EDITOR’S CHOICE
Hernandez, Smart lead Philomath girls to state runner-up finish
EUGENE — One of Philomath High’s top runners ran with nothing to lose. The other had a title to defend and a lot on her mind. Olivia Hernandez, a freshman, came to the state meet with no nerves at all. “I was going in like, this is my first year — let’s just show how fast I can do it,” she said. Cassidy Smart, a junior, was back from an injury-related layoff that kept her out of most of October.…
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NEWS
Three Things: Council results, six years of local news and a memorial on the map
This was one of the more interesting election cycles in recent memory, and most of the noise came from the national and state races. Benton County turnout was running above 71% on election night, so people were clearly paying attention. But the decisions that hit closest to home, like your…
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OSP Log: Two single-vehicle crashes, pedestrian struck
Editor’s note: This report is based on information submitted by Oregon State Police. Not all fatal crashes may be included. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. SUNDAY, NOV. 1 • 11:30 a.m. — Troopers responded to a single-vehicle crash on Highway 36 near Florence that took the…
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Council to review outreach plan for proposed zoning, development rule changes
The Philomath Planning Commission is getting ready to bring three years of work on the city’s zoning and development rules to the public. On Monday night, the City Council will get a look at how commissioners plan to do it. The council’s regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday…
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Fire district board to hear staff reports, chief review update Monday
The Philomath Fire and Rescue board of directors will meet in regular session at 3 p.m. Monday at Station 201 on Main Street. According to the meeting agenda, the board will get an update on the chief’s 360 survey from office administrator Ashley Scott. A 360 survey is a performance…
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Fans urged to plan a safe ride home this football season
Public health and law enforcement officials in Benton County are asking football fans to plan ahead for a safe trip home as the season heads into its final weeks. Game days often bring tailgates, watch parties and crowded sports bars, and alcohol is part of the celebration for many fans.…
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SPORTS
Gallery: PHS cross-country at 4A championships (Nov. 7, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High boys and girls cross-country at the 4A championships in Eugene on Saturday.
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Philomath cross-country teams take record streaks to state meet
One Philomath cross-country team arrives at state with a shot at the title. The other got in on a wildcard. Both race Saturday at Lane Community College in the Class 4A State Championships. The girls run at 11:45 a.m., and the boys go at 12:20 p.m. The girls are ranked…
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Late Estacada goal ends Philomath girls soccer season
The Philomath High School girls soccer team spent the second half of Wednesday afternoon’s Class 4A playoff opener digging out of a two-goal hole. Estacada needed just one late moment to end it. Senior Ellianna Zavala scored in the 79th minute off an assist from senior Willow Wiley, lifting the…
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Gallery: PHS girls soccer vs. Estacada (Nov. 4, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s girls soccer loss to Estacada in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs on Wednesday.
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MORE SPORTS
Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
SATURDAY, NOV. 7, 2026: A Rotary Peace Pole was recently installed outside Philomath Community Services on South Ninth Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, NOV. 6, 2026: A sunrise appears over Neabeack Hill earlier this week. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, NOV. 5, 2026: Philomath High School students cheer for the girls soccer team during Wednesday afternoon's playoff game. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 4, 2026: A red maple tree at Dale Collins Memorial Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, NOV. 3, 2026: Philomath native Joey Webber, who serves as Portland Timbers mascot Timber Joey, applauds as a specially designed scarf is unveiled during Native American Heritage Night at Sunday’s Timbers game. (Photo by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde) 
SATURDAY, OCT. 31, 2026: Trunk or Treats attracted hundreds of kids on Friday afternoon in downtown Philomath. (Photo by Mike Brawner) 
FRIDAY, OCT. 30, 2026: A fall afternoon in Philomath City Park. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, OCT. 29, 2026: Cinnamon rolls, cookies and hot chocolate were among the items served at a fundraiser last weekend for Tom Overlin. The At Home Properties event was organized to help Overlin with medical expenses. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 28, 2026: Philomath High sophomore Kaylie Thomas shoots photos for the yearbook at Tuesday's boys soccer game. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, OCT. 27, 2026: A view from Neabeack Hill looking west down Applegate Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, OCT. 24, 2026: The Willamette Community and Grange Hall on Greenberry Road was built in 1923 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, OCT. 23, 2026: Maxtivity's Glory, a human-powered kinetic sculpture vehicle, joins Philomath Elementary's bike bus on Friday morning. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, OCT. 22, 2026: A scene from last weekend's Autumn Craft Show at Philomath Scout Lodge. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 2026: An evening-sky view looking east toward Plymouth on Tuesday. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, OCT. 20, 2026: The Oregon Department of Forestry's Ryan Schmidtgall demonstrates fire behavior and defensible space at the Philomath Fire and Rescue open house event earlier this month. (Photo by Eric Niemann)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
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Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
STEPPING UP
It rang quite true
To those in attendance
The inventor of stairs
Had many descendants
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