VOLUME 6, NUMBER 5
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
RANDOM OBSERVATION: Never assume a car merging (across two lanes of traffic) onto the freeway sees you — something I was reminded of after I was forced to swerve into another lane to avoid a crash at 60 mph on I-5 in Salem yesterday. — Brad Fuqua, publisher/editor
Editor’s Choice
Forty years ago: The evening Philomath’s police chief was taken hostage
Richard Raleigh revisits Jan. 8, 1985 when an attacker with a knife threatened his life during an episode that ended with gunshots
KEIZER — Forty years ago this week, former Philomath Police Chief Richard Raleigh nearly lost his life. In one of the most bizarre and violent episodes in the local police […]
News
Philomath Police Log: Crashes, theft, fraud among recent calls
A rundown of recent responses from the Philomath Police Department included a couple of crashes and fraud and theft cases.
Fire and Rescue Calls: Crash into guardrail, overturned ATV among recent responses
A rundown of recent Philomath Fire & Rescue fire and medical calls included a vehicle crashing into a guardrail and an ATV overturning and trapping […]
State publishes updated wildfire hazard map
The Oregon Department of Forestry Tuesday released final versions of statewide wildfire hazard and wildland-urban interface maps developed by Oregon State University scientists. The maps, […]
Oregon plan to ease child welfare regulations sparks early opposition
State officials and advisers are working on a child welfare proposal for this year’s session they hope would encourage more providers to offer treatment to […]
Lawmakers propose pause on rate hikes from utilities embroiled in wildfire lawsuits
Three Oregon lawmakers want to stop utility companies from raising rates on customers while those companies are still resolving years-long lawsuits over wildfire culpability and […]
Census data reveals half of U.S. renters are rent-burdened — how Oregon compares
The portion of Americans contributing more than a third of their income to rent has been rising for the past two decades, and today, it […]
In Case You Missed It
Three Things: 2025 predictions, lighthouse and state park fees
As we turn the calendar to 2025, various websites and news organizations publish their annual prediction columns. I’ve never been one to dive into this […]
Philomath swearing-in ceremony set for Tuesday evening
The city of Philomath will swear in a new mayor and three councilors during a ceremony at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Philomath Museum. Christopher McMorran […]
OSP Log: Three crashes with fatalities reported around the state
Editor’s note: This report is based on information submitted by the Oregon State Police. All crashes with fatalities may not be included. The status of […]
Inside power, outside finesse leads PHS past Astoria in boys hoops
The outside shooting of senior Grant Niemann in the third quarter and the inside muscle of senior Zack Powers in the fourth quarter helped Philomath […]
Gallery: PHS boys basketball vs. Astoria (Jan. 3, 2025)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s 61-47 boys basketball win at home over Astoria on Friday.
Philomath in Photos
Community Calendar
• Tuesday, Jan. 7: Park Advisory Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. (Canceled)
• Tuesday, Jan. 7: PHS Girls Basketball vs. Crater, 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Jan. 7: Community Meal, 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, Jan. 7: Philomath Evening Book Club, 6:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Jan. 7: City of Philomath Swearing-In Ceremony, 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 8: Philomath Area Chamber of Commerce Greeters, 8:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 8: Storytime at Philomath Community Library, 10:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 8: Squishtivities at Philomath Community Library, 11 a.m.
• Wednesday, Jan. 8: Philomath Bluegrass Workshop and Jam, 7-10 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 9: PHS Wrestling at Benton County Championships. 3:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 9: Philomath School Board Meeting, 7 p.m.