Benton County is pleased to announce the hiring of Maya O’Neal as the County’s first in-house coordinator for Benton Area Transit. Her first day of work was April 1.
O’Neal brings extensive knowledge and skills in transportation at the local government level. Most recently she served as the public parking coordinator for the City of Corvallis, where she worked to optimize and revitalize the parking system.
Previously she worked in the Transportation Department of the City of Fresno, California, which has a population of over 540,000 and covers over 110,000 square miles. Her primary duties included logistics, scheduling and routing.
O’Neal also has experience reviewing and applying federal statutes, legal regulations and compliance guidelines — essential skills for the Benton Area Transit coordinator role.
O’Neal enjoyed her three years focused on parking with the City of Corvallis, but when she saw a chance to get back into transit she jumped at the opportunity. She is a problem solver who enjoys exploring traditional and new approaches to find the best solutions.
“Maya is exactly the person we were looking for to support Benton Area Transit,” says Public Works Director Gary Stockhoff. “Her skills check every box in the job description, and her infectious enthusiasm and can-do attitude are even more than we hoped for.”
Benton County is pleased to announce the hiring of Bob Richardson as Community Development director, beginning April 17.
Richardson is a skilled planner and leader whose experience includes executing and improving land use planning policies and strategies for different local jurisdictions. He was a key contributor to the development of OSU plans including the Corvallis Campus Vision and the Sustainable Transportation Strategy. He also successfully led multiple amendments to the Corvallis Land Development Code paving the way for future OSU development.
Richardson has more than two decades of experience in land use planning in Benton and Linn Counties. He spent the last seven and half years as the land use planning manager at Oregon State University. There he provided leadership, strategy and expertise for land use planning activities and issues at OSU locations across the state.
Prior to that, he worked for four years as planning manager for the City of Albany and nine years for the City of Corvallis as an associate planner.
“After an intensive screening process that included two comprehensive interview processes, individual interviews with each of the Commissioners and a post interview debrief with me, I have no doubt that Bob is the perfect person to be our next community development director,” said Interim County Administrator Rick Crager.
His references described him as a dedicated, hard-working, calm and collaborative leader. One called him “One of those individuals that you just want to work for… extremely thoughtful in his approach to local planning and makes everyone feel heard and part of the solution.”
“That’s exactly the kind of leader we need in Benton County to oversee important projects like the upcoming review and update of the Comprehensive Plan,” said Crager.
Richardson holds a bachelor’s degree in Government and Environmental Studies from St. Lawrence University and a master’s in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Oregon. He is a certified planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners.
On March 31, President Trump signed an executive order intended to ban all mail-in voting except for individuals enrolled on state-specific mail-in and absentee participation lists. Eligible absentee voters include travelers, people who are seriously ill and deployed military personnel and families.
The order directs the U.S. Postal Service to deliver mail ballots only to eligible absentee or mail-in voters.
A previous executive order on elections, signed in March 2025, was blocked by federal judges who said the president lacked the constitutional authority to set voting policy. The U.S. Constitution gives the power to determine the “Times, Places and Manner” of elections to individual states.
Soon after the executive order was signed, Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read released a statement pledging to defend Oregon elections in court: “The Constitution is clear: states run elections. Oregon’s gold standard vote-by-mail elections are secure, fair, and accurate. We don’t need decrees from Washington D.C. My message to the President: We’ll see you in court.”
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield will also fight the executive order, according to a statement posted on social media: “Vote by mail increases access to the ballot which is the cornerstone to our democracy, and we’ll use every legal tool available to us to fight this and protect Oregonians’ right to vote.”
In 1998, Oregon voters overwhelmingly passed a ballot measure directing that elections be conducted by mail, and in 2000, Oregon became the nation’s first all vote-by-mail state.
Benton County leaders are closely monitoring the developing situation and remain in contact with state officials.
On April 1, the Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division confirmed that elections will move forward as planned, in accordance with current Oregon law, and the issue will be resolved through the court system.
Voters’ job is to get their ballots in for the May 19 primary election, either by returning them by mail or dropping them in one of the ballot boxes located throughout the County. Ballots will be mailed to Benton County voters on April 29.
Oregonians are encouraged to double-check their voter registration and mailing address at OregonVotes.gov before April 28 to ensure they receive their ballot.
Oregon counties already use barcodes to track every vote, verify signatures to confirm identities and conduct random audits to ensure accuracy. See Benton County’s process from start to finish.
