Benton County Public Podcast

In the last episode of the year, the Benton County Public Podcast commemorates the service of Commissioner Xan Augerot, who is retiring at the end of her second term on the Benton County Board of Commissioners. In this episode, Commissioner Augerot talks with host Dan Crall and Benton County PIO Anne Thwaits about the highlights and opportunities of eight years in office shaped by a global pandemi...

Go behind the scenes for an in-depth interview honoring retiring District Attorney John Haroldson with testimonials and insights on his 17 years of service with Benton County as Oregon’s first Hispanic District Attorney. Listen in with host Dan Crall and Benton County Public Information Officer Cory Grogan as District Attorney Haroldson shares thoughts about his legacy and time with Benton County.

The Benton County Public Podcast is excited to release Episode 11, which takes listeners to the Benton County Fair on its opening day. Meet Rodeo Queen Naomi and hear her story about her journey with her adopted Mustang, Ochoco. She talks about what it means to be a rodeo queen and her responsibilities. Get insights from Fair Director Jesse and Fair Manager Jennifer Martin about the fair and what...

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,...

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 prod...

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 dens...

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 thr...

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 demonstration When: February 13, 2024, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Where: In person at 4500 Resea...

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 th...

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 tra...

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...

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...

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 Commun...