EDITOR’S CHOICE
Philomath swimmers ready to make splash at districts
The Philomath High School swim team heads into the 4A/3A/2A/1A Special District 4 championships at Albany Community Pool Friday and Saturday with a mix of veteran leadership, competitive relay teams and high hopes for multiple state qualifications. Senior captains Cameron McLennan and Mason Stevens have both overcome significant adversity this season, but they’re peaking at the right time. McLennan has battled injuries this winter and also had to work through six weeks of illness earlier in the school year .…
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Philomath Rotary to host emergency preparedness presentation
The Philomath Rotary Club will host a presentation on emergency management and preparedness at its Tuesday, Feb. 17 meeting at Peace Lutheran Church. Bryan Lee, emergency manager for the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, will deliver the main presentation, “Emergency Management Overview and Emergency Preparedness.” The program aims to help attendees…
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Philomath Fire and Rescue to close substation at Wren
Philomath Fire and Rescue will be closing the fire district’s substation at Wren, Fire Chief Chancy Ferguson said Thursday morning. “The family that owns the property has chosen to not renew that lease,” Ferguson said. “We will be closing that station in the next 30 days.” Beyond the situation with…
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Philomath places 3rd in Traditional at home dance competition
Philomath High School’s dance and drill team hosted its annual Dancing With the Stars competition Saturday with 10 schools competing in multiple categories. West Albany emerged as the day’s top scorer, posting an event-high 83.28 points in the Traditional division while also claiming first place in Pom with 81.78 points…
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Siuslaw National Forest hiring seasonal workers for recreation season
The Siuslaw National Forest is hiring seasonal employees for the upcoming recreation season, with positions available at duty stations in Corvallis, Reedsport, Florence, Waldport and Hebo.Forest Supervisor Rebecca Brooke said seasonal employees are essential to summer operations across the forest. “Our seasonal employees are the backbone of summer operations —…
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BCSO Log: DUII crash off Highway 20, copper wiring burglary
Recent Benton County Sheriff’s Office activity includes arrests from a traffic stop and DUII crash, plus reports of burglaries, attempted fraud and suspicious activity near Philomath.
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SPORTS
Philomath cheer squad rebuilds and bonds ahead of state championships
Lined up on mats that have been placed on the floor of Philomath High’s auditorium, the school’s nine cheerleaders go through the motions of a routine that might be seen on the sidelines of a football game. The Friday afternoon practice carried extra importance at the time with the state…
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Third-quarter surge carries Warrior boys past Sweet Home, 63-49
The Philomath High School boys basketball team broke open a close game in the third quarter and rolled over Sweet Home on the road Tuesday night, 63-49. A trio of juniors — Esias Sapp, Jamin Peters and Kaden Howard — combined for 44 points, 22 rebounds and 15 assists in…
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
FRIDAY, FEB. 13, 2026: The sun rises behind Philomath High School’s Forestry building, highlighting one of the school’s signature career and technical education programs. (Photo by Barb Davis) 
THURSDAY, FEB. 12, 2026: Open space under a blue sky at Marys River Park and Natural Area. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11, 2026: A view of Philomath Community Library after the removal of the large American elm, which had been designated by the city as a Heritage Tree. The tree was removed because of Dutch elm disease. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, FEB. 10, 2026: The Corvallis Indoor Winter Market at the Benton County Fairgrounds on Saturdays draws Philomath-area vendors and shoppers. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
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)
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Verses
By Kevin Ahern
CONDITION HER
The water climbing through her hair
Certainly did surprise her
She claims that it must be due
To her brand new moisture riser
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