Year in review: Philomath’s top 10 news stories of 2025

From new leadership taking the city’s reins to a community landmark succumbing to disease, 2025 brought significant changes to Philomath and the surrounding area.

The year opened with Christopher McMorran’s inauguration as mayor, setting a tone of community engagement that would characterize many of the year’s developments. At Philomath High School, students and staff successfully navigated a comprehensive cellphone ban that exceeded expectations, while 115 graduates walked across the stage at Clemens Field in June to begin new chapters in their lives.

The community rallied during challenging times, most notably when Philomath Community Services faced unprecedented demand as federal SNAP benefits hung in the balance. The crisis highlighted both the vulnerability of local families and the strength of community response when neighbors mobilized to help one another.

Significant infrastructure improvements took shape across the community. The Philomath Frolic and Rodeo celebrated completion of the first phase of its arena expansion project, welcoming sold-out crowds to upgraded facilities. Meanwhile, the City Council advanced plans for Philomath’s first dedicated affordable housing development, addressing a long-standing community need.

The year also brought achievements worth celebrating. Boys basketball coach Blake Ecker reached his 400th career victory, joining an elite group of Oregon high school coaches. School district voters elected two new board members in May, bringing fresh perspectives and returning experience to the governing body.

Yet 2025 wasn’t without loss and controversy. The School Board navigated turbulent waters following a contentious social media post, resulting in leadership changes and community conversations about the balance between free speech and public service. And in a development that left many residents saddened, the city’s first Heritage Tree — the grand American elm in front of the library — was diagnosed with Dutch elm disease and scheduled for eventual removal.

Several other stories were considered for this list — a California child lost in a crash and the arrest that followed, the death of PHS graduate Devon Dobek in the Mount Hood wilderness, the city’s designation as first in the state to create a climate-friendly area, the city’s process involving proposed utility rates and the porch-belltower project at the historic schoolhouse south of town. In all, the Philomath News published 2,119 posts in 2025.

Here are the top 10 news stories of the year as chosen by the Philomath News:

1. McMorran sworn in as mayor; 2 new councilors begin terms

Christopher McMorran officially took office as Philomath’s mayor on Jan. 7 during a swearing-in ceremony at Philomath Museum to mark the start of a new chapter in city leadership.

McMorran was joined by returning Councilor Diane Crocker and newcomers Spencer Irwin and Brent Kaseman, who were also sworn in as city councilors before a packed second-floor Moreland Gallery.

With a blank canvas displayed on stage as a visual metaphor, McMorran delivered his first speech as mayor with a clear call for community involvement. “We’re starting today with a blank canvas — an incredible opportunity to paint the vision of our town’s future,” he told attendees. “We need the input and engagement of everyone in our community.”

The new mayor acknowledged Philomath’s recent achievements, including downtown streetscape improvements, the veterans memorial park, infrastructure upgrades to water and sewer systems, and upcoming projects like the water reservoir and treatment plant. He recognized that many current projects represent the fulfillment of visions set in motion by previous councils and mayors.

McMorran stressed that the current council now carries the responsibility of planning for Philomath’s next 10 to 20 years.

“In the same way that the councilors and mayors before us envisioned the projects that we can see and touch today, we now have a responsibility to start sketching out the blueprints for tomorrow,” he said.

2. School Board member’s controversial social media post

The Philomath School Board faced its most contentious issue of the year this past fall when Chair Erin Gudge sparked anger over a Facebook post about the death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

Gudge’s post stated she would not mourn Kirk, citing his political views and positions on social issues. The comment drew immediate backlash, with community members confronting Gudge at a September School Board meeting and demanding her resignation amid concerns about bias and student safety.

The controversy triggered a formal complaint process. During a public hearing in October where complainants testified about their concerns, Gudge voluntarily resigned as board chair and received a formal censure from fellow board members for violating conduct policies related to social media use and respectful communication. She remained on the board as an elected member.

The board reorganized its leadership, elevating Vice Chair Tom Klipfel to chair and naming Erin McMullen as the new vice chair. The incident sparked broader discussions about free speech rights, the responsibilities of elected officials and public trust in school leadership, while highlighting tensions between personal expression and public service standards.