Secretary of State Read will answer elections questions from the community at a town hall on Wed, May 6, 6 p.m. in Corvallis. He will be joined by Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin and Rep. Sarah Finger McDonald at the Benton Center, 757 NW Polk Ave. Benton County will continue to take direction from the Secretary of State and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Inside the former United Methodist Church in Monroe, neighbors gathered around tables Wednesday, March 18, for a hot meal and conversation at the South Benton Resource Center’s monthly Community Lunch.
The lunch, held at noon every third Wednesday of the month, is free and open to the public, with donations accepted. The center is located at 648 Orchard St. in Monroe.
Benton County commissioners Malone, Shepherd and Wyse attended the lunch, highlighting the importance of supporting rural communities and staying connected to the people and programs that help meet local needs. Their presence reflects a shared commitment to ensuring residents across the County have access to food, services and opportunities to connect.
City of Monroe Mayor Dan Sheets said the lunch is a simple but powerful way to bring people together.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to come together, have a meal and socialize,” Sheets said. “We definitely encourage folks to come here and socialize, and if you have a need, I’m certain that they can help somehow.”
The South Benton Resource Center is a nonprofit that serves Monroe and rural South Benton County. Its mission centers on building community around a shared table while offering essential services and gathering spaces.
Programs at the center include the South Benton Food Pantry, which provides fresh food, staples and necessities to area residents. The center also operates a commercial kitchen that hosts the monthly community lunch and a free community breakfast on the first Saturday of each month.
Kepi Nak-Nak Café, located in the downstairs commons next to the kitchen, is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays as a place for people to gather over coffee or a meal. Heritage Hall offers space for concerts, meetings and milestone events. The Vina Moses Room provides clothing and household essentials through a local partnership. Each August, the center hosts the Blackberry Jamboree, an annual community celebration.
Robin Frojen prepares the monthly lunch. She said the meals are about more than food.
“I’m making the community lunch for our community of Monroe,” Frojen said. “This is just really important for our community and making sure our community has warm, healthy meals that are accessible to everybody.”
Frojen recently retired after nearly 30 years as a chef and food scientist at Oregon State University. She said volunteering at the center allows her to continue doing what she loves while giving back.
“It’s amazing,” she said. “I have been a chef for 30 years and a food scientist, and retired almost two years ago from the university, and I’m doing exactly what I love to be doing, and now I can actually make an impact. This community is something great, it really is.”
For more information about the South Benton Resource Center and its programs, visit www.sbrcenter.org.
Benton County Commissioners share a meal with Monroe Mayor Dan Sheets during the South Benton Resource Center’s Community Lunch in Monroe on March 18, connecting with residents and supporting rural community programs.
Community members, local leaders and housing advocates gathered Thursday, March 19 to break ground on Third Street Commons, a 47-unit permanent supportive housing development aimed at helping people experiencing chronic homelessness in Benton County.
The project, led by Corvallis Housing First, will provide housing paired with services such as health care, behavioral health support and case management. When complete, it will be the first development of its kind in Corvallis. The facility will include fully furnished studio and one-bedroom apartments, on-site services and community spaces.
All three Benton County commissioners attended the event, underscoring the County’s commitment to expanding housing options and supporting coordinated efforts to address homelessness.
Board Chair Pat Malone shared remarks during the ceremony before joining partners and other local and state leaders to turn over the first shovel of dirt.
“On behalf of Benton County, we’re grateful to everyone who helped make this project possible and look forward to seeing residents move into Third Street Commons and begin new chapters in their lives,” Benton County Commissioner Pat Malone said.
Permanent supportive housing combines stable housing with services designed to help people maintain housing and improve their overall well-being. Project partners said the development will help fill a critical gap in the community’s continuum of care.
“This project has been years in the making and reflects the hard work of many partners who believe everyone deserves a safe and dignified place to live,” said Andrea Myhre, executive director of Corvallis Housing First.
For people who have experienced homelessness, the project represents more than a new building. It also represents stability, affordability and a path forward.
Dominic Marchese, a local who has benefitted from supportive services, said Corvallis Housing First has already had a life-changing impact.
“I’m forever indebted to this place because they saved my life,” Marchese said. “I’m hoping to have an apartment here.”
He said the support provided goes beyond housing.
“It makes me feel great that there are organizations out here to help people who are struggling,” Marchese said. “They’re life-saving.”
Jason Sutherland, another local who has received housing support through Corvallis Housing First, said stable housing has been critical during ongoing health challenges.
“Everybody with Housing First has just been phenomenal,” Sutherland said. “They’ve been there for me through everything.”
Sutherland said the organization helped him secure housing and has continued to support him as his health has declined.
“They’re looking out for people, not just those with addiction, but people with serious health conditions,” he said.
