EDITOR’S CHOICE
Philomath connections run deep at Crystal Lake Cemetery flag-placing event
CORVALLIS — Gathered on a pleasant Wednesday morning in Crystal Lake Cemetery around a monument that honors Union soldiers who served in the Civil War, a group of volunteers along with a few local dignitaries listened to a short presentation before placing American flags on the grave sites of veterans. Although in Corvallis, the event had a Philomath vibe to it with Eric Niemann, former mayor and city councilor, leading the main talk. Paul “Jeff” Cochran, the Philomath High graduate…
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NEWS
Election update: Just 7 votes separate Philomath’s psilocybin ban from defeat
A proposed psilocybin ban in Philomath led by just seven votes in updated May 19 returns, as the fire levy and annexations passed comfortably.
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BCSO Log: Blodgett man arrested on weapon-related charges after Hoskins Road incident
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office log includes a Blodgett man arrested on weapons charges and a single-vehicle crash on Highway 20.
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Obituary: Tyler Allen Smouse (2007-2026)
Tyler went home to Heaven on Saturday, May 9, 2026. He was born in Corvallis, Oregon, on Sept. 20, 2007, to Misty Steele and Travis Smouse. Tyler grew up in both Wren and Philomath, where he went on to graduate three months early from the Philomath Academy in 2026. He…
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Gallery: Crystal Lake Cemetery Memorial Day Event (May 20, 2026)
A collection of photos from a flag-placement event ahead of Memorial Day at Crystal Lake Cemetery in Corvallis on May 20, 2026.
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Drazan wins Republican primary for governor, teeing up rematch with Kotek
Oregonians voting in the 2026 governor’s race will decide between two familiar faces: State Sen. Christine Drazan and Democratic incumbent Gov. Tina Kotek. The Republican state senator from Canby who lost to Kotek by a few percentage points in a three-way race in 2022 took an early lead in the…
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SPORTS
Philomath sends seniors out in style with 12-1 win over North Marion
Philomath High’s baseball team honored its only two seniors before the first pitch Wednesday and the duo made sure their last regular-season home game was a memorable one in a 12-1 victory over North Marion. Wylie Griffith and Caleb Babcock — both four-year members of the varsity program — delivered at the plate and on the mound as Philomath extended its win streak to six. “It’s the last home game of the season and it could be the last game…
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Gallery: PHS baseball vs. North Marion (May 20, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s 12-1 baseball win over North Marion on Wednesday,
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Newport slips past Philomath, 9-8, in conference softball game
In a battle for fourth place in the Oregon West Conference softball standings, Newport edged Philomath, 9-8, on the coast Wednesday evening. The Warriors go to 8-13 overall and 3-11 in the conference while Newport improves to 5-19 and 4-10. Newport junior Baby Garrett was a standout for the Cubs…
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Babcock’s two-hitter, 15 strikeouts lift Warriors to victory
The Philomath High School baseball team continued its late-season surge with a 5-0 victory Monday evening at North Marion. The Warriors have won five straight games and are now tied for first place in the Oregon West Conference. Philomath’s Caleb Babcock tossed a two-hitter, struck out 15 and gave up…
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026: A load of logs rolls through town. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2026: Outdoor fitness equipment installation at Philomath City Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026: Sunrise over the entrance to Starker Forests, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2026: A rose bush blooms in Philomath Elementary's Kindness Garden. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026: A project that will add curbs, gutters, sidewalks, parking and an electric vehicle charging station to South 12th Street is underway. Improvements are also planned for South 11th. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026: Tuesday String Band leads a jam session Wednesday evening at Marys River Grange Hall. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2026: A rainbow over Applegate Street on Wednesday morning. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2026: Volunteers cook pancakes, sausage and bacon at a breakfast fundraiser Saturday morning at the Main Street fire station. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2026: Dutch irises bloom in front of the Benton County Historical Society's Johnson Collection Center. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2026: The Merry's Place concession stand at the PHS baseball field — named in memory of Merry Rath. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026: Adjutant Frank Blair, left, and Post Commander Elwin Callahan conduct business at the May meeting of the American Legion Marys River Post 100. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2026: Playground equipment at Philomath Elementary School. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026: New signage in front of the Philomath School District office. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026: The Centuries of Celebration exhibit at Philomath Museum. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026: Colors outside of Lupe's Community Garden. (Photo by Eric Niemann)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
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Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
SLOW MOTION
Don’t worry about me
Though I’m slow as a tortoise
Apparently I have
Early onset rigor mortis
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