Benton County District Attorney John M. Haroldson retires after distinguished career
* Español a continuación *
On Aug. 28, 2024, the Benton County Board of Commissioners hosted a celebration of service at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library for retiring District Attorney John M. Haroldson, a trailblazer in Oregon’s legal community. As the first Hispanic or Latino District Attorney in the state’s history, Haroldson’s career has been marked by his dedication to justice and his commitment to community service.
Haroldson’s journey becoming Benton County’s top prosecutor began long before his appointment in Feb. 2007 by Governor Ted Kulongoski. After earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Central Washington University and a Doctorate in Jurisprudence from the University of Oregon, Haroldson launched his prosecution career as an intern-prosecutor for the City of Albany in 1988. He later served as a Linn County Deputy District Attorney before joining Benton County as Chief Deputy District Attorney in 2002. His leadership and expertise in this role led to his election as District Attorney in Nov. 2008, a position he has held with distinction for approximately 17 years.
Reflecting on his career, Haroldson said, “Serving the public in this noble pursuit has been a great honor and exceptionally rewarding. In addition to the daily responsibilities that go with serving as District Attorney, I have sought to build an office that our community can confidently rely upon to uphold the standards of justice in Benton County. I am very proud of our office and the service we provide to our community,”
Raised in both the Pacific Northwest and Monterrey, Mexico, Haroldson’s rich bilingual and bicultural upbringing has been a defining influence in his life and career. The son of a Scandinavian father and a Mexican mother, Haroldson holds the honor of being Oregon’s first Mexican-American District Attorney, a role he has approached with a deep understanding of diverse perspectives.
As he steps into retirement, Haroldson leaves behind a legacy of justice, education, and service—a legacy that has paved the way for future generations in Oregon’s legal community.
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Republic Services CUP Application deemed incomplete by Benton County
The Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application submitted by Republic Services on Aug. 16, 2024, was deemed incomplete by the Planning Division of Benton County Community Development. The County notified Republic Services of the necessary additional information required and continues to engage in an active dialogue to address the deficiencies.
As of Aug. 16, Republic Services has up to 180 days to provide the requested details to complete their application. The County anticipates that the revised submission will include more detailed technical reports and a broader spatial analysis to assess the existing conditions and potential impacts of landfill operations.
Benton County has enlisted the expertise of an outside consultant to assist in the technical analysis, ensuring that all aspects of the application are thoroughly reviewed.
For more information or to stay updated on the CUP process, please contact Benton County Community Development or sign up for the County’s solid waste management email list by contacting pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.
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Ryan S. Joslin appointed as Benton County District Attorney
Ryan S. Joslin has been appointed as Benton County’s new District Attorney, taking over from retiring District Attorney John Haroldson. Joslin, who won nearly 99% of the vote in the May primary, officially started his role on Sept. 1, 2024.
This appointment reflects the strong support Joslin received from Benton County voters, aiming to ensure a smooth transition and continuity in the District Attorney’s office.
“We’re thrilled to have Ryan Joslin step into the role of District Attorney. His support in the May primary shows how much our community trusts him. We’re excited to see the positive contributions he will bring to our justice system,” said Benton County Board Chair Commissioner Xan Augerot.
When asked about his candidacy to succeed Haroldson, Joslin said, “While serving as Chief Deputy District Attorney for the past nine years, I have benefited greatly from the mentorship of John Haroldson. Supported by an excellent team of attorneys and other professionals, I look forward to building on the strong foundation he has established of professionalism, integrity, and fairness in serving the people of Benton County.”
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Benton County Juvenile Department firewood program
In case you haven't heard the Benton County Juvenile Dept. has a firewood program. Their mission is to serve higher at-risk community members such as our elderly, disabled/persons with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with limited resources to stay warm during our coldest months.
The program will also be making firewood bundles for Benton County Natural Areas & Parks campgrounds to help keep intrusive insects out. All proceeds will go back into the campgrounds.
Juvenile work crew members deliver and stack firewood at no cost to community members in touch with the Community Services Consortium. Benton County would like to thank Hull Oaks Lumber and Starker Forests for supporting the program with donations to help purchase equipment.
Get more info.
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Families arrive at the WIC Breast/Chestfeeding Celebration on Aug. 31, 2024 | |
WIC Program Manager, Barbara Christianson (pictured center) at the WIC Breast/Chestfeeding Celebration | |
Families enjoy refreshments at the WIC Breast/Chestfeeding Celebration | |
Benton County WIC celebrates 50th anniversary of Oregon’s supplemental nutrition program
The Oregon Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program turns 50 this year, and Benton County WIC celebrated with a free community event on Aug. 31, 2024 in honor of World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month.
The Benton County World Breast/Chestfeeding Celebration event was aimed at promoting and supporting breast/chestfeeding, and highlighted Benton County WIC’s work bringing supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education to the region’s low-income families.
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Community Development updates building division permitting, plan review, and inspection procedures
Benton County will begin accepting online plan reviews as required by House Bill (HB) 2415 on Jan. 1, 2025. HB 2415 ensures statewide consistency in electronic processes for reviewing plans, issuing permits, and performing field inspections.
Community members can currently upload plans for review on the State of Oregon’s website at: aca-oregon.accela.com/oregon. This option will also be made available on the County’s newly designed website on Jan. 1, 2025, at: cd.bentoncountyor.gov/building-division, which provides information about building permits, permit statuses, inspections, codes, zoning, and applications.
Community members can use the website to request commercial electrical inspections and plumbing inspections at: cd.bentoncountyor.gov/inspections, also a requirement of HB 2415.
Read the full story.
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This weekend is the chili cook-off and preparedness fair!
The 🌶️chili cook-off is an annual fundraiser and community event hosted by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), BCSO Mounted Posse, and Philomath Police Department to help raise funds for various charities. This year's charity benefits go to 4-Spirits Veterans Scholarship Fund, Philomath Police and Sheriff's Charity Foundations.
Attendees will sample amazing chili recipes (many made by our own BCSO Sheriff’s Office teams) and will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite recipe!
The Preparedness Fair is free to attend. Come and learn about how you and your family can be prepared in case of an emergency. Get tips and tricks on food and water storage, building a Go-Kit, wildfire preparedness, and information on emergency alerts.
The event will be held at the Philomath Frolic & Rodeo Grounds on Sun., Sept. 8 from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m.
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Get ready for the Linn-Benton Veterans' Stand Down
Samaritan Health Services’ Veterans Outreach Program will co-host Linn-Benton Veterans Stand Down, an annual event that helps connect veterans with resources for health, housing and employment. This year’s event will be held Thursday, Sept. 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Linn County Fair & Expo Center in Albany.
Get all the details.
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Benton County is hiring!
Our featured position this month is: Public Health Division Director
This position provides leadership to the public health division and contributes to advancing health equity, protecting vulnerable residents, and promoting health and wellness for the county's population.
Get all the details.
Apply today or view additional vacancies. Questions? Call 541-766-6081 or email recruiting@bentoncountyor.gov.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices.
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