EDITOR’S CHOICE
Deep roster leads to convincing midweek meet win for cross-country girls
VENETA — Crescent Valley sophomore Alexa Montgomery led for almost the entire race on a hot Wednesday afternoon at the Country Fair Classic, but Philomath junior Cassidy Smart caught her as the two runners emerged from the trees with about 100 meters to go. Despite Smart’s late-race kick, Montgomery was able to recover and the two runners ended up leaning at the finish line together. CV’s Montgomery got the win by a slim margin of four-tenths of a second. Smart…
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NEWS
Armed suspect taken into custody after hours-long standoff in Monroe
Benton County Sheriff’s Office deputies took a Halsey man into custody Wednesday after a barricade situation in Monroe led to evacuations, a shelter-in-place notice and lockouts at two schools. According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 700 block of Commercial Street shortly after 7:30 a.m. following a 911…
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Philomath alerts residents to permit fee phishing scheme
The city of Philomath is warning residents, property owners and prospective applicants about a phishing scam targeting people who have submitted land use, permitting or development applications with the city. In a press release issued Tuesday, Assistant City Manager Chelsea Starner said the scam is actively affecting city customers. Scammers…
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Mount Union Stories: Clara V. Claybaugh (1887-1910)
In this week’s Mount Union Stories, read about Clara Claybaugh, who was married less than a year to a Philomath College graduate and was preparing to become a school teacher when she died at age 23 in Idaho.
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Bragging rights on the line as Philomath’s chili cook-off returns Sept. 13
The atmosphere at Philomath’s Public Safety Chili Cook-Off stays light and friendly with several hundred people in attendance swapping conversations while sampling chili from up to two dozen tasting stations. But behind the scenes, a very real competitive vibe can be felt among participating law enforcement teams. “There’s a little…
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Benton County health officials urge families to catch up on childhood vaccines
Benton County health officials are urging parents and caregivers to review their children’s vaccination records as the new school year begins, citing a continued decline in immunization rates across the state and county. The Benton County Health Department said Monday that fewer students than ever are attending school without meeting…
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SPORTS
Gallery: PHS cross-country at Country Fair Classic (Sept. 9, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s appearance in the Country Fair Classic at Veneta on Wednesday.
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Philomath girls continue dominance at The Ultimook
Cassidy Smart crossed the finish line first and the Philomath girls cross-country team followed her lead by winning the team title Saturday at The Ultimook Race at The Hydrangea Ranch near Tillamook. In the eight years that Philomath has competed in the meet, the girls have won the title five…
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Philomath girls soccer picks up 2-0 win over Crook County
The Philomath High School girls soccer team posted its first win of the season Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Crook County on the second day of the Bend Soccer Showcase. Sophomore Jordyn Allen found the net in the fourth minute to give the Warriors an early lead. Senior Angelica…
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Warrior boys rally late to tie Baker at Bend Soccer Showcase
The Philomath High School boys soccer team scored in the 65th minute to force a tie against Baker on Saturday morning at the Bend Soccer Showcase. Neither team could find the net in the first half. Baker broke the scoreless tie in the 53rd minute, but 12 minutes later junior…
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 2026: Fall colors begin to appear in front of the Philomath Scout Lodge. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, SEPT. 8, 2026: Lindsey Free, Philomath Area Chamber of Commerce board president, puts up flags with the Philomath Rotary Club on Labor Day. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 2026: PHS varsity volleyball players during the playing of the National Anthem at Thursday evening's home opener. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 2026: Footbridge in Marys River Park and Natural Area. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 2026: Blackberries along Newton Creek. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2, 2026: Free "little library" at the corner of Sunrose Court and Neabeack Hill Drive. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, SEPT. 1, 2026: The Root Vegetables, a Philomath-based group, plays to a packed house at the Willamette Grange on Saturday night. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, AUG. 29, 2026: Philomath High cheerleaders engage with the student section during Friday night's football opener at Clemens Field. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, AUG. 28, 2026: DTW Lite plays jazz during last weekend's final Music in the Park concert. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, AUG. 27, 2026: Finished street improvements on South 11th between Applegate and Main. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26, 2026: Seniors Erynn Kohler, left, and Olivia Daggett get started on painting their parking spots at Philomath High School on Tuesday afternoon. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News)
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Verses
By Kevin Ahern
HAPPILY NEVER AFTER
No marriage ends well
I’ll say to my last breath
Half of them end in divorce
And the other half in death
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