Listen to Episode 9 of Benton County Public Podcast!The Benton County Public Podcast is pleased to announce the release of Episode 9, now available for streaming and download. This episode delves into a diverse array of topics that resonate with our community to foster dialogue and understanding.Listen to the podcast here:Episode 9 features a lineup that includes:An interview with podcast producer Dan Crall hiking with the new Benton County Administrator Rachel McEneny, offering insights into her personal experiences and perspective as a new leader in Benton County.The proclamation of Black History Month, highlighting the cCounty's dedication to acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of Black Americans to our shared heritage.A narrative about the Benton County Historic Courthouse Bell Tower, weaving together history, tradition, and the essence of community.A special acknowledgment gathering for Benton County’s new website, expressing gratitude to the dedicated crew behind the scenes who make our digital presence possible.Alongside these engaging segments, listeners will find Public Service Announcements for the community's benefit.The Benton County Public Podcast provides a platform for deeper exploration of topics that matter most to our community. We invite everyone to listen, reflect, and engage with us. Your feedback is important to us, and we encourage you to share your thoughts by contacting pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov .

Go inside the bell tower of the 1889 historical courthouse and learn about the history of the tower and the innerworkings of the bell, clock, and carillon music player with Facilites Technician Levon Atwood and host Dan Crall.

The Benton County Commissioners hosted a recognition and tour for a new wildfire evacuation route in the Oak Creek Valley at the Kalapuya Building in Corvallis on Jan. 24 to thank partners and highlight a successful collaboration that could save lives.The inspired partnership has addressed a critical public safety concern in the Oak Creek area of northwest Corvallis. Oak Creek, surrounded by dense woodlands, faces a heightened risk of wildfires. Compounding the danger was the fact that its 1,300 residents and visitors relied on a solitary entrance and exit point, Oak Creek Drive, leaving them vulnerable in the event of a wildfire.Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Bryan Lee, Benton County Emergency Manager, said he and others were concerned for the safety of Oak Creek residents. That concern led to a successful and important collaboration that was spearheaded by residents of the Oak Creek area.Part of the motivation for action has stemmed from recent examples like the devastating Camp Fire in northern California's city of Paradise in 2018. Concerned Oak Creek residents approached the County, seeking a solution to avoid a similar catastrophe. In response, the Benton County Commissioners, along with public works and emergency management teamed up with other key partners including the Corvallis Rural Fire Protection District, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State University (OSU), City of Corvallis, and the Benton County Community Foundation.Over the past two years, a comprehensive solution was developed, culminating in the completion of the Oak Creek Evacuation Route. County Commissioner Pat Malone emphasized that persistence and strong partnerships made the project possible.The collaboration included Oregon State University to establish a limited-use service road through their Sheep Center property. The new route connects NW Oak Creek Drive with NW Ponderosa Avenue, providing an alternative exit path for residents in the event of a mass evacuation. The gravel road is accessible to regular-sized vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.Acknowledging the grassroots nature of the initiative, Commissioner Xan Augerot expressed gratitude to Oak Creek residents for their commitment to fire preparedness while Commissioner Nancy Nancy Wyse emphasized the significance of collaborative partnerships in achieving successes like the Oak Creek Evacuation Route.State Senator Sara Gelser Blouin was also recognized before the tour for her instrumental role in ensuring the completion of the project to secure funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for the Oak Creek project. Moreover, Oregon State University Senior Vice President of Administration Paul Odenthal highlighted the University's success in contributing to community welfare while preserving the integrity of research at the Sheep Center.The Benton County Community Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in Benton County, also played a pivotal role in facilitating private contributions to the project. Benton Community Foundation President and CEO Chris Quaka said that because of community members and leaders in Benton County, Oak Creek is now a safer place to live.Encouraging future community-driven initiatives, Benton County emphasizes the importance of citizen engagement in shaping public safety measures. Gelser Blouin urged continued communication, highlighting that citizen letters are catalysts for meaningful change.The success of this collaborative effort stands as a testament to the positive impact achievable through community-driven initiatives and partnerships. Thanks to dedicated citizens and local civic-minded partners, a critical public safety need that may save lives has been addressed in the Oak Creek Valley.

