Just behind the main stretch downtown, Lady Luck Vintage Market creates a unique space with even more unique items.

Inside, you’re met with a carefully layered mix of eras, personalities, and racks of vintage clothing, shelves of antique housewares, handmade goods, and small-batch products you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in town. It’s a little chaotic in the very best way.

It’s not a traditional thrift store. It’s a marketplace bringing together roughly 25 vendors and local artists under one roof. Each booth reflects a different eye, style, and story. Each booth is a look into what that vendor loves, collects, and is an expert in.

It’s a small-business ecosystem. A single storefront supporting a network of local sellers, vintage curators, and makers. This is a great system for vendors… it is a low-barrier way to get collections in front of customers without the overhead of running their own shop. For shoppers, it means constant turnover, unexpected finds, and a sense that every item has been hand-picked, not mass-produced.

Sustainability.

Fast fashion dominates these days… think Temu (guilty), Shein, Amazon, etc… spaces like Lady Luck offer an alternative, one that involves reuse, longevity, and individuality. Buying vintage isn’t always about style… it is about extending the life of clothing and goods, reducing waste, and shifting away from disposable consumption.

That idea isn’t marketed loudly, but after going there, you can tell it’s embedded in the experience. Corvallis has always thrived on personality, independent shops, creative spaces, and businesses that feel tied to the people who run them. Lady Luck fits right into that identity.

Beyond vintage clothing, the shop has become a platform for local creatives. Handmade goods, art pieces, and small-batch products sit alongside retro finds, blurring the line between past and present.

Small vendors can start with a booth. Instead of building an audience from scratch, they step into an existing flow of foot traffic. Lady Luck offers a low overhead to these vendors, who might only have the financial resources to start small.

They’ll be taking part in Friday Night Lights this upcoming Friday, May 1st, with Fairy Fest. “We’ll be pouring free bevs, getting free tarot readings, and enjoying some complimentary crafts (DIY wings, wands, potions and flower crowns)...DRESSED UP AS FAIRIES OF COURSE!!!”

Lady Luck Vintage Market is located in downtown at 114 SW 3rd St. The shop is typically open: Monday – Saturday from 10:00am – 6:00pm, Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm.

You can follow along for new arrivals, vendor highlights, and events here on Instagram, where they occasionally post shop happenings and community events. We think it’s much better in person.

Next door to Lady Luck is Northern Star. Another shop with a unique identity. Such a good block to find unique items on. They deserve their own write-up.

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“There is a case number: 23CN00191. It is public information. You can go to the Benton County Courthouse, access a computer terminal outside of Room 106, and look it up. This is your taxpayer dollars at work… or maybe we should say, not at work. This case number is not about Flat Tail Brewing. It’s about much more than that.”

Cats are considered the most agile creatures on Earth, built with precision and grace. With flexible spines, powerful hind legs, and lightning-fast reflexes, every movement reflects millions of years of evolution as a finely tuned apex predator. And yet, sometimes they get stuck in a tree… and need our help.

Dave Marliave was an apex animal in the world of brewing beer. From early days as a kid in his parents’ garage, through education, experimentation, hard work, and determination, he evolved into a well-known, multiple award-winning brewer. He got stuck in a tree as well. But the system we depend on, vote on, and put our trust in… wasn’t there to help.

Photo: Flat Tail

In a podcast interview, talking about how he started brewing, Dave was quoted as saying, “The best thing you can do is don’t stop asking questions, and find someone who can answer them until you can learn everything… and never stop asking questions.” There are still a lot of questions. But finding someone who can answer them isn’t that easy this time.

As explained in Part 1, by 2018 Flat Tail’s numbers were down, and Iain and Tonya Duncan said the brewery “wasn’t making enough money.” Around that time, Iain had largely stopped showing up, leaving Dave to take on 100% of ownership oversight. Now he was wearing multiple hats, running the restaurant, overseeing operations, and acting as brewmaster, with support from GM Kyle Davis.

Then came the breaking point, in 2019, when his partners suddenly revealed a mountain of debt and said the brewery needed to shut down. That’s when Dave had to add a new hat to his repertoire.

Investigating balance sheets and P&L statements, the numbers didn’t add up. Dave was repeatedly given financials from his partners that didn’t match the previous set. So he finally started asking questions, believing his partners, who were in charge of this, could provide answers. But they kept him stuck in the tree. They withheld information. This was the first miscalculation in seeking help to get down.

The second miscalculation, which we’ll explore more in a separate piece being brewed up, was the justice system itself. The bureaucracy of the bankruptcy courts, and the ability of those with greater wealth and resources to wage a prolonged, uneven battle against a maybe lesser opponent. The common legal strategy of delay and attrition… designed to wear the other side down. In the end, this may not have been Dave vs. Duncan Ventures LLC so much as David vs. Goliath.

Once the numbers did come through, the picture became clearer: tax debts, vendor debts, and multiple other expenses. Unbeknownst to Dave (and other partners), the Duncans said the brewery needed to be shut down.

After almost a decade of operations, success, community-building, and award-winning beer, Dave put on yet another hat, that of an investigator and an accountant. In short, Duncan Culinary Ventures, an LLC, was set up to share payroll with the other restaurants in the venture (all of which have since been shuttered), but that’s not how it was being used. Instead, it functioned as a disguise to move money between businesses and obscure where it was actually going.

After hiring a forensic accountant, Dave found out where the money was really going. Some of these expenses reportedly included trips to Hawaii, Grateful Dead concerts, and donuts for their kids’ fundraisers (which were then sold back to Flat Tail). Not only was money being stolen, but it was also being used to build up a positive reputation in the community. Think about that.

Case No. 19CV29021

After four long years in the legal system, Flat Tail got its trial. It was cut and dry. A 12-person jury returned a unanimous decision on all counts against the Duncans. The jury also dismissed every single counterclaim made by the Duncans. Relief… right?

Duncan Ventures owed $532,000 in restitution and damages… then Duncan Ventures LLC filed for bankruptcy. A bankruptcy filing by people who had just inherited over a million dollars through a trust fund. A bankruptcy filing by two people, with high ranking postions, working at the Corvallis Club. A bankruptcy filing by individuals who had just built a brand-new home (and, as rumor has it, shorted the home builder a five-figure sum on the build). Patterns.

There is far more information here than most readers will take the time to read, over a thousand pages of court documents, trial testimony, timelines, and more. There are stories behind the story. Trials and tribulations of the toll it can take on a person, a business, a family… a person brave enough to fight this battle. We can’t write it all.

The cat is still stuck in the tree. It is incredibly easy to delay trials, hearings, and legal proceedings. It is easy to extend timelines in cases like this. Even after a unanimous jury verdict. It is easy to wear down your opponent… if you have enough money to file endless motions. If you have the wealth… you know… while in bankruptcy court.

The timeline continues to be extended. Most recently, on April 7, 2026, there was an official bankruptcy calendar hearing on the debtors’ “Objection to Claim 6” in case 23-61088-kfe13, involving the Marliave/Johnston claim. Another legal tactic, another delay, another attempt to wear down an opponent… and keep them stuck in that tree.

Based on case filings, this appears to have been the Duncans’ MO since day one.

We hate opinions, but in our opinion, this is not just a story about Dave, it’s a life experience. It’s about finding your own way down, when the justice system we depend on breaks down. Overcoming endless obstacles to become grounded again, to rediscover what you love, and to find happiness.

It’s about seeing through bureaucracy and struggle, and coming to an understanding of what life is really about… or, as Dave puts it, “a moment of elation, and feeling human again.” Even if brief.

It’s nice, as a publication, to have the opportunity to write a “part two” to a story. We hope Dave Marliave gets his part two… a chance to continue perfecting his craft and pursuing his passion. We hope this saga didn’t burn him out, and that passion can be pursued again someday.

There won’t be a part three for us on Flat Tail. But we are brewing up a new chapter:

There is a case number: 23CN00191. It is public information. You can go to the Benton County Courthouse, access a computer terminal outside of Room 106, and look it up. This is your taxpayer dollars at work… or maybe we should say, not at work.

This case is not just about the courts and lawyers; Flat Tail Brewing; it’s about the enforcement system: the Benton County District Attorney’s Office and even the Corvallis Police Department.

There are parties responsible for upholding a judicial order. Signed by a judge. Delivered to the DA, delivered to the police department. Parties on the enforcement side. Branches and organisations, funded through tax-payer dollars, that are responsible for their end of the due process. They didn’t do their job. In fact, they ignored it. They brushed it off. They left the cat in the tree… and moved on. That’s not what Corvallis is about.

We’ll have more on this later, but the Corvallis Club does not appear to be concerned with due process, a judge-signed subpoena, a contempt of court order, the legal system, monetary fines, or who they hire to help run their business. And they got away with it. Clean and free. For now.

We’re not so sure the Benton County District Attorney’s Office or the Corvallis Police Department is concerned with upholding a court-enforced order either. We say this… because it wasn’t enforced.

“The best thing you can do is don’t stop asking questions, and find someone who can answer them until you can learn everything… and never stop asking questions.” -Dave Marliave

We are going to ask… not for us, not for our readers, not even for Dave. But for the former employees of Flat Tail, the people who unjustly lost their jobs… and for the community members… who unjustly lost a special local spot they could call home.

