EDITOR’S CHOICE
Philomath School Board gets first look at post-graduation plans for Class of 2026
For the first time, the Philomath School District has a detailed snapshot of what its graduating classes plan to do after receiving their diplomas — and Superintendent Susan Halliday called it a meaningful step toward understanding whether the district is doing its job. Halliday presented the data to board members as part of a broader district push to better understand whether students are being equipped for life after high school — and to build systems that can track whether those…
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Familiar face to serve as student representative on School Board
A Philomath High School student with recent experience presenting to the board has been appointed to serve as the district’s student representative for the upcoming school year. Superintendent Susan Halliday announced at the June 18 School Board meeting that Wyatt Coen, an incoming senior, will fill the student representative position.…
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Skip Jones and the Spirit of New Orleans bring ‘boogified’ sounds to Music in the Park
Philomath’s Music in the Park series continues Sunday with Skip Jones and the Spirit of New Orleans, bringing a high-energy blend of rhythm and blues, classic rock and authentic New Orleans boogie-woogie to Philomath City Park. The concert runs from 6-8 p.m. at the Randy Kugler Community Hall and gazebo…
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BCSO Log: Tool theft, strayed livestock, dogs on loose
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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Toledo man who admits killing his wife backs out of plea deal Monday, wants to stand trial for murder
NEWPORT — There will be a trial for the shooting death last year of Toledo teacher Tasha Rodriguez-Anderson after her husband Monday rejected a manslaughter plea agreement he initially accepted. With a possible life sentence looming for Chris Anderson, 48, the turn of events even had the judge scratching her…
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County Commissioner Gabe Shepherd to host town hall at Philomath Museum in July
Benton County Commissioner Gabe Shepherd has announced a series of summer town halls throughout Benton County, including a stop in Philomath next month. The Philomath session is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, at 3:30 p.m. at Philomath Museum. The meeting is open to the public and is expected to last…
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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
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
COMMENTARY
STACKER
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Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
VIOLIN OVERTHROW
The man who stole the Stradivarius book
Has committed many sins
And now I’ll say about this crook
He has a history of violins
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