election 2026
May 19 election: Q-and-A with candidates in contested primary for county commissioner
Benton County voters will decide a contested Democratic race for county commissioner on the May 19 primary election ballot. The Democratic primary for the board’s…
CLICK TO READ THE FULL STORYMay 19 ballot: Philomath Fire and Rescue seeks five-year operating levy
Philomath Fire and Rescue officials say a five-year local operating levy on the May 19 ballot is essential to maintaining current staffing and service levels…
CLICK TO READ THE FULL STORYMay 19 ballot: Voters to decide psilocybin ban, 7 annexation measures
Philomath voters will weigh in on eight city-referred ballot measures in the May 19 primary election, deciding whether to permanently ban psilocybin-related businesses within city…
CLICK TO READ THE FULL STORYEDITOR’S CHOICE
Pausch, Smart shine in 3,000, Peters brothers among top throwers at Spartan Challenge
CORVALLIS — Senior Leo Pausch won the 3,000 meters and the Peters brothers were among the top throwers in their events to highlight Philomath’s performance Friday at the Spartan Challenge. The team’s lone victory occurred in the final individual running event when Pausch won by more than 6 seconds over the rest of the field. Competing in the 3,000 for the third time this season, Pausch came in with a time of 9:12.97. His personal record dates back to his…
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OSP Log: Crashes claim 6 lives across state from April 23-29
Oregon State Police responded to six fatal crashes from April 23-29 that claimed six lives; troopers seek witnesses in Hood River hit-and-run pedestrian crash.
READ MORENew exhibit at Philomath Museum explores themes of shelter, survival
The Philomath Museum’s Moreland Gallery will open a new exhibit on Saturday featuring works from the Corvallis Art Guild that explore themes of shelter, safety and survival. “Refuge: Where Life Endures” runs May 2 through July 25 and marks the latest community showing from a guild that traces its roots…
READ MOREWarriors sweep singles to take down Estacada in boys tennis
The Philomath High boys tennis team swept all four singles matches to defeat Estacada 4-1 in a home match on Thursday afternoon. Warriors freshman Cameron Barlow took down sophomore Liam Morgan 6-1, 7-5 at the top singles spot, while senior Nate Houck rolled to a 6-0, 6-1 victory over sophomore…
READ MOREWarriors sweep doubles en route to 6-2 girls tennis win at Estacada
Senior Lucy King set the tone at No. 1 singles and the Warriors swept all four doubles positions as Philomath’s girls tennis team defeated Estacada 6-2 on Thursday. King was dominant in her win over junior Ruby Anderson, dropping just one game in a 6-0, 6-1 victory. Sophomore Ella Hammonds…
READ MORENature Neighbors program aims to turn small Benton County yards into wildlife habitat
A new Benton County program is enlisting residents to convert small patches of yard — as little as 50 square feet — into habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Nature Neighbors, a partnership between Greenbelt Land Trust and the Benton Soil and Water Conservation District, offers participants hands-on guidance,…
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SPORTS
Gallery: PHS track and field at Spartan Challenge (May 1, 2026)
A collection of photos from the Philomath High School boys and girls track and field teams at the Spartan Challenge on Friday.
READ MOREStayton edges Philomath, 6-5, in finale of tight baseball series
Stayton’s Owen Mitzel turned out to be a major difference maker in his team’s 6-5 victory Thursday evening over Philomath. Not only did Mitzel get the win in relief on the mound for three innings of work and launch a solo home run in the fourth for a 5-3 lead…
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Verses
By Kevin Ahern
EAT CHEAP
Ramen noodles
You should try it
Great for every
Low salary diet
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
























