EDITOR’S CHOICE
Local teen lost in Kings Valley Highway crash
An 18-year-old Philomath man lost his life Saturday morning in a one-vehicle rollover crash on Kings Valley Highway. Tyler Smouse lived with his family in the Wren vicinity and was a senior in the Philomath School District. “This is a heartbreaking loss for a family and a close-knit community,” Benton County Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall said in a news release. “Our thoughts are with Tyler’s loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy.” Mark Henderson, Philomath High principal, echoed the…
CLICK TO READ THE FULL STORYelection 2026
May 19 election: Q-and-A with candidates in contested primary for county commissioner
Benton County voters will decide a contested Democratic race for county commissioner on the May 19 primary election ballot. The Democratic primary for the board’s…
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May 19 ballot: Philomath Fire and Rescue seeks five-year operating levy
Philomath Fire and Rescue officials say a five-year local operating levy on the May 19 ballot is essential to maintaining current staffing and service levels…
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May 19 ballot: Voters to decide psilocybin ban, 7 annexation measures
Philomath voters will weigh in on eight city-referred ballot measures in the May 19 primary election, deciding whether to permanently ban psilocybin-related businesses within city…
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featured
Cause undetermined in fatal Philomath house fire
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man who died in a May 8 house fire on Philomath’s west end as Craig Koehler, 72. The Oregon State Fire Marshal classified the cause of the fire as undetermined, BCSO confirmed Monday. The “undetermined” classification means investigators were unable to establish…
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Hernandez clears 6-6 in high jump, Peters wins javelin at Stayton
Sophomore Sammy Hernandez cleared 6 feet, 6 inches in the high jump Saturday to headline Philomath High’s appearance at the Stayton Invitational. Hernandez’s personal-best clearance ties him for fourth on the school’s all-time list, matching the mark set by Adrian Bowman in 2003. Only three Philomath athletes have jumped higher…
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Three Things: Firefighter camp, a $100M lawsuit and a Dizzy Hen nod
Three Things: A firefighter STEM camp coming to Philomath, a $100M wrongful death lawsuit and a Dizzy Hen statewide nod.
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OSP Log: Pedestrian crashes, motorcycle collisions, manslaughter arrest
Oregon State Police responded to six fatal crashes from April 30-May 5 that claimed six lives; troopers seek witnesses in Sweet Home manslaughter case and Wasco County pedestrian crash.
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Letter: Flinn the most qualified for circuit court judge
Letter to the Editor: Corvallis attorney John Barlow, a former longtime Philomath resident, endorses Mike Flinn for Benton County Circuit Court judge, citing his courtroom experience in the first contested race in 20 years.
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MORE NEWS
SPORTS
PHS boys volleyball team wins at Toledo in 3
Philomath High’s boys volleyball team ended the regular season on a high note with a 25-9, 25-13, 25-8 victory over Toledo, a winless program that’s just getting started in the sport this season. The Warriors finished fifth in the Special District 3 standings with a 4-8 record to qualify for…
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Warriors blank Woodburn without dropping a set in girls tennis
Philomath’s girls tennis team was dominant from start to finish, sweeping all eight matches without dropping a set in an 8-0 victory Thursday at Woodburn High School. Senior Lucy King led the way at No. 1 singles, blanking Yuleni Rubio Lopez 6-0, 6-0. Junior Lucy Thomas was nearly as dominant…
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2026: Dutch irises bloom in front of the Benton County Historical Society's Johnson Collection Center. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2026: The Merry's Place concession stand at the PHS baseball field — named in memory of Merry Rath. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026: Adjutant Frank Blair, left, and Post Commander Elwin Callahan conduct business at the May meeting of the American Legion Marys River Post 100. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2026: Playground equipment at Philomath Elementary School. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026: New signage in front of the Philomath School District office. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026: The Centuries of Celebration exhibit at Philomath Museum. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026: Colors outside of Lupe's Community Garden. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2026: PHS Warrior flags fly at the tennis courts earlier this week. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026: Rhododendrons bloom at the PHS Botany Lab. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026: A trail through Downing forest on Philomath School District property. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026: Newton Creek runs through Philomath City Park. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2026: The Philomath High School baseball team meets postgame under a canopy of blue sky and clouds Thursday evening at Terry Stephenson Field. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026: The historic Philomath College building, now Philomath Museum, in the side-view mirror. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News)
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Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
HOLED OVER
My cousin coming to my house
Was late in his arriving
Cuz he bought donuts on the way
And got stopped for Dunkin’ driving
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