EDITOR’S CHOICE
City Council adopts new utility rates after months of deliberation
The Philomath City Council unanimously approved new utility rates early this week, setting in motion a series of phased increases for water, sewer and storm drain services that will roll out between July 1, 2026, and July 1, 2027. The 7-0 resolution vote came three months after the council delayed its decision to wait for actual construction bids on the city’s new water treatment plant rather than rely on engineering estimates. The rate package follows recommendations from Raftelis, a consulting…
CLICK TO READ THE FULL STORY
featured
Benton County Sheriff’s Office to host drug take back event April 25
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office will host a Drug Take Back Event on Saturday, April 25, giving the public an opportunity to safely dispose of expired or unused medications. The one-day drive-thru event runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Kalapuya Building at 4500 SW Research…
READ MORE
Halliday: Governor’s instructional time order leaves key questions unanswered
Superintendent of Schools Susan Halliday told the Philomath School Board Thursday night that a new executive order from Gov. Tina Kotek on student instructional time arrived with enough unanswered questions that district officials still need time to work through what it will mean locally. The governor’s office released the order…
READ MORE
Warriors ride strong serving to boys volleyball sweep over Toledo
The Philomath High boys volleyball team snapped a four-match losing streak Thursday night with a 25-16, 25-13, 25-21 sweep of visiting Toledo. The Warriors (3-4 overall, 2-4 Special District 3) used strong serving to build comfortable leads in the first and third sets, allowing coach Helen Bennett to work the…
READ MORE
Philomath’s Hernandez clears 6-2 in high jump at midweek meet in Newport
Sophomore Sammy Hernandez won the high jump and junior Bryce Hruska swept both hurdles events to highlight the Philomath High’s appearance Wednesday at a tri-meet in Newport. Hernandez cleared 6 feet, 2 inches in a personal-record performance in the high jump, a mark that ties for eighth-best in the school’s…
READ MORE
BCSO Log: Five arrested at Blodgett Elementary, reckless driving, illegal dumping
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 MOREMORE NEWS
SPORTS
PHS boys volleyball drops match at Willamette Valley Christian
The Philomath High School boys volleyball team went up against a formidable opponent on the road Tuesday evening and fell to Willamette Valley Christian in three sets. The Crusaders, a private school out of Brooks north of Salem, posted a 25-15, 25-20, 25-19 win to improve their season record to…
READ MORE
Boys golf team finishes 5th at Mallard Creek event
The Philomath High School boys golf team finished fifth Monday in a tournament at Mallard Creek Golf Course near Lebanon. Cascade won the team competition with a score of 329, followed by Sweet Home at 343, North Marion at 360 and Newport at 368. Philomath finished with a team score…
READ MORE
Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026: A side view of Philomath Museum behind College United Methodist Church. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026: A slide in the main playground at Philomath City Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026: Wood rounds are stacked at Philomath High School's Forestry and Natural Resources outdoor classroom. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026: California poppies grow outside the Philomath Youth Activities Club. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026: Sunset on Friday evening at Skirvin Park's Horse Plaza. (Photo by Kendra Gillman) 
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026: Construction progress has become more visible in recent weeks at Tall Timber RV Park along North 19th Street. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026: Crack-and-seal street project along Applegate Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026: A pink sunset over Philomath on Sunday evening. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026: High school golf is in its second year at Philomath. Here, Roman Robins walks the course Monday at Trysting Tree Golf Club in Corvallis. (Photo by Andy Cripe/Philomath News) 
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2026: Several different people of all ages helped move shovels of dirt during a tree-planting ceremony Friday afternoon in front of Philomath Community Library. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2026: Public art in Dale Collins Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026: Spring tree blooms along North 17th Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026: An Easter bunny pickup in the PHS parking lot. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
READ PAST STACKER STORIES
Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
ROCK OF RAGES
Becoming this old isn’t easy
Despite how simple it appears
It requires an abundance
Of blood, sweat and years
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