election 2026
May 19 election: Q-and-A with candidates in contested primary for county commissioner
Benton County voters will decide a contested Democratic race for county commissioner on the May 19 primary election ballot. The Democratic primary for the board’s…
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May 19 ballot: Philomath Fire and Rescue seeks five-year operating levy
Philomath Fire and Rescue officials say a five-year local operating levy on the May 19 ballot is essential to maintaining current staffing and service levels…
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May 19 ballot: Voters to decide psilocybin ban, 7 annexation measures
Philomath voters will weigh in on eight city-referred ballot measures in the May 19 primary election, deciding whether to permanently ban psilocybin-related businesses within city…
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EDITOR’S CHOICE
Pausch, Smart shine in 3,000, Peters brothers among top throwers at Spartan Challenge
CORVALLIS — Senior Leo Pausch won the 3,000 meters and the Peters brothers were among the top throwers in their events to highlight Philomath’s performance Friday at the Spartan Challenge. The team’s lone victory occurred in the final individual running event when Pausch won by more than 6 seconds over the rest of the field. Competing in the 3,000 for the third time this season, Pausch came in with a time of 9:12.97. His personal record dates back to his…
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featured
OSP Log: Crashes claim 6 lives across state from April 23-29
Oregon State Police responded to six fatal crashes from April 23-29 that claimed six lives; troopers seek witnesses in Hood River hit-and-run pedestrian crash.
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New exhibit at Philomath Museum explores themes of shelter, survival
The Philomath Museum’s Moreland Gallery will open a new exhibit on Saturday featuring works from the Corvallis Art Guild that explore themes of shelter, safety and survival. “Refuge: Where Life Endures” runs May 2 through July 25 and marks the latest community showing from a guild that traces its roots…
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Warriors sweep singles to take down Estacada in boys tennis
The Philomath High boys tennis team swept all four singles matches to defeat Estacada 4-1 in a home match on Thursday afternoon. Warriors freshman Cameron Barlow took down sophomore Liam Morgan 6-1, 7-5 at the top singles spot, while senior Nate Houck rolled to a 6-0, 6-1 victory over sophomore…
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Warriors sweep doubles en route to 6-2 girls tennis win at Estacada
Senior Lucy King set the tone at No. 1 singles and the Warriors swept all four doubles positions as Philomath’s girls tennis team defeated Estacada 6-2 on Thursday. King was dominant in her win over junior Ruby Anderson, dropping just one game in a 6-0, 6-1 victory. Sophomore Ella Hammonds…
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Nature Neighbors program aims to turn small Benton County yards into wildlife habitat
A new Benton County program is enlisting residents to convert small patches of yard — as little as 50 square feet — into habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Nature Neighbors, a partnership between Greenbelt Land Trust and the Benton Soil and Water Conservation District, offers participants hands-on guidance,…
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SPORTS
Gallery: PHS track and field at Spartan Challenge (May 1, 2026)
A collection of photos from the Philomath High School boys and girls track and field teams at the Spartan Challenge on Friday.
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Stayton edges Philomath, 6-5, in finale of tight baseball series
Stayton’s Owen Mitzel turned out to be a major difference maker in his team’s 6-5 victory Thursday evening over Philomath. Not only did Mitzel get the win in relief on the mound for three innings of work and launch a solo home run in the fourth for a 5-3 lead…
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
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) 
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026: PHS Warrior flags fly at the tennis courts earlier this week. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026: Rhododendrons bloom at the PHS Botany Lab. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026: A trail through Downing forest on Philomath School District property. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026: Newton Creek runs through Philomath City Park. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2026: The Philomath High School baseball team meets postgame under a canopy of blue sky and clouds Thursday evening at Terry Stephenson Field. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026: The historic Philomath College building, now Philomath Museum, in the side-view mirror. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026: A walk in the park — Philomath City Park — on Tuesday afternoon. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026: Construction of Dirt Road Brewing's on-site brewery facility on North 13th Street. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026: Trees line Applegate Street looking west from the sidewalk in front of Philomath City Hall. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026: A side view of Philomath Museum behind College United Methodist Church. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026: A slide in the main playground at Philomath City Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026: Wood rounds are stacked at Philomath High School's Forestry and Natural Resources outdoor classroom. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026: California poppies grow outside the Philomath Youth Activities Club. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026: Sunset on Friday evening at Skirvin Park's Horse Plaza. (Photo by Kendra Gillman) 
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026: Construction progress has become more visible in recent weeks at Tall Timber RV Park along North 19th Street. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026: Crack-and-seal street project along Applegate Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
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)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
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Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
EAT CHEAP
Ramen noodles
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Great for every
Low salary diet
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