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FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Benton Co. Government by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
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, from Newberg and 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.
Check out this video with Naomi and Ochoco: Meet Naomi Bailey, Your 2024 Benton County Fair & Rodeo Queen! (youtube.com)
Teens and Oregon Mustangs, Mustang Adoption Challenge is a 100-day training competition that challenges young trainers to tame wild horses and burros. Participants, like Naomi, invest time, dedication, and heart into transforming these animals from the wild into loyal and dependable companions. The program concludes with a live auction where the trained Mustangs and burros are adopted, ensuring continued care and management. This initiative not only promotes the humane treatment of wild horses but also showcases the incredible trainability and versatility of the Mustang breed.
Naomi’s journey with Ochoco began in May 2021, when she was selected among many applicants to participate in the program. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rounds up the herds, and teens like Naomi are given the chance to train these impressive animals. Naomi says her scientific background and lifelong passion for horses made her an ideal candidate for the program.
“Mustangs are incredibly important to me,” Naomi said. “They were introduced by the Spanish, and with no natural predators left, they’ve overpopulated. Training and domesticating them is a way to save the species and allow them to be loved by the public. Ochoco is the coolest horse. He’s been broke for less than a year, and the bond we’ve created is like no other. He tries so hard for me, and that bond is something truly special.”
Naomi and Ochoco’s bond will be displayed during the Benton County Fair and Rodeo. They will perform during the rodeo's halftime show on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, showcasing the remarkable qualities of her Mustang. Ochoco, with his versatility and emotional connection to Naomi, will demonstrate why Mustangs make exceptional companions.
The Teens and Oregon Mustangs program has gained recognition and support through social media and other platforms, helping raise awareness and funds, and Naomi said donations are crucial to the program’s mission of promoting humane treatment and management of wild horses and burros.
Ochoco shows the success of the program. From wild horse to rodeo performer, his journey reflects the dedication and passion of trainers like Naomi.
“I’ve always loved horses,” Naomi said. “Being part of this program and working with Ochoco has been an incredible experience. The bond you can create with a Mustang is unparalleled. They are a clean slate and connect deeply with their handler.”
Naomi’s journey with Ochoco doesn’t end at the Benton County Fair. Her ultimate goal is to become Miss Rodeo Oregon, continuing to promote the welfare of Mustangs and the Teens and Oregon Mustangs program.
For more information about the program and how you can support their mission, visit Teens and Oregon Mustangs.
Join Naomi and Ochoco at the Benton County Fair and Rodeo to witness their remarkable bond and the incredible potential of Mustangs.
Benton County Fair & Rodeo tickets are on sale now at www.bentoncountyfair.net. All rodeos and concerts are included with the price of admission.
View Photos of Naomi and Ochoco.
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Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen Naomi Bailey and her horse Ochoco pause for a photo at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Ochoco is a Mustang that Naomi adopted through the Teens and Oregon Mustangs, Mustang Adoption Challenge.
Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen Naomi Bailey and her horse Ochoco pause for a photo at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Ochoco is a Mustang that Naomi adopted through the Teens and Oregon Mustangs, Mustang Adoption Challenge.
Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen Naomi Bailey and her horse Ochoco prepare for a photo and video shoot at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Ochoco is a Mustang that Naomi adopted through the Teens and Oregon Mustangs, Mustang Adoption Challenge.
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, from Newberg and 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.
Check out this video with Naomi and Ochoco: Meet Naomi Bailey, Your 2024 Benton County Fair & Rodeo Queen! (youtube.com)
Teens and Oregon Mustangs, Mustang Adoption Challenge is a 100-day training competition that challenges young trainers to tame wild horses and burros. Participants, like Naomi, invest time, dedication, and heart into transforming these animals from the wild into loyal and dependable companions. The program concludes with a live auction where the trained Mustangs and burros are adopted, ensuring continued care and management. This initiative not only promotes the humane treatment of wild horses but also showcases the incredible trainability and versatility of the Mustang breed.
Naomi’s journey with Ochoco began in May 2021, when she was selected among many applicants to participate in the program. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rounds up the herds, and teens like Naomi are given the chance to train these impressive animals. Naomi says her scientific background and lifelong passion for horses made her an ideal candidate for the program.
“Mustangs are incredibly important to me,” Naomi said. “They were introduced by the Spanish, and with no natural predators left, they’ve overpopulated. Training and domesticating them is a way to save the species and allow them to be loved by the public. Ochoco is the coolest horse. He’s been broke for less than a year, and the bond we’ve created is like no other. He tries so hard for me, and that bond is something truly special.”
