Benton County offices closed on Jan. 16, 2024, due to inclement weather
Benton County officials have announced the closure of all County offices on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, due to inclement weather conditions.
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Benton County offices closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Benton County offices will be closed on January 15, 2024.
Benton County is committed to acknowledging the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not only a federal holiday, but a day to reflect on the meaning of Dr. King’s work and to inspire a commitment to the values of equality, justice, and community service. Benton County recognizes the significance of this day and is taking the opportunity to encourage community members to engage in activities that promote understanding, unity, and positive social change.
“Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a moment for us to reflect on the enduring legacy of Dr. King’s tireless efforts in the pursuit of civil rights and social justice. By observing this day, we not only pay tribute to a remarkable leader but also reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable community in Benton County. It is a time for us to come together, celebrate diversity, and renew our dedication to creating a just society for all,” said Xan Augerot, the Benton County Board of Commissioners Chair.
Normal business hours for Benton County offices will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024.
For more information about county services, please visit Home Page | Benton County Oregon.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate based on 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.
Benton County employee spotlight: Hertel steps up to help in time of need
In a standout act last September, Facilities Maintenance Technician Matt Hertel demonstrated an unusual willingness to step up and help when traveling to work when he encountered a rollover accident. Without hesitation, Hertel ensured the safety of everyone involved until emergency crews arrived.
Benton County plans for future of Historic Courthouse
Benton County’s courthouse is the oldest county courthouse in Oregon still being used for its original purpose. In use since 1889, the building no longer meets court or county needs. Construction of a new courthouse and District Attorney’s office is planned for completion in 2026.
Benton County Fairgrounds unveils new local art display at Floral Courtyard
A new art display “Sew Happy” has recently been installed at the Benton County Fairgrounds and Event Center’s Floral Courtyard. This completed art installation is a collaborative effort between local artist Kathy Jederlinich, the Benton County Cultural Coalition, the Benton County Fair Foundation, Benton County Fair Board and the Benton County Natural Areas and Parks Department (NAPE).
![[TEXT in white]: Benton County Public Podcast episode 7. Join in the festivities of the Pastega Christmas Light show and learn about upcoming vaccination opportunities from the Benton County Health Dept. [IMAGE]: black background with Benton County logo in lower right hand corner.](https://boc.bentoncountyor.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Episode-7-Benton-County-Public-1400-×-1400-px-1024x1024.png)
Episode 7 of Benton County Public Podcast embraces spirit of the season
The Benton County Public Podcast has released Episode 7, a special year-end and holiday edition embracing the spirit of the season.
Featured celebrations in December…
Hanukkah or Chanukah (Dec. 7-15)
Hanukkah, which translates to “dedication,” started at nightfall December 7th and ends at nightfall on December 15th. This festival is observed for eight days and nights by the lighting of candles with nine branches, commonly known as a menorah or a hanukkiah. Each night a candle is lit with one special candle that is used to light all the other candles – this specific candle is called the shammash. As a candle is lit each night, blessings are recited. It is also customary to play with dreidels which are each marked with a Hebrew letter. Each letter forms the acronym for the phrase “Nes gadol hayah sham,” which means “a great miracle happened here.” Members of the Jewish community celebrate in different ways, but many celebrate by singing songs, eating food made with oil such as donuts or potato pancakes called Latkes, and children will often play with dreidels where the winner receives gold foil wrapped chocolate coins (also known as Hanukkah Gelt).
Las Posadas (Dec. 16-24)
Las Posadas is a religious celebration held for 9 days primarily as a Hispanic Christmas tradition, however, it is not celebrated by every individual in the Hispanic community.
This is most often celebrated in certain Spanish speaking communities in the U.S. and parts of Mexico. This celebration honors the journey made by Joseph and Mary from Bethlehem to Nazareth in search of a place for baby Jesus to be born. The word “posadas” translates to “inn” and honors the journey made by Joseph and Mary in their attempt to seek shelter and safety for the birth of their child, since lodging wasn’t available in Bethlehem.
Sometimes the celebration includes two groups, where one group poses as the host family, and the other group acts as the travelers asking to be let inside for rest and reprieve from their journey. After this, the group playing the “host family” will let the travelers in and offer dinner which traditionally includes tamales, pozole, and other Mexican dishes. In the modern day, variations of these processions are still held. The last home visited is where the procession is allowed in for food and celebrations.
