election 2026
May 19 election: Q-and-A with candidates in contested primary for county commissioner
Benton County voters will decide a contested Democratic race for county commissioner on the May 19 primary election ballot. The Democratic primary for the board’s Position 1 features two candidates — incumbent Pat Malone of Kings Valley and challenger John Wilson of Adair Village. No Republican candidates filed for the position, meaning the winner of the Democratic primary will be the only major-party candidate on the November general election ballot. The Benton County Elections office planned to begin mailing ballots…
CLICK TO READ THE FULL STORYEDITOR’S CHOICE
May 19 ballot: Philomath Fire and Rescue seeks five-year operating levy
Philomath Fire and Rescue officials say a five-year local operating levy on the May 19 ballot is essential to maintaining current staffing and service levels as call volumes climb and operational costs continue to rise. Measure 2-155 would authorize the district to levy 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value beginning in the 2027-28 fiscal year and running through 2031-32. The proposed rate matches an existing bond for buildings and emergency response vehicles that expires in June 2027, meaning the…
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Warriors sweep singles to take down Estacada in boys tennis
The Philomath High boys tennis team swept all four singles matches to defeat Estacada 4-1 in a home match on Thursday afternoon. Warriors freshman Cameron Barlow took down sophomore Liam Morgan 6-1, 7-5 at the top singles spot, while senior Nate Houck rolled to a 6-0, 6-1 victory over sophomore…
READ MORENature Neighbors program aims to turn small Benton County yards into wildlife habitat
A new Benton County program is enlisting residents to convert small patches of yard — as little as 50 square feet — into habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Nature Neighbors, a partnership between Greenbelt Land Trust and the Benton Soil and Water Conservation District, offers participants hands-on guidance,…
READ MOREStayton edges Philomath, 6-5, in finale of tight baseball series
Stayton’s Owen Mitzel turned out to be a major difference maker in his team’s 6-5 victory Thursday evening over Philomath. Not only did Mitzel get the win in relief on the mound for three innings of work and launch a solo home run in the fourth for a 5-3 lead…
READ MORESweet Home evens season series with Philomath in softball
Philomath High’s softball team mustered just two hits and fell behind early Thursday afternoon in a 16-0 loss to Sweet Home in an Oregon West Conference matchup at Warrior Field. The game was stopped after three innings on the 15-run rule. The Warriors (6-7 overall, 1-5 Oregon West) entered the…
READ MORECascade hands Philomath boys tennis 7-1 loss
The Philomath High School boys tennis team played for the fifth time in nine days Wednesday and dropped a Special District 2 match on its home court to Cascade, 7-1. Warriors freshman Andrew Sims had the lone victory for the team with a 6-1, 6-1 showing against Cascade senior Dalton…
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SPORTS
Gallery: PHS softball vs. Sweet Home (April 30, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s 16-0 softball loss at Warrior Field to Sweet Home on Thursday.
READ MOREPHS girls tennis stays hot with road win at Cascade
The Philomath High School girls tennis team won three of four singles matches and three of four doubles matches in a decisive win on the road Wednesday over Cascade. Warriors senior Lucy King at No. 1 singles pulled away from Cascade senior Kenzie Clausen for a 6-4, 6-1 win. At…
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Verses
By Kevin Ahern
HITCHED
That woman who lives in the shoe
A husband she’s now got
She grabbed a preacher coming through
Then went and tied the knot
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























