EDITOR’S CHOICE
PHS Class of 2026 sends 122 graduates into the next chapter
Caps flew into the air shortly after noon Saturday as Philomath High School seniors officially became graduates, concluding a ceremony at Clemens Field that blended tradition, humor and heartfelt reflection on the bonds formed in a small-town school. The event drew a packed crowd of families and friends who poured onto the field to celebrate when the last diploma had been handed out. Before the ceremony began, four graduates paused amid the bustle of caps and gowns to share what…
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NEWS
Gallery: PHS Class of 2026 graduation (June 6, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High School’s graduation ceremony at Clemens Field on Saturday.
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OSP Log: Crashes claim 2 lives near Sandy, Otis
Editor’s note: This report is based on information submitted by the Oregon State Police. All crashes with fatalities may not be included. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. FRIDAY, MAY 29 • 2:43 p.m. — Troopers responded to a three-vehicle crash on Highway 26 about 4.5 miles…
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Philomath City Council to consider Capital Improvement Plan at Monday meeting
The Philomath City Council plans to hold its next regular meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at Philomath City Hall. Leading the agenda is a vote on the 2026-27 fiscal year Capital Improvement Plan, the city’s planning document used to allocate budget funds for capital projects and equipment. Staff made annual…
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Philomath Fire and Rescue board meets Monday for regular session
The Philomath Fire and Rescue Board of Directors will meet at 3 p.m. Monday at Station 201 for its regular meeting. According to the meeting agenda, the board will review its calendar with various events to fit in and listen to reports from the fire chief, operations chief and office…
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Class of 2026 walks the campuses ahead of Saturday’s graduation
Philomath High’s Class of 2026 strolled through the school district’s three lower-grade campuses on Friday morning during the annual Parade of Graduates. The class, which features 122 candidates for diplomas, started at the high school and walked down Applegate Street to the elementary school, backtracked to South 19th and headed…
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SPORTS
Philomath hires former Central assistant to take over as boys soccer coach
Philomath High School has a new boys soccer coach and he comes with a deep connection to the Oregon West Conference — and even a memory or two of playing against the Warriors. Gerardo Garibay, 31, was hired to lead the Philomath program after spending nearly a decade on the coaching staff at Central High School in Independence. He replaces Dave Ellis, who coached the Warriors from 2017 to 2025 and compiled a record of 61-37-12 that included a state…
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Three Warriors earn Special District 3 honors in boys volleyball
Three Philomath players were recognized for their contributions this season as part of those included on the Special District 3 all-district boys volleyball team. Senior Chris Eaton and senior Mayson Wallace earned second-team honors, while sophomore Nico Mayo Carrasco received an honorable mention selection. The Warriors finished the season 7-11…
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Philomath seniors celebrate college athletic commitments in signing ceremony
Eight Philomath High School seniors gathered on the school’s auditorium stage Monday to celebrate their commitments to compete in college athletics, signing a ceremonial document marking the occasion. The group represented four sports and five college destinations — volleyball players Taylor Hudson and Shaylee May will head to the College…
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Six Warriors earn Oregon West all-conference softball honors
Philomath High School had six players recognized on the all-Oregon West Conference softball team, led by center fielder Rylee Martin’s first-team selection. Martin, a sophomore who also saw time at shortstop and served as the team’s leadoff batter, was the lone Warrior to earn first-team honors. Three players landed on…
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2026: Philomath Academy Principal Garth Gerot shoots a photo of graduate candidates on the west lawn of the school on Friday morning. The academy's graduation is scheduled for June 10. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2026: Chairs fill the field and track at Clemens Field ahead of Philomath High School's commencement exercises scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday.(Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026: Trophies won by Philomath High this academic year are lined up in the front office. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026: Philomath schoolchildren created artwork for the food donation barrel at Citizens Bank, items that then go to Philomath Community Services. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026: A 1952 MG TD on display on Saturday during the 1950s-themed Benton County Historical Society's 75th anniversary celebration. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2026: The PYAC Community Carnival took over Clemens Field Friday evening with a variety of inflatables. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2026: A flowering Kousa dogwood blooms in Philomath City Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026: A Philomath firefighter at the scene of a structure fire on Main Street in Alsea on Wednesday. (Photo provided by Philomath Fire and Rescue) 
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2026: Volunteers place flags on the graves of veterans on May 23 at Mount Union Cemetery in recognition of Memorial Day. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026: Tom Wright, a member of Philomath Lions Club, volunteers to water flower baskets along Main Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
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Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
A CERTIVE
If you ask me, I’d have to say
Tic Tacs are for the birds
But yes, I really do prefer
Not to mints words
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