EDITOR’S CHOICE
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 dominated Pendleton’s Vance Nelson in the championship match with a 14-0 major decision. But in his final go-round with the Warriors, Barrett’s season has been more of a challenge thanks…
CLICK TO READ THE FULL STORY
featured
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…
READ MORE
Philomath’s Softstar Shoes becomes employee-owned
After leading Softstar Shoes for the past two decades, Tricia Salcido faced a question that weighs on many business owners — how do you walk away from something you’ve built without watching it disappear? For Salcido, the answer came through an employee-ownership trust — a model that has transitioned the…
READ MORE
Philomath High to host Dancing With the Stars competition Saturday
Philomath High School’s dance and drill team will showcase two routines Saturday when it hosts the 20th annual Dancing With the Stars competition. The Shining Stars, competing with a seven-member roster, will perform in both the 1A-5A traditional and 1A-5A hip hop categories. Saturday’s event marks the first time this…
READ MORE
BCSO Log: Hit-and-run, stolen tools, warrant arrest
Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a hit-and-run near Philomath, stolen tools on Woods Creek Road, and arrested a Philomath man on a contempt warrant.
READ MORE
PHS graduate earns spot in sales excellence program at Nebraska
Dylan Smith, a 2025 Philomath High School graduate, has been accepted into the Undergraduate Certificate in Sales Excellence Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Smith, a sophomore majoring in agricultural economics, was among students from 11 majors and three colleges selected for the competitive program offered through the College of…
READ MORENEWS
SPORTS
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.
READ MORE
PYAC registration for baseball, softball now open
The Philomath Youth Activities Club is now registering youngsters for T-ball, softball and baseball. To guarantee a spot, organizers need registration forms by March 3. The T-ball (coed for youth entering kindergarten and first grade this fall) and Mites (coed, youth currently in first and second grades) seasons begin in…
READ MORE
Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
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) 
TUESDAY, JAN. 20, 2026: The American flag flies in front of Philomath Museum Monday on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, JAN. 17, 2026: Sunset at Philomath City Park with the recently installed light poles from Main Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
READ PAST STACKER STORIES
Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
KICKING BACK
That lazy guy is napping
He doesn’t have a plan
The problem is he suffers from
A short intention span
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