The Benton County Commissioners acknowledged the significance of Black History Month Feb. 6 at the Kalapuya Building in Corvallis with a proclamation honoring the occasion. First Vice President of the Linn Benton The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Christopher Hughbanks, read the proclamation that recognized the invaluable contributions of African Americans throughout history.“Black History Month provides a unique opportunity to celebrate and honor the invaluable contributions, achievements, resilience, and cultural heritage of African Americans, who have played a vital role in shaping the history and identity of the United States,” said Hughbanks while reading the proclamation.The Linn Benton NAACP, serving as a local extension of the national organization, aligns its mission with the broader objectives of the NAACP. With a focus on promoting equality in political, educational, social, and economic spheres, the organization has been a driving force for change in the mid-Willamette Valley for over half a century.In 2024, Black History Month highlights the rich and varied contributions of African Americans to music, literature, the visual arts, and all aspects of contemporary culture.“Benton County is committed to fostering an environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and recognizes the importance of promoting awareness and understanding of Black history,” said Hughbanks.The commissioners echoed this sentiment, affirming Benton County's commitment to cultivating an environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.  As part of their commemoration of Black History Month, the Benton County Board of Commissioners urge residents to engage in learning, celebration, and reflection on the achievements and contributions of African Americans.For a list of upcoming events celebrating Black History Month visit the NAACP Linn Benton Branch website

Benton County recently launched its newly redesigned website, a user-centric platform aimed at providing residents, businesses, and visitors with a more intuitive and efficient online experience. A demonstration of the new site is scheduled for the public and Benton County employees.What: Benton County website demonstrationWhen: February 13, 2024, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.Where: In person at 4500 Research Way, Corvallis, Ore., 97330 Or Join virtually on the web Meeting ID: 291 011 955 045 Passcode: 7hgzwm RSVP by emailing pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.The redesigned website, accessible at [www.BentonCountyOr.gov], is a significant upgrade that reflects the County’s commitment to innovation and accessibility. With a fresh, modern look and enhanced functionalities, the new site offers improved navigation, making it easier for users to find information, access services, and engage with the County online.“Streamlined menus and a user-friendly interface on the new website ensure a seamless browsing experience, allowing users to quickly locate the information they need,” said John Larsen, Benton County Information Technology Deputy Director.The website is designed to be fully responsive, providing optimal viewing and interaction across a wide range of devices, including smartphones and tablets.“This upgrade will provide enhanced features to help users find relevant information efficiently, saving time and improving overall user satisfaction,” said Benton County Public Information Officer Cory Grogan. “Community members will also be able to stay informed with the latest news, announcements, and updates from Benton County.”The new website supports a commitment to transparency, accessibility, and user satisfaction.“Benton County is committed to keeping pace with technological advancements and meeting the evolving needs of our community,” added Larsen. To celebrate the website's launch, Benton County will be hosting a virtual and in-person website tour on Feb. 13, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Kalapuya Building, 4500 Research Way, Corvallis. Residents, local businesses, Benton County employees, and community partners are invited to join.The Benton County website team encourages community engagement through feedback forms, surveys, and social media connections and is dedicated to listening and responding to the needs of residents, valuing their input. Share your feedback by emailing pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

