EDITOR’S CHOICE
Dirt Road Brewing’s expansion nears finish line
Dirt Road Brewing’s expansion project along 13th and Main is entering its final stretch. Owner Chuck Cox said Wednesday that the building under construction behind the popular pub, meant to house his brewery operation, should be up and running within a month. “We’re on the downhill side of it now, but we’re looking forward to moving the brewery over and expanding the size of our brewery, having more outdoor seating,” he said. “I think it’s a great thing for Philomath.”…
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NEWS
BCSO Log: Juvenile DUII arrest, warrant stop on KV Highway
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office log includes a juvenile DUII arrest on Highway 20 and a warrant stop on Kings Valley Highway, plus mailbox damage on Chapel Drive.
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Gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan to hold meet-and-greet in Philomath
Republican gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan will hold a meet-and-greet in Philomath next week as part of her campaign to unseat Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek in November. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, from 4-6 p.m. at Miller Timber, 24745 Alsea Highway. Members of the public are invited to…
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A hernia, a freezer full of beef and the birth of Soul Shine Ranch
KINGS VALLEY — Mike Tucker still remembers cutting his first cow alone. “I acquired a hernia and I hated the process emotionally,” he said. That single, difficult experience — processing a cow named T-Bone by himself, then tearing his own muscle wall doing it — would end up reshaping the…
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Siuslaw National Forest officials issue reminder about no fireworks
With the Fourth of July holiday just days away, fire officials are reminding visitors that fireworks of any kind — including sparklers — remain prohibited across the Siuslaw National Forest. The restriction applies to all Forest Service lands, including campgrounds, trails, parking lots and sand dunes, according to Kevin Reese,…
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Philomath School Board to elect its officers at Thursday meeting
The Philomath School Board plans to meet Thursday evening to elect its board officers for 2026-27. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the Philomath High School Community Conference Room. Also on the agenda are other organizational tasks, including discussion of whether or not to change the…
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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.…
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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…
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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,”…
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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…
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MORE SPORTS
Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2026: The historic Philomath College building against the Wednesday evening sky. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2026: A strawberry moon rises over Philomath June 29 on the evening of its peak. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026: The Ritner Creek Bridge, located along Kings Valley Highway, was originally constructed in 1926. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026: A giant inflatable Uncle Sam stands at salute in front of a patriotically decorated home on West Hills Road. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026: Participants work a fire hose in the Philomath Middle School parking lot on the second day of the FRIEND Firefighter STEM Camp last weekend. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026: The Philomath Frolic and Rodeo runs July 9-11. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
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)
GALLERIES
STATE
DEATHS
COMMENTARY
STACKER
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Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
SAD STORY
A rich man full of emptiness
Begins to cry
Owning all the happiness
His money can buy
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