Naomi and Ochoco’s bond will be displayed during the Benton County Fair and Rodeo. They will perform during the rodeo's halftime show on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, showcasing the remarkable qualities of her Mustang. Ochoco, with his versatility and emotional connection to Naomi, will demonstrate why Mustangs make exceptional companions.
The Teens and Oregon Mustangs program has gained recognition and support through social media and other platforms, helping raise awareness and funds, and Naomi said donations are crucial to the program’s mission of promoting humane treatment and management of wild horses and burros.
Ochoco shows the success of the program. From wild horse to rodeo performer, his journey reflects the dedication and passion of trainers like Naomi.
“I’ve always loved horses,” Naomi said. “Being part of this program and working with Ochoco has been an incredible experience. The bond you can create with a Mustang is unparalleled. They are a clean slate and connect deeply with their handler.”
Naomi’s journey with Ochoco doesn’t end at the Benton County Fair. Her ultimate goal is to become Miss Rodeo Oregon, continuing to promote the welfare of Mustangs and the Teens and Oregon Mustangs program.
For more information about the program and how you can support their mission, visit Teens and Oregon Mustangs.
Join Naomi and Ochoco at the Benton County Fair and Rodeo to witness their remarkable bond and the incredible potential of Mustangs.
Benton County Fair & Rodeo tickets are on sale now at www.bentoncountyfair.com. All rodeos and concerts are included with the price of admission.
View Photos of Naomi and Ochoco
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Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen Naomi Bailey and her horse Ochoco pause for a photo at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Ochoco is a Mustang that Naomi adopted through the Teens and Oregon Mustangs, Mustang Adoption Challenge.
Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen Naomi Bailey and her horse Ochoco pause for a photo at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Ochoco is a Mustang that Naomi adopted through the Teens and Oregon Mustangs, Mustang Adoption Challenge.
Benton County Fair and Rodeo Queen Naomi Bailey and her horse Ochoco prepare for a photo and video shoot at the Benton County Fairgrounds. Ochoco is a Mustang that Naomi adopted through the Teens and Oregon Mustangs, Mustang Adoption Challenge.
Chapel Drive, in Philomath, will be closed to through traffic between 15th Street and 19th Street August 5 - 8, 2024, for replacement of culverts and drainage way improvements. The work will be performed by Benton County Public Works Road Division crews.
Trenching for the culverts will create a closure that cannot be spanned with steel plates. The road will not reopen in the evenings. Detour routes are via the South 13th, South 15th, South 19th, and Main Street (U.S. Highway 20/Oregon 34) corridors and the Fern Road, SW Airport Avenue, and Bellfountain Road corridors.
Questions regarding the closure may be directed to Gordon Kurtz, Associate Engineer at Benton County Public Works by phone 541-740-5228 or email: gordon.p.kurtz@bentoncountyor.gov.
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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 is pleased to announce the implementation of a new online platform, MuniCode, which offers improved access to Benton County Code chapters. The MuniCode platform aims to improve the public’s experience navigating the Code in many ways.
MuniCode is an easily searchable tool that houses the entire County Code and County Charter. The public can use it to search for keywords such as floodplain, accessory dwelling unit, solid waste management, food handlers license, vehicle camping, and more.
County Code refers to the collection of laws, regulations, and ordinances enacted by the governing body of a county. These codes govern various aspects of life within the county, including zoning, land use, building standards, public safety, health regulations, and other local administrative procedures. The County Code serves as a legal framework to ensure orderly development, protect public health and safety, and promote general welfare within the county.
“This change is a great enhancement for our community as it provides increased accessibility and transparency and will be a time saver for community members,” said Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse."
The MuniCode platform comes standard with Google Translate built-in, enabling instant translation of the Code into 200+ languages, increasing accessibility for non-native English speakers. Following the initial implementation, MuniCode will display the history of code amendments over time. Users can choose to subscribe to be notified of code changes in sections of interest to them.
An additional feature, MuniDocs, is also now available. MuniDocs will house and organize many important County documents. MuniDocs will allow for full searchability within documents uploaded to the platform using keyword searches.
Benton County’s Code officially went live on the MuniCode platform this month, July 2024, joining thousands of other jurisdictions nationwide using this same online tool.
You can access the full Benton County Code directly from the County’s website, from within County Counsel’s page, Community Development’s page, or from the MuniCode Library by selecting the state of Oregon and Benton County from the list.
Benton County continues to look for ways to increase transparency and improve the public’s experience navigating complex systems. The County made this investment in MuniCode in early 2024 as part of an initiative to enhance website functionality, increase the searchability of Code language, and display Code amendments. Users will no longer need to download individual Code chapters in their search for information. Instead, users can search for terms from within the platform, identify the Code section of interest, share a link directly to specific sections of the Code, print, download, email, compare versions of the Code over time, view recent ordinances, and get technical support – all within one platform.
