EDITOR’S CHOICE
Philomath’s Barrett caps wrestling career with third straight state title
PORTLAND — Riley Barrett became the first three-time state wrestling champion in Philomath High’s history on Friday, but the path to that milestone was anything but smooth. The senior captured his third consecutive title at the Class 4A championships at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, surviving a tense 150-pound semifinal before closing out the tournament in the championship match. Barrett’s signature mental approach carried him through the challenging moments — none more so than the semifinal against Madras senior Earl Oliver, who…
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OSP Log: School bus driver’s turn leads to fatal crash near Independence
Editor’s note: This report is based on information submitted by the Oregon State Police. All crashes with fatalities may not be included. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. MONDAY, FEB. 23 • 9:51 a.m. — Troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 22 at the intersection…
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Warriors send seniors out in style at state wrestling
PORTLAND — Trailing 7-0 after the first period Friday in the third-place match at the Class 4A tournament, the situation looked pretty challenging for Philomath High wrestler Derick Kohn. Participating at state for the first time in his high school career, the Warriors senior wanted to go out with a…
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Philomath freshman breaks new ground at state wrestling
PORTLAND — Makinzey Harrington walked out of Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Friday night after the fifth-place medal match with disappointment written across her face. The Philomath freshman had lost to Molalla’s Alvina Ruiz — someone she had pinned a week earlier at the district tournament. Despite the loss and sixth-place…
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Three Things: Defining Warrior culture, preschool gets lifeline, 50-year transit partnership in question
PHS launches a community survey on Warrior identity, Next Steps Preschool secures spring funding and Benton County weighs ending its 50-year Dial-A-Bus partnership.
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Obituary: Guy R. Griffin (1953-2026)
Guy Richard Griffin, of Albany, Oregon, peacefully passed away Feb. 14, 2026, after battling several medical issues for many years. He was 73. Guy was born to John Franklin Griffin and Helen Lucille (Winefeldt) Griffin Feb. 1, 1953, in San Diego, California. He was the fifth of eight children; he…
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SPORTS
Gallery: PHS wrestling at state championships (Feb. 27, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath’s appearance at the 4A boys championships and 4A/3A/2A/1A girls championships on Friday.
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Newport boys claim Oregon West title with win over Philomath
In a battle for the Oregon West Conference regular-season title in boys basketball, Newport came through on its home floor Tuesday night to defeat Philomath, 76-58. The Warriors (13-9 overall, 7-3 Oregon West) will now turn their attention to the Class 4A state playoffs. Philomath will wait for the Oregon…
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Philomath in Photos
VIEW PHILOMATH IN PHOTOS GALLERIES FROM PAST MONTHS
SATURDAY, FEB. 28, 2026: The scene on Friday morning at Mount Union Cemetery. (Photo by David Low) 
FRIDAY, FEB. 27, 2026: Sunset behind Marys Peak. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, FEB. 26, 2026: A large table at the Out West Farm and Ranch food court displays the brand of the late Winston Grant, longtime rancher in the Harlan vicinity. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25, 2026: Wood carvings above the entrance to Philomath Community Library. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, FEB. 24, 2026: Philomath’s Liam Bennett recently led an Eagle Scout project to construct a sensory hub space featuring sandboxes at Clemens Primary School. (Photo provided by Tom Klipfel) 
SUNDAY, FEB. 22, 2026: Cheer squad co-captain Josey Schreiber glances back at family during Senior Night activities on Friday in the PHS gym. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
FRIDAY, FEB. 20, 2026: Sketches of Philomath High School on the wall in the PHS Community Conference Room. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
THURSDAY, FEB. 19, 2026: Flags fly at the Philomath Scout Lodge's veterans memorial. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18, 2026: Philomath Rotary Club President Fred Shaub goes through various notes with members at the organization's Tuesday meeting. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, FEB. 17, 2026: Two women walk Tuesday at Marys River Park and Natural Area on a morning that saw light snow. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
SATURDAY, FEB. 14, 2026: A "Happy Valentine’s Day" inflatable decoration on North 19th Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, FEB. 13, 2026: The sun rises behind Philomath High School's Forestry building, highlighting one of the school's signature career and technical education programs. (Photo by Barb Davis) 
THURSDAY, FEB. 12, 2026: Open space under a blue sky at Marys River Park and Natural Area. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11, 2026: A view of Philomath Community Library after the removal of the large American elm, which had been designated by the city as a Heritage Tree. The tree was removed because of Dutch elm disease. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
TUESDAY, FEB. 10, 2026: The Corvallis Indoor Winter Market at the Benton County Fairgrounds on Saturdays draws Philomath-area vendors and shoppers. (Photo by Brad Fuqua/Philomath News) 
SATURDAY, FEB. 7, 2026: Evening traffic along Main Street. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
FRIDAY, FEB. 6, 2026: The Shipley Family Homestead Marker in Newton Creek Park. Black History Month is observed in February. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
THURSDAY, FEB. 5, 2026: A piece of Philomath High's old gym floor before the high school's remodeling project in 2012. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4, 2026: The Independent Community Center on the corner of Fern Road and Airport Avenue. (Photo by Eric Niemann) 
TUESDAY, FEB. 3, 2026: A snow moon on Groundhog Day over Philomath. (Photo by Eric Niemann)
GALLERIES
STATE
COMMENTARY
STACKER
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Philomath Community Services
Verses
By Kevin Ahern
ANGEL FEUD
I gotta be careful ‘bout what I say
Or ‘twill be a big mistake
Seducing dessert lovers isn’t hard
It’s just a piece of cake
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