EDITOR’S CHOICE

Philomath City Hall (File photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News)

Philomath council advances $14 city services fee for public review

A 3-2 vote directs staff to include the monthly charge in the 2026-27 budget draft; Budget Review Committee and residents will weigh in before any final decision

The Philomath City Council voted 3-2 Monday night to direct city staff to draft the 2026-27 fiscal year budget with a $14 monthly city services fee included, setting the stage for a public process that will ultimately determine whether the fee moves forward. Councilors Diane Crocker, Spencer Irwin and Brent Kaseman voted in favor of the motion, while Councilor Jessica Andrade and Mayor Christopher McMorran voted no. Two councilors, Teresa Nielson and Rich Saalsaa, were not present. City Manager Chris…

CLICK TO READ THE FULL STORY

featured

Philomath City Hall (File photo by Eric Niemann)

Council awards contract for South 11th, 12th street improvements

The Philomath City Council awarded a contract Monday night to Pacific Excavation for planned improvements on South 11th and South 12th streets. The project will add curbs, gutters, sidewalks and parking to 11th and 12th between Main and Applegate streets. Plus, an electric vehicle charging station will be installed on…

READ MORE
Benton County Sheriff’s Office (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News)

BCSO Log: Warrant arrest, motorcycle crash among recent 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 Museum (Photo by Eric Niemann)

‘Freedom to Imagine’ student art show opens at Philomath Museum this week

The Benton County Historical Society will present its annual K–12 Student Art Show beginning Friday at Philomath Museum. Titled “Freedom to Imagine,” the exhibition will be displayed in the Moreland Gallery on the museum’s upper floor and runs through April 18. Works from students in the Philomath School District and…

READ MORE
Philomath High School (File photo by Logan Hannigan-Downs)

Bus contract, ICE protocols highlight Philomath School Board agenda

Board meets Thursday at 7 p.m. in PHS library; executive session precedes regular meeting

A recommendation to change to a new bus company and a discussion on safety procedures related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement are among the items that appear on a full agenda for the Philomath School Board’s Thursday evening meeting. The regular meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in…

READ MORE
A side view of the grave marker of Rachel Bennett in the northeast section of Mount Union Cemetery. The other side shows husband George W. Bennett. Each has their own individual stones labeled “Mother” and “Father.” (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News)

Mount Union Stories: Rachel Bennett (1817-1896)

In this week’s Mount Union Stories, read about Rachel Bennett, who died in the spring of 1896 at age 78 after coming home from a visit to a son and daughter in Portland. Mrs. Bennett came to Oregon with family in the 1870s.

READ MORE

Subscribe to Free Philomath News Newsletter

* indicates required

MORE NEWS

SPORTS

PHS junior Jordyn Hood drives to the hoop in the first quarter Saturday at Molalla. Hood scored 10 of the team's first 12 points as the Warriors took control early. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News)

Philomath girls rout Molalla to extend state tournament streak to 8

Hood pours in game-high 18 points as Warriors advance to face top-seeded Stayton in 4A quarterfinals

MOLALLA — The state tournament streak continues. For the eighth straight season, the Philomath High girls basketball team will be among the final eight teams in Class 4A competing for a championship. The Warriors took care of business Saturday night at Molalla with a convincing 55-24 victory. “You know, that’s…

READ MORE

Philomath in Photos

VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS

GALLERIES

READ PAST STACKER STORIES

Philomath Community Services

Subscribe to Free Philomath News Newsletter

* indicates required

Verses

By Kevin Ahern

RAM BUNCTIOUS
A group of sheep slid down a hill
It made me laugh inside
Because I realized it was
A very big lambslide

VERSES ARCHIVES

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

Story Archives

Gift this article