EDITOR’S CHOICE
Philomath School Board gets first look at post-graduation plans for Class of 2026
For the first time, the Philomath School District has a detailed snapshot of what its graduating classes plan to do after receiving their diplomas — and Superintendent Susan Halliday called it a meaningful step toward understanding whether the district is doing its job. Halliday presented the data to board members as part of a broader district push to better understand whether students are being equipped for life after high school — and to build systems that can track whether those…
CLICK TO READ THE FULL STORYNEWS
BCSO Log: Tool theft, strayed livestock, dogs on loose
Editor’s note: This report is based on information submitted by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. All calls for service may not be included. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate and may not be included if it could identify victims of certain crimes of a…
READ MORE
County Commissioner Gabe Shepherd to host town hall at Philomath Museum in July
Benton County Commissioner Gabe Shepherd has announced a series of summer town halls throughout Benton County, including a stop in Philomath next month. The Philomath session is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, at 3:30 p.m. at Philomath Museum. The meeting is open to the public and is expected to last…
READ MORE
PYAC opens fall sports registration for flag football, volleyball and cheer
The Philomath Youth Activities Club has opened registration for its fall sports programs with a deadline of July 10 for families to secure spots in flag football, volleyball and recreational cheer. Volleyball is open to students in grades 4-8. Grades 4-6 will compete in the Valley League, while seventh and…
READ MORE
Council gives final approval to alley vacation request
The Philomath City Council gave final approval Monday to ordinance to vacate a narrow unimproved alley near North Eighth Street on a 6-1 vote with no discussion among councilors. Mayor Christopher McMorran cast the lone no vote, consistent with his opposition at both prior votes on the matter. The second…
READ MORE
City Council ratifies public works contract, approves pay schedules
The Philomath City Council on Monday unanimously approved a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with its public works employees and adopted pay schedules for nonrepresented and management positions for fiscal year 2026-27. A resolution that ratifies a successor agreement between the city and American Federation of State, County and Municipal…
READ MORE
MORE NEWS
SPORTS
Philomath’s Smart wins heat, places 4th in steeplechase at Nike Outdoor Nationals
Philomath High cross-country and track standout Cassidy Smart added another exceptional athletic accomplishment to her résumé this past Friday by winning her heat and placing fourth overall in the 2,000-meter steeplechase at the Nike Outdoor Nationals. Competing against 50 other girls in the Championship division, Smart was first in Heat 2 with a personal-best time of 6:56.98. Smart ranks 16th nationally among high school athletes in the event. All 14 girls ranked ahead of her are either juniors or seniors.…
CLICK TO READ THE FULL STORY
After years of fundraising, Philomath turf project within striking distance
After years of fundraising, the effort to install artificial turf at Philomath High School’s baseball and softball fields is closing in on its goal with organizers now roughly $70,000 to $80,000 short of what’s needed to move forward. “We are actually really, really close to getting everything that we need,”…
READ MORE
Philomath hires former Central assistant to take over as boys soccer coach
Philomath High School has a new boys soccer coach and he comes with a deep connection to the Oregon West Conference — and even a memory or two of playing against the Warriors. Gerardo Garibay, 31, was hired to lead the Philomath program after spending nearly a decade on the…
READ MORE
Three Warriors earn Special District 3 honors in boys volleyball
Three Philomath players were recognized for their contributions this season as part of those included on the Special District 3 all-district boys volleyball team. Senior Chris Eaton and senior Mayson Wallace earned second-team honors, while sophomore Nico Mayo Carrasco received an honorable mention selection. The Warriors finished the season 7-11…
READ MOREMORE SPORTS
Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2026: Daylilies in bloom Monday evening at Dale Collins Park in Philomath. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026: Colorful balloons decorate the social hall inside Peace Lutheran Church. The church celebrated its 75th anniversary this past Sunday. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026: A Philomath Frolic and Rodeo flag waves in the breeze at the rodeo arena. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026: A vintage automobile cruises down Applegate Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026: Sunset at Marys River Park and Natural Area. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026: Flower baskets and flags line Main Street Sunday on Flag Day. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026: Dogwood flowers bloom outside of Lupe's Community Garden. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026: Blood on the Plow plays a set at Music in the Park on Wednesday evening. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026: The Marys River on a June afternoon. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2026: An interactive exhibit at the Philomath Museum encourages visitors to reflect on the nation's 250th birthday. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2026: Philomath Academy Principal Garth Gerot shoots a photo of graduate candidates on the west lawn of the school on Friday morning. The academy's graduation is scheduled for June 10. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2026: Chairs fill the field and track at Clemens Field ahead of Philomath High School's commencement exercises scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday.(Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026: Trophies won by Philomath High this academic year are lined up in the front office. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
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)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
READ PAST STACKER STORIES
Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
SIT ON IT
At Kleptomaniacs Anonymous
Unless I am mistaken
It seemed to me that all the seats
In that place have been taken
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