“Implementing the MuniCode platform is a significant step forward in making our County Code more accessible and transparent to the public. We are proud to join thousands of other jurisdictions in using this innovative tool,” said Rick Crager, Assistant County Administrator.
This new platform enhances transparency and accessibility, ensuring that Benton County residents can easily access, understand, and stay updated on local regulations and ordinances.
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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.https://rss.com/podcasts/bentonpublicpodcast
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. This event, part of the JCT's 12-stop Transportation Safety and Sustainability Outreach Tour, aimed to gather input from local communities to ensure Oregon has a safe, functional, and efficient multimodal transportation system.
Benton County Commissioner Pat Malone attended the event alongside other local leaders at the Tripp Theater in Takena Hall, Linn-Benton Community College, Albany.
The Oregon Department of Transportation also hosted a tour of Albany-area transportation facilities, and a roundtable discussion was held with the Cascades West Area Commission on Transportation, jurisdictional leaders, business representatives, and topic area experts.
Benton County Commissioner Pat Malone has highlighted the critical role of the State Highway Fund.
“Counties rely on the State Highway Fund for safety improvements and to maintain critical transportation infrastructure on which all Oregonians depend,” said Malone “Benton County's ongoing efforts to improve its transportation system support our vision for the future. The County aims to create an equitable and efficient transportation system that supports vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, public transportation, and the movement of goods.”
For more information about Benton County's transportation initiatives, please visit Benton County Transportation Systems Plan - Benton County Public Works, Oregon (bentoncountyor.gov)
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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.https://rss.com/podcasts/bentonpublicpodcast
Today, July 19, 2024, Republic Services has submitted a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to expand the Coffin Butte Landfill. The Benton County Community Development Department is currently reviewing the application for completeness. A Completeness Check is a planning term referring to a quality measure where an application is reviewed to ensure all required and requested information is included, along with any necessary supporting documents.
The review process involves several steps. County staff have a statutory 30-day period to assess whether the application is complete. If the application is deemed complete, the review process will start, and the County will complete the process within 150 days. If the application is incomplete, the applicant will have 30 days to provide the additional information.
Once the application is complete, the County will conduct public outreach to ensure community engagement and transparency throughout the review process.
For detailed information on the Conditional Use Permit process, please refer to the Land Use Application Process flow chart.
For additional details on solid waste management in Benton County, please refer to the Solid Waste Management FAQ.
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 Diseases, 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.
The mission of the Benton County Health Department is to protect and improve the health of underserved individuals and the community with a vision to have engaged communities and blended services to achieve better health.
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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.https://rss.com/podcasts/bentonpublicpodcast
Date and Time: July 16, 2024
Location: Tripp Theater, Takena Hall, Linn-Benton Community College, 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW, Albany, OR 97321
Purpose: The Joint Committee on Transportation's 12-stop Transportation Safety and Sustainability Outreach Tour aims to hear from Oregonians about how the Legislature can ensure Oregon has a safe, functional, and efficient multimodal transportation system now and for years to come. This event will feature transportation topics affecting Linn and Benton Counties. Benton County Commissioner Pat Malone will be attending alongside other local leaders.
Agenda:
- Field Trip:
- 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM: ODOT-Hosted Tour of Albany-Area Transportation Facilities
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Roundtable Discussion with Cascades West Area Commission on Transportation, Jurisdictional Leaders, Business Representatives, and Topic Area Experts
Note: Persons wishing to attend either the roundtable or tour should contact Patrick Brennan at 503-986-1674 or patrick.h.brennan@oregonlegislature.gov in advance.
- Public Hearing:
- 5:00 PM – 5:10 PM: ODOT Transportation Funding Review
- 5:10 PM – 7:00 PM: Public Comment
Contact for Additional Information: Patrick Brennan at 503-986-1674 or patrick.h.brennan@oregonlegislature.gov
Learn more: State Transportation Package Legislative Listening Tour | Association of Oregon Counties
Benton County continues to lead in providing essential mental health services for residents of all ages. Episode 10 of the Benton County Public Podcast features an insightful interview with Barbara Christianson, BSN, RN, PHN, PMH-C, Public Health Nurse Program Manager at the Benton County Health Department. Christianson, who oversees Perinatal, Maternal, Child, & Family Health as well as WIC, Reproductive Health, & Immunization Programs, discusses her role within the County and emphasizes the critical importance of mental health services.
Benton County recently expanded the Benton County Children and Family Mental Health facility, enhancing its ability to serve the community. The new location, 4185 SW Research Way in Corvallis, hosted an open house on May 31. The event included tours of the facility, staff meet-and-greets, a resource fair, and family-friendly activities and prizes.
