EDITOR’S CHOICE
Building permit fees rise in Philomath to match county rates
The Philomath City Council approved new building permit fees Monday night to keep rates aligned with Benton County’s fee schedule under their intergovernmental agreement. The council adopted a resolution on a unanimous vote that increases building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and structural permit inspection fees effective Feb. 10. “As a reminder, since we work with Benton County for building permits, our intergovernmental agreement just says that we adopt whatever changes they make,” Mayor Christopher McMorran noted. The rate increases are the…
CLICK TO READ THE FULL STORY
featured
Philomath Police Log (Jan. 30-Feb. 5): Crashes, fraud report, DUII arrest
Philomath Police Department activity from Jan. 30-Feb. 5 includes vehicle crashes, fraud investigation, DUI arrest on Highway 20, and domestic disturbance response.
READ MORE
Obituary: George Edward Shroyer Jr. (1939-2025)
Heaven gained a good one on Sept. 3, 2025, when George “Georgie” Edward Shroyer Jr., 86, of Philomath, Oregon, died at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Corvallis, Oregon. He passed peacefully surrounded by love and family after a two-month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Georgie was born in Corvallis, Oregon,…
READ MORE
Fire and Rescue Calls (Jan. 30-Feb. 5): Reports of crashes, fires lead to busy couple of days
Philomath Fire and Rescue responded to vehicle crashes, false alarm structure and barn fires, and multiple EMS calls between Jan. 30 and Feb. 5.
READ MORE
Barrett claims title, Warrior wrestlers 8th at Cottage Grove
Senior Riley Barrett remained undefeated on the season with a first-place finish at 150 pounds to lead Philomath to an eighth-place showing at the Cottage Grove Invitational on Friday and Saturday. The Warriors scored 104.5 points in the 41-team field, finishing behind champion Eagle Point (272.5), Harrisburg (186.5), Dallas (178.5),…
READ MORE
Philomath’s Pettit earns 4th at Cottage Grove wrestling tournament
Junior Alexis Pettit placed fourth at 100 pounds and Philomath as a team ended up 15th out of the 40 schools participating on Friday and Saturday at the Cottage Grove Invitational. Pettit went 2-2 over the two-day tournament. She fell to Nola McNamara of Grants Pass by pin in 1:21…
READ MORENEWS
SPORTS
Chasing history: Barrett eyes third state title in final season
Philomath High’s Riley Barrett is chasing history this season by attempting to become the first Warriors wrestler to win the state title three times. As a sophomore, Barrett put together a 48-0 season capped by an 8-3 decision over Sweet Home’s Jacob Landtroop in the state finals. Last year, he…
READ MORE
Gallery: PHS wrestling vs. Sweet Home (Feb. 5, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s home wrestling dual against Sweet Home on Thursday.
READ MORE
Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
TUESDAY, FEB. 10, 2026: The Corvallis Indoor Winter Market at the Benton County Fairgrounds on Saturdays draws Philomath-area vendors and shoppers. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
SATURDAY, FEB. 7, 2026: Evening traffic along Main Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, FEB. 6, 2026: The Shipley Family Homestead Marker in Newton Creek Park. Black History Month is observed in February. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, FEB. 5, 2026: A piece of Philomath High’s old gym floor before the high school’s remodeling project in 2012. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4, 2026: The Independent Community Center on the corner of Fern Road and Airport Avenue. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, FEB. 3, 2026: A snow moon on Groundhog Day over Philomath. (Photo by Eric Niemann)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
READ PAST STACKER STORIES
Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
ECONOMICS
Vacation time is coming soon
And I’d love to see Bora Bora
It has been a longtime dream of mine
Alas, I’m pora pora
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