The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) declared fire season on Monday, July 11 for the Northwest Oregon Districts. Northwest Oregon districts include Benton, Linn, Lincoln, Polk, Lane, the southern portion of Yamhill and the northern portion of Douglas County. In all counties, burning backyard debris is prohibited during fire season.

Compared with previous years, this is a slightly delayed start to the season for the state. The heavy rains in May and June of this year have helped in that. However, the ODF urges Oregonians to remain vigilant in preventing human-caused wildfire.

“Don’t be lulled into complacency because of the weather,” said Mike Shaw, Fire Protection Division Chief. “July and August historically have higher fire activity, and ODF is ready to respond, but we need the cooperation of Oregonians so we don’t strain our resources on fires that could have been avoided.”

In August, Benton County is partnering with the Oregon Department of Forestry, City of Corvallis, Corvallis Police Department, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Benton County Health Department for an awareness and outreach campaign about wildfire preparedness and prevention. The agencies will share information about wildfire prevention, creating defensible space, evacuation and alerts, evacuation shelters and wildfire health concerns. 

Its Kids, Critters, and Cotton Candy at the 2022 Benton County Fair & Rodeo, this week in Corvallis. This year’s County Fair has carnival rides, 4-H livestock, amazing performers, live music, rodeo, vaccine clinics and great fair food. 

All concerts and rodeos are free with fair admission.

The Benton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to proceed with the construction of a new courthouse with a 50% state matching grant and the County borrowing the remaining funds needed. This decision ensures that the courthouse project will proceed as scheduled and the County will be able to meet the timeline for the House Bill 5006 state grant agreement. The Board had explored a number of financing options and considered including the project in a May 2023 bond measure. The bond measure planning will proceed without the courthouse project. 

On July 18, Fortis Construction began the installation of a solar array on the newly built Lincoln Health Center at 121st SE Viewmont St. in Corvallis. The solar array is the fifth renewable energy project Benton County has installed to date. This project is one of the ways the County is addressing climate issues and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The County's goal is to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 50% of 2010 levels by the year 2030, and to be net-zero by 2050. 

“I couldn’t be more proud of the accomplishment that is the Lincoln Health Center. This facility represents the first site-built asset serving the County since 1976,” said Benton County Facilities Manager Paul Wallsinger. “With the many features, such as microclimate controls, backup generator, solar array, controllable LED lighting, and emergency seismic upgrades, this building will continue to serve the population of Benton County far past my tenure.” 

The County has a long, rich history of a commitment to sustainability. Beginning in the early 2000s, commissioners and staff explored, developed, and implemented actions to address and positively affect fundamental principles of sustainability:

The Benton County Board of Commissioners approved a last and best offer of $5.477 million to acquire a 29.53-acre parcel of land for the new Community Safety and Justice Campus. The property is situated along highway 20, approximately one mile north of downtown Corvallis, and zoned general industrial.

The property was selected by the Board of Commissioners in January 2022 after an 18-month, community-involved process that evaluated multiple options for siting new safety and justice facilities planned as part of the Justice System Improvement Program. The proposed facilities include a new courthouse, emergency operations center, sheriff’s offices, and a new correctional facility with additional beds and enhanced mental health services.

Benton County and the City of Corvallis have been jointly awarded $1 million through House Bill 4123 to support a coordinated response to homelessness. Benton County and the City of Corvallis, along with housing and homeless service providers, have been working together since prior to HB 4123 to lay the groundwork for coordinated homeless response. The two agencies are already meeting many of the requirements set out in the legislation and intentionally pursued the pilot funding to support and grow existing homelessness response operations.

Congratulations to the Benton County Public Works Fleet Services Department team for receiving 9th place in the Americas NAFA Fleet Management Association “100 Best Fleets in the Americas” program in 2022. This is a high honor that recognizes peak-performing fleet operations. In 2022, Benton County is considered to be one of the best fleet programs in North, Central, and South America. To put this into perspective, there are over 38,000 public fleets in North America.

“I see the hard work and dedication of our fleet team every day, and it’s great for them to receive this recognition. We will continue to raise the bar and strive for excellence,” said Benton County Fleet Manager Keith Nicolson. 

Benton County has returned to the COVID-19 High Community Level this week, as measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This means that there is elevated community transmission of COVID-19 in Benton County, as well as 10 or more newly hospitalized COVID-19 patients per 100,000 residents or 10% or more staffed hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients in the previous week. This elevated transmission means there is an increased risk you will be exposed to COVID-19 when you go out in public.

Benton County Public Health recommends that everyone wear a mask when in public indoor spaces or crowded outdoor settings while the County is in the high community level. For the best protection, use a high filtration mask that is well fitted, and comfortable enough that you will be able to wear it for the duration of your exposure with minimal adjustments. There are additional precautions you can take, and layering multiple precautions will give you the best protection. These can include improving ventilation, choosing outdoor activities, and staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccination.

The Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting applications for its fall “Citizens’ Academy.” This free program is a great way for residents to learn about their Sheriff’s Office. Taught by sworn Deputies, class members learn about all aspects of the Sheriff’s responsibilities including law enforcement, emergency management, search and rescue, parole and probation, jail operations, and support services.

Please share the following information with your family, friends, and community colleagues:

If you have any questions, please email Kathy Pusztavari at katalin.pusztavari@co.benton.or.us.