Good morning, Corvallis.

Stacker compiled a list of the best four-year colleges in Oregon using 2026 rankings from Niche—factors like tuition, student-to-faculty ratio, acceptance rate, and graduation rate were used, and location was also considered to help students choose the right school for them.

This list shows that top schools are now more accessible as overall acceptance rates have risen.

On Sept. 11, the Philomath School Board unanimously approved a contract for licensed staff that provided a 4.5% cost-of-living raise for 2025-26 and a 4% raise for 2026-27 (salaries ranged from $46,307 to $94,632 based on experience).

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the agreement while noting that future increases might strain district budgets.

Starting in 2026, new state laws will protect Oregonians from unpaid medical bills hurting credit and stop car dealers from changing loan terms after a sale—Gov. Tina Kotek, lawmakers and consumer advocates in Salem celebrated the move on Monday.

The laws will also require online sellers to disclose fees before checkout and shorten the loan finalization time from 14 to 10 days.

Benton County will hold a two-day public hearing at the Fairgrounds auditorium in Corvallis on Oct.

22-23 from 5:30-10 p.m. — residents can register for two-minute speaking slots beginning Oct. 15 to provide input on Republic Services’ appeal to expand the Coffin Butte Landfill.

Corvallis city councilors voted on Monday, Sept.

15th to cancel the $13,000 contract with the Lane Council of Governments for an independent review of City Manager Mark Shepard—citing delays and concerns over evaluator qualifications—and instead opted for a traditional in-house evaluation. The decision followed heated debate during lengthy discussions in which Shepard stated he did not want the outside consultant to oversee his performance review.

Samaritan Health Services is accepting applications for its Social Accountability grants to offer up to $200,000 in funding for local nonprofits working to improve community health across Benton, Lincoln and Linn counties.

Organizations can join a virtual information session on Sept. 23 from 3-4 p.m. and submit their applications by Nov. 7.

Benton County health officials said rising COVID-19 cases and new federal vaccine guidelines have raised concerns in Corvallis, as the approved vaccine now targets adults 65 and people with high-risk conditions—BCHS expects more details from the CDC after the September 18—19 meeting and urges residents to follow preventive measures.

The Philomath High School volleyball team swept Junction City Tuesday with scores of 25—19, 25—19, and 25—17 to even their record at 2—2.

They will play in a tournament against North Marion on Saturday at 9 a.m. before opening conference play against Sweet Home on Sept. 23.

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.

Condor 25K Trail Run

9 AM — Peavy Arboretum — $55-$66 entry — Experience a scenic 25K trail run through the stunning McDonald Forest in memory of Dave 'Condor' Bateham.

22nd Annual St. Anne Greek Fest

11 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Lewisburg Grange Hall — Free admission — Enjoy delicious Greek food, live music, and family-friendly fun at this community celebration.

The Great Pumpkin Run

9 AM – 12 PM — Ashbrook Independent School — Registration required — Celebrate the fall season with a fun run and costume contest for the whole family.

Bloktoberfest 2025

5-11 p.m. — Block 15 Brewing Downtown Pub — $10 admission — Celebrate Oktoberfest with live music, German food, and stein-holding competitions under the big tent.