EDITOR’S CHOICE
Philomath High School wins $5,000 in national contest
Philomath High School has won $5,000 through a national contest built around small-town football pride — and separately, the school remains in contention for a shot at $1 million toward athletics facility upgrades. The $5,000 comes from the “$5K Fridays” sweepstakes portion of T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights promotion. Philomath is one of 1,000 schools nationwide winning that prize, and one of at least seven in Oregon. Baker City, Crescent Valley, Knappa, Neah-Kah-Nie, Perrydale and Redmond high schools were also…
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NEWS
Death Notice: Jon Stickney Bendixen (1948-2026)
Jon Stickney Bendixen, 77, of Philomath, died Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. McHenry Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Share thoughts and memories on the McHenry Funeral Home’s Tribute Wall.
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Park board gets first look at Newton Creek bridge project
Philomath’s Park Advisory Board got its first detailed look Tuesday night at a project that will bring noticeable changes to Philomath City Park — the replacement of two culverts with new bridges designed to improve fish passage and reduce flood risk along Newton Creek. Rachael Rosenstein, restoration project manager for…
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News Tracker: Highway 20 safety event, health equity walk gains momentum, Grange Day tops $3,200
The latest on three Philomath News stories: Rich Saalsaa’s health equity walk draws a Montana proclamation, Amazing Grange Day raises more than $3,200, and Gabriel Cleveland is formally charged with 14 counts.
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Skate park replacement discussion postponed to October
The Philomath Park Advisory Board pushed back a planned discussion on replacing the skate park at Philomath City Park by opting to wait until more interested board and community members can attend. The item had been placed on the Sept. 1 agenda, but board chair Larry Sleeman said many of…
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Business news: Remodeling firm’s staff earn national certifications
Henderer Design + Build + Remodel, a remodeling and custom home building company with its production shop in Philomath, announced that two team members have earned professional certifications from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Rylee Henderer earned the Universal Design Certified Professional designation, which recognizes professionals dedicated to…
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SPORTS
Ontario downs Philomath in boys soccer at Bend tournament
The Philomath High boys soccer team faced a preseason ranked team for the second straight game to start the season and dropped a 5-1 decision to Ontario at the Bend Soccer Showcase. Ontario, playing its season opener, found the net three times in the first half with goals in the third, 12th and 33rd minutes. Philomath scored its first goal of the season in the 54th minute on a shot by senior Esias Sapp. But the Tigers answered with a…
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Henley girls top Philomath 1-0 in Bend Soccer Showcase
Four years ago in the first round of the Class 4A state playoffs, Philomath’s girls soccer team advanced with a 3-2 win over Henley in a game that came down to penalty kicks. The year before that, the Warriors again advanced past the first round by defeating the Hornets, 3-2.…
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Tillamook downs Philomath in nonconference volleyball matchup
For a Philomath High School volleyball roster stocked with newcomers still learning where they belong on the court, early nonconference matches are as much about discovery as they are about wins and losses. In a straight-set home loss to Tillamook Thursday evening, the Warriors exhibited a lot of promise buried…
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Gallery: PHS girls volleyball vs. Tillamook (Sept. 3, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s volleyball match at home vs. Tillamook on Thursday.
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MORE SPORTS
Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
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) 
SATURDAY, AUG. 29, 2026: Philomath High cheerleaders engage with the student section during Friday night's football opener at Clemens Field. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, AUG. 28, 2026: DTW Lite plays jazz during last weekend's final Music in the Park concert. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, AUG. 27, 2026: Finished street improvements on South 11th between Applegate and Main. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26, 2026: Seniors Erynn Kohler, left, and Olivia Daggett get started on painting their parking spots at Philomath High School on Tuesday afternoon. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News)
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Verses
By Kevin Ahern
TRAVEL LAGS
Although I have traveled
Hither and yon
I haven’t been to as many places
As my luggage has gone
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