News

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… Read more: Benton County to welcome Bob Richardson as Community Development director 

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… Read more: Benton County monitoring executive order on mail-in voting, but May 19 election remains unchanged

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… Read more: South Benton Resource Center connects community through shared meals 

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… Read more: Corvallis Housing First breaks ground on 47-unit supportive housing community

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… Read more: Army veteran continues public service at Benton County Sheriff’s Office

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… Read more: Benton County to welcome Jane Vetto as new county counsel 

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… Read more: Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen program celebrates 25 years of leadership, tradition

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… Read more: Benton County celebrates Women’s History Month

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… Read more: Board of Commissioners votes to deny application to expand Coffin Butte Landfill 

MONROE, Ore. — The Monroe Festival returns Saturday, May 16, 2026, and organizers are actively seeking vendors and sponsors to be part of this signature community event. Benton County and many other community partners plan to be there in support of the festival, celebrating the kind of local collaboration and community spirit that make Benton… Read more: Monroe Festival returns May 16; vendors and sponsors invited to join the celebration