EDITOR’S CHOICE
Philomath students top state averages on most tests
Philomath School District students outscored their peers statewide in most grades and subjects on the latest round of state assessments although steep declines at 11th grade, where fewer than half of students took the tests, tempered the news. The Oregon Department of Education on Thursday released results from the 2025-26 Oregon Statewide Assessments, which students took last spring. Students in grades 3-8 and 11 take tests in English language arts and math, and students in grades 5, 8 and 11…
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NEWS
OSP Log: Teen, infant among highway fatalities in past week
Oregon State Police investigated five serious crashes Sept. 18-24, including a Myrtle Point collision that killed three people and an I-84 semitruck wreck near Arlington.
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Philomath chamber joins statewide tourism database
The Philomath Area Chamber of Commerce has become a member of the Oregon Tourism Information System, a statewide database managed by Travel Oregon that shares information about businesses, events and attractions with travelers. The system, known as OTIS, serves as a central collection point for tourism-related listings, including restaurants, shops,…
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Registration open for 13th annual Lilly’s Lope for Hope
Online registration is now open for the 13th annual Lilly’s Lope for Hope, the 5-kilometer run/walk that raises money and promotes awareness of youth suicide. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, at Philomath City Park and on surrounding streets. An early-bird registration discount is available through Sept.…
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Strengthening Rural Families to offer free co-parenting class this fall
Separated and divorced parents looking for a better way to raise their children together will have an opportunity to build those skills this fall in Philomath. Strengthening Rural Families will host a free Cooperative Co-Parenting Class on Tuesday evenings from Oct. 13 through Dec. 1 at Clemens Primary School. Sessions…
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PSSS column: Decluttering tips, emergency preparation session
Philomath Sensational Senior Society returns from summer with decluttering tips, an Oct. 6 cork pumpkin craft session and an Oct. 13 emergency preparedness talk.
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MORE NEWS
SPORTS
Central posts 38-0 football win over Philomath on evening filled with emotion
Hitting the road for its second conference game of the season, Philomath High’s football team had a promising start Friday night in Independence, moving the ball downfield on the game’s opening drive with a mix of runs and passes. But Central came up with a red zone stop, and the Warriors missed a 25-yard field goal attempt wide left. Philomath’s defense then stuffed the Panthers and got off the field fast on a three-and-out. But not much went right for…
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Gallery: PHS football at Central (Sept. 25, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s 38-0 football loss at Central High in Independence at Friday.
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Warriors sweep Ontario for second win over Tigers this season
The Philomath High School girls volleyball team put together a complete performance Friday night in a three-set sweep over visiting Ontario. The Warriors won 25-11, 25-21, 25-11. “It was a great night of teamwork volleyball with every player contributing to our success,” second-year coach Whitney Thomas said. “I’m very proud…
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PHS girls soccer takes down Newport on the road, 5-1
The Philomath High School girls soccer team opened up Oregon West Conference play on Thursday evening in Newport with a 5-1 victory. Junior Bethany Cannon had a hat trick for the Warriors. Philomath evened its overall record to 3-3 with the win. The Cubs fall to 0-4-1. “We played good…
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
SATURDAY, SEPT. 26, 2026: ODOT contractors finish pouring new sidewalks along the traffic median east of downtown. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, SEPT. 25, 2026: Firefighters work at the site of a controlled burn earlier this week at Bald Hill Farm. Philomath Fire and Rescue's Chancy Ferguson, Dan Eddy and Will Beede participated along with a tender and medical standby. (Photo provided by Philomath Fire and Rescue) 
THURSDAY, SEPT. 24, 2026: Fall colors along the railroad tracks behind Pioneer Park on Tuesday — the first day of fall. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 23, 2026: Philomath High graduate Rocco De La Rosa lines up on special teams Saturday night during Oregon State's 52-17 win over Montana. (Photo by Andy Cripe/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, SEPT. 22, 2026: Seneca Sloan plants a tree during a celebration of life event Sunday in Philomath City Park in honor of her late husband and former mayor Rocky Sloan. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, SEPT. 19, 2026: Philomath High cheerleaders carry the POW/MIA flag onto Clemens Field during a pregame presentation on Friday night. (Photo by Andy Cripe/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, SEPT. 18, 2026: Benton Habitat for Humanity home under construction on Quail Glenn Drive. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, SEPT. 17, 2026: Philomath High's spirit rock promotes the upcoming Glow Dance. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 16, 2026: Outdoor garden classroom at Clemens Primary School. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, SEPT. 15, 2026: Annabelle Schultz from the Benton County Mounted Posse rides “Pistol” to help park vehicles at the Public Safety Chili Cook-off on Sunday. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 2026: A fire hydrant near the entrance to Philomath Middle School off Chapel Drive. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, SEPT. 11, 2026: Musicians contribute to the atmosphere at the Philomath Farmers' Market. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 2026: A view from Neabeack Hill Road. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 2026: Fall colors begin to appear in front of the Philomath Scout Lodge. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, SEPT. 8, 2026: Lindsey Free, Philomath Area Chamber of Commerce board president, puts up flags with the Philomath Rotary Club on Labor Day. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 2026: PHS varsity volleyball players during the playing of the National Anthem at Thursday evening's home opener. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 2026: Footbridge in Marys River Park and Natural Area. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 2026: Blackberries along Newton Creek. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2, 2026: Free "little library" at the corner of Sunrose Court and Neabeack Hill Drive. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, SEPT. 1, 2026: The Root Vegetables, a Philomath-based group, plays to a packed house at the Willamette Grange on Saturday night. (Photo by Eric Niemann)
GALLERIES
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Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
WOUND UP
My Apple watch, a lot of fun
I’d say it’s really slick
So far ahead of other ones
It’s purely future wrist tick
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