VOLUME 6, NUMBER 190
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Good morning, Philomath.
Here’s a look back at the top stories of this past week. See you at the chili cook-off. — Brad Fuqua, Publisher/Editor
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Law enforcement rivalry heats up every year at chili cook-off
Philomath Police, Corvallis Police and Benton County Sheriff’s Office have fun with back-and-forth banter
Two hours before the opening of Sunday’s Public Safety Chili Cook-Off at the rodeo grounds, nearly two dozen teams were busy preparing their entries in the annual competition for top honors. The smell of simmering spices filled the air while participants put the final touches on their booths. Over in the northeast section of the […]
Philomath School Board chair under fire after controversial social media post
Erin Gudge expresses regret for comments while community members demand her resignation amid concerns over bias and student safety
A Philomath School Board member’s social media post on the killing of conservative political activist and commentator Charlie Kirk sparked outrage from a group of community members Thursday. Erin Gudge, who is in her second term on the board and was elected as its chair in July, posted via Facebook: “I will not mourn someone […]
Three Things: PHS recognition, Joel Chadd and Lumos Wine
Latest figures put local school in good light; Philomath mentioned in studio interview; and Wren winery featured in piece on wine and music
Sometimes good news comes in the form of numbers — and the latest figures for Philomath High School are worth celebrating. The school has earned its place among the nation’s top performers by landing in the upper 40% of nearly 18,000 public high schools across the country in the U.S. News & World Report’s latest […]
Philomath modifies age-friendly resolution in favor of independent approach
Plus, various other news items out of the City Council’s Sept. 8 meeting at City Hall
The Philomath City Council tweaked a previously approved resolution during its regular monthly meeting on Monday as part of an initiative to create an age-friendly community that is “safe, healthy, accessible and prosperous for all residents.” Age-friendly initiatives are gaining momentum across Oregon as the state experiences a historic demographic shift. According to Portland State […]
Keeper’s shutout, chaos tactics help PHS boys to soccer victory
Senior Jake McGaughy becomes goal-to-goal weapon this season; Warriors improved to 2-0 with win over Marist
It’s a bit of a rare sight in high school soccer — the goalkeeper 60 yards upfield from his usual spot in front of the net lining up to take a direct kick. But it’s the norm so far this season for Philomath High’s boys. Senior goalkeeper Jake McGaughy has a powerful, accurate foot and […]
Philomath girls beat Gladstone before storm ends soccer game early
Pair of sophomores score in 3-0 victory over visiting Gladiators as PHS remains unbeaten
In the 64th minute Tuesday while Philomath celebrated sophomore Kya Bolton’s second goal of the game for a 3-0 advantage against visiting Gladstone, dark storm clouds approached and thunder rumbled in the distance. The high school’s athletic director, Mike Hood, ran onto the pitch to meet with officials. Players left the field and started grabbing […]