EDITOR’S CHOICE
Shining Stars set for state dance and drill championships Saturday
The Oregon School Activities Association dance and drill state championships this weekend will mark the final high school performance for Shining Stars senior co-captains Ginnah Hopper and Tori Cropp — and they plan to make it count. Hopper described the team’s smaller seven-member roster this year as tight-knit and pointed to confidence as the key ingredient heading into Saturday’s performance. “I think the team has a great bond … we all get along very well,” Hopper said. “I think confidence…
CLICK TO READ THE FULL STORY
featured
PHS boys tennis drops 4-3 home decision to Dallas
The Philomath High School boys tennis team dropped a 4-3 decision to Dallas on Thursday in its first home match of the season. The Dragons won at No. 1 singles and swept the doubles matches for the win. The Warriors posted victories in two of the three singles matches that…
READ MORE
Dallas hands Philomath girls tennis 5-3 road loss
The Philomath High School girls tennis team dropped a 5-3 decision at Dallas High School on Thursday with three singles and doubles victories not enough to overcome the Dragons on the road. Juniors Lucy Thomas and Lizzie Workman both won their singles matches. Thomas at No. 1 singles dispatched junior…
READ MORE
Letter: Reader urges public comment on plan to log protected Oregon lands
Letter to the Editor: A reader urges community members to submit comments by March 23 opposing a BLM proposal to log protected old-growth forests in Oregon, including Marys Peak.
READ MORE
BCSO Log: Repeat suspended driver, park burglary attempt among incidents
Editor’s note: This report is based on information submitted by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. All calls for service may not be included. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate and may not be included if it could identify victims of certain crimes of a…
READ MORE
Philomath softball opens season with dominant 16-5 win
The Philomath High School softball team opened the season Wednesday with a 16-5 victory in five innings at Blanchet Catholic. The Warriors (1-0) shot out to a 10-0 lead in the first inning and led 13-0 in the second before the Cavaliers could break through and get on the scoreboard.…
READ MOREMORE NEWS
SPORTS
Philomath opens baseball season with rough outing at CV
CORVALLIS — With the team’s ace pitcher struggling on the mound and the lineup producing little offense, the Philomath High baseball team didn’t have much of a chance Wednesday at Class 5A Crescent Valley. The Raiders (1-0) pounded out a dozen hits and got a complete-game one-hitter from senior Jacob…
READ MORE
Gallery: PHS baseball at Crescent Valley (March 18, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s baseball game at Crescent Valley on Wednesday.
READ MORE
Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026: Crocuses in bloom a few weeks ago around town. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026: Daffodils bloom at the reflection garden at Mt. Union Cemetery. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2026: Philomath High's softball team practices under blue skies on Monday. The team opens its season Wednesday at Blanchet Catholic. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026: An inflatable leprechaun on Applegate Street in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2026: The Philomath High School band plays at Friday morning's 4A state basketball tournament in Forest Grove. The Warrior girls beat Marist Catholic, 53-27. (Photo by Andy Cripe/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2026: The community Christmas tree, a giant sequoia in front of Philomath Museum, is one of six Heritage Trees. Nominations for additional trees to be considered will be accepted through Tuesday. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026: Spring blooms around a basketball hoop at Flossie Overman Discovery Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2026: Philomath High's girls basketball team huddles before last weekend's tipoff at Molalla. The Warriors will face Stayton Thursday in the 4A tournament's quarterfinals. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026: Philomath City Park with Marys Peak in the background on Saturday morning. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026: Restrooms at the rodeo grounds. (File photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026: An "Alice in Wonderland" cast member serves lemonade at Thursday's Philomath Middle School Tea Party, which provided not only treats but a preview of next week's play performances. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026: Gathering Together Farms produce at the Corvallis Indoor Winter Market at the fairgrounds. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026: A lunar eclipse produces a blood moon over Philomath earlier this week. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026: Daffodils bloom in front of Philomath Middle School. (Photo by Eric Niemann)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
READ PAST STACKER STORIES
Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
BAD CHEMISTRY
My doctor said my health is bad
And it is all my fault
When she said to watch my sodium
I took it with a grain of salt
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