EDITOR’S CHOICE
Philomath council advances $14 city services fee for public review
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…
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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…
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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…
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‘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…
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Bus contract, ICE protocols highlight Philomath School Board agenda
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…
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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.
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SPORTS
Philomath girls rout Molalla to extend state tournament streak to 8
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…
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Gallery: PHS girls basketball at Molalla (March 7, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s 55-24 girls basketball win over Molalla in the first round of the 4A playoffs on Saturday.
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
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
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Philomath Community Services
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
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