Listen to Episode 10 of Benton County Public Podcast!
The Benton County Public Podcast is pleased to announce the release of Episode 10, 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.
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.
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 producer Dan Crall hiking with the new Benton County Administrator Rachel McEneny, offering insights into her personal experiences and perspective as a new leader in Benton County. The proclamation of Black History Month, highlighting the cCounty's dedication to acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of Black Americans to our shared heritage. A narrative about the Benton County Historic Courthouse Bell Tower, weaving together history, tradition, and the essence of community. A special acknowledgment gathering for Benton County’s new website, expressing gratitude to the dedicated crew behind the scenes who make our digital presence possible. Alongside these engaging segments, listeners will find Public Service Announcements for the community's benefit. The Benton County Public Podcast provides a platform for deeper exploration of topics that matter most to our community. We invite everyone to listen, reflect, and engage with us. Your feedback is important to us, and we encourage you to share your thoughts by contacting pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov .
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 dense woodlands, faces a heightened risk of wildfires. Compounding the danger was the fact that its 1,300 residents and visitors relied on a solitary entrance and exit point, Oak Creek Drive, leaving them vulnerable in the event of a wildfire. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Bryan Lee, Benton County Emergency Manager, said he and others were concerned for the safety of Oak Creek residents. That concern led to a successful and important collaboration that was spearheaded by residents of the Oak Creek area. Part of the motivation for action has stemmed from recent examples like the devastating Camp Fire in northern California's city of Paradise in 2018. Concerned Oak Creek residents approached the County, seeking a solution to avoid a similar catastrophe. In response, the Benton County Commissioners, along with public works and emergency management teamed up with other key partners including the Corvallis Rural Fire Protection District, Oregon Department of Forestry, Oregon State University (OSU), City of Corvallis, and the Benton County Community Foundation. Over the past two years, a comprehensive solution was developed, culminating in the completion of the Oak Creek Evacuation Route. County Commissioner Pat Malone emphasized that persistence and strong partnerships made the project possible. The collaboration included Oregon State University to establish a limited-use service road through their Sheep Center property. The new route connects NW Oak Creek Drive with NW Ponderosa Avenue, providing an alternative exit path for residents in the event of a mass evacuation. The gravel road is accessible to regular-sized vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Acknowledging the grassroots nature of the initiative, Commissioner Xan Augerot expressed gratitude to Oak Creek residents for their commitment to fire preparedness while Commissioner Nancy Nancy Wyse emphasized the significance of collaborative partnerships in achieving successes like the Oak Creek Evacuation Route. State Senator Sara Gelser Blouin was also recognized before the tour for her instrumental role in ensuring the completion of the project to secure funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for the Oak Creek project. Moreover, Oregon State University Senior Vice President of Administration Paul Odenthal highlighted the University's success in contributing to community welfare while preserving the integrity of research at the Sheep Center. The Benton County Community Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in Benton County, also played a pivotal role in facilitating private contributions to the project. Benton Community Foundation President and CEO Chris Quaka said that because of community members and leaders in Benton County, Oak Creek is now a safer place to live. Encouraging future community-driven initiatives, Benton County emphasizes the importance of citizen engagement in shaping public safety measures. Gelser Blouin urged continued communication, highlighting that citizen letters are catalysts for meaningful change. The success of this collaborative effort stands as a testament to the positive impact achievable through community-driven initiatives and partnerships. Thanks to dedicated citizens and local civic-minded partners, a critical public safety need that may save lives has been addressed in the Oak Creek Valley.
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 throughout history. “Black History Month provides a unique opportunity to celebrate and honor the invaluable contributions, achievements, resilience, and cultural heritage of African Americans, who have played a vital role in shaping the history and identity of the United States,” said Hughbanks while reading the proclamation. The Linn Benton NAACP, serving as a local extension of the national organization, aligns its mission with the broader objectives of the NAACP. With a focus on promoting equality in political, educational, social, and economic spheres, the organization has been a driving force for change in the mid-Willamette Valley for over half a century. In 2024, Black History Month highlights the rich and varied contributions of African Americans to music, literature, the visual arts, and all aspects of contemporary culture. “Benton County is committed to fostering an environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and recognizes the importance of promoting awareness and understanding of Black history,” said Hughbanks. The commissioners echoed this sentiment, affirming Benton County's commitment to cultivating an environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. As part of their commemoration of Black History Month, the Benton County Board of Commissioners urge residents to engage in learning, celebration, and reflection on the achievements and contributions of African Americans. For a list of upcoming events celebrating Black History Month visit the NAACP Linn Benton Branch website