Election update: Philomath psilocybin ban falls behind for first time in latest ballot count
A proposed permanent ban on psilocybin-related businesses in Philomath fell behind for the first time in updated May 19 primary returns, with opponents now holding a narrow 15-vote edge as ballot counting continues. Measure 2-147, which would prohibit psilocybin-related businesses and product manufacturing within Philomath city limits, trailed 858 yes…
Hunter Hayes, Queen Nation to headline Benton County Fair
Country star Hunter Hayes and Queen tribute band Queen Nation will headline the main stage at the 2026 Benton County Fair and Rodeo, which runs July 29 through Aug. 1 at the Benton County Fairgrounds.…
Election update: Just 7 votes separate Philomath’s psilocybin ban from defeat
A proposed psilocybin ban in Philomath led by just seven votes in updated May 19 returns, as the fire levy and annexations passed comfortably.
Philomath connections run deep at Crystal Lake Cemetery flag-placing event
CORVALLIS — Gathered on a pleasant Wednesday morning in Crystal Lake Cemetery around a monument that honors Union soldiers who served in the Civil War, a group of volunteers along with a few local dignitaries listened to a short presentation…
Wilson maintains slim lead over Malone; Philomath fire levy passes
Challenger John Wilson held a narrow lead over incumbent Pat Malone in the contested Democratic primary for Benton County commissioner, while Philomath voters were comfortably approving a five-year fire district operating levy, narrowly backing a psilocybin ban and approving all…
Benton, Lincoln counties partner on wildfire awareness campaign
Benton and Lincoln counties have launched a joint campaign throughout May, recognized as Wildfire Awareness Month, to encourage residents to prepare their homes and families ahead of what officials warn could be a difficult fire season. The coordinated effort brings…
County marks Mental Health Awareness Month with events, crisis center expansion
Benton County is observing Mental Health Awareness Month throughout May with a series of community events and a notable expansion of crisis services set to begin next month. The Benton County Board of Commissioners kicked off the observance Tuesday morning…
Nature Neighbors program aims to turn small Benton County yards into wildlife habitat
A new Benton County program is enlisting residents to convert small patches of yard — as little as 50 square feet — into habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Nature Neighbors, a partnership between Greenbelt Land Trust and the…
May 19 election: Q-and-A with candidates in contested primary for county commissioner
Benton County voters will decide a contested Democratic race for county commissioner on the May 19 primary election ballot. The Democratic primary for the board’s Position 1 features two candidates — incumbent Pat Malone of Kings Valley and challenger John…
Cowgirls take center arena at 4th annual Spring Stampede
The fourth annual Spring Stampede, an all-girls rodeo set for May 16 at the Benton County Fairgrounds, returns for a full day of competition, community and celebration of cowgirls in the arena. The event brings together female competitors of all…
Benton County hires first in-house coordinator for Benton Area Transit
Benton County hired Maya O’Neal as its first in-house coordinator for Benton Area Transit, the county announced. O’Neal began her new role on April 1. O’Neal comes to the position with a background in local government transportation work. She most…
County to mark Crime Victims’ Rights Week with April 20 event at Corvallis library
The Benton County District Attorney’s Office will host a public event at 2 p.m. Monday at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library to recognize National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The event will feature remarks from community leaders, a resource fair with…
Benton County board chair launches ‘Chats with Pat’ drop-in sessions
Benton County Board of Commissioners Chair Pat Malone has launched a new series of informal drop-in conversations open to anyone who wants to connect directly with county leadership. Called “Chats with Pat,” the sessions are designed to give residents, business…
Richardson tapped to lead Benton County Community Development department
Benton County has announced the hiring of Bob Richardson as its next Community Development director. Richardson, who will begin the role April 17, brings more than two decades of land use planning experience in Benton and Linn counties to the…
Benton County opens public vote on 2026 Fair and Rodeo logo finalists
Benton County is asking community members to help choose the official logo for the 2026 Benton County Fair and Rodeo with voting now open on four finalist designs. The finalists emerged from a “Design Rodeo” contest that ran from November…
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