EDITOR’S CHOICE
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 cook-off featured public safety agencies and community groups competing across three divisions for first- through third-place honors, along with the crowd-favorite People’s Choice Award and the Golden Spoon Award. Andy…
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NEWS
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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Fundraiser aims to help Harriet Hughes step toward retirement
For the first time in its history, Harriet’s Housing is holding a public fundraiser — an effort to help ease founder Harriet Hughes toward retirement. The event, dubbed “Put the Fun Back in Fundraiser,” is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Suburban Christian Church, 2760 SW 53rd St. in Corvallis.…
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Philomath Police Log: Fraud report, shoplifting among recent calls
Philomath Police Log for Sept. 4-10 — a fraud report, shoplifting, a dog complaint and welfare checks round out a relatively quiet week.
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Fire and Rescue Calls: Quiet 7-day stretch for firefighters
Philomath Fire and Rescue responded to three fire alarm activations at the same location and various medical calls for the Sept. 4-10 stretch.
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SPORTS
Philomath High picks up volleyball win at weekend tournament
The Philomath High School girls volleyball team notched its first victory of the season in bracket play Saturday afternoon at the Sophie Montez Memorial Volleyball Tournament at Estacada. The Warriors defeated Ontario, 25-16, 25-10, in the bracket’s first round before falling in the semifinals to La Pine, 25-22, 25-20. Coach Whitney Thomas said sophomore Alyssa Stanley, senior Marri Best and senior Lora Theurer were standouts for PHS in the tournament, which in addition to the bracket matches included three two-set…
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Philomath comes through late to hold off Coquille, 34-30
Down 30-27 with less than eight minutes remaining in the game, the Philomath High School football team needed to find a way to respond on the road Friday night at Coquille. The Warriors offense features a group of key seniors — an experienced quarterback in AJ Altishin, a tough-nosed running…
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Volleyball’s Stanley sisters share the moment, even when one is stuck on the sideline
Philomath High’s Nora Stanley spent Thursday night’s match against Santiam Christian right where she never wants to be — on the bench, watching. An inflamed right shoulder has sidelined Philomath’s standout senior but she’s hoping for a return by this coming Tuesday. Sitting on the bench in street clothes, Stanley…
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Gallery: PHS girls volleyball vs. Santiam Christian (Sept. 10, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s home girls volleyball match against Santiam Christian on Thursday.
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MORE SPORTS
Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
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)
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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