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 together leadership, emergency management and public health agencies from both…
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…
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…
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…
Future of Dial-A-Bus contract in question as Benton County explores self-performing transit services
Benton County is weighing a plan to bring Benton Area Transit operations in-house by 2028, a move that would end its longtime relationship with Dial-A-Bus and faces opposition from clients and the nonprofit.
Van Arsdall to step down as Benton County sheriff at end of 2026 term
CORVALLIS — After more than five years leading the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Jef Van Arsdall has decided not to seek re-election, choosing instead to return to eastern Oregon to be closer to his adult children. Van Arsdall, who was…
Benton County commissioner race, local measures highlight primary ballot
Benton County voters will have a contested Democratic race for county commissioner and several local ballot measures among the items of note on the May 19 primary election ballot. The Democratic primary for the Benton County Board of Commissioners’ Position…
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…
‘Full circle’: Benton County’s rodeo queen carries on 25-year tradition
Philomath resident Jessica McLennan was officially crowned the 2026 Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen on Feb. 7, during an evening at the Benton County Event Center and Fairgrounds where community members gathered to honor royalty, volunteers and the tradition…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.