Winter Solstice (Dec. 22)
Communities around the world have celebrated the “sun’s rebirth” during the winter solstice for many, many years. In the Southern Hemisphere, December 22nd marks the summer solstice, while in the Northern Hemisphere it marks the shortest day and longest night of our year. Traditionally, fire and light are often used as symbols to mark the darkest day of the year. While these celebrations have changed over time, it’s something many scholars have noted as a reminder of Indigenous People’s understanding of our complex and intricate solar system. To learn more about the origins of the Winter Solstice and it’s connection to other winter celebrations, click here to watch this video! This video shows Elder Wildfred Buck from the Cree Nation/Tribe share the meaning of the Winter Solstice for his community. “It’s a time for the people to work to replenish their spirit. It’s time for them to dream.”
Christmas (Dec. 25)
Christmas is a widely celebrated Christian festival, however, many consider it a secular holiday which means Christian and non-Christian communities take part in this celebration. Christmas is referred to as Yule in Germanic origins, Navidad in Spanish, Natale in Italian, Noël in French, and Weihnachten in German. While this holiday is typically known as the birth date of Jesus in the religion of Christianity, the precise origin of assigning this date as the birth is unclear. Despite this, Christmas occurs around the same time as the Winter Solstice, and many theologians believe there is some connection between the birth of Jesus and the rebirth of our sun. Christmas has been celebrated for over two millennia and includes spiritual, religious, and worldwide cultural practices. Christmas has also been a federally recognized holiday since 1870. Popular customs from around the world include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging of gifts, sharing meals with loved ones, giving back to each other, baking holiday cookies, Christmas dinner, and celebrating as a community.
Kwanzaa (Dec. 26-Jan. 1)
Kwanzaa translates to “first fruits,” which is derived from the Swahili phrase “mutanda ya kwanzaa.” This special holiday lasts from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, was first started in 1966 and is not a religious holiday.
Kwanzaa is the celebration of family, community, black culture, knowing and understanding oneself, and the beauty that lies within. This celebration is African-American and African community centered, and is based on the ideas of reconnecting with history and culture, particularly during the time of harvest celebrations.
This holiday largely came out of the attempted erasure of African American’s ancestral roots and culture during their enslavement in our country. The celebration of this beautiful holiday honors the pride and rich cultural history shared by African Americans in our country. There are seven principles of Kwanzaa, which are called Nguzo Saba. These principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self Determination), Ujimaa (Collective Work), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Each principle is highlighted on each day of this celebration, and celebrants are often heard saying “Habi gani?” which means “What’s the word?”
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.
Benton County thanks Pastega family and volunteers for years of holiday lights and cheer!
Nov. 29, 2023
View photos of the Pastega Christmas Light Display.
Watch a video of the Pastega Christmas Light Display.
Benton County is bidding a heartfelt farewell to a beloved holiday tradition—the Pastega Christmas Light Display. This enchanting spectacle of twinkling lights and festive joy has been a cherished tradition since 1981.
Tomi Douglas, the Director of Benton County Natural Areas and Parks, took a moment to express gratitude for Ken Pastega and the dedicated volunteers who have tirelessly upheld this tradition. In a gesture of appreciation, Douglas presented Pastega with an honorary key to the fairgrounds, recognizing decades of effort from the Pastega family in making the holidays truly special in Benton County.
“The work that Ken and the team have done to keep this tradition alive throughout the years is amazing, and we know this won’t be the end of holiday traditions in Benton County,” Douglas said.
Douglas highlighted Benton County’s commitment to collaborating with the community to explore fresh ideas for holiday traditions at the Benton County Fairgrounds.
Ken Pastega, alongside Mike Strowbridge and Dana Strowbridge, has been at the helm of the drive-thru light display at the fairgrounds for a decade. At 77, Pastega genuinely expresses gratitude for the community’s support.
Beyond its visual charm, the Pastega Christmas Light Display has been a force for good. Always free for all, the event encourages visitors to donate canned food, resulting in an impressive 70,000 pounds or more of donations to local food pantries over the years.
“The enjoyment is seeing the kids go through and the adults saying I’ve gone through it every year,” said Pastega.
For now, the community still can revel in the magic of the Pastega Christmas Light Display at the Benton County Fairgrounds every night from 5 to 10 p.m. until December 31. It’s a final chance to bask in the warmth of this long-standing holiday tradition.
“The Pastega Christmas Light Display has been a source of joy for the community, and we look forward to helping ensure new traditions will bring the magic of the season to Benton County for years to come,” Douglas concluded.
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.
Benton County temporarily suspends Disposal Site Advisory Committee activities
Nov. 28, 2023
Today, the Benton County Board of Commissioners announced a temporary pause of Disposal Site Advisory Committee (DSAC) activities after compelling testimony by the Community Development Director warning of significant challenges with the DSAC Board meetings including actions by some board members that block any substantial progress.
