NEWS SUMMARY
September 2017
Health Department awarded National Accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board

The Benton County Health Department is among the first 200 local, state and tribal health departments to be accredited out of roughly 4,000 total departments in the United States.

"We are excited to be recognized for achieving national standards that prioritize continuous quality improvement," said Charlie Fautin, Deputy Director of the Benton County Health Department and Public Health Division Manager. 


Commissioners proclaim Hispanic Heritage Month and highlight local successes

At the September 19, 2017 Board of the Commissioners meeting, the Benton County commissioners proclaimed September 15 to October 15, 2017 Hispanic Heritage Month  in Benton County. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in our county, the Board of Commissioners highlight county partnerships, educational initiatives, and non-profit capacity building that exemplifies the national theme of "Shaping the bright future of America."
 
Three Fingered Jack rescue saves two lives
September 20, 2017

On August 13th at 6:30pm, the Corvallis Mountain Rescue Unit (CMRU) set off for Three Fingered Jack on a search and rescue mission that saved two lives. CMRU specializes in technical alpine search and rescue missions and is one of several non-profit organizations within the Benton County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue (SAR) program.

Hyak Boat Ramp will be closed intermittently October 1-15th
September 15, 2017

Hyak Boat Ramp will be closed intermittently from Sunday, October 1 to Sunday, October 15th. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will be installing a fish screen on the Adair Village water intake pipe at Hyak Park.  The contractor will be assessing off the boat ramp.  It was decided to close the ramp to reduce conflict between boat users and heavy machinery. In the event of an emergency, the Benton County Sheriff's Office Marine Deputy Patrol will be allowed access.
Intersection of Chapel Drive & South 19th Street Storm Drain Repairs
September 20, 2017

Benton County Public Works has contracted with Emery & Sons Construction Group of Salem, Oregon to replace a failing storm drain line on South 19th Street in Philomath, Oregon. 

The travelling public, including cyclists and pedestrians, should expect up to 20 minute delays during construction.  The intersection will be closed to all heavy truck traffic for the duration of construction.

Construction started Monday, October 2, 2017 and is scheduled to be completed October 20, 2017. All work is weather permitting.  Questions may be directed to  [email protected]  or 541-766-6006.
 
Talking Trash: Solid Waste Management in Benton County
October 3, 2017

Join the Benton County Environmental Issues Advisory Committe and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee at the annual public forum held on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Corvallis Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Avenue.

This year's topic is "Talking Trash: Solid Waste Management in Benton County."
The program includes a presentation from Julie Jackson from Republic Services, plus Karen Rockwell and Beau Henry from Habitat for Humanity.

The 2017 Benton County Environmental Awards and the county Employee Sustainability Awards will be awarded, followed by a discussion about Benton County environmental issues and an open comment period.

This event is free and open to the public.