Stay tuned.

Dave’s podcast link if you want to hear more.

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Gardening season is officially underway, it’s unfortunate that not everyone can have a home garden. Community gardens offer an alternative. Gardens are a great way to grow your own food, meet neighbors, or spend more time outdoors. There is a wide range of community gardening options here, from individual plots to volunteer-run food production spaces.

This was supposed to be a quick write-up on community gardens in Corvallis. After some deeper diving and research, we found there are more of them than we expected. However, the demand also appears to be much higher than anticipated. These are just some of the community gardens available to the public.

(City of Corvallis Parks & Rec)

Let’s start off with the Parks and Recreation department community gardens. The City of Corvallis manages several community gardens with individual plots available for rent. Registration typically opens March 1 each year.

• Chintimini Park Community Garden – Located next to the Corvallis Community Center, this garden offers raised beds and shared tools, making it one of the most accessible options in town. Plots are available on a seasonal basis, with priority registration for residents with mobility needs. It’s a smaller, community-oriented space focused on participation and beautification. More info.

• Willamette Park Garden – 10’ x 10’ Annual Plot - A smaller, entry-level plot designed for annual crops only (think vegetables, herbs, and flowers that are replanted each season). These plots are ideal for beginners or gardeners who want a manageable space. About 10 plots are available each year, with water access included and a relatively low annual fee. More info.

• Willamette Park Garden – 10’ x 20’ Annual Plot - A larger version of the standard annual plot, offering twice the growing space for those looking to expand beyond a small garden. These plots are also restricted to annual plants. Around 20 plots are available each season. More info.

• Willamette Park Garden – 10’ x 20’ Annual + Perennial Plot - This option allows for both annual and perennial plants, meaning gardeners can establish longer-term plantings like berries, herbs, or flowers that return year after year. It’s a more flexible plot type, but still requires adherence to the city’s organic gardening standards. These are limited in number and tend to be in higher demand. More info.

• Willamette Park Garden – Raised Beds (Accessible Plots) - These raised bed plots (6’ x 9’) are designed with accessibility in mind, with priority given to gardeners with mobility challenges. They provide easier access for planting and maintenance, while still offering the same shared water access and community garden experience. Only a small number of these beds are available each year. More info.

Right now, the only option listed above with available plots is the Willamette Park Garden – Raised Beds. You can sign up for the waitlist through each link provided. It’s obvious there is a significant demand here. Maybe the city should consider opening more land for community gardens? Willamette Park is the largest park in Corvallis at 287 acres. Surely, there is enough space to add capacity.

Parks and recreation isn’t the only game in town. There are other options available.

Calvin Community Garden – A long-running neighborhood garden hosted by a local church on NW Dixon Street. Gardeners pay a small annual fee and share tools, water, and knowledge in a collaborative, community-focused space where people regularly swap seeds and advice. Plots are 11’ x 36’ feet. More info.

Dunawi Creek Community Garden – One of the largest in Corvallis, this two-acre garden in Starker Arts Park offers nearly 100 plots, shared berry patches, tools, and a strong community culture. Gardeners range from beginners to experienced growers, with a focus on organic practices and collaboration. More info.

Leonard Street Community Garden – The Leonard Street Community Garden was created by local residents in South Corvallis to help address food insecurity in the Tunison neighborhood. With support from DevNW, a vacant 1,000 sq. ft. lot was transformed into a 14-bed garden that provides fresh produce to nearby residents. Perimeter fruit plants are open for anyone to enjoy, and seasonal work parties bring the community together to learn and maintain the space. More Info.

Sunrise Corner Community Garden – A unique, privately owned garden offering free plots to the public. Located in southeast Corvallis, it emphasizes accessibility, neighbor-to-neighbor connection, and a welcoming entry point for first-time gardeners. More info.

Even if you don’t have a plot at one of the community gardens, they’re still worth a visit. Many are open to the public, offering a chance to walk through, see what’s thriving, and get a feel for what grows well in the local climate.

Raised beds are packed with early greens to create trellising setups and pollinator-friendly flowers, these spaces double as living classrooms. It’s an easy way to gather ideas, learn from other gardeners, and start planning what you might want to grow next season.

Gardening here leans heavily toward cool-season crops and hardy vegetables, with summer heat-loving plants like tomatoes and squash filling in later. The long growing season means you can often plant and harvest multiple rounds of crops each year.

Some of the more popular choices here include:

• Leafy Greens (lettuce, kale, spinach, arugula) – Thrive almost year-round in Oregon’s cool, moist climate and are some of the easiest, most reliable crops.

• Root Vegetables (carrots, beets, radishes, turnips) – Do especially well in local soil and can be planted in multiple seasons for continuous harvests.

• Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) – Cool-weather favorites that handle frost well and are widely grown across Oregon gardens.

• Tomatoes & Peppers – Summer staples that grow well with enough sun and warmth, typically planted after late spring frost.

• Beans & Squash (zucchini, cucumbers, pumpkins) – Fast-growing, high-yield crops that thrive in warmer summer months.

• Herbs (basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, chives) – Easy to grow and great for beginners; many perennial herbs come back year after year.

• Onions, Garlic & Leeks – Reliable staples that perform well in Oregon’s climate and store well after harvest.

• Berries (especially marionberries, strawberries, raspberries) – The Willamette Valley is famous for berries, which thrive in the region’s mild, wet winters and warm summers.

If you think Corvallis needs more community garden space, especially with many Corvallis Parks & Recreation plots currently full or waitlisted, you can share your feedback directly at: parksandrecreation@corvallisoregon.gov

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In the May 2026 election, voters will be asked to weigh in on four separate measures that would update the city’s charter, essentially the city’s constitution. It’s nothing flashy. Or controversial. But they do get voted on. So it’s best to know what they actually mean.

The goal behind most of these changes is to bring Corvallis closer in line with a statewide “model charter” used by many Oregon cities, while also cleaning up outdated or unclear language. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what each measure actually does.

Measure 2-143: Align Charter Language with Model Charter

This measure is mostly about modernizing wording and structure across the charter.

• Updates multiple sections to match Oregon’s model charter

• Focuses on clarity, consistency, and current best practices

• Does not dramatically change how the city operates

Put simply:
Think of this as a “cleanup and update,” rewriting parts of the charter so they’re clearer and more consistent with how other cities run.

Measure 2-144: Remove Outdated or Unused Sections

This one removes parts of the charter that are considered unnecessary or no longer relevant.

• Deletes several sections not found in the model charter

• Strips out language that may be outdated or redundant

Put simply:
This is like decluttering the rulebook, removing sections that no longer serve a purpose. Cleaning up the code.

Measure 2-145: Clarify How the City Exercises Its Powers

This measure focuses on how decisions get made by the city.

• Updates rules for adopting ordinances, resolutions, and orders

• Aligns procedures more closely with the model charter

• Includes some Corvallis-specific tweaks

Put simply:
Clarifies how the city passes laws and takes action, including the steps and rules for approvals, so decisions are more consistent, transparent, and easier to follow.

Measure 2-146: Rules for Vacancies, Quorum, and Qualifications

This measure focuses on the nuts and bolts of how City Hall keeps functioning, especially when things don’t go as planned. It updates three key areas:

• Vacancies:
  Clarifies how empty seats on the City Council (or Mayor position) are filled if someone resigns, moves away, or can no longer serve. This can include timelines and whether the position is appointed or goes to a special election.

• Quorum (decision-making minimums):
  Defines how many council members must be present to legally conduct business. Without a quorum, the city can’t pass ordinances, approve budgets, or take official action.

• Qualifications for office:
  Updates or clarifies requirements for who is eligible to serve (such as residency rules or voter status), helping ensure consistency with state standards and the model charter.

Put simply:
This measure is about keeping the government running smoothly, especially during gaps, absences, or turnover, so decisions don’t stall and there’s a clear, fair process for who can serve.

Why This Matters

The city charter defines how the city government works at its core, from decision-making to leadership structure. Any changes to it must be approved directly by voters.

While these four measures may seem technical, they largely fall into two categories: modernizing and simplifying language, and clarifying how the city government operates.

They are not sweeping policy changes, they are more about making the system clearer, more consistent, and easier to operate moving forward.

More info can be found here.

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The City of Corvallis recently announced it is recruiting residents to serve on its network of advisory groups, offering one of the most direct ways for community members to help shape local policy. With more than a dozen boards, commissions, and committees now accepting applications, these volunteer roles give everyday residents a seat at the table on issues ranging from climate action and housing to policing, parks, and economic development.

Advisory groups play a key role in how the city operates. Made up largely of local volunteers, they provide input, recommendations, and real-world perspective that help guide city decisions and programs. In many cases, these groups are designed specifically to increase public participation, giving residents a meaningful voice in how we grow and evolve.

There are currently dozens of openings across a wide range of topics, including the Planning Commission, Climate Action Advisory Board, Library Advisory Board, and Community Police Review Board. Most positions involve regular meetings and ongoing input, while others are short-term task forces focused on specific issues.

