EDITOR’S CHOICE
Three Things: Remembering Dale Collins, Main Street crosswalk plans and coffee spot along I-5
The readerboard at Dale Collins Park, tucked into downtown Philomath at Applegate and 15th, reads “City of Volunteers — Dale Collins Park.” In a photo taken when it was dedicated in 2013, Dale stands off to the side, hands in his pockets. That sign, and that posture, tell you most of what you need to know about him. And I wouldn’t be surprised if after he finished posing for photos, Dale went back to work. Collins died June 14 at…
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NEWS
OSP Log: Man trying to catch his dog killed on Highway 97
A rundown of recent highway fatalities from around the state as reported by Oregon State Police.
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Philomath represented on LBCC’s spring 2026 honor roll
Linn-Benton Community College released the names of students who made the honor roll for the completed spring term. The list includes 26 students that in LBCC records show Philomath as their hometown or address: To be included on the honor roll, students must earn a grade point average of 3.5…
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Numerous scholarships awarded this year to PHS graduates
The Philomath High School Class of 2026 walked across the stage at Clemens Field on June 6 and into whatever comes next — 122 graduates bound for colleges, trade programs, the workforce, military service, church missions and, for some, a year to figure it out. The class included nine valedictorians…
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Philomath Rotary Club marks leadership transition at upcoming meeting
The Philomath Rotary Club will hold its annual “Changing of the Guard” meeting at noon Tuesday at Peace Lutheran Church. All Rotarians and community members are welcome to attend. Outgoing president Fred Shaub will open the June 30 program with a presentation on the club’s 2025-26 goals and community service…
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Ribbon-cutting set for new exercise area at Philomath City Park
Local residents are invited to lace up their sneakers — and maybe even dig out the leg warmers — for a ribbon-cutting and workout party at 6 p.m. Monday celebrating the new outdoor fitness area at Philomath City Park. Mayor Christopher McMorran is expected to make an appearance in throwback…
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SPORTS
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 2 with a personal-best time of 6:56.98. Smart ranks 16th nationally among high school athletes in the event. All 14 girls ranked ahead of her are either juniors or seniors.…
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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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Philomath hires former Central assistant to take over as boys soccer coach
Philomath High School has a new boys soccer coach and he comes with a deep connection to the Oregon West Conference — and even a memory or two of playing against the Warriors. Gerardo Garibay, 31, was hired to lead the Philomath program after spending nearly a decade on the…
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Three Warriors earn Special District 3 honors in boys volleyball
Three Philomath players were recognized for their contributions this season as part of those included on the Special District 3 all-district boys volleyball team. Senior Chris Eaton and senior Mayson Wallace earned second-team honors, while sophomore Nico Mayo Carrasco received an honorable mention selection. The Warriors finished the season 7-11…
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2026: A giant inflatable Uncle Sam stands at salute in front of a patriotically decorated home on West Hills Road. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2026: Participants work a fire hose in the Philomath Middle School parking lot on the second day of the FRIEND Firefighter STEM Camp last weekend. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026: The Philomath Frolic and Rodeo runs July 9-11. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2026: Daylilies in bloom Monday evening at Dale Collins Park in Philomath. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026: Colorful balloons decorate the social hall inside Peace Lutheran Church. The church celebrated its 75th anniversary this past Sunday. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026: A Philomath Frolic and Rodeo flag waves in the breeze at the rodeo arena. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026: A vintage automobile cruises down Applegate Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026: Sunset at Marys River Park and Natural Area. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2026: Flower baskets and flags line Main Street Sunday on Flag Day. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026: Dogwood flowers bloom outside of Lupe's Community Garden. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026: Blood on the Plow plays a set at Music in the Park on Wednesday evening. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026: The Marys River on a June afternoon. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2026: An interactive exhibit at the Philomath Museum encourages visitors to reflect on the nation's 250th birthday. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2026: Philomath Academy Principal Garth Gerot shoots a photo of graduate candidates on the west lawn of the school on Friday morning. The academy's graduation is scheduled for June 10. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2026: Chairs fill the field and track at Clemens Field ahead of Philomath High School's commencement exercises scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday.(Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2026: Trophies won by Philomath High this academic year are lined up in the front office. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026: Philomath schoolchildren created artwork for the food donation barrel at Citizens Bank, items that then go to Philomath Community Services. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026: A 1952 MG TD on display on Saturday during the 1950s-themed Benton County Historical Society's 75th anniversary celebration. (Photo by Eric Niemann)
GALLERIES
STATE
DEATHS
COMMENTARY
STACKER
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Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
SUPER SIZING
Fast food restaurants
Must face an awkward fact
That when it comes to obesity
They’re accessory to the fat
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