The Benton County Public Works teams have been hard at work in coordination with the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, and other responders to address the challenges posed by the recent winter storm. These teams have utilized available resources to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.With available resources, the public works teams have continued to respond to the aftermath of the storm. The current temperatures, which have risen above freezing, have enabled a plan to tackle slush removal and address tree-related issues. This coordinated approach involves teams dedicated to slush removal and teams focused on resolving tree-related issues.“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the first responders, public works, utility providers, and medical teams for their commitment to the safety of Benton County residents,” said Benton County Commissioner Xan Augerot. “These dedicated individuals form an integral part of the larger team of amazing first responders in Benton County, and their hard work does not go unnoticed.”Benton County Emergency Manager Bryan Lee is encouraging community members to be prepared for emergencies.Community Services Consortium for Benton and Linn Counties keeps an up-to-date list of all the local food pantries and meal sites on their website here: https://communityservices.us/linn-benton-food-share/211 Info can also provide various resources including housing, food, crisis, and other basic need at https://www.211info.org/ or dial 211.During an emergency response, challenges are posed by the size of Benton County and the available resources, but responders remain committed.Benton County officials are asking the community to stay safe and stay informed, by following Benton County in the following ways:· Linn-Benton Alerts· Benton County Sheriff’s Office - Facebook and media releases· Benton County Health Department - Facebook· Benton County website· Follow @BentonCoGov on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn· Sign up for Benton County media releases and email newsletters by emailing pioinfo@bentoncounty.or.gov· Sign up for NextdoorThe public can also contact pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov with questions.

Episode 7: Welcome to Episode 7 of the Benton County Public Podcast, hosted and produced by Dan Crall. In this special year-end and holiday edition, we delve into the heartwarming traditions of the Benton County Fairgrounds.Ken Pastega, a remarkable 77-year-old, takes us on a nostalgic journey as he reflects on his last year organizing the iconic Pastega Christmas Lights Display. This beloved tradition, initiated by his parents in 1981, has been a source of holiday joy for the community.Cindy D'Angiolillo, RN, Public Health Nurse, and Immunization Program Coordinator for the Benton County Health Department, also joins us on this festive episode. Cindy provides valuable insights and keeps us informed about vaccinations.Also tune in for delightful Holiday Tunes performed by local musicians, spreading the joy of the season through the power of music.Don't miss out on this episode. The Benton County Public Podcast is designed to keep you connected and informed about the happenings in Benton County. It's a celebration of tradition, community, and the spirit of the holidays.

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 at the Benton County Fairgrounds 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 Stobridge and Dana Strobridge, has been at the helm of the drive-thru light display 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.

On this week’s episode, we’ll be talking about the Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center with Director Allison Hobgood and others who work at and get support from the Drop-in Center. The Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center (CDDC) is a community-based resource hub providing information, referral, and direct services for people experiencing homelessness and poverty in Benton County and beyond. CDDC is a non-profit navigational hub where people from different organizations work together to support individuals in our community who are especially vulnerable. This cross-sector collaboration supports a more coordinated response to homelessness in Benton County. On the podcast, we will discuss what the Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center is doing to help the community, why that work is important for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, and hear about their future aspirations for a full-service homeless navigation center.

Episode 4: Learn about water quality, testing and monitoring, compliance, emerging issues, and protecting local water systems from Benton County Environmental Health Manager Scott Kruger, Benton County Public Information Officer Cory Grogan & host Dan Crall.

Episode 3: Get insights to fire season 2023 with Oregon Dept. of Forestry Protection Unit Forester Leo Williamson, Albany Fire Dept. Public Information Officer Sandy Roberts, Benton County Emergency Manager Bryan Lee & host Dan Crall.

Episode 2: Hear about the work happening at the Jackson-Frazier Wetland with Natural Resources Coordinator Adam Stebbins, Natural Areas Parks & Events Deputy Director Jesse Ott, and host Dan Crall.

Episode 1 of the Benton County Public Podcast series features the history of the Coffin Butte landfill, why what the Benton County Talks Trash Solid Waste Process Workgroup is doing is important, what the County is doing to manage solid waste now and in the future, and what individuals can do to help decrease consumption and why it is important. Featuring Workgroup member Kathryn Duvall and Community Development Deputy Director, Greg Verret, the podcast mentions how members have volunteered thousands of hours working to provide recommendations about the future of sustainable materials management, solid waste, and disposal in Benton County as part of the Benton County Talks Trash Solid Waste Process Workgroup.