For many, serving on an advisory group is a first step into civic engagement. It’s also a rare opportunity to move beyond commenting on city decisions, and instead help shape them before they happen.

Applications are open now, with most deadlines falling in May.

The city continues to build systems that invite residents into the process. These advisory groups are a working example of community-driven governance, where policy isn’t just made for the public, but with it.

You can find more information and the forms to fill out here.

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What a great day coming up for art in Corvallis. Holding the Arts Walk on a Thursday however, is questionable. Why not a weekend day? It would make it more accessible to a wider audience. Weeknights can be tough for those with work schedules, families, or limited evening availability.

Weekends often have fewer time constraints, visitors are more likely to stay longer, explore more venues, and bring friends or family along… ultimately increasing foot traffic, artist exposure, and overall community participation. Which is what we want.

Anyways, downtown will transform into a walking gallery on Thursday, April 16, as the Corvallis Arts Walk brings together local artists, galleries, and creative spaces for an evening of community and culture.

Held every third Thursday, the Arts Walk invites residents to explore rotating exhibits, meet artists, and experience everything from painting and sculpture to live music and interactive events. With most stops clustered downtown, it’s an easy, self-guided way to experience the city’s art scene.

Corvallis Arts Walk Self-Guided Art Tour

4:00pm – 8:00pm - Downtown Corvallis - https://www.corvallisartswalk.org/

The event is free and open to the public, with participating venues including local galleries, studios, and community spaces showcasing new and rotating work.

See bottom of the article for more detailed listings on the self-guided tour.

MUSE: Poetry Open Mic + National Poetry Month Celebration

Running alongside the Arts Walk is MUSE, a recurring arts and culture series hosted at the Corvallis Museum, adding a literary layer to the evening’s visual art offerings.

4:00pm – 7:00pm - Corvallis Museum - https://bentoncountymuseums.org/events/muse/

This month’s event celebrates National Poetry Month with an open mic hosted by local organizers, inviting community members to share their work or simply listen in.

Missed It? Grassroots Studio Tour Follows April 18–19

If you can’t make Thursday night’s Arts Walk, a grassroots alternative offers a deeper dive into the local art scene over the weekend: Northside Open Studios Tour Open Artist Studios.

10:00am – 4:00pm (April 18–19) - North Corvallis locations - https://www.nost-art.com/

The Northside Open Studios Tour (NOST) features more than 40 local artists across multiple home studios and creative spaces. Organized by artists themselves, the event gives visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, something you won’t find in a traditional gallery setting.

A Full Week(end) of Local Art

Together, these events offer two distinct ways to experience our art scene: a lively, walkable downtown showcase on Thursday, followed by a more intimate, artist-led studio tour over the weekend. It’s a full stretch of local creativity, mostly free and open to anyone who wants to take part.

April 16th Arts Walk Directory:

Earl Newman: Still Getting Away with It — silkscreen prints and circular acrylic paintings by the 96-year-old artist known for decades of Monterey Jazz Festival posters and Oregon Country Fair work — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 209 SW 2nd Street — Art in the Valley

Reformation — Kim Smith Claudel’s solo exhibition of painting, sculpture, and installation explores flux, decay, and art as an evolving process rather than a fixed object — 4:00pm – 7:00pm — 700 SW Madison Ave — The Arts Center Main Gallery

Animal Husbandry — Ketzia Schoneberg’s exhibition inspired by her artist residency at Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture — 4:00pm – 7:00pm — 700 SW Madison Ave — The Arts Center Corrine Woodman Gallery

Potential Spam: A Zine Exhibition — a zine showcase in the Corrine Woodman II Gallery with cash prizes selected by juror Erika Rier — 4:00pm – 7:00pm — 700 SW Madison Ave — The Arts Center Corrine Woodman Gallery II

Colorful Abstract Paintings, Drawings, and Prints — Billy Biondi Fine Art presents colorful abstract works by the artist — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 425 SW Madison Ave, Suite B-159 — Billy Biondi Fine Arts

Figuratively Speaking — an exploration of figurative form in clay, featuring work from Niya Lee’s Winter 2026 Figurative Clay Sculpture class — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 757 Polk Ave — LBCC Benton Center Corridor Gallery

DK Gallery Opening — opening event at the Corvallis Foundry Gallery — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 257 SW Madison Ave, Suite 210 — Corvallis Foundry Gallery

Music at The Plaza — a nonprofit guitar organization sharing live performance, education, free monthly concerts, and opportunities to play with others — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 425 SW Madison Ave, Suite B-113 — Corvallis Guitar Society

MUSE: Poetry — a free all-ages celebration of arts, culture, and history featuring a National Poetry Month open mic hosted by Poetics Corvallis — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 411 SW Second — Corvallis Museum

Incompletions & Disappointments — exhibition by Adrienne Fritze Art Studio — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 460 SW Madison Ave, Suite 12, Second Floor — Adrienne Fritze Art Studio

Live Bath Soak Demonstration — Fae Realm Shoppe will demonstrate product making and debut a one-night-only batch of soothing bath soaks for sale — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 425 SW Madison Ave, Suite B133 — Fae Realm Productions

Handmade Art and Weirdness — signs, placards, multimedia canvases, miniatures, dioramas, collages, and more inside an active tattoo studio — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 460 SW Madison Ave, Suite 15 — Idyll Hands Tattoo & Art Studio

Student Artist in Residence Show — featured work by Mika Winder and Daisy Zambano-Gomez exploring feminism, horror, surrealism, sexuality, femininity, and self-expression — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 931 NW Reiman Ave — LBCC Chinook Hall Gallery

EELSSS! — Grant Pattieshaw’s creature-filled exhibition built from yarn, fabric, cardboard, wire, and other found materials — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 1445 SE Crystal Lake Dr #101 — Living Studios Gallery at Cornerstone Associates

Monumental — Joseph Nicolia’s layered abstract mixed-media works explore fractured images, clipped edges, and textured surfaces that suggest a world beyond the frame — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 517 SW 2nd St, Suite 102 — The Lonely Skein

Mother Gaia Awakens — multi-medium works including oil on canvas, pastel, painted glass candles, and more — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 425 SW Madison Ave, Lower Level — Moon Woman Studios

Dreams Are Real and Manifestations for Art — Michael Ingram’s vivid acrylic paintings draw inspiration from Odilon Redon and Chagall and are described as expressive “objects of the spirit” — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 219 SW 2nd Street — New Morning Bakery

Crazy Kids Art — Una and friends return with paintings, collage, and fiber arts, with proceeds benefiting the Humane Society — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 341 SW 2nd — Old World Deli

Open Studio and Carbony Showroom — Olivia Rivers shares vivid Celtic scapes, fantasy symbolism, and cross-cultural depictions of the Goddess alongside Carbony musical instruments — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 464 SW Madison Ave — Olivia Rivers Art

Youth Art Showcase — a group focused on animals, friendship, and creativity through collaborative art-making — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 425 SW Madison Ave, B169 — Painting Poetic Art Studio and Gallery

Rock & Roll Art, Memorabilia, Collectibles — vintage and original art, albums, and music collectibles centered on 1960s and 1970s music venues — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 425 SW Madison Ave, B181 — PashCo Studio

22nd Annual Art & Poetry Exhibit — Pegasus Gallery celebrates National Poetry Month with an ekphrastic exchange of images and words across April and May — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 312 SW Madison Ave — Pegasus Gallery

Live Music at The Plaza — guitar recital from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, piano recitals from 7:00pm – 8:00pm, plus open studios and cafes — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 425 SW Madison Ave — The Plaza

Plaza Pop-Up Event — one-of-a-kind hand-printed linoleum block prints featuring nature, fantasy, pop culture, and custom pet portraits — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 425 SW Madison — SeeSidStamp

Anna Russell Exhibit — abstract painting, handmade ceramics, and artisan silversmith jewelry in a gallery focused on handcrafted elegance — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 354 SW Madison Ave — Terra Viva Gallery

Sharon Gracen Watercolors — watercolor works exhibited inside the boutique space — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 117 NW 2nd St — Treefort Children’s Boutique

Spring Open Studio — all-ages hands-on art activities with pens, gouache, watercolor, colored pencils, and water pastels as UGACS celebrates six years — 4:00pm – 8:00pm — 425 SW Madison Ave, Suite B153 — Underground Arts & Crafts Studio

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For a while, it felt like Flat Tail Brewing was everywhere. On fall Saturdays, the place pulsed with Oregon State fans, the kind of energy that spilled out onto the street and made downtown Corvallis feel bigger than it was. Inside, experimental beers flowed freely, cucumber sours, German-style Kölsch, bold IPAs, crafted by a young brewer who seemed to be pushing boundaries in a town not yet fully defined by craft beer.

Flat Tail wasn’t just a place to grab a drink. It became part of Corvallis life, a spot where students, locals, and visitors all seemed to overlap. For a time, it felt like one of those places that would always be there.

And then it wasn’t.

