EDITOR’S CHOICE
New construction team looks to jump-start next phase of Millpond Crossing
Crews are grading building pads, installing utilities and finalizing civil permits for the next phase of Millpond Crossing as a new construction team looks to jump-start a stretch of the development that’s frustrated neighbors for years. Jody Miller, vice president of Jody Miller Construction of Tacoma, Washington, told the Philomath City Council on Monday night that his firm hopes to begin vertical construction on Phase 3 by October with the first homes on the market early next year. The next…
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NEWS
Annual chili-tasting fundraiser in Philomath crowns top teams
Oregon State Public Safety’s “Doggone Good Chili” swept two top honors at the Public Safety Chili Cook-Off on Sunday while Patrick Lumber Manufacturing ran out of its People’s Choice-winning batch within hours of the event’s start. Held at the Yew Wood Corral on the Philomath Frolic and Rodeo grounds, the…
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Philomath City Council appoints civil engineer to Planning Commission
The Philomath City Council on Monday evening appointed Spencer Adams from a field of four applicants to fill a vacancy on the city’s Planning Commission. The council voted 6-0 to appoint Adams, a civil engineer, to serve the remainder of a term that expires Dec. 31, 2027. The vacancy opened…
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Death Notice: Nephi M. Patton (1934-2026)
Nephi M. Patton, 92, of Philomath, died Sept. 14, 2026. McHenry Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Share thoughts and memories on the McHenry Funeral Home’s Tribute Wall.
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Mount Union Stories: Mary “Polly” Horton (1836-1909)
In this week’s Mount Union Stories, read about 72-year-old Mary “Polly” Horton, who was born in Ohio and lived in Kansas before setting in Oregon in 1875, and was a victim of tuberculosis.
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Poll shows Drazan holding slim lead over Kotek in governor’s race
With less than two months until the Nov. 3 general election, a new poll shows the Republican nominee, state Sen. Christine Drazan (R-Canby), with a slender lead over incumbent Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat. The Sept. 11 poll, conducted by DHM Research of Portland for the business-backed group Grow Oregon,…
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MORE NEWS
SPORTS
Warrior boys take 6-2 soccer win on road
The Philomath High School boys soccer team converted six scoring opportunities Tuesday night at Dallas for a 6-2 victory. Junior Sammy Hernandez recorded a hat trick in the victory, the team’s first this season under new head coach Gerardo Garibay. Philomath shot out to a 2-0 lead in the game’s first 14 minutes with goals by junior Dreyton Nuño in the 10th and senior Esias Sapp in the 14th. But Dallas, a 5A school, had an immediate response with junior…
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West Albany rallies in 2nd half for girls soccer win over Philomath
West Albany scored three goals in the second half on its home field to defeat Philomath, 3-0, in a nonconference girls soccer match on Tuesday evening. Bulldogs senior Kristin Krug scored in the 49th and 74th minutes. In between those two, sophomore Jocelyn Lasselle found the net in the 68th…
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Pleasant Hill posts girls volleyball victory over Philomath
Pleasant Hill’s girls volleyball team used strong defense and efficient hitting to defeat Philomath High in three sets Tuesday night, 25-12, 25-12, 25-19. Warriors coach Whitney Thomas said the result reflected ongoing growing pains for a roster still adjusting to varsity-level volleyball rather than anything alarming about her team’s play.…
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Gallery: PHS girls volleyball vs. Pleasant Hill (Sept. 15, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s home girls volleyball match vs. Pleasant Hill on Tuesday.
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MORE SPORTS
Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
WEDENSDAY, SEPT. 16, 2026: Outdoor garden classroom at Clemens Primary School. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, SEPT. 15, 2026: Annabelle Schultz from the Benton County Mounted Posse rides “Pistol” to help park vehicles at the Public Safety Chili Cook-off on Sunday. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 2026: A fire hydrant near the entrance to Philomath Middle School off Chapel Drive. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, SEPT. 11, 2026: Musicians contribute to the atmosphere at the Philomath Farmers' Market. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, SEPT. 10, 2026: A view from Neabeack Hill Road. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 2026: Fall colors begin to appear in front of the Philomath Scout Lodge. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, SEPT. 8, 2026: Lindsey Free, Philomath Area Chamber of Commerce board president, puts up flags with the Philomath Rotary Club on Labor Day. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 2026: PHS varsity volleyball players during the playing of the National Anthem at Thursday evening's home opener. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 2026: Footbridge in Marys River Park and Natural Area. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, SEPT. 3, 2026: Blackberries along Newton Creek. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2, 2026: Free "little library" at the corner of Sunrose Court and Neabeack Hill Drive. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, SEPT. 1, 2026: The Root Vegetables, a Philomath-based group, plays to a packed house at the Willamette Grange on Saturday night. (Photo by Eric Niemann)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
READ PAST STACKER STORIES
Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
MIXED MESSAGE
The proprietor was unsure
Whether to worry or ignore
When someone threatened
To blow up her balloon store
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