EDITOR’S CHOICE
After nearly a decade in 4-H, McLennan twins close out their run at the Benton County Fair
For Benton County twins Cameron and Jessica McLennan, this year’s Benton County Fair and Rodeo marks the end of an era. The recent high school graduates are showing 300-pound pigs in their final year of 4-H, closing out nearly a decade in a program that shaped how they lead, work and relate to others. The twins joined 4-H in third grade, following their older brother into the program. Eight years later, they’re reflecting on how much that commitment has grown…
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NEWS
Philomath police, community partners gear up for National Night Out
Neighbors, families and local emergency personnel will gather Tuesday for Philomath’s annual National Night Out celebration, a tradition that’s grown considerably since it launched in a grocery store parking lot two decades ago. The event runs from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 4 at Philomath City Park. It aims to strengthen community…
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OSP Log: Semitruck collision, bicycle crash, unsafe passing lead to fatalities
Oregon State Police responded to three fatal crashes from July 23-27 in Clackamas, Marion and Lane counties that claimed three lives.
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Philomath Citizens’ Academy returns for 2026 season
The Philomath Citizens’ Academy is back for another round with the city’s civic education program returning this fall. Sessions will run from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays from Sept. 3 to Oct. 29 at Philomath City Hall. The nine-week series gives residents a chance to meet the people who keep the community…
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Philomath Frolic and Rodeo gets high marks from its board president
Philomath Frolic and Rodeo board president Alyssa Collins said this year’s three-day celebration went smoothly, crediting changes to gate operations, a new dance and afterparty lineup, and a reworked hospitality setup for helping the event run more efficiently than in past years. The 73rd annual Frolic and Rodeo ran July…
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Rotary Club to discuss peace poles, student programs at Aug. 4 meeting
The Philomath Rotary Club plans to meet at noon Tuesday at Peace Lutheran Church for an agenda that includes a discussion on the organization’s peace pole project. All Rotarians and community members are welcome to attend. Members will talk about plans to schedule the installation of seven peace poles at…
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SPORTS
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 continuity within the program. “I’ve coached a lot of these girls for three years now and I’ve built a bond with them,” said Muir, who also coached the group that…
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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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Siuslaw National Forest extends comment period on rec fee proposal
The Siuslaw National Forest has extended the public comment period for a proposal to change recreation fees at sites across Coos, Douglas, Lane and Tillamook counties, giving residents until Sept. 18, to weigh in. The proposal covers 19 campgrounds as well as summer holiday weekend fees at Sand Lake Recreation…
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Philomath’s Elise Reese earns scholar-athlete honor at Linfield
Philomath High School graduate Elise Reese, a member of the Linfield University women’s tennis team, has been named a 2026 Intercollegiate Tennis Association scholar-athlete, the school announced. Reese, who graduated with the PHS Class of 2024, earned the honor after completing her sophomore season with a grade point average of…
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
SATURDAY, AUG. 1, 2026: Philomath City Park's skate park opened during the summer of 2000. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2026: An excavator works along the tree line at the Millpond Crossing housing development site in Philomath early this week. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2026: Looking through Philomath City Park's main playground toward the new outdoor fitness area. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2026: A 1949 Tucker Sno-Cat, which was used to monitor the watershed and wildlife on Marys Peak, makes an appearance in the Great Oregon Steam-Up's parade on Sunday at Powerland Heritage Park in Brooks. (Photo by Canda Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2026: A row of hand-painted rocks lines the curb at Philomath City Park, spotted Tuesday morning near the Philomath Area Chamber of Commerce caboose display. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2026: Flowers were placed at the Philomath Veterans Memorial in Paul J. Cochran Veterans Memorial Park. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2026: The Philomath Lions Club's book sale opened Thursday at the rodeo grounds and will continue through Saturday. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2026: The Philomath Farmers' Market operates on Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Philomath Community Library and Philomath Police Station parking lot area. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2026: A street-level view through the trees looking toward Applegate with Philomath Museum in the distance. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2026: A sampling of spirits by Divine Distillers during an At Home Properties tasting stop at Saturday's Sip and Stroll in downtown Philomath. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2026: Volunteers build a kaleidoscope bus out of the kinetic sculpture, Glory, at Maxtivity on Main Street. The Graand Kinetic Challenge is this weekend in Corvallis. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026: A bench in Old Reservoir Park at sunset. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026: Bike lanes on Applegate Street get a fresh coat of paint Wednesday morning. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2026: A flower basket hangs in front of Philomath Community Library. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2026: Work is underway on Philomath's new water treatment plant. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2026: The Philomath Frolic and Rodeo's annual fireworks display on Friday night. (Photo by Andy Cripe/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2026: A John Deere tractor drags the arena at the Philomath Frolic and Rodeo ahead of Thursday's performance. The rodeo continues Friday and Saturday nights. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026: The Philomath Frolic and Rodeo's Home Run Derby took place Wednesday evening at the PHS softball field. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2026: A view of the Frolic's arena as it appeared Monday ahead of this week's NPRA rodeo performances. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2026: Recently installed natural playscape equipment at Flossie Overman Park on North 11th Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2026: Happy Fourth of July from an inflatable on the corner of South 13th and Applegate. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2026: A 13-star centennial flag from 1876 along with a satin dress from the same period are displayed at the “Centuries of Celebration” exhibit at Philomath Museum. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2026: The historic Philomath College building against the Wednesday evening sky. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2026: A strawberry moon rises over Philomath June 29 on the evening of its peak. (Photo by Eric Niemann)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
READ PAST STACKER STORIES
Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
LOST GARDEN
Closing books
Takes a chance
Watering weeds
Of ignorance
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