Bat tests positive for rabies in Benton County
A bat found on a Benton County property has tested positive for rabies, marking the first confirmed rabies case in a Benton County bat this year, according to a Tuesday announcement from the Benton County Health Department. The bat was discovered June 15 by a resident who believed it may…
County Commissioner Gabe Shepherd to host town hall at Philomath Museum in July
Benton County Commissioner Gabe Shepherd has announced a series of summer town halls throughout Benton County, including a stop in Philomath next month. The Philomath session is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, at 3:30 p.m.…
Benton County student vaccination rates hit record low as exemptions climb
Benton County health officials are urging parents to review immunization data for their children’s schools after vaccination rates among students dropped to a new low and nonmedical exemptions reached a record high — a trend…
Benton County names Rick Crager as permanent county administrator
Rick Crager has been appointed as Benton County’s permanent county administrator, effective June 1, following three months in the acting and interim roles. The Benton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously at its May 26 meeting to make the appointment,…
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…
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. All concerts on the main…
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…
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