When Flat Tail closed its doors in 2020, most people assumed they understood why. It was an easy explanation. The pandemic had upended restaurants and breweries across the country, margins were getting tighter, and competition had grown. Corvallis, like everywhere else, was changing. It made sense to file Flat Tail away as another casualty of timing and circumstance. But that version of the story, the one most people carried with them, only scratched the surface of what had actually been happening behind the scenes.

Flat Tail had started a decade earlier, in 2010, built by a small group of partners that included Ian Duncan and Tonya Duncan, both already established in Corvallis’ restaurant scene, and a young, talented, driven brewer named Dave Marliave. The formula worked almost immediately. The brewery earned recognition at the Great American Beer Festival, the beers won many awards, and they built a loyal following. It was creative, a little unconventional, and local. From the outside, it looked like a success story, one of those rare businesses that manages to find both identity and momentum at the same time.

But inside the business, things didn’t add up. Even as Flat Tail grew in reputation and visibility, there was a persistent problem that never quite made sense… there was never any money left over. The brewery was busy, the beer was winning awards, and the brand was strong, yet financially it always seemed to be treading water. For years, that disconnect lingered without a clear explanation, something felt but not fully understood.

In 2019, the unraveling of Flat Tail Brewing didn’t begin with a balance sheet, it started with a conversation. While working in the brewery, Dave Marliave was pulled aside by co-owner Iain Duncan, who told him, almost casually, that the business owed more than $100,000 in back taxes. The moment didn’t make sense. Flat Tail was busy, the beer was winning awards, and nothing about the day-to-day operation suggested that kind of financial hole.

When Marliave pressed for details, Iain had few answers, instead pointing to Tonya Duncan, who had managed the company’s books, payroll, and finances from the very beginning. But the promised information never came. What followed was a series of tense conversations and a meeting with all partners, where the same questions, when, why, how much, were met with vague responses and claims that the business simply wasn’t profitable, despite reports suggesting otherwise.

The shift was abrupt, and to Marliave, deeply unsettling. Trust began to erode quickly, especially as requests for financial records were delayed, incomplete, or routed through the Duncans’ separate company, Duncan Culinary Ventures. Unable to reconcile the numbers himself, Marliave hired a lawyer and started digging through years of receipts and records, searching for an explanation that never quite added up.

By April, with the situation deteriorating and the Duncans largely absent, the remaining partners pushed for their resignation, marking the moment when suspicion fully replaced uncertainty, and the reality of what had been happening began to set in.

The truth didn’t come out until much later, and when it did, it reshaped the entire narrative. A lawsuit revealed that Flat Tail’s financial struggles were not simply the result of a difficult industry or bad timing, but were tied to fraud, embezzlement, and deep financial mismanagement within the ownership structure.

According to court findings, money had been mishandled in ways that undermined the business from within, something Marliave has said he was largely unaware of while focused on brewing and operations.

The legal battle that followed Flat Tail’s collapse pulled back the curtain on what had been happening behind the scenes for years. In court, evidence showed that large sums of company money had been diverted and misused by Duncan Culinary Ventures, Iain and Tonya Duncan, with funds allegedly routed through separate accounts and used for personal expenses rather than business operations.

Financial records presented during the case revealed a pattern of unauthorized transfers, missing funds, and bookkeeping practices that masked the true state of the company’s finances, making it appear far healthier than it actually was. After a multi-day trial, a jury ultimately sided with Marliave and other plaintiffs, awarding more than $500,000 in damages, an acknowledgment of the financial harm caused by the fraud.

It wasn’t just a guilty verdict, it was hard fought form of validation… and a confirmation. By the time everything came to light, there was little left to save.

In the years since, the people behind Flat Tail have moved on, each in their own direction. Marliave stayed close to what he knew, and last was heard continuing his work in the craft beer industry. After selling off Flat Tail’s equipment, he shifted into consulting and brewing roles, applying the experience… both the successes and the setbacks. He remains part of Oregon’s craft beer landscape with Newspring Brewing in Junction City, still building, still brewing, but with the perspective that only comes from having seen how quickly things can unravel.

Iain and Tonya Duncan, who once owned several recognizable Corvallis establishments, including Le Bistro, Aqua Seafood Restaurant & Bar, and Terzo (all of which have since closed), are now connected to Corvallis Club, where Ian serves as head chef and Tonya works as a project manager. Yes, Corvallis Club has an accounting role also listed in their staff directory. Ian and Tonya Duncan are not listed in that role.

We reached out to Corvallis Club for comment, but did not receive one.

https://www.corvallisclub.com/contact/

Flat Tail didn’t fall flat. It was a place that succeeded in building something meaningful here. For many in town, it remains a memory tied to a specific moment, experimental beers, and a sense that something new was happening in town.

It marks the end of what was once a great local success story. As Rumi wrote, “Greed makes a man foolish, and makes him an easy prey for death.” In this case, it was that same greed that ultimately brought a bad end to a good story.

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The Corvallis Sustainability Coalition is one of the city’s most active and often overlooked grassroots networks, working behind the scenes to make our town more environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.

Founded as a community-driven initiative, the Coalition brings together hundreds of volunteers and more than 350 partner organizations, including local businesses, nonprofits, schools, and government agencies. Their mission is simple but ambitious: to build a community that meets today’s needs without compromising the future.

We often see posts from community members looking for local events and activities to take part in. Below this write-up is a list of events the Coalition is putting on this month. There’s a little bit of something for everyone, including education, gardening, housing, food, and outdoor activities.

What They Do

Rather than operating as a single program, the Coalition organizes its work through 12 volunteer-led “Action Teams” tackling everything from energy and housing to food systems and transportation.

These teams focus on real, local impact:

• Expanding access to local food and gardening

• Supporting renewable energy and emissions reduction

• Improving transportation and land use planning

• Reducing waste and protecting natural areas

Projects range from solar initiatives and sustainability education to partnerships with the City of Corvallis on infrastructure and planning efforts.

The Coalition isn’t run by a single authority; it’s community-led and volunteer-driven, using a collaborative, highly participatory model. The Corvallis Sustainability Coalition is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and accepts donations on their website.

Leadership comes from a mix of local organizers, partner organizations, and action team coordinators, all working together under a shared sustainability framework developed with community input.

Events and Community Involvement

The group regularly hosts and supports events like the Annual Sustainability Fair & Town Hall, Community workshops and educational programs, and the long-running “Local Eats Week” promoting local food

These events highlight local progress, connect residents, and offer ways to get involved. Getting involved is easy, and there are many different paths available:

• Join an Action Team based on interest

• Volunteer at events or projects

• Attend public meetings and workshops

• Partner as an organization

With no barrier to entry, the Coalition is designed to be a community-powered effort, open to anyone who wants to help shape Corvallis’ future. They are a key group, if not the most important group, quietly influencing how the city grows, builds, and sustains itself for the long haul. This month’s events include:

APRIL 8: Education Action Team – Sustainability education + youth focus: 4:00pm – 5:30pm - Zoom / virtual

APRIL 8: Frenkel Series Talk: Ancient Douglas Fir & Fire Management: 7:00pm – 8:30pm - Corvallis-Benton County Public Library (645 NW Monroe Ave)

APRIL 11: Public Seed Library Pop-Up Plant Clinic – Gardening help + warm season crops: 9:30am – 12:00pm - Corvallis-Benton County Public Library

APRIL 13: Housing Action Team Meeting – Affordable housing + sustainability: 12:00pm – 1:00pm - Zoom / virtual

APRIL 13: Food Action Team Meeting – Local food systems + access: 4:30pm – 5:30pm - Zoom / virtual

APRIL 15: Waste Prevention Action Team Orientation – Intro for new members: 5:00pm – 5:30pm - Zoom / virtual

APRIL 15: Waste Prevention Action Team Meeting – Reducing waste + consumption: 5:30pm – 7:00pm - Zoom / virtual

APRIL 22: Earth Day River Walk (19th Annual Tour) – Guided Willamette River exploration: 1:30pm – 3:00pm - Willamette Park (meet-up location provided upon registration)

APRIL 24: Economic Vitality Action Team – Sustainable local economy focus: 12:00pm – 1:00pm - Zoom / virtual

APRIL 25: Public Seed Library Pop-Up Plant Clinic – Gardening + soil planning: 9:30am – 12:00pm - Corvallis-Benton County Public Library

APRIL 29: Corvallis Green Drinks – Informal sustainability meetup: 5:30pm – 7:00pm - Rotating location (typically local brewery/café; announced on event page)

APRIL 30: Cooks and Books: Cultivating a Cycle of Care – Cooking demo + sustainability: 5:00pm - 6:30pm - At C3 (Corvallis Community Center, 2601 NW Tyler Ave)

https://sustainablecorvallis.org/calendar/

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The 64.35 acre site is located along US Hwy 20 adjacent to the HP campus, the city wastewater treatment plant, and the new Benton County Courthouse site.

A newly filed proposal with the City of Corvallis seeks to shift the property from General Industrial to Central Business District:

“The applicant seeks approval to change the Comprehensive Plan Designation for all of Tax Lot 1312 from General Industrial to Central Business District and part of Tax Lot 1308 from High Density Residential to Central Business District.”

