EDITOR’S CHOICE
Liam Bennett earns Eagle Scout rank after a journey defined by helping others
In the eyes of longtime Scoutmaster Tom Klipfel, a moment during a Troop 161 meeting captured Liam Bennett’s character. A younger Scout was having a hard time at the meeting, the kind of moment that usually calls for an adult to step in. Before Klipfel could react, Bennett — about six years older than the youngster — was already sitting with him, helping him calm down and talk through it. “It just warmed my heart that it was Liam,” Klipfel…
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NEWS
Philomath Fire and Rescue crew protecting structures at East Evans Creek Fire
A four-person Philomath Fire and Rescue task force is on the front lines of the East Evans Creek Fire in Jackson County on a mission to protect homes and structures as the wildfire continues to grow. The crew — Operations Chief Dan Eddy, Volunteer Lt. Paula Anderson, Volunteer Firefighter Jayden…
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Obituary: Ian Robert Tully (1998-2026)
Ian Robert Tully was born in Corvallis, Oregon, to Connie M. Ash and Charles D. Tully. During his short time on earth, he was thrown many curve balls, yet he continued on, enjoying life and bringing laughter to those around him. Ian had it figured out. He lived simply. He…
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City renames park in memory of longtime volunteer
The Philomath City Council voted unanimously Monday evening to rename Dale Collins Park to Dale Collins Memorial Park in honor of the longtime volunteer and former mayor who died June 14 at age 81. City Manager Chris Workman asked councilors at the July 13 meeting to add the renaming as…
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City to collect on deferred SDC liens tied to South 16th foreclosure properties
The Philomath City Council came out of executive session at its July 13 meeting and approved a motion directing City Attorney Ashleigh Dougill and City Manager Chris Workman to complete an agreement and general release with an unnamed bank for properties currently or anticipated to be under foreclosure at 777,…
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BCSO Log: Collision with cow, reckless driving, fraudulent rental listings
Editor’s note: This report is based on information submitted by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. All calls for service may not be included. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate and may not be included if it could identify victims of certain crimes of a…
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SPORTS
Every rep counts as Philomath coach develops baseball players
Watching from the home team’s dugout Wednesday evening in a D1 baseball game against Corvallis, longtime Philomath High coach Levi Webber shouts out encouraging words to Henry Bennett, one of the youngest pitchers competing with the Les and Bob’s summer program. It’s a small moment, but one that captures how Webber runs his summer program. D1 baseball isn’t built around chasing wins. It’s built around reps, patience and figuring out what each player — from the youngest prospects to those…
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Philomath’s Smart wins heat, places 4th in steeplechase at Nike Outdoor Nationals
Philomath High cross-country and track standout Cassidy Smart added another exceptional athletic accomplishment to her résumé this past Friday by winning her heat and placing fourth overall in the 2,000-meter steeplechase at the Nike Outdoor Nationals. Competing against 50 other girls in the Championship division, Smart was first in Heat…
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PYAC opens fall sports registration for flag football, volleyball and cheer
The Philomath Youth Activities Club has opened registration for its fall sports programs with a deadline of July 10 for families to secure spots in flag football, volleyball and recreational cheer. Volleyball is open to students in grades 4-8. Grades 4-6 will compete in the Valley League, while seventh and…
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After years of fundraising, Philomath turf project within striking distance
After years of fundraising, the effort to install artificial turf at Philomath High School’s baseball and softball fields is closing in on its goal with organizers now roughly $70,000 to $80,000 short of what’s needed to move forward. “We are actually really, really close to getting everything that we need,”…
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MORE SPORTS
Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026: A bench in Old Reservoir Park at sunset. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026: Bike lanes on Applegate Street get a fresh coat of paint Wednesday morning. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2026: A flower basket hangs in front of Philomath Community Library. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2026: Work is underway on Philomath's new water treatment plant. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, JULY 11, 2026: The Philomath Frolic and Rodeo's annual fireworks display on Friday night. (Photo by Andy Cripe/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2026: A John Deere tractor drags the arena at the Philomath Frolic and Rodeo ahead of Thursday's performance. The rodeo continues Friday and Saturday nights. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2026: The Philomath Frolic and Rodeo's Home Run Derby took place Wednesday evening at the PHS softball field. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2026: A view of the Frolic's arena as it appeared Monday ahead of this week's NPRA rodeo performances. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2026: Recently installed natural playscape equipment at Flossie Overman Park on North 11th Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2026: Happy Fourth of July from an inflatable on the corner of South 13th and Applegate. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2026: A 13-star centennial flag from 1876 along with a satin dress from the same period are displayed at the “Centuries of Celebration” exhibit at Philomath Museum. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2026: The historic Philomath College building against the Wednesday evening sky. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2026: A strawberry moon rises over Philomath June 29 on the evening of its peak. (Photo by Eric Niemann)
GALLERIES
STATE
DEATHS
COMMENTARY
STACKER
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Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
FOOLED YOU
With the exercise app on my smartwatch
I no longer sit and bicker
I relax while it thinks I’m running
Thanks to my fitness tricker
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