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2024 Benton County Queen Naomi Bailey stands next to her tamed mustang Ochoco.

Benton County Fair & Rodeo Queen shares a special bond with mustang

The 2024 Benton County Fair & Rodeo starts July 31 through Aug. 3, and this year’s Fair and Rodeo Queen, Naomi Bailey, will be sharing the spotlight with her remarkable Mustang, Ochoco. Naomi, an Oregon State University student, trained Ochoco through the Teens and Oregon Mustangs, Mustang Adoption Challenge, a competition that challenges young trainers to tame wild horses. Their journey, filled with dedication and mutual respect, will be on full display during the rodeo’s halftime show.

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Pat Malone speaks at the Joint Committee on Transportation listening tour in Albany on July 16, 2024.

Joint Committee on Transportation visits Albany

The Joint Committee on Transportation (JCT) completed a successful listening tour stop in Albany on July 16, 2024, as part of their preparation for a new transportation funding package to be considered during the 2025 legislative session.

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April Holland, Health Dept. Director

Benton County Appoints April Holland as Health Department Director

Benton County is pleased to announce that April Holland has been officially appointed as the Benton County Health Department Director, effective today, July 17, 2024.

Holland has been serving as the Interim Health Department Director since March 2023, maintaining operational stability, and supporting leaders across various health sectors. She is known for her relationship-oriented leadership and commitment to a healthy workplace culture. With a background in epidemiology, Holland focuses on using data to improve health outcomes.

Her immediate plans include working with Community Health Centers Executive Director Lacey Mollel to finalize the Health Services structure and engage staff in defining a shared mission and strategic priorities.

Holland joined Benton County as the Deputy Director of Public Health in December 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. She led the community through the pandemic and other emergencies with effective collaboration.

Previously, Holland has managed Epidemiology, Communicable Disease, Immunizations, Vital Statistics, and Public Health Preparedness programs. She holds a Master of Public Health degree from Oregon State University and has extensive experience in public health operations and policy.


Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact Cory Grogan at 541-745-4468 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

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