3. Food bank sees surge of need while benefits threatened

Philomath Community Services confronted an unprecedented challenge in late October when a federal government shutdown threatened to eliminate SNAP benefits for more than 750,000 Oregonians, including hundreds of local families. Executive Director Sharon Thornberry warned that the crisis represented the most challenging scenario in her four decades of anti-hunger advocacy work.

The timing proved particularly difficult as Thanksgiving approached. Thornberry explained that families typically rely on SNAP benefits through the month while using the food pantry toward month’s end, but the potential benefit cutoff would leave nothing to set aside for holiday meals. The food bank saw an immediate surge in demand.

Compounding the challenges, PCS learned that Oregon Food Bank supplies were down 40%, while federal program cuts resulted in a 20% reduction in food supplies from Linn Benton Food Share. Protein and fresh produce became particularly scarce as the growing season ended.

Despite mounting pressures, Thornberry refused to ration services and mobilized the community through fundraising letters and door-to-door food drives. She emphasized the cascading effects of food insecurity, noting the stress and trauma experienced by families, especially children.

4. Schools implement cellphone ban with surprising success

Philomath School District joined a statewide movement to limit student cellphone use in 2025, implementing a classroom ban that evolved into a comprehensive bell-to-bell prohibition under Gov. Tina Kotek’s executive order.

The district initially announced plans in January to ban cellphones from classrooms while allowing use during lunch and breaks, responding to overwhelming feedback from staff and parents about devices disrupting learning.

Survey results showed 90% of staff and 78%  of parents believed cellphones negatively impacted student learning. The policy tightened significantly in August when the governor’s executive order mandated devices be prohibited throughout the entire school day, including lunch periods and breaks.

Implementation in September proved markably successful. By October, substitute teacher Camille Kaplan praised the widespread student compliance, noting improved academic and social environments. Principal Mark Henderson reported enforcement had been largely trouble-free with only occasional violations. Teachers expressed enthusiasm about increased student engagement in classroom activities and discussions, while students were observed interacting more during breaks.

“It’s been amazing that I could talk to groups of people and tell them that our students are just knocking it out of the park,” Superintendent Susan Halliday said.

The unexpected success defied initial skepticism about teenagers voluntarily separating from their devices.

5. Frolic and Rodeo moves forward with arena upgrades

The Philomath Frolic and Rodeo celebrated a major milestone in July with the completion of its arena expansion project’s first phase, transforming the community’s signature summer event. The improvements included new west-side grandstands, a rebuilt announcer’s stand and rodeo office, modern restrooms and enhanced infrastructure including arena lighting and accessible asphalt pathways.

Behind the scenes, the project delivered crucial upgrades to livestock facilities with eight new back pens, lead-ups and exit alleys connecting to larger chutes capable of handling bigger animals. The facility now meets professional rodeo standards, positioning Philomath for potential future growth.

The renovation received $1.9 million in state funding secured by Rep. David Gomberg during the 2023 legislative session. A ribbon-cutting ceremony in early July drew state legislators and local officials celebrating the volunteer-run organization’s achievement.

The expanded arena’s debut proved both successful and challenging. Friday and Saturday performances sold out with nearly 300 standing-room-only tickets sold on the final night. However, organizers encountered growing pains including long admission lines on sponsor night and tighter parking that spilled into surrounding neighborhoods.

6. Klipfel, McMullen win contested seats on School Board

Philomath School District voters elected two new board members in May’s special election, bringing fresh perspectives and returning experience to the governing body. Tom Klipfel, who previously served on the board from 2007 to 2017, secured victory in the Position 1 race with 55% of the vote against family nurse practitioner Kerin Konkler. The retired supply chain professional had been instrumental in passing the bond measure for the new high school and establishing an operating levy during the 2008 recession.

In the Position 3 race, farmer and business owner Erin McMullen won decisively with 69% of the vote in a three-way contest against former football coach Troy Muir and farm manager Todd Smith. McMullen brought prior board experience from her time on the Muddy Creek Charter School Board from 2015-21.

Incumbent Erin Gudge ran unopposed for Position 4, returning for a second term. The election marked the departure of longtime board members Rick Wells and Joe Dealy, who chose not to seek reelection.

7. City Council backs affordable housing project partnership

Philomath City Council moved forward on a significant affordable housing initiative in August, approving an exclusivity agreement with Commonwealth Development Corp. to build a 33-unit apartment complex at the corner of Main Street and North 20th Street. The proposed $12.8 million project would be the city’s first dedicated affordable housing development, addressing a goal council members had pursued for years.

