EDITOR’S CHOICE
Class of 2026: Syd Cothern pushes herself across the graduation finish line
For Syd Cothern, crossing a finish line has never been just about running. The Philomath High School senior has been a distance runner for most of her high school career — four years on the track team, three in cross-country — and somewhere along the way, the discipline required to push through miles of discomfort became the same discipline that carried her to graduation. Cothern, daughter of Emily Clark, will be among 120 students scheduled to receive diplomas Saturday at…
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NEWS
Mount Union Stories: Alwilda Dunn (1847-1925)
In this week’s Mount Union Stories, read about Alwilda Dunn, who came to Oregon as a child in the early 1850s and was a teacher for many years — even instructing the future Benton County sheriff his ABCs.
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ODOT crews to upgrade curb ramps along Philomath stretch of Highway 20
Residents and motorists can expect to see construction activity in Philomath along Main Street as the Oregon Department of Transportation upgrades ADA-compliant curb ramps along Highway 20. ODOT crews are demolishing and installing curb ramps throughout the project area as part of an effort to improve accessibility for pedestrians, the…
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Letter: Philomath Fire and Rescue thanks community for levy support
Letter to the Editor: Philomath Fire and Rescue Chief Chancy Ferguson thanks community members for voting yes on the five-year local option levy.
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Siuslaw National Forest raises fire danger to moderate amid dry conditions
With unseasonably hot and dry conditions settling over western Oregon, Siuslaw National Forest officials have elevated the area’s fire danger rating from “low” to “moderate.” Forest officials are warning that human-caused wildfires remain the leading threat on National Forest lands and are urging visitors and nearby communities to take extra…
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Benton County names Rick Crager as permanent county administrator
Rick Crager has been appointed as Benton County’s permanent county administrator, effective June 1, following three months in the acting and interim roles. The Benton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously at its May 26 meeting to make the appointment, bypassing a national search in favor of promoting from within.…
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SPORTS
Six Warriors earn Oregon West all-conference softball honors
Philomath High School had six players recognized on the all-Oregon West Conference softball team, led by center fielder Rylee Martin’s first-team selection. Martin, a sophomore who also saw time at shortstop and served as the team’s leadoff batter, was the lone Warrior to earn first-team honors. Three players landed on the second team — sophomore pitcher Hailey Smith, sophomore infielder Libby Kramer and junior utility player Haley King. Junior infielder Sierra Skaggs and junior catcher Riley Mason each received honorable…
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State track: Eckhold vaults to victory, Smart sweeps distance events to lead PHS girls
EUGENE — Junior Hailey Eckhold was still trying to borrow a pole Saturday morning when the other competitors were walking into Hayward Field. An hour later, she was a state champion. Eckhold’s dramatic pole vault title, combined with sophomore Cassidy Smart’s sweep of the 1,500- and 3,000-meter runs, headlined a…
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Gallery: PHS girls track and field at 4A state meet (May 29-30, 2026)
A collection of photos from the Philomath High girls track and field team at the 4A state championships in Eugene on Friday and Saturday.
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State track: Four runner-up finishes power Philomath boys to 4th-place trophy
EUGENE — Junior Bryce Hruska had never competed at the state track meet. A year ago, an appendectomy ended his sophomore season before he got the chance to try to qualify. On Saturday afternoon in the Class 4A state championships at Hayward Field, he made up for lost time —…
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MORE SPORTS
Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026: Philomath schoolchildren created artwork for the food donation barrel at Citizens Bank, items that then go to Philomath Community Services. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026: A 1952 MG TD on display on Saturday during the 1950s-themed Benton County Historical Society's 75th anniversary celebration. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2026: The PYAC Community Carnival took over Clemens Field Friday evening with a variety of inflatables. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2026: A flowering Kousa dogwood blooms in Philomath City Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026: A Philomath firefighter at the scene of a structure fire on Main Street in Alsea on Wednesday. (Photo provided by Philomath Fire and Rescue) 
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2026: Volunteers place flags on the graves of veterans on May 23 at Mount Union Cemetery in recognition of Memorial Day. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2026: Tom Wright, a member of Philomath Lions Club, volunteers to water flower baskets along Main Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2026: The American flag and a Warrior Pride flag on display at Warrior Field on a windy afternoon. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2026: Instrument cases lie in the grass while Philomath Middle School band students play in the gazebo at the first Music in the Park concert of the season. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2026: A load of logs rolls through town. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2026: Outdoor fitness equipment installation at Philomath City Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026: Sunrise over the entrance to Starker Forests, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2026: A rose bush blooms in Philomath Elementary's Kindness Garden. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026: A project that will add curbs, gutters, sidewalks, parking and an electric vehicle charging station to South 12th Street is underway. Improvements are also planned for South 11th. (Photo by Eric Niemann)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
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Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
SWEET FEAT
Hawaiian farmers
Act most insane
I think it comes
From raising cane
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