had a straightforward takeaway from Tuesday night’s 59-53 loss to Cascade. “They played better than us — plain and simple on both ends of the floor.” In a game that will ultimately impact a three-team race for the Oregon West Conference title this…
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
FRIDAY, JAN. 30, 2026: A school of colorful wooden fish swim along the fence line behind Philomath Elementary. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JAN. 29, 2026: Philomath High senior Ike Avery sings the National Anthem prior to Wednesday’s home swim meet. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28, 2026: A redwood tree at Philomath High’s Clemens Field. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, JAN. 27, 2026: A Clydesdale pulls a buggy past the Benton County Fairgrounds northeast of Philomath on Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, JAN. 24, 2026: Public art at Philomath City Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, JAN. 23, 2026: A view of Marys Peak from Fern Road. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JAN. 22, 2026: Philomath High’s Class of 1956 planted 56 trees in this redwood grove in Marys River Park and Natural Area in 2006 during their 50th class reunion. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21, 2026: Philomath High cheerleaders at Tuesday night’s boys basketball game. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, JAN. 20, 2026: The American flag flies in front of Philomath Museum Monday on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, JAN. 17, 2026: Sunset at Philomath City Park with the recently installed light poles from Main Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, JAN. 16, 2026: Family Tradition, a local band that features the Pellett family — Kenny front left, Tyler, front right, and Colby on drums — performs Thursday night at the Philomath Community Vision 2050 kickoff celebration. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, JAN. 15, 2026: Main Street in Philomath on a sunny Sunday afternoon. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 14, 2026: Philomath High’s Unified basketball team in action Tuesday against Sutherlin. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, JAN. 13, 2026: Newton Creek flowing through Philomath City Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, JAN. 10, 2026: A Friday morning view over Philomath. (Photo by David Low) 
FRIDAY, JAN. 9, 2026: The playground at Clemens Primary School. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JAN. 8, 2026: The Philomath-based band, “Bryson, Lewis and the Pocket Change,” play a set Wednesday evening at Dirt Road Brewery. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 7, 2026: Tools of the logging trade on display at Timber Towne Coffee. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, JAN. 6, 2026: A bench sits on the edge of Matt’s Orchard outside Marys River Grange Hall. The trees were planted in memory of Matthew Coen. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
SATURDAY, JAN. 3, 2026: A New Year’s Eve sunset in Philomath. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, JAN. 2, 2026: Happy New Year from Philomath Fire and Rescue. (Photo by Eric Niemann)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
READ PAST STACKER STORIES
Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
GOING UP
I’m happy to announce
A new book with pride
It’s called
“Climbing Stairs: A Step by Step Guide”
Where to Write
Click on the name below to send an email to an elected representative:
U.S. SENATE
Sen. Ron Wyden
Sen. Jeff Merkley
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rep. Val Hoyle
OREGON LEGISLATURE
Sen. Dick Anderson
Rep. David Gomberg
BENTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Pat Malone
Commissioner Gabe Shepherd
Commissioner Nancy Wyse
PHILOMATH CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Christopher McMorran
President Teresa Nielson
Councilor Jessica Andrade
Councilor Diane Crocker
Councilor Spencer Irwin
Councilor Brent Kaseman
Councilor Rich Saalsaa
PHILOMATH SCHOOL BOARD
Chair Tom Klipfel
Vice Chair Erin McMullen
Director Ryan Cheeke
Director Erin Gudge
Director Sandi Hering