The Wisconsin-based nonprofit developer, which has completed more than 125 affordable housing projects nationwide including five in Oregon, proposed a four-story building with 26 one-bedroom and seven two-bedroom apartments. The complex would include amenities such as a community room, fitness center and on-site property management.

Proposed rents reportedly would range from $663 to $1,512 monthly, based on Area Median Income levels. Councilor Teresa Nielson expressed concerns that two-thirds of units would carry higher-tier rents, questioning whether the project truly served low-income residents. Developer Danny DiFrancesco explained that smaller projects require more market-rate units to cover operating costs.

The city purchased the half-acre site in March 2023 for $337,500. Commonwealth proposed purchasing it for $1 to strengthen project feasibility.

8. Philomath to lose its first Heritage Tree to disease

Philomath prepared to say farewell to a community landmark in December when the Tree Board voted to remove the city’s first Heritage Tree after confirming it had Dutch elm disease. The large American elm standing in front of Philomath Community Library had been preserved during the library’s construction in the early 1990s through significant volunteer efforts and received the city’s inaugural Heritage Tree designation in 2023.

Arborist Graham Seaders first noticed warning signs in October when he observed “flagging” — dead branches with leaves that wouldn’t fall off. Testing at Oregon State University confirmed the disease, which has no treatment once a tree is infected. City arborist Lige Weedman estimated the tree showed symptoms in 35% to 45% of its structure, far beyond the 5% threshold where mitigation might be effective.

The decision to remove the tree came from concerns about protecting other elms in the area. Dutch elm disease spreads through bark beetles that breed in infected trees.

Officials discussed salvaging portions of the tree for benches and coordinating removal during the dormant season. Mayor Christopher McMorran acknowledged the loss would leave both a literal and figurative hole in one of the town’s main public spaces.

9. Philomath High’s Class of 2025 celebrated commencement

On a pleasant June morning at Clemens Field, 115 members of Philomath High School’s Class of 2025 turned their tassels and launched into the next chapter of their lives. The 90-minute ceremony featured speeches from student leaders, recognition of 10 valedictorians including ASB co-presidents Raegan McKinney and Colton Hruska, and the Heart of a Warrior awards for nine students.

Graduates reflected on overcoming diverse challenges during their high school years. Elle Marchesi conquered severe social anxiety to become a confident public speaker. River Sandstrom balanced wrestling season demands while maintaining grades and relationships. Raul Quiroz Sanchez, who arrived from Mexico during his junior year, navigated an entirely new educational system in English.

The ceremony included memorable moments — Quiroz Sanchez held up a Cristiano Ronaldo jersey while receiving his diploma, Silas Pittman executed a backflip off the stage and Cynthia Zerby honored her late husband by carrying his photo while presenting their daughter Rachel’s diploma.

Principal Mark Henderson delivered the graduation message, while valedictorian JJ Lewis spoke about working through failures. The graduates’ futures ranged from commercial fishing and electrical work to community college and trade school, representing the varied paths that were awaiting the Class of 2025.

10. Longtime basketball coach reaches 400-win milestone

Philomath boys basketball coach Blake Ecker achieved a rare coaching milestone on Jan. 31 when the Warriors defeated Stayton 44-42, giving him his 400th career victory. In his 23rd season leading the program, Ecker joined an exclusive club of just 25 Oregon high school coaches to reach 400 wins at the same school.

The coach began his Philomath tenure in December 2002, taking over a program fresh off a state championship under Dave Garvin. His first game as head coach resulted in a 72-45 rout of Pleasant Hill, launching a career that would span more than two decades and produce a winning percentage of nearly .700.

Under Ecker’s leadership, Philomath captured state championships in 2014 and 2016 and finished as runner-up in 2023. A 1987 Philomath graduate himself, Ecker was a second-team all-state selection as a player and finished his high school career with over 1,000 rebounds.

True to his modest nature, Ecker credited his players, assistant coaches and others for the milestone, mentioning Eddie Van Vlack, Dave Garvin, Ben Silva, John Hanson, Marshall White, Terry Bolin, Woody Bennett, Gary Cox and Norm Robinson.