The applicant is listed as: Creed Eckert, G&E Planning, 3202 SW West Hills Rd, Philomath, OR 97370. The owner is listed as: McFadden Ranch, LLC, PO Box 98, Poulsbo, WA 98370.

What Rezoning Like This Actually Means

This proposal changes the zoning to Central Business District (CBD) land use and CMU-3 zoning.

Central Business District land use designation is intended for the city’s most active, urban-style areas… places where a mix of commercial, residential, and civic uses are encouraged in close proximity.

CBD zoning supports higher-density development, including multi-story buildings, ground-floor retail, offices, restaurants, and housing above. The goal is to create walkable, mixed-use environments that concentrate jobs, services, and living spaces in one area, reducing reliance on cars and supporting a more connected, downtown-like feel. Think less industrial edge-of-town, and more mini downtown expansion along Hwy 20.

The location isn’t random. This site sits in the middle of a rapidly changing corridor that is adjacent to the HP campus and next to the new Benton County courthouse. That combination makes it prime for higher-intensity development, and likely why the applicant is pushing to unlock more flexible zoning.

It should be noted that the city also purchased 20 acres from McFadden a few years back. This purchase was for the site of the new courthouse.

The county purchased that parcel through eminent domain. Eminent domain allows federal, state, and local governments, as well as authorized private entities like utilities, to seize private property for “public use” without the owner’s consent, provided they pay “just compensation”.

Often, land owners who fear an eminent domain purchase will rezone. While this is not usually effective in stopping a forced purchase, rezoning can boost property value, which would cost the city more money to buy it, if they choose to pursue this adjacent lot as well.

Beyond zoning, the proposal also splits the land into two parcels and adds a new right-of-way, extending NE Carson Drive through the site. That road extension is key, it signals this might not just be rezoning on paper, but groundwork for future buildout and connectivity.

If approved, this kind of rezoning doesn’t build anything immediately, but it does set the stage. The proposal will move through a quasi-judicial review, with the Planning Commission issuing a recommendation and the City Council making the final decision. Public hearings are expected to be announced where residents will have a chance to weigh in.

Corvallis is slowly pushing outward from its traditional downtown, and this corridor along Highway 20 may be one of the next frontiers for denser, mixed-use growth.

What gets built here, and how fast, could shape the city’s next phase, but remains up in the air for now.

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Before he became one of the most important scientists in history, Linus Pauling had a falling out with the man who would later be known as the “father of the atomic bomb.” That man was J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist behind the Manhattan Project and the central figure in the recent film Oppenheimer.

And the reason? Oppenheimer tried to pursue Pauling’s wife.

While Pauling was away at work, Oppenheimer showed up at their home and invited Ava Helen Pauling to run away with him to Mexico. She refused and told her husband. Pauling immediately cut off all ties. What could have been one of the most powerful scientific collaborations of the 20th century ended on the spot.

But long before any of that, before Caltech, before Nobel Prizes, before global fame… Pauling was just a student in Corvallis. And he didn’t even finish high school.

Photo: https://www.nobelprize.org/

A Different Kind of Student

Pauling left formal schooling early, but it didn’t slow him down. By 1922, he had earned a degree in chemical engineering from Oregon State University, then known as Oregon Agricultural College. Corvallis wasn’t just a stop along the way. It was the launchpad.

At OSU, he worked various campus jobs, including janitorial work, cutting wood, and butchering meat. He studied intensely and quickly stood out. Professors noticed, and opportunity followed.

From Corvallis to the Center of Science

After leaving Oregon State University, Pauling quickly rose to prominence in the scientific world. He earned a Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology and stayed on as a professor, where he pioneered groundbreaking work on the nature of the chemical bond, essentially explaining how atoms connect to form molecules.

His research helped shape modern chemistry and even influenced biology, including early insights into protein structures. During World War II, he contributed to military-related research, but later became a leading voice for nuclear disarmament, earning the Nobel Peace Prize to go along with his earlier Nobel Prize in Chemistry… making him one of the only people ever to win two unshared Nobel Prizes.

Pauling and Oppenheimer (the father of the atomic bomb) became connected through their work in physics and chemistry. The two even discussed teaming up to tackle the fundamental nature of the chemical bond, combining Oppenheimer’s mathematical expertise with Pauling’s chemical insight. But the relationship ended abruptly after Oppenheimer made a personal advance toward Pauling’s wife. What began as a promising scientific partnership quickly turned into a permanent and personal break.

Ironically, the man he split from, Oppenheimer, would go on to lead the development of the atomic bomb, while Pauling would take a very different path.

War Work… Then a Moral Pivot

Like many scientists of his era, Pauling contributed to wartime research during World War II. But afterward, he made a sharp turn. He became one of the most outspoken advocates for nuclear disarmament, directly opposing the kind of weapons Oppenheimer helped bring into existence. Maybe this turn was fueled by the fact that Oppenheimer pursued his wife, or maybe it was based on moral grounds.

The shift from building tools of war to campaigning for peace, would define the second half of his life.

Nearly a Mile

Pauling didn’t just leave behind ideas or theories… he left behind an enormous paper trail. In 1986, he announced he would donate his personal papers to Oregon State University (not CalTech). After his death, the bulk of that collection arrived in Corvallis.

It was massive.

When archivists measured it, the collection stretched 4,400 feet long, nearly 0.8 miles if stacked end to end. That archive, now housed at OSU, includes hundreds of thousands of items: research notes, correspondence, drafts, and personal materials spanning his entire life.

It was so significant that OSU’s Special Collections were essentially built around it. And researchers are still digging through it today. New books continue to come out of Corvallis, including recent work by an OSU archivists that dive into lesser-known parts of his life, his Oregon roots, his global travels, and the “what if” moments that shaped his trajectory.

Even decades later, his life is still being unpacked, piece by piece, here in Corvallis. The Linus Pauling Institute is based at Oregon State University, continuing research into health, nutrition, and disease. And every year, Oregon recognizes his legacy with “Linus Pauling Day.” There is even a middle school here named after him.

Not bad for someone who never graduated from high school.

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Why rely on opinion? Why argue over what was done right or wrong? There are no excuses, but there is math (guerilla math), and it can help point us to a conclusion.

The effort to recall members of the Corvallis School Board officially came to an end April 6, 2026, after organizers failed to submit any signature sheets before the deadline.

To qualify for the ballot, the recall effort required 4,577 valid signatures. The campaign fell short… and even in a best-case scenario, the numbers suggest the movement never gained broad traction in the community.

Taking into account the city of Corvallis (and not the entire school district boundary) Corvallis has an estimated population of 60,400. But a large portion of that number comes from students at Oregon State University, which enrolls roughly 25,374 students (corvallisoregon.gov).

For the sake of understanding local engagement, let’s remove the student population and say none of them signed the petition. Saying none of them signed the petition (which surely some did) gives a margin of error in favor of the recall effort. Because surely some did sign. So 35,026 non-student residents

Let’s assume that only one-third of residents were aware of the recall effort. We bet you’re thinking that is low. In a small town where the issue circulated widely for months through media, word of mouth, parents, and petition drives at local businesses. But let’s stay conservative. One-third awareness actually favors the recall effort in this math (if there was more awareness than one-third, that means there should have been more possible signatures). The number of informed residents comes to 11,675 people.

Let’s say organizers had come just one signature short (another number that favors the recall effort), so they had 4,576 signatures.

That’s about 39% of the population, who knew about the recall, who signed the petition, and we are assuming it fell just ONE signature short (it didn’t), that only ONE-THIRD of the population knew about it (more did), and that NO students signed (some did). 39%.

If you took the total population. And not favor the recall signing effort in the data. It’s 7.5%.

Recalling the school board was not the prevailing view among Corvallis residents. Each signature represents more than ink on paper, it represents a vote, a voice, and participation in a democratic process. That process played out.

Whether through action or inaction, the community spoke. In a time when civic trust can feel uncertain, it’s worth remembering that the ability to take part, to organize, to sign (or not sign), is itself something to be grateful for.

Congrats to Save Corvallis Schools for raising awareness. Congrats to the school board for maintaining their roles. And congrats to the people of our town for having a voice, an opinion, and a safe space to pursue them. Let’s hope our students can learn from this process… and carry it forward in life.

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In the 1960s, a grassroots push from local artists, civic leaders, and university art programs led to the creation of the Corvallis Arts Council, the first of its kind in Oregon and the 27th in the nation. In 2008, the organization rebranded as The Arts Center, reflecting a broader mission to welcome and connect all people and communities through the arts across the greater Corvallis area. You know we love a good grassroots effort.

Tucked just off Central Park, The Arts Center has become one of Corvallis’ most important cultural anchors for decades. Founded in the early 1960s, the nonprofit operates out of a historic 1889 building and has long focused on a simple mission: making art accessible to everyone. Through exhibitions, classes, and community programming, it continues to serve as a creative hub for locals of all ages and backgrounds.

The Arts Center is funded through grants and donations.

Located at 700 SW Madison Ave, Corvallis, OR 97333

A Call For Consignment Artist

The Arts Center’s ArtShop is a retail space featuring work from more than 60 local and regional artists and is actively looking to expand.

