News

The 4th Annual Spring Stampede, an all-girls rodeo set for May 16, 2026, at the Benton County Fairgrounds, returns for a full day of competition, community and celebration of cowgirls in the arena. The event brings together female competitors of all ages for a fun, supportive and competitive day of rodeo, featuring events like team… Read more: Spring Stampede showcases all-girls rodeo and Benton County tradition

In neighborhoods across Benton County, a quiet transformation is about to begin. It’s one that starts with as little as 50 square feet of soil and a willingness to try something new. Nature Neighbors , a partnership of the Greenbelt Land Trust and the Benton Soil and Water Preservation District, is a new program in… Read more: Growing habitat, one yard at a time: Nature Neighbors takes root in Benton County

Road Crew members work in the field to improve infrastructure and support safe travel throughout Benton County.

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… Read more: Benton County welcomes new Benton Area Transit coordinator

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