Benton County Sheriff’s Office Hosts School Supply Drive (Photo)
-07/24/25
CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) is hosting its 16th annual Back to School Supply Drive now through August 26th. The community is invited to take part in this annual event.
If you'd like to support the supply drive, backpacks are one of the most needed items for students from families facing financial hardship as they prepare to return to school. Monetary donations are also welcome—just $35 can equip a student with supplies for the entire school year.
Other supplies needed include:
- Binders: 3-ring
- Cleaning wipes
- Coats or jackets
- Colored pencils
- Composition books
- Crayola Crayons
- Dry-erase markers
- Erasers
- Folders
- Glue and glue sticks
- Hand sanitizer
- Highlighters
- Index cards
- Lined paper & spiral notebooks
- Lunchboxes
- Pens & pencils
- Pencil bags or boxes
- Rulers
- Scissors
- Socks (new)
- Tissue/Kleenex
- Underwear for kids (new)
- Watercolor paints
- Not accepted: used supplies and books
Supplies gathered will be divided and distributed between five rural schools including Alsea Elementary, Blodgett Elementary, Kings Valley Charter School, Monroe Elementary, and Muddy Creek Charter School, immediately following the event.
“We’re proud to partner with the community to help students start the school year ready to succeed,” said Sheriff Van Arsdall. “Your support in this effort can directly impact a child’s future. Together, we can make sure every student feels prepared and valued.”
Cash/check or supplies may be dropped off or mailed to the Benton County Sheriff's Office, attention: The Sheriff’s Foundation, at 180 NW 5th St, Corvallis, 97330. Please contact Sgt. Ryan Roth with any questions at 541-766-6858.
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New Life Jacket Loaner Station At Irish Bend Park (Photo)
-07/11/25
CORVALLIS, Ore. – A new life jacket loaner station is now available for public use at Irish Bend Park, located northeast of Monroe in Benton County, Oregon, along the Willamette River. This safety initiative was made possible through a partnership between the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Benton County Natural Areas & Parks, and funding support from the Benton Community Foundation.
Life jacket loaner stations like this one are part of a broader effort to improve water safety across Oregon. Stations are located at various parks along the Willamette River and other public waterways through collaborations with the Oregon State Marine Board, Nautical Safety Foundation, local agencies, and nonprofit organizations. In Benton County, stations are located at Michael’s Landing, Crystal Lake Sports Park, and Hyak Park.
Life jackets are required by law for boaters on public waterways and save lives. The loaner program allows community members to borrow a life jacket free of charge and return it after use, helping ensure everyone stays safe while enjoying the water.
Community support keeps this program going. If you would like to contribute, donations of new or gently used life jackets—or monetary donations—are welcome. Checks can be made out to “The Sheriff’s Foundation” (please note “life jackets” in the memo line) and are tax-deductible. Donations can be mailed to, or dropped off at:
Benton County Sheriff’s Office
180 NW 5th Street
Corvallis, OR 97330
Together, we can keep our waterways safer for everyone.
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BENTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ITS CITIZENS’ ACADEMY
-07/08/25
CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is accepting applications for its 2025 Citizens’ Academy. This free program is designed to give participants an opportunity to learn more about the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Office.
The Academy begins on Tuesday, September 2nd, and meets for ten sessions, ending Tuesday, October 21st. The class will meet each Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on two Saturdays, September 13th and October 4th, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Most classes meet at the Sheriff’s Office in Corvallis.
During the program, participants will gain insight into the challenges and accomplishments of the BCSO. Most of the instructors are sworn deputies who share their experiences with the class.
The Citizens’ Academy covers all aspects of the Sheriff’s responsibilities including law enforcement, emergency management, search and rescue, parole and probation, jail operations, and the support service and command responsibilities of the Office.
The Academy is geared toward adults but does accept applicants between the ages of 14 and 17, who must have signed a consent form and be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
The deadline for applications is August 28, 2025. The class fills up quickly, so we encourage you to get your application in early.
Applications are available online at https://sheriff.bentoncountyor.gov/citizens-academy/ or in person at the Law Enforcement Building, 180 NW 5th Street, Corvallis. For further information, contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at 541-766-6858.
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