The organization has put out a call for new consignment artists, encouraging Oregon creatives (especially those from Linn and Benton counties) to apply. It’s free to submit, and selections are based on originality, quality, and the ability to keep inventory fresh. Here is some more info if you are looking to apply:

https://theartscenter.net/call-for-artshop-artists/

A Job Opening

The organization is also hiring for a retail manager to run the Art Shop:

“Full Time Exempt – $45,000/yr. Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 am – 5:30 pm, as well as regularly scheduled after-hours events. Additional shifts outside of regular hours may sometimes be assigned. Includes competitive paid leave benefits and option to enroll in TAC’s group health plan and Simple IRA with a 3% match.”

That comes out to around $21.60 an hour. Application info can be found here.

Current Exhibits

Current exhibitions at The Arts Center continue to rotate throughout the year, showcasing a mix of local and regional talent. Recent and ongoing shows include “Reformation” by Kim Smith Claudel in the Main Gallery, running through early May, alongside exhibits like “Animal Husbandry” by Ketzia Schoneberg in the Corrine Woodman Gallery.

Earlier this spring also featured community-driven work like the Howland Community Open and solo exhibitions such as Ron Walker’s “Paintings from the Suburbs.” The steady rotation of exhibits keeps the space fresh, and something new to experience every time you walk through the doors.

The Arts Center isn’t just a gallery… it is a community-supported ecosystem. It partners with the City of Corvallis Parks and Recreation Department and relies on local participation, whether that’s through memberships, donations, volunteering, or simply buying a piece of art from the shop.

In a time when many arts organizations struggle to stay afloat, Corvallis’ Arts Center continues to evolve, adding new artists, hiring new staff, and keeping up on the local creative scene.

And if you’ve never stepped inside, now might be a good time.

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Behind the trees and low-profile buildings off Highway 99, and next to the new courthouse being built, a quiet cluster of tech companies, engineering firms, energy innovators, and semiconductor companies are doing work that reaches far beyond our city.

When people think “tech” in Corvallis, they think HP, OSU facilities, Jensen Huang… but the HP campus isn’t just HP.

HP currently has a $17 billion market capitalization, but there is a good chance one of these other innovative companies that operate here will become much larger. New tech takes over old tech.

Some of these companies’ work involves vital resources that could be highly beneficial for the city (or county) to tap into. Infrastructure technology, water systems, clean energy, rural fiber optics, industrial tech, laboratory testing for water, air, soil, and waste (think Coffin Butte)… the list goes on.

And lo and behold, the new Benton County courthouse is being built right next door.

Jacobs: A Global Engineering Powerhouse - Market Cap: $14 Billion
One of the largest players on campus, Jacobs is a multinational engineering and consulting firm working on infrastructure, water systems, and government projects. With tens of thousands of employees worldwide, their Corvallis footprint connects the city to major projects across the globe. Website.

Atami: Semiconductor Materials
Atami operates in the highly specialized world of semiconductor materials and advanced manufacturing. Smaller and more under-the-radar, companies like this are part of the invisible backbone behind modern electronics. Website.

NuScale Power — Nuclear, Reimagined
NuScale is one of Corvallis’ biggest tech success stories. They are headquartered here much like HP. The company designs small modular nuclear reactors, a next-generation approach to clean energy. With hundreds of employees and international visibility, NuScale has quietly put Corvallis on the global energy map. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for humankind by advancing nuclear power. Website.

Crown: Technical Support, Behind the Scenes
Crown provides specialized engineering and technical services. Not flashy, but essential. Firms like this often support larger industrial and government operations, including water solutions and fiber optic networks connecting rural communities. Website.

NV5: Engineering & Geospatial Services
NV5 is a publicly traded consulting and engineering firm with a wide reach: infrastructure, environmental work, and geospatial technology. Their presence brings national-scale projects into a local office setting. Website.

Inpria: Powering the World’s Smallest Tech
Inpria develops advanced materials used to manufacture cutting-edge computer chips. Their work supports EUV lithography, the process behind making the most advanced semiconductors on the planet. It’s the most technical work happening in Corvallis. Website.

Edge Analytical

Part of the global Eurofins Scientific network, Eurofins Environment Testing focuses on analyzing the health and safety of the world around us. The company provides laboratory testing for water, air, soil, and waste, helping governments, businesses, and researchers monitor pollution, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect public health.

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Jen Macias set the women’s course record in 2014 with a 1:18:04. That’s 5:57 per mile pace. Craig Leon set the men’s course record in 2012 with a blazing 1:06:36. That’s 5:05 per mile pace.

The first Corvallis resident last year to finish came in 7th place overall (Michael Wisniewski). Eugene and Portland participants had 3 of the top 5 finishers.

To put it in perspective, the men’s half-marathon world record was recently broken on March 8th, by Jacob Kiplimo, with a time of 57:20 (that’s 4:22 mile pace). Craig, you’re fast, but to put Corvallis on the map, we need you to shave about 9 minutes and 17 seconds off your time from last year.

This year’s race supports The Assistance League of Corvallis and Linn Benton Food Share.

Last year about 1306 runners ran the race.

Photo: https://corvallishalfmarathon.com/

Race Times

• Half Marathon (13.1 miles) — 8:30am start

• 5K Run/Walk — 8:50am start

• Family 1K — 11:30am start

Start & Finish Location

All races begin and end near Reser Stadium. Along Ralph Miller Lane between the stadium and Gill Coliseum on the Oregon State University campus

Course Overview

• The half marathon is a “Tour de Corvallis” route, primarily on roads, sidewalks, and multi-use paths. Runners travel through campus, north Corvallis, and areas like Witham Hill and Bald Hill, before returning to campus.

• The 5K follows a flat, fast out-and-back route on popular campus paths.

  

Street Closures & Traffic Impacts

• Expect road closures and traffic delays during the morning hours, particularly:

  • Around the Oregon State University campus

  • North Corvallis corridors (including Walnut Blvd and surrounding areas)

• Downtown and east–west travel may be limited during the race window, especially from 7:30am to 11:00am.

• Drivers should plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time.

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It started, as many cold cases do today, with DNA.

More than 50 years after she disappeared, 17-year-old Laura Ann Aime has now been officially confirmed as another victim of Ted Bundy… a development that has made national headlines this week. But while the case itself unfolded in Utah, the news has pulled attention back to something closer to home.

The Walk Across Campus. It was late on May 6, 1974. Spring term at Oregon State University was in full swing, and campus still carried that quiet, steady energy of students moving between dorms, study sessions, and late-night routines.

Roberta Kathleen “Kathy” Parks stepped out of Sackett Hall sometime around 11 p.m.

She wasn’t going far, just across campus to the Memorial Union. The kind of walk students make without thinking. One building to another. A familiar path, well within the boundaries of a place that felt safe.

On the way, she stopped briefly and spoke with another student. A normal moment. A passing conversation. Then they went their separate ways, and Kathy continued on alone into the night.

She never made it.

There was no clear moment where anything changed. No one saw a struggle. No one heard anything unusual. Just the time between where she started, and where she planned on ending up.

Friends waited at the Memorial Union. Minutes turned into something longer. The kind of delay that doesn’t immediately raise alarm, until it does. And then she was simply… gone.

In May of 1974, there wasn’t a name people could point to. There wasn’t a pattern anyone fully understood. But across the Pacific Northwest, young women were disappearing. College towns. University campuses. At the time, they were separate stories.

Only later would they be connected to one person: Ted Bundy.

Years later, Bundy would describe encounters that all sounded the same. He didn’t force his way into situations. He stepped into them. A conversation. A question. A moment that felt ordinary enough to trust. People often said he was charming and kind.

Bundy lived in Washington, but in order to throw off possible investigators, he came to Corvallis. Earlier that evening, Kathy had received a call from her sister with news that their father had suffered a heart attack. He was expected to recover, but it was enough to weigh on her. At the same time, she had been dealing with the kind of pressures many students face, falling behind in classes, navigating a complicated relationship, trying to keep everything together.

It wasn’t one thing. It was a mix of things. The kind of night where your mind is somewhere else, even as you move through familiar places.

Somewhere along that short walk across campus, Kathy crossed paths with him. Not in a way that stood out. Not in a way that would have drawn attention. Just another interaction in a place full of them. As many college campuses have.

And then, quietly, she was pulled out of a place she believed to be safe. He took her north, out of Corvallis, back into Washington.

That’s where her story ended.

What makes Kathy Parks’ story stay with you isn’t just what happened, it’s how easily it fits into the present. That walk still exists.

Students still leave Sackett Hall late at night. They still head toward the Memorial Union. They still pass through the same intersections, under the same trees, following the same paths on campus. Nothing about the setting feels dangerous. That’s what makes it unsettling. Because it didn’t feel dangerous then, either.

This week’s confirmation of another Bundy victim has brought his name back into the headlines. New technology is still solving pieces of a story that began more than half a century ago. This part of that story… never really left our town.

It lives in the distance between two buildings. In the idea that something significant can happen in the middle of something completely ordinary. Another normal day. A short walk. A brief conversation. A night like any other. In a small college town.

