Good morning, Corvallis.

Flags across Linn County are at half-staff this month to honor Sergeant First Class Scot Noss, a Lebanon native and decorated Army Ranger who passed away from injuries he suffered 18 years ago in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

His funeral procession was escorted by local law enforcement and fire services — and community tributes include a school library named in his honor and induction into the high school hall of fame.

Photos from the first night of the 2025 Benton County Fair show community members enjoying rides and games as vendors and families gathered for food and music — the event set a lively tone for a fair that highlights local traditions.

Philomath’s Chamber of Commerce has a new executive director as Chelle Krantz resigned to focus on growing her business and furthering her education—Nicki Hasley, a local real estate agent, is now serving in an interim role.

The Benton County Planning Commission rejected Republic Services’ request to expand Coffin Butte Landfill—after a three-month review with over 20 hours of public testimony.

Republic Services and others have until 5 p.m. on Aug. 12 to file an appeal—failure to do so will end the review process.

On July 24, USDA head Brooke Rollins announced a plan to close the Forest Service office and Pacific Northwest Research Station in Portland, shifting operations over the next year to hubs in Fort Collins, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Raleigh and Salt Lake City—moves aimed at cutting spending while supporting wildfire prevention and conservation. Local forestry officials and OSU’s College of Forestry dean Tom DeLuca warned that the change may hamper local research and collaboration despite assurances that job losses will be minimal.

The Benton County Fair Rodeo is celebrating women with the Larry Bell Memorial All-Girls Rodeo — an event where cowgirls of all ages compete in barrel racing, breakaway roping, and bronc and bull riding — to inspire young participants and promote women's sports.