Project leaders said the effort reflects years of planning and collaboration among Corvallis Housing First, the City of Corvallis, Benton County, Oregon Housing and Community Services and other public and private partners.
Construction is expected to be completed in September 2027, with residents moving in shortly afterward.
Organizers said the groundbreaking marks an important step toward expanding supportive housing and helping more people in Benton County stabilize and rebuild their lives.
Benton County launched its recognition of Women’s History Month on March 3 with a proclamation before the Board of Commissioners. Now, the County is highlighting a special week within the month. National Women’s Military History Week, observed annually from March 16-20, honors the service, sacrifices and achievements of women in the U.S. armed forces.
One of the women veterans who serves the County every day is Katalin “Kathy” Pusztavari, who served in the U.S. Army before continuing her commitment to public service through her work supporting law enforcement operations and community programs in Benton County.
Military service
Pusztavari served in the Army as a legal specialist. She was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, and Fort Lewis, Washington, where she assisted Judge Advocate General (JAG) attorneys and supported legal operations.
Her fellow service members and opportunities to travel were among the most meaningful parts of her military experience.
“I enjoyed the people I worked with and the roles and responsibilities in the various installations I was stationed at,” Pusztavari said. “I also loved the east coast and the trips I took on vacation to view Virginia, Georgia and Florida.”
Today, Pusztavari supports the Benton County Sheriff’s Office as a Policy and Accreditation Specialist. Her work focuses on ensuring agency policies and forms are up to date and gathering documentation required to maintain professional accreditation standards.
Pusztavari said the skills she developed during military service continue to influence the way she approaches her work today.
“My job requires me to be methodical in record keeping and tracking items,” she said. “In the military I learned to keep inventory of my own items, assist JAG attorneys and follow the chain of command.”
Those lessons, she said, continue to guide her work in a structured law enforcement environment.
“Working in the military also taught me to respect ranking officers and non-commissioned officers and understand how organizations function within a chain of command,” she said.
Pusztavari said many veterans quietly continue their commitment to service long after their military careers end.
“You never know if you are working next to someone who has served,” she said. “Some people may not want to advertise that they have served, but most have likely found it a privilege and honor.”
The Benton County Board of Commissioners has approved the appointment of Jane Vetto as its new county counsel after a months-long recruitment. Vetto will begin work in the position on Monday, April 13.
Benton County employed local-government executive recruitment firm Strategic Government Resources to conduct the candidate search.
Vetto will replace Vance Croney, who is retiring after more than 25 years as Benton County Counsel.
Croney participated in the recruitment process and praised the Commissioners’ choice of Vetto as his successor: “She’s bright, experienced, professional and very personable. I’m excited about the direction the County is going with its legal services into the future.”
Vetto brings to Benton County extensive experience working in local government in Oregon and Washington. She was a deputy prosecutor and senior deputy prosecutor in the Civil Division for Clark County, Washington, where she advised several departments and defended the county in lawsuits filed in state, federal and appellate courts.
She has also served as county counsel for both Marion and Clackamas Counties, providing public policy, legal advice and representation to elected and appointed officials and serving as primary counsel for the elected commissioners.
In Marion County, she participated in labor and contract negotiations, advised on land use issues and advised on open public meeting laws, work sessions and executive sessions.
Most recently, Vetto worked as a deputy county attorney for Linn County, where she provided legal advice to multiple departments on topics including land use and land use appeals, health services, roads and public safety.
Vetto is a graduate of the University of Oregon School of Law. She holds a B.A. in history from the University of Oregon.
Jessica McLennan was crowned the 2026 Benton County Fair & Rodeo Queen on Feb. 7, during a celebratory evening at the Benton County Event Center & Fairgrounds where community members gathered to honor royalty, volunteers and the tradition behind the fair and rodeo.
Behind the scenes, Kristi Schrock has spent 20 years helping young women step into boots that carry more than sparkle and fringe.
As chair of the Benton County Fair Board and longtime adviser to the Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen program, Schrock serves as the primary organizer and contact for the pageant. Contestants and families reach out to her for applications, guidance and support. She also helps coordinate the annual coronation and oversees the program as part of the fair board’s work.
“This year is my 20th year of running the program,” Schrock said. “These gals all become part of our family.”
The program, which began in 2001, is celebrating its Silver Jubilee in 2026, marking 25 years of royal tradition and youth leadership in Benton County.
A tradition rooted in Oregon history
The Benton County Fair dates back to the early days of Oregon statehood, when the Benton Agricultural Society began hosting small fairs to showcase local agriculture. The first official county fair was held in 1913 on the grounds of Oregon Agricultural College, now Oregon State University.
