EDITOR’S CHOICE
Philomath City Council clears path for water treatment plant contract
The Philomath City Council last week cleared the way for construction of the city’s long-planned water treatment plant, authorizing City Manager Chris Workman to issue a notice of intent to award the contract to ORR Inc. and to enter contract negotiations with the Stayton-based firm following a seven-day protest period. ORR Inc. submitted the low bid at $13.8 million, higher than the city engineer’s estimate. Slayden Constructors Inc., out of Salem, was the other bidder. Workman told the council at…
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election 2026
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…
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May 19 ballot: Philomath Fire and Rescue seeks five-year operating levy
Philomath Fire and Rescue officials say a five-year local operating levy on the May 19 ballot is essential to maintaining current staffing and service levels…
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May 19 ballot: Voters to decide psilocybin ban, 7 annexation measures
Philomath voters will weigh in on eight city-referred ballot measures in the May 19 primary election, deciding whether to permanently ban psilocybin-related businesses within city…
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featured
Four Benton County fire agencies awarded state wildfire staffing grants
Four fire agencies in Benton County are among 180 statewide that will share nearly $6 million in grants from the Oregon State Fire Marshal to bolster staffing ahead of the 2026 wildfire season. Philomath Fire and Rescue, Adair Rural Fire Protection District, Hoskins-Kings Valley Rural Fire Protection District and Monroe…
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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…
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PHS boys volleyball pushes No. 9 Willamette Valley Christian before falling in 4
Going up against one of the better teams in perhaps the toughest boys volleyball district in 4A/3A/2A/1A, Philomath worked through a rough start and settled into a competitive battle in its final regular-season home appearance. Willamette Valley Christian, ranked No. 9 by the Oregon School Activities Association and fighting for…
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Mount Union Cemetery volunteer workday coming up Saturday
Monthly volunteer workdays at Mount Union Cemetery returned last month and into this fall. The next gathering is set for this Saturday as organizers look to keep the historic site in good shape. The work parties run from 9 a.m. to noon with future dates being May 9, June 13,…
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Philomath’s girls golf team 5th, Muir 8th at districts
The Philomath High School girls golf team finished in the top five and senior Isabelle Muir had a performance that was good for the top 10 at the 4A/3A/2A/1A Special District 3 Championships on Monday and Tuesday at Mallard Creek Golf Course near Lebanon. Muir opened strong with a 46…
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SPORTS
Gallery: PHS boys volleyball vs. Willamette Valley Christian (May 5, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s boys volleyball match at home vs. Willamette Valley Christian on Tuesday.
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Philomath girls tennis fall 7-1 at Marist Catholic
Marist Catholic won seven of eight matches Monday afternoon in Eugene to take a Special District 2 girls tennis victory over Philomath. The Spartans won all four of the doubles matches with two going the full three sets. Seniors Lacey Bacho and Maggie King at No. 2 and senior Logan…
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2026: Playground equipment at Philomath Elementary School. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026: New signage in front of the Philomath School District office. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026: The Centuries of Celebration exhibit at Philomath Museum. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026: Colors outside of Lupe's Community Garden. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026: PHS Warrior flags fly at the tennis courts earlier this week. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026: Rhododendrons bloom at the PHS Botany Lab. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026: A trail through Downing forest on Philomath School District property. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026: Newton Creek runs through Philomath City Park. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2026: The Philomath High School baseball team meets postgame under a canopy of blue sky and clouds Thursday evening at Terry Stephenson Field. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026: The historic Philomath College building, now Philomath Museum, in the side-view mirror. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026: A walk in the park — Philomath City Park — on Tuesday afternoon. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026: Construction of Dirt Road Brewing's on-site brewery facility on North 13th Street. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026: Trees line Applegate Street looking west from the sidewalk in front of Philomath City Hall. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2026: A side view of Philomath Museum behind College United Methodist Church. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026: A slide in the main playground at Philomath City Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026: Wood rounds are stacked at Philomath High School's Forestry and Natural Resources outdoor classroom. (Photo by Eric Niemann)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
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Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
STAINED
There is a confession I have to make
I cannot tell a lie
I shot a man with a paintball gun
So I could watch him dye
Where to Write
Click on the name below to send an email to an elected representative:
U.S. SENATE
Sen. Ron Wyden
Sen. Jeff Merkley
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rep. Val Hoyle
OREGON LEGISLATURE
Sen. Dick Anderson
Rep. David Gomberg
BENTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Pat Malone
Commissioner Gabe Shepherd
Commissioner Nancy Wyse
PHILOMATH CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Christopher McMorran
President Teresa Nielson
Councilor Jessica Andrade
Councilor Diane Crocker
Councilor Spencer Irwin
Councilor Brent Kaseman
Councilor Rich Saalsaa
PHILOMATH SCHOOL BOARD
Chair Tom Klipfel
Vice Chair Erin McMullen
Director Ryan Cheeke
Director Erin Gudge
Director Sandi Hering