EDITOR’S CHOICE
Protest delays vote on school district’s bus contract
A vote on a new student transportation contract for the Philomath School District was pulled from the School Board’s agenda prior to Thursday’s meeting because of a protest that had been filed by one of the two bus companies that had submitted proposals. First Student Inc. and Mid Columbia Bus Co. both applied and the board had been expected to award a five-year contract that would go into effect July 1. A formal Notice of Intent to Award was issued…
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No. 1 Stayton girls pull away from Philomath in 4A basketball playoffs
In a Class 4A state playoff showdown between a pair of Oregon West Conference rivals on Thursday afternoon in Forest Grove, No. 1 Stayton worked through a slow start and pulled away from No. 8 Philomath for a 41-26 quarterfinal victory. The Warriors (15-11) drop into the consolation bracket and…
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Philomath City Council green-lights UO partnership for planning projects
The Philomath City Council has approved participation in the University of Oregon’s Sustainable City Year Program, a partnership that would bring faculty and students to work on a series of city planning and improvement projects over the next two years. City Manager Chris Workman told city councilors during a meeting…
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Benton County taps veteran Oregon attorney as new county counsel
Benton County has a new top attorney. The Board of Commissioners has approved the appointment of Jane Vetto as county counsel, with her start date set for April 13. Vetto replaces Vance Croney, who is retiring after more than 25 years in the role. The county used Strategic Government Resources,…
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Council awards contract for South 11th, 12th street improvements
The Philomath City Council awarded a contract Monday night to Pacific Excavation for planned improvements on South 11th and South 12th streets. The project will add curbs, gutters, sidewalks and parking to 11th and 12th between Main and Applegate streets. Plus, an electric vehicle charging station will be installed on…
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BCSO Log: Warrant arrest, motorcycle crash among recent incidents
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…
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SPORTS
Philomath girls rout Molalla to extend state tournament streak to 8
MOLALLA — The state tournament streak continues. For the eighth straight season, the Philomath High girls basketball team will be among the final eight teams in Class 4A competing for a championship. The Warriors took care of business Saturday night at Molalla with a convincing 55-24 victory. “You know, that’s…
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Gallery: PHS girls basketball at Molalla (March 7, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s 55-24 girls basketball win over Molalla in the first round of the 4A playoffs on Saturday.
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2026: The community Christmas tree, a giant sequoia in front of Philomath Museum, is one of six Heritage Trees. Nominations for additional trees to be considered will be accepted through Tuesday. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026: Spring blooms around a basketball hoop at Flossie Overman Discovery Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2026: Philomath High's girls basketball team huddles before last weekend's tipoff at Molalla. The Warriors will face Stayton Thursday in the 4A tournament's quarterfinals. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026: Philomath City Park with Marys Peak in the background on Saturday morning. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026: Restrooms at the rodeo grounds. (File photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026: An "Alice in Wonderland" cast member serves lemonade at Thursday's Philomath Middle School Tea Party, which provided not only treats but a preview of next week's play performances. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026: Gathering Together Farms produce at the Corvallis Indoor Winter Market at the fairgrounds. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026: A lunar eclipse produces a blood moon over Philomath earlier this week. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026: Daffodils bloom in front of Philomath Middle School. (Photo by Eric Niemann)
GALLERIES
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COMMENTARY
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Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
SNOTTY REMARK
Each spring my allergies erupt
I wish I had amnesia
The sneezing is so bad I feel
That I’m in pollenesia
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