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EDITOR’S CHOICE

A banner recognizing Philomath’s Tree City USA status is displayed in front of a bur oak that was planted Friday afternoon. Mayor Christopher McMorran, seen in the background, led off the event with comments. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News)

Three Things: A new tree, a head start and a hometown connection

Bur oak replaces Heritage Tree elm near Philomath library; ODF seedlings ahead of schedule; Philomath native takes on Northwest ministry role

A bur oak tree found a new home Friday afternoon in front of Philomath Community Library, replacing the American elm that once held the distinction of being the first tree nominated under the city’s Heritage Tree program. Testing in late 2025 confirmed the well-loved elm was infected with Dutch elm disease and it was removed earlier this year. The loss wasn’t easy for everyone to accept. “When we took the elm down, that was a pretty sad moment for us…

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Philomath Police Department (File photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News)

Philomath Police Log: Arrests, gift card scam attempt, city park incident

Editor’s note: This report is based on information submitted by the Philomath Police Department. 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 sensitive…

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Philomath Fire and Rescue (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News)

Fire and Rescue Calls: Two vehicle crashes, fence fire

Editor’s note: This log is based on information submitted to the media by Philomath Fire and Rescue: FRIDAY, MARCH 27 • No calls of public significance reported. Other calls: Emergency medical services responded to a call at 4:03 p.m. (Pioneer Street). SATURDAY, MARCH 28 • No calls of public significance…

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PHS sophomore Sammy Hernandez had the lone hit in the team’s 9-3 loss Saturday at Pendleton. (File photo by Andy Cripe/Philomath News)

Warrior bats fall silent in 9-3 baseball loss at Pendleton

The Philomath High School baseball team fell into a 6-1 hole in the first inning and couldn’t get much going offensively in a 9-3 loss at Pendleton on Saturday afternoon. The Warriors (4-4) come home with a split on the trip to the eastern section of the state. The team…

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A drought in 2015 nearly emptied Detroit Lake, a reservoir between Bend and Salem. State climatologist Larry O’Neill draws similarities between this year and 2015 after Oregon’s warm and dry start to 2026. (Photo by David Reinert/Oregon State University via Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Forecasters predict, prepare for increased drought and wildfire risk after NOAA climate outlook

After a mild winter and dry spring outlook, here is how Oregon is preparing for the potential of its warmest year on record

While the Pacific Northwest west of the Cascades is known for its seemingly constant rain, much of Oregon is preparing for drought conditions and increased wildfire risk for the summer. This comes after Oregon’s uncharacteristically mild winter. Much of winter saw warmer temperatures, tied with 1934 as the warmest winter…

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Philomath’s Maggie King, seen here last season, was among the team’s players that won twice in singles matches on Friday. (File photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News)

PHS girls tennis team sweeps doubleheader on Oregon Coast road trip

The Philomath High School girls tennis team made a long trip over to the Oregon Coast pay off on Friday afternoon with a doubleheader sweep over North Bend and Marshfield. The Warriors took a 6-2 win at North Bend and then traveled a couple of miles down the road to…

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SPORTS

PHS senior Lane Schell was among the team’s double singles winners on Friday. (File photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News)

PHS boys tennis sweeps North Bend, downs Marshfield

The Philomath High School boys tennis team defeated North Bend and Marshfield on a trip to the coast Friday afternoon. In a 7-0 victory over North Bend, the Warriors swept the four singles matches and also posted the team’s first doubles win of the season. Singles winners included freshman Cameron…

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PHS junior Jamin Peters swept the shot put and discus at Friday’s Elmira meet. (File photo by Andy Cripe/Philomath News)

Warrior boys shine with 9 first-place finishes at Elmira track and field relays meet

The Philomath boys track and field team put together a dominant performance Friday at the season-opening Elmira Relays with nine first-place finishes, a performance that helped the Warriors win the team title with 125 points — well clear of runner-up Crescent Valley’s 97. Junior Jamin Peters in the throws and…

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Verses

By Kevin Ahern

SHORT STOPS
Little Leaguers
At the platter
Each of them
A peanut batter

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

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