EDITOR’S CHOICE
Philomath City Council adopts 2026-27 budget amid cuts, fee debate
The Philomath City Council on Monday approved the city’s 2026-27 fiscal year budget along with several related financial measures to cap a budget cycle that Mayor Christopher McMorran described as probably the most difficult he has been involved in. The council adopted the $34,760,865 budget on a 6-1 vote with Councilor Teresa Nielson casting the lone dissent. The budget includes appropriations of $31,946,909 and a combined ending fund balance and reserve of $2,813,956. The Budget Review Committee had approved and…
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NEWS
Philomath School Board approves budget with nearly $1 million in cuts
The Philomath School Board approved the district’s 2026-27 budget during its regular meeting Thursday, adopting a spending plan that required cutting approximately $1 million amid growing financial pressures on Oregon school districts. The board voted 4-0 on two resolutions — one adopting the budget and one making appropriations — with…
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Hartwick College honors Philomath’s Allison Neelands for academic excellence
A Philomath native studying at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, has been recognized for academic excellence by her department faculty. Allison Neelands, a 2023 Philomath High School graduate, was named faculty scholar in political science during the college’s honors convocation on April 29. Neelands is a rising senior at…
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Philomath Inclusivity Committee to revisit age-friendly communities framework Tuesday
The Philomath Inclusivity Ad Hoc Committee will revisit an ongoing conversation about age-friendly communities when it meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Philomath City Hall. The committee is set to discuss the concept of age-friendly communities, a topic first introduced in 2024 when member Jane Sherwood brought information to the…
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Philomath Police Log: DUII arrests, hit-and-run, release agreement violations
Editor’s note: This report is based on information submitted by the Philomath Police Department. 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 sensitive…
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Fire and Rescue Calls: Vehicle fire, head-on crash, burn pile
Editor’s note: This log is based on information submitted to the media by Philomath Fire and Rescue: FRIDAY, JUNE 12 • 8:03 a.m. — Firefighters responded to a fire alarm activation in the 200 block of South 16th Street. SATURDAY, JUNE 13 • 5:06 p.m. — Emergency medical services personnel…
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SPORTS
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,” Levi Webber, the veteran Warriors baseball coach who has led the fundraising effort since its launch, said last week. “It’s getting us to the precipice of being able to actually…
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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 seniors celebrate college athletic commitments in signing ceremony
Eight Philomath High School seniors gathered on the school’s auditorium stage Monday to celebrate their commitments to compete in college athletics, signing a ceremonial document marking the occasion. The group represented four sports and five college destinations — volleyball players Taylor Hudson and Shaylee May will head to the College…
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MORE SPORTS
Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
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
REAL COMEDIANS
Regarding the hyenas
Do not believe their talk
Because among the animals
They are a laughing stock
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