EDITOR’S CHOICE
Philomath School Board previews color-coded emergency response guide
The Philomath School Board received an update Thursday night on a new quick-reference safety and emergency response tool being rolled out at district schools, a project Superintendent Susan Halliday said grew out of requests from the teachers association for something simpler and faster to use in a crisis. Halliday said the district plans to reach out to staff and the community for input as the guide continues to be developed. “When people found out what I was working on, they…
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NEWS
Philomath man arrested on child sex abuse charges following Corvallis investigation
A 24-year-old Philomath man was arrested this week on multiple felony charges after Corvallis Police say he sexually exploited and abused a 15-year-old girl he met through social media. Gabriel A. Cleveland was booked into the Benton County Jail following an investigation by the Corvallis Police Department, which found that…
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DTW Lite Trio closes out Music in the Park, doubles as Chamber’s Business After Hours
Philomath’s Music in the Park series wraps up its season Sunday with a performance by the DTW Lite Trio, a smaller offshoot of the popular DTW Band that still brings plenty of energy to the stage. The concert runs from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 23 at Philomath City Park in the…
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Obituary: Ralph Sterba (1937-2026)
Ralph Darrel Sterba, of Tualatin, March 27, 1937 – Aug. 9, 2026. Born to Charles and Irene (Smock) Sterba in Topeka, Kansas. The family moved to Oregon when Ralph was 7 or 8 years old and settled on their farm in Kings Valley. He attended school in both Philomath and…
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County’s Developmental Disabilities program marks 55 Years, prepares for leadership change
Benton County’s Developmental Diversity program will celebrate its 55th anniversary with a free community event on Tuesday, county officials announced. The Aug. 25 gathering will run from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Corvallis Community Center, 2601 NW Tyler Ave., and will include light refreshments, cake, activities and an opportunity…
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County creates chief of staff position, appoints Thwaits
Benton County has appointed Anne Thwaits to a newly created chief of staff position, County Administrator Rick Crager announced. The position replaces the former assistant county administrator role. County officials say the change is designed to maintain current staffing levels while reducing overall costs. Thwaits has served as public information…
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SPORTS
Youth rodeo finals to fill Philomath arena this weekend
The Philomath Frolic and Rodeo arena will come alive Friday through Sunday as the Northwest Youth Rodeo Association holds its finals rodeo, the last stop of a summer-long season that draws young competitors from across the region. Gates open at 8 a.m. Friday and the day begins with 2027 NWYRA court tryouts, including a 9 a.m. orientation and a noon horsemanship session, followed by a 2 p.m. speeches and modeling session at the Yew Wood Corral. Competition gets underway at…
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Two-day camp aims to build confidence, strength in Philomath girls
Natasha Nuño is hoping to tackle a problem she’s watched play out for years — girls quitting sports just as they’re hitting their stride. Nuño, who is putting on the camp along with her daughter, Rivers, said research shows girls drop out of sports at roughly double the rate of…
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Muir takes over Philomath High’s softball program
Philomath High School’s softball players will have a familiar face returning this spring. Tim Muir, junior varsity coach for the past two years, takes over for Kari Jaques. Muir, a 2000 Philomath High graduate who also helped with the varsity last season, said he wanted the job to help provide…
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Junior Warriors Soccer Camp coming Aug. 10-13
The Philomath High School boys and girls soccer teams will host a youth soccer camp Aug. 10-13 for students going into kindergarten through the eighth grade. Each day’s activities will include instruction on skill development and team play concepts along with challenges and games. The sessions will run each of…
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
FRIDAY, AUG. 21, 2026: Sunflowers bloom at Lupe's Community Garden next to Philomath Community Services. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, AUG. 20, 2026: A vintage Studebaker pickup parked at the Philomath Farmers' Market last weekend. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 19, 2026: A school bus mailbox on South Ninth Street marks the location of the Philomath School District's new transportation provider, First Student Inc. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, AUG. 18, 2026: Ashlyn Terry, of Philomath, competes in pole bending at last weekend's Northwest Youth Rodeo Association finals in the Frolic arena. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, AUG. 15, 2026: Chainsaw art at Skirvin Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, AUG. 14, 2026: A chestnut horse pauses for a close-up at the Philomath Frolic and Rodeo grounds Friday morning as the Northwest Rodeo Association finals get ready to kick off. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, AUG. 13, 2026: Philomath Public Works employees install wood framing Wednesday around the new readerboard at Dale Collins Memorial Park. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 12, 2026: Benton County Emergency Manager and Philomath resident Bryan Lee encourages residents to prepare for emergencies during a program at the Sunset Building in Corvallis on Tuesday night.(Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, AUG. 11, 2026: A load of lumber rolls down Philomath's Main Street last week. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, AUG. 8, 2026: Mule On Fire plays a set at the Strengthening Rural Families Summer Gathering Friday night at Lumos Wine Co. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, AUG. 7, 2026: Jodi Russell, Philomath Community Services board president, shares comments at Thursday's Celebrating Service fundraiser at Cardwell Hill Cellars. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, AUG. 6, 2026: Hazy skies from wildfire smoke as seen this week in the Philomath area. (Photo by David Low) 
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 5, 2026: A banner at Philomath Community Library's front desk promotes summer reading. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, AUG. 4, 2026: Philomath High junior Bryce Hruska shows his pygmy goat during the Lee Allen Memorial Youth Auction Saturday night at the Benton County Fair. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, AUG. 1, 2026: Philomath City Park's skate park opened during the summer of 2000. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
READ PAST STACKER STORIES
Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
SWAPPED
After Mrs. Collins’ handbag was stolen
Her insurance company
Made sure
She was reimpursed
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