Good morning, Corvallis.

The Corvallis Community Emergency Response Team has partnered with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office to offer a free CERT training course this fall at the Corvallis Fire Training Center—scheduled for October 11 and 12 after participants complete 12 hours of online learning.

Local residents aged 18 and older can gain hands-on instruction in disaster preparedness, fire safety, and rescue techniques.

Philomath-based company Alyrica Networks and Rural Prosperity Partners secured a $5.3 million federal grant from the BEAD program to help fund a $7.2 million project bringing high-speed broadband to 680 locations in rural parts of the Central Linn School District.

The project will use a hybrid fiber-optic and fixed wireless approach and complete final planning before construction begins.

Philomath High School math teacher Jodi Moade—who has taught for 25 years at PHS and grew up in Junction City—said she wants her students to learn that math helps them overcome challenges.

She noted that students today often use technology to get quick answers instead of working through problems.

Thirty-four Oregon counties are child care deserts for infants and toddlers—areas needing more than three children per regulated slot—and an OSU researcher warned that impending Medicaid cuts will force providers in rural areas like Harney to close.

OSU’s Basic Needs Center at Champinefu Lodge is helping students with food, housing, textbooks and other essential resources as classes start this week.

Peer navigators offer one-on-one talks to build plans that connect students with food pantries, free hygiene supplies, and referrals for emergency housing, legal help and budgeting support—ensuring every student finds the assistance they need.

Greenbelt Land Trust, the Oregon Department of Forestry, and local fire departments will conduct a controlled burn at Bald Hill Farm on Sunday, Sept.

28 if weather conditions allow. The burn will cover up to 25 acres of restored grasslands and trained personnel from Philomath Fire and Rescue plus the Corvallis Fire Department will manage the operation—trail closures at Wynoochee Drive and the Greenbelt property boundary are expected while lower farm trails remain open.

Registration is now open for the 12th annual Lilly's Lope for Hope, a 5-kilometer run and walk aimed at raising youth suicide prevention awareness that will be held at Philomath City Park on Saturday, Oct.

18—check-in begins at 9 a.m. and the timed 5K starts at 10 a.m. Early-bird pricing is available until Sept. 30 while proceeds will support mental health services in memory of Lilly Stagner.

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.

Mini Kiss Live Performance

8-11:30 p.m. — Bombs Away Cafe - A Rockin' Taqueria — Free entry — Experience the high-energy rock tribute from Mini Kiss in an unforgettable night of music.

Children's Halloween Party

4-6 p.m. — Corvallis-Benton County Public Library — Free entry — Celebrate Halloween with games, candy, and costumes in a safe, fun environment for kids.