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It’s not always a busy news cycle here. Which could be viewed as a good thing. Still, we try.

The City of Corvallis is moving forward with plans to annex more than 1,500 acres surrounding the Corvallis Municipal Airport, a proposal that could shape the city’s economic future for decades.

While the concept of “annexation” can sound technical, the idea is relatively simple, and its impacts can sometimes be significant.

Ok, So What Does “Annexation” Mean?

Annexation is the process by which a city expands its official boundaries to incorporate land that was previously outside city limits.

In this case, the City of Corvallis is proposing to bring approximately 1,518 acres, already within the city’s Urban Growth Boundary, fully into city jurisdiction.

That means the land would shift from county oversight to city governance, including zoning, infrastructure planning, and service delivery.

(Photo: City of Corvallis)

What Area Is Being Annexed?

The proposed annexation focuses on land surrounding the airport and its industrial park, which already includes:

• Municipal airport operations

• Industrial and commercial lease properties

• More than 40 existing structures (including hangars and warehouses)

A map included in the application materials shows a mix of leased and available parcels, highlighting the area’s potential for future development.

Why Annex This Land?

City officials say the annexation aligns with long-term economic development goals outlined in Corvallis’ strategic plan. At its core, annexation allows the city to:

1. Plan Growth More Effectively

Even though the land is already within the Urban Growth Boundary, annexation gives the city full control over how it develops, ensuring consistency with transportation, zoning, and infrastructure plans.

2. Unlock Industrial Development

The airport industrial park includes parcels sized for both small and large businesses. Annexation could make it easier to attract employers, expand local industry, and support job creation.

3. Improve Infrastructure Coordination

According to the application materials, public utilities and transportation infrastructure already serve the area. Annexation allows the city to manage and expand those systems more directly as development increases.

4. Strengthen Local Revenue

As land transitions into city limits, it can contribute more directly to city tax revenue, helping fund services like roads, fire protection, and economic development initiatives.

Corvallis urban growth boundary map:

What Could This Mean?

While no specific development projects are currently proposed within the annexation area, the move sets the stage for future growth. City materials note that no immediate site plans are tied to the annexation itself, meaning this is more about preparing the land for future opportunities than approving new construction today.

That long-term approach is common in annexations, which often act as a framework for gradual, phased development. The annexation proposal is still in the planning and public input phase, with neighborhood meetings and outreach underway.

As the process moves forward, community feedback will play a role in shaping how, the annexation proceeds.

Some facts about the Corvallis Airport:

• Type: Public, city-owned airport

• Location: ~5 miles south of downtown Corvallis

• Size: ~1,490 acres

• Established: 1943 (originally a WWII Army airfield)

• Control Tower: None (non-towered airport)

• Runway 17/35:

  • 5,900 ft long × 150 ft wide

• Runway 10/28:

  • 3,100 ft long × 75 ft wide

• Estimated annual operations: ~45,000 flights per year

• Historical FAA data: ~143 flights per day

• 125+ aircraft currently based at the airport

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As short-term rentals continue to grow, visitors aren’t just booking places to sleep, they’re choosing experiences. Not that Corvallis is a huge destination spot, and we probably get passed over “on the way to the coast,” but tourism still plays a part in our economy, and families need places to stay when visiting students.

There are more than 200+ active listings on Airbnb in Corvallis. Honestly, this wasn’t as exciting as we thought it was going to be. No castles, no treehouses, no secret passageways. We probably shouldn’t even post this. Sad face. Maybe the rental market here isn’t that great, or people don’t like to rent out their homes here? Or maybe that’s the interesting part? Sigh.

Anyways, here are the most “interesting” options we found. This took some time. And we ended up finding a few.

Lookout - epic views, close to OSU, quiet

This one offers a fully private lower-level living space, and guests get an entire self-contained setup with multiple bedrooms, a living area, and everything needed to settle in. It also has a piano, if you’re into that.

We’ll do an investigative report on the bathroom wallpaper. Or wait, is that just unfinished walls, with seams and patchwork? Or is that the wallpaper? We are on it.

Listing

Photos: Airbnb

Stylish Home Near OSU, Wineries & Scenic Trails

Winner winner chicken dinner. Someone put some love into this place AND has a design sense. Not to mention a large (but tasteful) cat painting over the bed. Nothing to hate here. If we ranked the best, this would be #1. But we don’t do opinion pieces.

Listing

Photos: Airbnb

Cozy retreat, King suite, campus close

This place has a little bit of everything. A gorgeous sliding door to an outdoor setting in the bedroom, free pretzels, and a two-color, evenly divided abstract art piece that, if you stared at it too long, might start judging you. Cozy, great lighting, and a fun courtyard.

Listing

Photos: Airbnb

Freya's Gypsy Caravan

Now we have something. Better than a castle. Freya, thank you. We’ll drive to Eugene for Oregon Country Fair, but we’ll drive back and stay here to keep the experience going. Taking back our previous winner prize. It happens. Second place is still pretty good. There are over 200 listings.

Listing

Photos: Airbnb

TimberHill, LuxSuite, Garden, SPA, Super clean

Japanese rock garden? SPA? Is that a Koi pond? We’ve never been to Timberhill (see donation link at the bottom of the page), but if we did, this is where we’d stay. We’ll leave the cat and fishing pole at home… this time. Seriously, only 4.81 stars? There is always that person.

Listing

Photos: Airbnb

Eco-Glamping cabin tent with hot tub, power

Yeah, you read that right. You can charge your phone. It’s not down by the river, but it does have a hot tub. So use your imagination. Really, really appreciate the photo with snow on the ground. Ladies and gentlemen, we are not in Bend anymore. We see your knee!

Listing

Photos: Airbnb

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Have you ever opened your property tax bill? Or just paid it? Because you have to. This is where the money goes, and the answer may surprise you: most of it doesn’t go to the city at all.

A breakdown of a typical Corvallis property tax bill shows that schools take the largest share by far, followed by Benton County, with the City of Corvallis receiving a much smaller portion than many assume.

Note that property tax bills are paid to the county, then distributed from there.

How much of my home’s value am I paying each year?

In Corvallis, the answer to that question is about 1.03% of a home’s assessed value annually. That total is divided among multiple overlapping taxing districts, each responsible for different public services. Homeowners in Corvallis pay an average of $4,539 annually in property taxes.

The largest share, by a wide margin, goes to education.

About 60% of the total bill supports schools, including the Corvallis School District, regional education services, and voter-approved bonds.

Approximately 18% of the bill is allocated to Benton County, funding core services such as law enforcement, courts, elections, and public health programs.

The City of Corvallis receives about 17% of the total property tax bill. That portion helps fund police and fire services, parks, libraries, and street maintenance.

The remaining 5% is distributed among smaller special districts, including transit systems, emergency services, and other local programs.

As a result, a single property tax bill is actually a combination of multiple rates from different entities (schools, county government, city services, special districts), all layered together.

It is important to note that taxes are based on assessed value… not market value, which can create variations between similar homes. Assessed value is a government-determined figure, while market value is the price a home would likely sell for in the current real estate market.

Remember the cheapest listed home for sale in Corvallis? Which is now pending sale after 41 days on the market (292 NE Conifer Blvd). It’s listed at $274,000. A public records search for the property taxes on the house show $2,355 paid based on the latest assessment. That breaks down to:

• Schools → $1,413

• County → $424

• City → $400

• Other → $118

The current cheapest stand-alone home in Corvallis (meaning non-manufactured, not a condo) is at 2015 NW Becca Ave. Listed at $295,000… 2 days on the market. Listed by Re/Max Integrity Corvallis Branch.

Understanding how our property taxes are distributed in Corvallis helps explain why school funding remains a central issue in local elections… being the largest portion of your property tax bill.

It’s fair to say that 60% of your payment supporting schools might surprise you. It surprised us. And why your opinion… and vote matters. Even if you don’t have kids in the Corvallis School District. You are still paying for it.

If you are a homeowner, you can find your property's assessed value here.

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See additional Corvallis event resource links at the bottom. These links have some unique and fun events. Please verify the time and schedule via the links, as things often change!