The decision to pause was made by the Board of Commissioners during their regularly scheduled meeting on November 28 so steps can be taken to overhaul the bylaws and the structure of the meetings to be constructive, transparent and inclusive of all Benton County community members.
The Board said this decision underscores their steadfast commitment to ensuring a productive and safe committee environment, ultimately allowing DSAC to serve the Benton County community effectively.
During testimony, Benton County Community Development Department Director Darren Nichols expressed concerns that the committee has faced major obstacles preventing the Committee from fulfilling its mission which includes bullying, disinformation, threats of violence, and a lack of progress in committee work that has led to the recent resignations of five committee members.
Benton County Administrator Rachel McEneny has acknowledged these events within the committee and emphasized the importance of transparent and productive committees and public meetings. McEneny has conveyed the County’s commitment to addressing these issues during this pause.
“The serious breakdown in the committee’s ability to communicate effectively necessitates this pause. We recognize the importance of committees and public meetings and will work diligently to ensure the committee can resume and fulfill its intended purpose as quickly as possible,” McEneny said.
During Nichols’ testimony, he also highlighted a growing list of potential partners willing to assist in addressing sustainable materials’ future in Benton County and Oregon. These partners include cities, counties, state agencies, academic and industry representatives, and community leaders committed to collaborative solutions for solid waste challenges. DSAC is tasked with implementing Oregon State law, long-range monitoring of the disposal site, providing a forum for resident comments and concerns, as well as preparing an annual written report.
View the printed testimony or watch the testimony from Nichols and the Board’s response, and forward it to 37 minutes and 8 seconds.
Learn more about the Benton County Disposal Site Advisory Committee (DSAC).
DSAC is required in statute by Oregon law.
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.
Military Appreciation Month gathering and proclamation in Benton County
November 9, 2023
Benton County has a long history of supporting its military Veterans. The tradition continues as the Board of Commissioners signed a proclamation recognizing Nov. 11 as Veterans Day and declaring November as Military Appreciation Month throughout Benton County. Commissioners Pat Malone, Xan Augerot, and Nancy Wyse personally thanked each of the Veterans in attendance at a gathering prior to the board’s Nov. 7 meeting at the Kalapuya Building.
“This is a great reminder of how important our service members and their families are to this community,” said Malone.
During the meeting, two local veterans, Retired Sgt. Major and Purple Heart Recipient Vinnie Jacques who served in the Oregon Army National Guard and Benton County Veteran Service Officer Mark Lapinskas, discussed how grateful they are for the resources provided to Benton County veterans.
“I am thankful to the community for how gracious so many people were to welcome our unit home on our return. Numerous individuals and organizations provided care and support,” said Jacques. “Veterans need a hand up, not a handout. They need resources,” he said, specifically mentioning his appreciation for the County’s backing of the Veterans Service Office.
Jacques credits the support received from the community for the success his unit’s Veterans have obtained. “From a small community, we have accomplished great things and continue to serve the region. This includes producing two doctors, four Oregon State Troopers, numerous police officers, four Sgt. Majors and several colonels.”
A resident of North Albany, Jacques served with the Oregon National Guard’s 2nd Battalion – 162nd Infantry Regiment based in Springfield. In the early 2000s, the battalion was deployed overseas and participated in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Desert Shield, and the Iraq War. For their heroic actions in the Battle Of Falluja, Jacques and his unit received a Presidential Citation. During the deployment, the unit sustained four killed and 25 recipients of the Purple Heart. Jacques was severely wounded by an Improvised Explosive Device.
After his recovery, Jacques became dedicated to serving his fellow National Guards personnel. He helped create the Oregon National Guard Veterans Transition Assistance Program, which works to ease veterans with their transition back to civilian life.
During the meeting, Jacques presented the County commissioners with the book, The Devil’s Sandbox, detailing the 2nd Battalion – 162nd Infantry Regiment’s call-up in the summer of 2003 to their return home in the spring of 2005. The book also provides an intimate look at the reality of National Guardsmen at war.
Lapinskas reminds Veterans and their families that the Veterans Service Office is here to ensure that you receive all the benefits you are eligible to receive. This includes assistance with submitting claims for compensation, pension, survivor’s benefits, and Veterans Affairs healthcare. The office is located at 1121 NW Ninth Street in Corvallis. Appointments may be made calling 541-368-7100 or emailing veterans@ocwcog.org.
Lapinskas praised the County’s Veterans. “You are an asset to the community,” he said, adding he also recognizes the support families of Veterans provide.
Benton County Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall acknowledged the contributions Veterans make to Benton County, pointing out that numerous County employees, including sheriff’s deputies, served in the military. “I am fortunate that we have a lot of folks in my division who are Veterans who have been in the grease and came out the other side. All I can say is, ‘Thank you.’”
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.