EDITOR’S CHOICE
Philomath district to switch school bus companies after 15 years
The Philomath School Board voted unanimously Monday night to select First Student Inc. as the school district’s new student transportation provider, ending a 15-year relationship with Mid Columbia Bus Co. and setting the stage for a transition that must be completed before the start of the 2026-27 school year. The vote, taken during a special meeting that lasted just six minutes, formally accepted First Student’s proposal and directed Superintendent Susan Halliday to begin contract negotiations with the company. The district’s…
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PHS girls win tennis dual over visiting Riverdale
Philomath High’s girls tennis team won two out of three matches Tuesday on its home courts in a dual against Riverdale, a 3A school out of Portland. In singles, foreign-exchange student Cecilia Milesi posted a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Stella Gatziolis. Riverdale junior Nina Rinard downed Warriors junior Lucy Thomas…
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Death Notice: Thomas Kenneth Gassner (1947-2026)
Thomas K. Gassner, 78, of Blodgett, died April 5, 2026, in Redmond, Oregon. A memorial service is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at Blodgett Community Church (21160 Old Blodgett Road). Interment will be at 3 p.m. Friday, April 10 at Summit Cemetery. McHenry Funeral Home is handling arrangements.…
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Philomath’s Babcock finds his footing on the mound
Philomath High senior Caleb Babcock was everything the team needed him to be Tuesday — sharp, efficient and in command of his pitches for six strong innings. But the bullpen couldn’t hold it in the seventh and West Albany sent a dozen batters to the plate in a decisive final…
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Mount Union Stories: James C. Keezel (1857-1890)
In this week’s Mount Union Stories, read about James C. Keezel, who died at age 33 in 1890 while working on the College of Philomath’s new building in 1890.
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Philomath boys volleyball falls to Western Christian on the road
The Philomath High School boys volleyball team dropped its second straight match on the road Monday night in a 25-17, 25-21, 25-19 loss at Western Christian. Against the Pioneers, a Class 2A private school out of Salem, Philomath took the floor with a lineup that needed to be adjusted. “We…
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SPORTS
‘Next shot mentality’ guides Philomath High boys golf
CORVALLIS — Roman Robins will tell you golf is as much about what’s happening between the ears as what happens on the course. Philomath High’s lone senior has built his game around that philosophy — and he’s working to pass it along. “I love taking on that leadership role,” Robins…
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Gallery: PHS boys golf at Trysting Tree (April 6, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s boys golf meet at Trysting Tree Golf Club in Corvallis on Monday.
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026: A pink sunset over Philomath on Sunday evening. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026: High school golf is in its second year at Philomath. Here, Roman Robins walks the course Monday at Trysting Tree Golf Club in Corvallis. (Photo by Andy Cripe/Philomath News) 
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2026: Several different people of all ages helped move shovels of dirt during a tree-planting ceremony Friday afternoon in front of Philomath Community Library. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2026: Public art in Dale Collins Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026: Spring tree blooms along North 17th Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026: An Easter bunny pickup in the PHS parking lot. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2026: Tulips and daffodils at Philomath High School. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026: A peace pole erected by the Philomath Rotary Club stands by the playground at Paul J. Cochran Veterans Memorial Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026: New signage in front of Philomath Elementary School. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026: A view of a southeastern section of Philomath. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026: PHRED, the high school's robotics club, has had a presence at the county fair in recent years. This year's team is preparing for next month's district championships. (File photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026: Pink blossoms fill a flowering cherry tree at Dale Collins Park in Philomath. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2026: The middle portion of the Philomath College building was initially constructed in 1867. The bricks were made from clay extracted near the building. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026: Crocuses in bloom a few weeks ago around town. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026: Daffodils bloom at the reflection garden at Mt. Union Cemetery. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2026: Philomath High's softball team practices under blue skies on Monday. The team opens its season Wednesday at Blanchet Catholic. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
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Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
GET ITS RIGHT
“Its” or “it’s”?
Easy to see:
Possession is
Apostrofree
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