The modern fairgrounds were established in 1957 when the county purchased 20 acres of land. Over the years, the fair expanded to include 4-H, Future Farmers of America, carnival rides, live music and rodeo events to celebrate agriculture and Western heritage.
The rodeo queen tradition traces back to Oregon as well. The first official rodeo queen in the world was crowned at the 1910 Pendleton Round-Up. Today, rodeo queens serve as ambassadors for their communities across the state and country.
In Benton County, the first court was selected in 2001. Since 2003, the program has featured a single ambassador: the Benton County Fair & Rodeo Queen.
More than a crown
Schrock said the program is about far more than appearances.
“It’s the history of the Western culture out here,” she said. “But really, to me, it’s mostly about excellence in a lot of different areas.”
Kristi Schrock, chair of the Benton County Fair Board and longtime adviser to the Benton County Fair & Rodeo Queen program, stands at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Corvallis. Schrock has helped lead the program for 20 years as it celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026. (Benton County photo by Cory Grogan)
Contestants are judged on public speaking, horsemanship and knowledge. The role also demands travel, early mornings and long days.
“You get up at 2:30 in the morning to wash the horse, get everything ready, get it loaded up, make your way across the mountain pass,” Schrock said. “It’s remarkable to see young people be able to live up to it.”
Jesse Ott, Benton County’s natural areas, parks and events director, said the queens are a symbol of the fair.
“They’re our symbol of the fair,” Ott said. “They inspire young people. They put themselves out there in front of everybody and do it with poise and professionalism.”
Ott said the rodeo is a major part of the fair, and the queen plays an important role in promoting the event and connecting with the 4-H and agricultural communities.
An ambassador for the county
Schrock said the queen often serves as the first impression of Benton County when she travels to events across Oregon.
“They actually become an ambassador for not only our fair, but our county,” she said. “Oftentimes your queen is somebody’s first impression of your county.”
She said the growth over the yearlong reign is one of the most rewarding parts of the program.
“You see them when they come in and you’re super impressed with them just to try out,” she said. “But the growth they have over the year is incredible.”
The program is tailored to each young woman’s goals. Two co-advisers, both former Benton County queens, help mentor the current titleholder and provide continuity.
“We look at each girl as an individual,” Schrock said. “Depending on what their goals in life are, that’s how we support them that year.”
A full-circle moment
McLennan said the role is a dream she has had since childhood.
“Since I was 6, I’ve looked up to the rodeo queens,” she said. “Stepping into this role as that person that I know those young girls are looking up to is so incredible and full circle for me.”
McLennan has been involved in 4-H for a decade and said serving as queen gives her a new way to stay connected as she transitions out of the youth program.
“It’s so rewarding to close out my years in 4-H with this new title and new responsibility,” she said.
She is especially looking forward to the upcoming rodeo season, which will be the final chapter for her longtime horse, Willow.
“This is my last thing that I get to do with my horse that I grew up with,” she said. “I’m excited to spend that time with her and do something cool as her last hurrah.”
McLennan will be retiring Willow from competition/showing after this year.
2026 Benton County Fair & Rodeo Queen Jessica McLennan rides her horse, Willow, at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Corvallis. McLennan said this year’s rodeo season will be the final one for Willow before the horse is retired from competition. (Benton County photo by Cory Grogan)
Building community connections
Both Schrock and McLennan said the program fosters strong relationships, not just within Benton County, but across the state.
At coronation events and fairs, queens from other counties attend to support one another. Schrock said those connections reflect the broader collaboration seen throughout the agricultural and rodeo community.
“We try really hard to connect with our counterparts in other counties to learn from each other and support each other,” she said. “It’s amazing the connections that can be made.”
McLennan said the fair and rodeo bring the community together in a unique way.
“You get to have your whole community in one spot,” she said. “You get to make those connections and friendships that last.”
As Benton County celebrates 25 years of its rodeo royalty program, organizers say the milestone is about more than crowns and sashes. It is about leadership, service and honoring a tradition that continues to shape generations.
Header Photo: From left: Kristi Schrock; 2026 Benton County Fair & Rodeo Queen Jessica McLennan with her horse, Willow; Adrienne Montgomery; and Jesse Crampton. (Benton County photo by Cory Grogan)
The Benton County Board of Commissioners proclaimed March 2026 as Women’s History Month during its March 3 meeting. The proclamation followed a gathering that included female leaders from across County government.
Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978. In 1987, Congress designated March to honor women’s contributions to history, culture and society. March aligns with International Women’s Day on March 8, observed worldwide since the early 1900s to recognize women’s rights and achievements.
Lacey Mollel, director of Linn-Benton Community Health Centers, read the proclamation into the record.
Mollel said the proclamation recognizes the role women have played in shaping communities and advancing progress in education, science, the arts, government and business. The 2026 national theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” highlights women’s leadership in addressing environmental, economic, educational and societal challenges.
“Women’s History Month is a time to honor the remarkable achievements of women past and present who have overcome obstacles, broken barriers and paved the way for future generations,” Mollel said during the reading. “It provides an opportunity to recognize the many contributions women have made to the social, economic, cultural and political fabric of our community and our nation.”
Lacey Mollel, executive director of Community Health Center of Benton and Linn Counties, reads the Women’s History Month proclamation before the Board of Commissioners on March 3.
And for Commissioner Nancy Wyse, Women’s History Month touches deeply on her own role in the County as well as the roles of other women in public service.
“Women working in Benton County government play important roles, including in leadership,” Wyse said. “Women leaders often take a holistic view, considering family systems, community factors and the long-term well-being of their teams and community partners. We have made progress, and Women’s History Month provides time to reflect.”
Maura Kwiatkowski, administrative services manager for the Board of Commissioners who coordinated the gathering and proclamation reading, said recognition creates space for important conversations.
“Many women hold family responsibilities while serving in demanding roles,” Kwiatkowski said. “In some environments, women still encounter bias or the need to continually prove credibility. Gender equality is an ongoing conversation. Visibility during Women’s History Month invites those conversations to happen.”
In adopting the Proclamation, the Board encouraged community members to celebrate and support the women of Benton County and to foster opportunities for education, empowerment and collaboration.
Header image: Commissioner Nancy Wyse (third from left) stands with some of the women leaders honored this week (from left): County Engineer Laurel Byer, Administrative Services Manager Maura Kwiatkowski, Executive Director Lacey Mollel of the Community Health Center of Benton and Linn Counties, Health Services Business Operations Director Debbie Sessions, Health Department Director April Holland.
The Benton County Board of Commissioners voted on March 3 to deny the proposed expansion of the Coffin Butte Landfill, reversing their previous decision. The decision on reconsideration has been transmitted to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals.
The Board adopted the findings in a Feb. 24 staff report as the findings of fact, removing the need for staff to prepare findings of fact for the Board to adopt in the March 17 Board meeting as originally planned.
Reversal of the previous decision
The previous Board of Commissioners’ public record for land use case LU-24-027 was closed in October 2025, preventing any new evidence from being entered. The Board voted on Nov. 4 to approve Republic Services’ Conditional Use Permit application to expand the landfill.
That decision was appealed on Dec. 5 to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals.
In a Board of Commissioners meeting on Dec. 16, Commissioner Nancy Wyse moved to withdraw the decision for reconsideration, per ORS 197.830(13)(b). Commissioner Pat Malone seconded the motion, which carried 3-0.
Because quasi-judicial land use cases must be discussed in public meetings with notification published in advance, the reason for Commissioner Wyse’s motion was not known until a public hearing on Jan. 20.
In that hearing, following a brief presentation by Planning staff, the Board reopened the LU-24-027 public record to accept a DEQ pre-enforcement notice published Nov. 6.
The record remained open for 7 days to accept written evidence, argument and public testimony related to the DEQ pre-enforcement notice. For the next seven days, anyone could submit responses to material submitted in the first seven-day period. Finally, the applicant had seven days to submit a final rebuttal before the record was closed.
On Feb. 24, County Planning staff released a report reviewing all evidence submitted during the 21 days the record was reopened. The report included a different recommendation than the previous staff report:
Staff finds that the November DEQ PEN calls into question some of the application’s odor model assumptions, as further explained below, and further that the application does not provide sufficient analysis of adjacent odor-sensitive land uses such as the neighboring horse therapy business and residences to demonstrate that the landfill expansion will not seriously interfere with those uses on adjacent properties. Therefore, the Applicant has not met its burden of proof to show that the proposed use will not seriously interfere with adjacent land uses. Staff recommends denial of LU-24-027.
The public hearing resumed on March 3. Commissioner Gabe Shepherd moved:
to adopt an order reversing the Board’s November 2025 decision, and that the Conditional Use Permit be denied based on evidence in the record and findings in the February 24, 2026 staff report, and conclusions developed by the BOC during these deliberations, and that these findings and conclusions be adopted as the final decision of the Board.
Commissioner Wyse seconded the motion, and the commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the order.
