EDITOR’S CHOICE
Philomath’s downtown sculpture program takes shape as committee selects finalists
The Philomath Public Art Committee met Thursday evening at City Hall to evaluate artist submissions for the city’s new downtown temporary sculpture pilot program, narrowing a field of nine entries down to five finalists that will be forwarded to the City Council for approval. Nine submissions remained under consideration after 11 total responses to the city’s January call for artists — two were withdrawn before the committee convened. Members scored each submission across six categories — artistic merit, community and…
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Crosshill Christian rallies for boys volleyball win over Philomath
The Philomath High School boys volleyball team came up short Thursday night in a five-set thriller at Crosshill Christian. The Warriors were strong early and won the first two sets but the Eagles rallied for the victory, 19-25, 17-25, 25-16, 25-18, 15-10. “We played the best volleyball of the year…
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Clemens Primary plans online kindergarten orientation on April 15
Clemens Primary School plans to offer an online kindergarten orientation on Wednesday, April 15, as part of the process leading up to enrollment this fall, school officials announced. The orientation and registration information event for parents will run from 7-8 p.m. over Google Meet, which can be accessed at this…
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Philomath School Board to vote on transportation contract at special meeting Monday
The Philomath School Board plans to hold a special meeting Monday evening to take up the pending student transportation contract. The board will convene at Philomath High School in the library, beginning with an executive session at 7 p.m. to hear a public complaint. The open session, which includes the…
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Benton County opens public vote on 2026 Fair and Rodeo logo finalists
Benton County is asking community members to help choose the official logo for the 2026 Benton County Fair and Rodeo with voting now open on four finalist designs. The finalists emerged from a “Design Rodeo” contest that ran from November through February. Artists of all ages were invited to submit…
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Heiken, Sapp earn OSAA All-State basketball honors
Philomath High School’s Reagan Heiken and Esias Sapp earned recognition on the Oregon School Activities Association’s Class 4A All-State basketball teams. Heiken, junior, was included on the second team for the girls while Sapp, junior, was an honorable mention selection for the boys. Following a league nomination process, each league…
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SPORTS
Team preview: PHS track and field teams loaded with promise, questions
For the first time this decade, Class 4A may crown a new state champion in girls track and field. Philomath High won the title four straight years from 2022-25 and official state meets were not held in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic. Of course, Joe Fulton has seen…
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Philomath boys tennis drops home match to Valley Catholic despite strong singles showing
The Philomath High School boys tennis team won three of four singles matches at home Tuesday but couldn’t overcome a dominant doubles performance from Valley Catholic, falling to the Valiants 5-3. Junior Nate Houck, freshman Cameron Barlow and freshman Andrew Sims each picked up singles wins for the Warriors. Barlow…
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2026: Public art in Dale Collins Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026: Spring tree blooms along North 17th Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026: An Easter bunny pickup in the PHS parking lot. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2026: Tulips and daffodils at Philomath High School. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026: A peace pole erected by the Philomath Rotary Club stands by the playground at Paul J. Cochran Veterans Memorial Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026: New signage in front of Philomath Elementary School. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026: A view of a southeastern section of Philomath. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026: PHRED, the high school's robotics club, has had a presence at the county fair in recent years. This year's team is preparing for next month's district championships. (File photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026: Pink blossoms fill a flowering cherry tree at Dale Collins Park in Philomath. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2026: The middle portion of the Philomath College building was initially constructed in 1867. The bricks were made from clay extracted near the building. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026: Crocuses in bloom a few weeks ago around town. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026: Daffodils bloom at the reflection garden at Mt. Union Cemetery. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2026: Philomath High's softball team practices under blue skies on Monday. The team opens its season Wednesday at Blanchet Catholic. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026: An inflatable leprechaun on Applegate Street in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2026: The Philomath High School band plays at Friday morning's 4A state basketball tournament in Forest Grove. The Warrior girls beat Marist Catholic, 53-27. (Photo by Andy Cripe/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2026: The community Christmas tree, a giant sequoia in front of Philomath Museum, is one of six Heritage Trees. Nominations for additional trees to be considered will be accepted through Tuesday. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026: Spring blooms around a basketball hoop at Flossie Overman Discovery Park. (Photo by Eric Niemann)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
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Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
HOPPY HOUR
There’s joy in hops
When they’re on sale
To learn of beer
Is to know of ale
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