EDITOR’S CHOICE
Three Things: School histories, immigration letter and time capsule
This week’s Three Things covers a request related to an old Blodgett-area school, Philomath mayor joining immigration enforcement letter and Oregon’s contribution to a 250-year time capsule.
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featured
Philomath council agenda includes building permit fees, board appointments
The Philomath City Council plans to convene for its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall with an agenda that includes a public hearing on proposed building permit fees. Following the hearing, the council can either approve a resolution to adopt the fees or request additional information from…
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OSP Log: Fatal crashes claim 3 lives around state
Editor’s note: This report is based on information submitted by the Oregon State Police. All crashes with fatalities may not be included. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. FRIDAY, JAN. 30 • 6 p.m. — Troopers responded to a vehicle-pedestrian crash on Highway 30 near Scappoose that…
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Children’s stuffed animals invited for overnight museum adventure
The Philomath Museum will host a Stuffed Animal Sleepover on Thursday, Feb. 12, offering local children a chance to let their favorite plush companions experience a night at the museum. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. with an interactive story time featuring songs, crafts and books about animals. Children and…
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Philomath Fire and Rescue board to discuss future of Wren station
The Philomath Fire and Rescue Board of Directors will meet at 3 p.m. Monday at Station 201. The board will consider the future of the Wren station during the meeting, according to the published agenda. Fire Chief Chancy Ferguson is scheduled to lead the discussion. A chief’s report that is…
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Philomath students invited to share ideas in ‘If I Were Mayor’ contest
Philomath students in grades 4-12 have an opportunity to share their vision for the city through the 2026 “If I Were Mayor…” contest, an annual program organized by the Oregon Mayors Association. The contest, which begins at the local level, invites young people to imagine themselves in the mayor’s seat…
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SPORTS
Chasing history: Barrett eyes third state title in final season
Philomath High’s Riley Barrett is chasing history this season by attempting to become the first Warriors wrestler to win the state title three times. As a sophomore, Barrett put together a 48-0 season capped by an 8-3 decision over Sweet Home’s Jacob Landtroop in the state finals. Last year, he…
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Gallery: PHS wrestling vs. Sweet Home (Feb. 5, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s home wrestling dual against Sweet Home on Thursday.
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
SATURDAY, FEB. 7, 2026: Evening traffic along Main Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, FEB. 6, 2026: The Shipley Family Homestead Marker in Newton Creek Park. Black History Month is observed in February. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, FEB. 5, 2026: A piece of Philomath High’s old gym floor before the high school’s remodeling project in 2012. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4, 2026: The Independent Community Center on the corner of Fern Road and Airport Avenue. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, FEB. 3, 2026: A snow moon on Groundhog Day over Philomath. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, JAN. 31, 2026: A picnic table built and donated by Hoskins Livestock 4-H Club sits at Flossie Overman Discovery Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, JAN. 30, 2026: A school of colorful wooden fish swim along the fence line behind Philomath Elementary. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JAN. 29, 2026: Philomath High senior Ike Avery sings the National Anthem prior to Wednesday’s home swim meet. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28, 2026: A redwood tree at Philomath High’s Clemens Field. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, JAN. 27, 2026: A Clydesdale pulls a buggy past the Benton County Fairgrounds northeast of Philomath on Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, JAN. 24, 2026: Public art at Philomath City Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, JAN. 23, 2026: A view of Marys Peak from Fern Road. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JAN. 22, 2026: Philomath High’s Class of 1956 planted 56 trees in this redwood grove in Marys River Park and Natural Area in 2006 during their 50th class reunion. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21, 2026: Philomath High cheerleaders at Tuesday night’s boys basketball game. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
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Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
FIGURES
With geometry, it isn’t possible
No matter how hard you wrangle
But with love, it’s not uncommon
For curves to create a triangle
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