Good morning, Corvallis.

This Sunday, September 7, 22 teams will compete at the Public Safety Chili Cook-Off at the Yew Wood Corral in Philomath to raise funds for the 4 Spirits Veterans Scholarship Fund—ticket prices are $10 for those 12 and older and $5 for younger attendees.

Retired police chief Ken Rueben organizes the event, which is co-sponsored by local public safety foundations and will feature a Preparedness Fair with hands‑on emergency safety displays from 1-5 p.m.

Corvallis police confirmed that ICE took one person locally — the department had no prior knowledge of the operation and was not involved.

On Labor Day, a juvenile cougar was euthanized in a backyard on Northwest Camellia Drive—after residents reported seeing it in broad daylight—and state officials said the animal killed a goat and did not flee when ODFW and the Benton County Sheriff's Office responded.

Samaritan Health Plans notified thousands of Medicare customers in Benton, Lincoln and Linn counties that it will end its Advantage plans at the end of this year—letters went out over Labor Day weekend.

CEO Bruce Butler said the health system faces nationwide challenges and that new coverage options will be available starting October 1.

Philomath High School’s volleyball team enters 2025 with high hopes after winning the Oregon West Conference title for the first time in seven years and earning a playoff berth last season—head coach Whitney Rasmussen said the returning starting lineup will focus on defense and blocking as they prepare for a regular season opener today at 6:30 p.m. at Crescent Valley.

2025 Fall Festival Book Sale

12-3 p.m. (donors only) & 3-5:30 p.m. — Corvallis-Benton County Public Library — Free entry (donors may need to donate $20 for early access) — Browse hundreds of books, DVDs, and music CDs at this community sale.

Corvallis Fall Fest

1-7 p.m. — Central Park — Free entry — Celebrate fall with live music from Ida Jane & The Weekend Gardeners blending acoustic styles in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Corvallis Fall Festival 2025

1-7 p.m. — Corvallis Fall Festival — All ages welcome — Celebrate local culture with a community 5K & 10K run at Oregon State University's campus.