We can’t post everything, or we can, just send us your events and we’ll update the calendars: editor@corvallisnow.com

April 1 (Wednesday)

Live Music Night - Weekly live music in the beer garden - 6:00pm–8:00pm - Common Fields - https://www.commonfieldscorvallis.com/events.html

Open Mic Night - Community open mic (music/poetry/comedy) - 7:00pm - Interzone Coffee - https://www.facebook.com/interzonecoffee/

DIY Zine Night - Collaborative zine-making and print session - 6:00pm–8:00pm - manyworld - https://www.manyworld.diy/calendar

April 2 (Thursday)

Artist Meetup - First Thursday artist networking and critique - 5:30pm–7:00pm - The Arts Center - https://theartscenter.net/events/

Tap Talks - Community speakers and local org talks - 5:30pm - Common Fields - https://www.commonfieldscorvallis.com/events.html

Bingo Night - Community bingo fundraiser - 6:00pm–8:00pm - Greenberry Tavern - https://sustainablecorvallis.org/what-we-do/events/

April 3 (Friday)

Free Walking Tour - Downtown Corvallis history walk - 5:30pm - Courtyard Marriott - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/eventdetail/5445/free-wallking-tour

Family Fun Night - Parks & Rec drop-in activities - 5:00pm - Community Center - https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/parksrec/page/events

Lady Luck Vintage - Red Dot Clearance Pop-Up Sale - 6:00pm - Lady Luck Vintage - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/account/lady-luck-vintage-market

Us & Them Concert - Celtic performance - 7:30pm - Grassroots Books - https://www.corvalliscelticfestival.org/events/

Late Night Coffeehouse Show - Indie/folk performance - 8:00pm - Interzone Coffee - https://www.facebook.com/interzonecafe/

April 4 (Saturday)

Hippity Hop - Downtown spring celebration - morning–afternoon - Downtown Corvallis - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/eventdetail/5442/hippity-hop-

Indoor Winter Market - Farmers market + local goods - morning - Fairgrounds - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/events

Native Bees Workshop - Pollinator education - daytime - Corvallis Museum - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/eventdetail/5422/native-bees-workshop

Garden Work Party - Community gardening - 12:00pm–2:00pm - manyworld - https://www.manyworld.diy/calendar

Contra Dance Night - Live music dance - 7:30pm - Ashbrook School - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/eventdetail/5457/1st-saturday-contra-dance

DIY Punk Show - Underground music - 8:00pm - Interzone Coffee - https://www.facebook.com/interzonecoffee/

Sticker + Art Pop-Up Market - Local illustrators and sticker artists - afternoon - Common Fields courtyard - https://www.commonfieldscorvallis.com/events.html

April 5 (Sunday)

Meditation Circle - Weekly mindfulness gathering - 9:00am - Corvallis - https://sustainablecorvallis.org/what-we-do/events/

Celtic Session - Open jam session - 2:00pm–4:00pm - Old World Deli - https://corvallisfolklore.org/home/calendar/

Craft Circle - Knitting and crafts meetup - 3:00pm–5:00pm - manyworld - https://www.manyworld.diy/calendar

Acoustic Night - Chill acoustic sets - 6:00pm - Interzone Coffee -
https://www.facebook.com/interzonecoffee/

April 7 (Tuesday)

Trivia Night - Weekly trivia - 6:00pm–8:00pm - Common Fields - https://www.commonfieldscorvallis.com/events.html

Herbalism Meetup - Herbal medicine + foraging - 5:30pm - manyworld - https://www.manyworld.diy/calendar

Poetry Open Mic - Spoken word night - 7:00pm - Interzone Coffee - https://www.facebook.com/interzonecoffee/

Board Game Pop-Up Night - Casual board games + social play - 6:00pm–9:00pm - Common Fields - https://www.commonfieldscorvallis.com/events.html

April 8 (Wednesday)

Live Music Wednesdays - Weekly music - 6:00pm–8:00pm - Common Fields - https://www.commonfieldscorvallis.com/events.html

Kitten Yoga - Yoga with adoptable kittens - 6:00pm - Corvallis Museum - https://bentoncountymuseums.org/events/

DIY Screenprinting Night - Learn screenprinting basics - 6:00pm–8:00pm - manyworld - https://www.manyworld.diy/calendar

April 10 (Friday)

Big Book Sale - Annual book sale - daytime - Fairgrounds - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/eventdetail/2221/2026-big-book-sale

Author Reading Night - Local author reading + signing - evening - Grassroots Books - https://www.grassrootsbookstore.com/events

Live Indie Show - Indie band lineup - 8:00pm - Interzone Coffee - https://www.facebook.com/interzonecoffee/

Food Truck Pop-Up Night - Rotating trucks + late-night food - evening - Common Fields - https://www.commonfieldscorvallis.com/events.html

April 11 (Saturday)

C3 Game Con - Cosplay contests, live tabletop gaming, and local vendors - 10:00am-6:00pm - Corvallis Community Center

2nd Saturdays Art Event - Free art-making - 1:00pm–4:00pm - The Arts Center - https://theartscenter.net/second-saturdays-at-tac/

Garden Work Party - Community gardening - 12:00pm–2:00pm - manyworld - https://www.manyworld.diy/calendar

Live Jazz Night - Jazz performance - 8:00pm - Interzone Coffee - https://www.facebook.com/interzonecoffee/

April 12 (Sunday)

www.corvallistweedride.net

April 16 (Thursday)

Corvallis Arts Walk - Monthly gallery walk - 4:00pm–7:00pm - Downtown - https://theartscenter.net/events/

MUSE Night - Free museum evening - 4:00pm–7:00pm - Corvallis Museum - https://bentoncountymuseums.org/events/muse/

April 18 (Saturday)

Civics Storytime - Family event - 10:30am - Corvallis Museum - https://bentoncountymuseums.org/events/civics-storytime/

Swing Dance Night - Social dance - evening - Corvallis - https://www.corvallisswing.com/events

Contra Dance - Live music dance - 7:30pm - Corvallis - https://corvallisfolklore.org/home/calendar/

https://locallygrown.org/

April 22 (Wednesday)

Earth Day River Walk - Environmental walk - 2:00pm - Corvallis - https://sustainablecorvallis.org/calendar-event/earth-day-champinefu-river-walk/

Trivia Night - Corvallis Public Schools Foundation - 7:00pm - Trysting Tree Golf Club - 34028 NE Electric Rd, Corvallis, OR 97333 - https://www.cpsfoundation.org/events/

April 24 (Friday)

Needle Felting Workshop - Art workshop - 6:00pm–8:00pm - The Arts Center - https://theartscenter.net/events/

Live Folk Night - Folk performance - 7:30pm - Corvallis - https://corvallisfolklore.org/home/calendar/

April 25 (Saturday)

OysterFest 2026 - Food + drink festival - 12:00pm - Common Fields - https://www.commonfieldscorvallis.com/events.html

April 26 (Sunday)

Seed Library Clinic - Gardening help and seeds - 9:30am - Corvallis - https://sustainablecorvallis.org/calendar-event/public-seed-library-warm-season-vegetable-garden-clinic/

Celtic Session - Open jam - 2:00pm - Old World Deli -https://corvallisfolklore.org/home/calendar/

Additional Event Calendars:

Greenhouse Coffee + Plants - https://www.greenhousecorvallis.com/events

Manyworld - https://www.manyworld.diy/calendar

Downtown Corvallis - https://downtown-corvallis.org/events/

Common Fields - https://www.commonfieldscorvallis.com/events.html

Bombs Away Cafe - https://bombsawaycafe.com/calender

Old World Deli - https://www.oldworldcenter.com/#Events

Corvallis Farmers Market - https://locallygrown.org/

The Majestic Theatre - https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=maj

Darkside Cinema - https://darksidecinema.com/index.html

Visit Corvallis - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/events

City of Corvallis - https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/calendar

Corvallis Sustainability Coalition - https://sustainablecorvallis.org/what-we-do/events/

Benton County Public Library - https://corvallisbenton.librarycalendar.com/

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A major new government complex is taking shape along NE Second Street, marking one of the largest public construction efforts in Benton County in decades.

Located at 1350 NE Second Street, the project will serve as a new justice system campus, replacing the county’s aging downtown courthouse with a modern facility designed for today’s needs.

The new development includes a courthouse, District Attorney’s office, and emergency operations center, all built on a multi-acre site just north of downtown.

County officials say the project is designed to improve safety, accessibility, and efficiency across the justice system. Planned features include updated security systems, ADA-compliant facilities, and separate circulation areas for the public, staff, and in-custody defendants. A jail?

The courthouse itself is expected to span tens of thousands of square feet and is part of an overall project budget of roughly $86 million, funded through a mix of state and county dollars.

Construction has progressed pretty rapidly in the last few months. It looks like the first phase of the project is already nearing completion.

Why a New Courthouse?

The move comes as Benton County’s current courthouse, located downtown, has reached the limits of what it can safely support. Built in 1888, the historic building is the oldest courthouse in Oregon still in use for its original purpose.

While structurally sound, officials say it lacks space, modern security features, and would not withstand a major earthquake, making replacement a long-term priority.

Did you know?
A small 1.6 magnitude earthquake was recorded just outside Philomath on November 18, 2025. The quake struck about 7.3 miles away, occurring right at the surface, though it was likely too small for most people to feel.

The largest historic earthquake to significantly impact the Corvallis, Oregon area was the 1993 Scotts Mills earthquake, also known as the "Spring Break Quake". Occurring on March 25, 1993, with a magnitude of 5.6.

What Happens to the Old Courthouse?

The future of the historic courthouse remains a question for the community. County leaders have made clear the building will not be demolished. Instead, plans are underway to preserve it and transition it into a new public use.

A Historic Courthouse Advisory Committee has been exploring options that could include:

• Civic or government functions

• Arts, culture, or educational uses

• A mixed-use public space

Private redevelopment ideas, such as housing, retail, or offices, are no longer being considered. Community input is expected to play a significant role in determining the building’s next chapter.

Personally, we’d like to see Doc Brown capture a lightning strike on the clock tower, sending Marty back to the future.

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