"The timing is perfect since we just settled into our new space and it’s also Mental Health Awareness Month," said Kristi Reher, Program Manager. "This new, bigger building allows our Children and Family program to enhance our current services by being in a more therapeutic and family-friendly space. It also offers opportunities for expansion, which will allow us to better meet the range of needs for our Benton County youth and families."
Don't miss Episode 10 of the Benton County Public Podcast to learn more about the vital mental health services provided by Benton County and the exciting developments at the Benton County Children and Family Mental Health facility.
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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.https://rss.com/podcasts/bentonpublicpodcast
Two related efforts regarding solid waste management and sustainable materials are underway in Benton County and the region. One is an expected Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application from Republic Services to expand Coffin Butte. Related to the anticipated request is general solid waste management at the Coffin Butte landfill.
Benton County has developed a frequently asked questions document to address common questions about solid waste management in the region. Residents can learn more about solid waste management and the CUP process by visiting the following resources:
- Solid Waste in Benton County FAQ
- Recycling & Solid Waste in Benton County
- Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Process
The second major initiative is Benton County’s broader effort to develop a regional Sustainable Materials Management Plan (SMMP). The aim of the SMMP is to identify opportunities and minimize negative impacts across the lifecycle of materials. The SMMP development process will involve problem identification, information gathering, solution making, and securing consensus from neighboring communities and the State. Benton County is collaborating with consultants and partners to create a regional, action-oriented plan that promotes long-term sustainability.
Visit our home page and sign up to stay informed with news updates from Benton County.
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Excessive Heat Warning continues through July 9
The National Weather Service has extended the Excessive Heat Warning through Tuesday, July 9, at 10 p.m. Extreme heat increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for those outdoors.
- Stay hydrated and in air-conditioned spaces.
- Limit sun exposure.
- Check on neighbors and loved ones.
- Never leave children or pets in vehicles.
For Benton County Cooling Centers info, visit: Cooling Centers
Stay safe and keep informed through local news and the National Weather Service.
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El Servicio Meteorológico Nacional emitió una Advertencia de calor excesivo hasta el martes 9 de julio hasta las 10:00pm. El calor extremo sube el riesgo de enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, especialmente para los que andan al aire libre.
- Manténgase hidratado y en lugares con aire acondicionado.
- Limite la exposición al sol.
- Esté al pendiente de sus vecinos y seres queridos.
- Nunca deje a niños o mascotas en los vehículos.
Para información sobre Centros de enfriamiento en el Condado de Benton: https://health.bentoncountyor.gov/warming-cooling/
¡Manténgase seguro e informado sobre las noticias locales: Servicio Meteorológico Nacional.
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El Condado de Benton es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa y no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en la admisión o el acceso a nuestros programas, servicios, actividades, contratación y prácticas de empleo. Este documento está disponible en formatos e idiomas alternativos a pedido. Comuníquese con Cory Grogan al 541-745-4468 o pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov
Benton County has appointed Lacey Mollel as the new Executive Director of the Community Health Centers of Benton and Linn Counties (CHC) beginning July 1, 2024. Mollel was approved as the next Executive Director by the CHC Board of Directors on June 17, 2024.
Working alongside the CHC Board of Directors, “we are pleased to announce that Lacey Mollel has accepted the role of Executive Director of the CHC," said Benton County Administrator Rachel McEneny.
Mollel joined Benton County in May 2022 as the Deputy Director of Operations for the CHC. In August 2023, she stepped up as the Interim Executive Director. The CHC is part of the largest primary care network in the nation, focusing on providing meaningful, accessible, and culturally appropriate health care. Community Health Centers, also known as Federally Qualified Health Centers, play a crucial role in offering primary care, dental, and behavioral health services in communities. In Benton County the health centers partner with local public health and government services, as a public-entity CHC.
During her tenure as Interim Executive Director, "Lacey has been instrumental in overseeing complex systems work and investing in future focused initiatives towards sustainability," said McEneny.
Mollel brings nearly two decades of experience in various healthcare delivery systems, including direct patient care in large hospital systems and administrative roles in rural health clinics and a critical access hospital in Southwest Kansas. Born and raised in Tanzania, her life with her Maasai husband enriches her perspectives on global health challenges and solutions.
"We are incredibly fortunate to have Lacey’s leadership and perspectives at Benton County. I am confident that her vision and experience will continue to drive the CHC forward," McEneny said.
About Benton County Community Health Centers
The Community Health Centers of Benton and Linn Counties provide comprehensive healthcare services to the community, including primary care, dental, and behavioral health services. As part of the largest primary care network in the nation, they are dedicated to offering meaningful, accessible, and culturally appropriate healthcare.
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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.