The WinCo on Northwest Kings Boulevard looks just like a normal large grocery store. Busy parking lot. Bulk bins. Families loading carts with groceries. Employees stocking shelves. Lines (always lines) at the register. But it’s also one of the most unusual labor and ownership experiments in retail.

The Corvallis WinCo store has been highlighted as one of the strongest examples of employee ownership success in the country. The roughly 130 employees at the WinCo on Kings collectively accumulated retirement wealth estimated at over $100 million through the company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, commonly known as an ESOP.

A few longtime employees have become millionaires while working ordinary grocery store jobs. Think about that. The idea almost sounds impossible in modern retail, where profits and margins are continually squeezed at the expense of employees.

Unlike a normal publicly traded company, where outside investors buy shares to own portions of the company, WinCo is primarily employee-owned through an ESOP. Eligible workers receive company-funded retirement contributions tied to ownership shares in the business.

Employees do not buy the stock directly with their own money. Instead, the company contributes to the ownership accounts on their behalf. We got a copy of WinCo’s benefits summary, and the details are outlined below:

“Employees that have attained age 19, have been employed for six months, and have worked at least 500 hours during those six months will become eligible to participate in the ESOP Plan. Participants receive one year of vesting after being paid 1,000 hours in a Plan Year. Vesting increases by 20% each Plan Year participants are paid 1,000 hours until 100% vesting is reached (participants typically obtain 100% vesting after six years of service).”

Over time, shares accumulate inside the employee’s retirement account. After a vesting period (about 6 years), those shares become fully theirs… to do what they want with. The system rewards longevity. The longer an employee stays, the more ownership they accumulate. Think compound interest.

Our store became nationally notable because many employees there had been with the company for decades during WinCo’s major expansion years.

Employees who joined early participated in the company before much of its growth occurred. As WinCo expanded and added more locations, the value of employee ownership accounts surged alongside the company itself.

An ESOP is not easy money. It works more like long-term investing. The people who saw the largest gains were often those who entered the company early, stayed for decades, continued accumulating ownership during expansion years, and benefited from compounding growth over time.

It resembles holding stock in a growing company for 20 or 30 years rather than chasing a quick payout. The millionaire employee headlines at our WinCo can create unrealistic expectations if taken out of context.

The biggest wealth stories largely came from workers who entered the company before the massive expansion started. Once a company matures, future returns may slow compared to earlier explosive growth periods.

This does not mean the ESOP lacks value today. Even without the “get in early” future millionaire outcomes, WinCo’s ESOP can still provide retirement stability that is increasingly rare.

The store on Kings challenges assumptions about low-wage retail employment. The workers becoming wealthy were not Silicon Valley executives or startup founders. They were grocery clerks, stockers, backroom warehouse workers, and cashiers.

Our WinCo is home to one of the most successful examples of the employee ownership model that exists today. We just wish they would take credit cards. Even for a small fee. Rumor has it they are going to start that soon… to quote a nice lady working at the register last week. Maybe she is a millionaire as well.

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In Southtown, near the Willamette Park, sits one of the city’s most unusual and community-focused neighborhoods, the CoHo Ecovillage.

Part neighborhood, part social experiment, and part sustainability project, CoHo has operated in Southtown for nearly two decades. The village sits a few miles east of the highway, tucked into a quiet neighborhood. The intentional “cohousing” community includes 34 households spread across 6.8 acres and is designed around the idea that neighbors should actually know, interact with, and help each other.

(photo: Coho EcoVillage)

“The vision of our village is to encourage interactions between people and enrich our lives with the pleasure of cooperation and friendship.”

The community emphasizes environmental sustainability, shared resources, multigenerational living, and consensus-based decision making. Homes at CoHo are clustered around shared paths and common spaces. Parking is kept on the outer edges of the property, leaving the interior focused on gardens, gathering spaces, and pedestrian movement.

Residents share amenities including a large common house, community kitchen, guest room, workshop, bike barn, gardens, laundry facilities, and even a hot tub. The homes are privately held properties, but intentionally share parts of daily life through community meals, collaborative projects, celebrations, and governance. According to CoHo’s FAQ and community materials, residents regularly participate in optional shared dinners and collective maintenance of the property.

The project was completed in 2007 after years of planning and development. Community writings describe the process as long and difficult, but the results created a neighborhood intentionally designed around interaction rather than isolation.

(photo: Coho EcoVillage)

CoHo’s mission and values statement place an emphasis on environmental responsibility. The community promotes recycling, reuse, shared tools and equipment, lower-impact living, and sustainable building practices.

Of course, this is not for everyone. Some people value privacy, and the benefits provided by a housing development like CoHo sometimes come with costs.

A new unit is currently listed for sale, the available townhouse is a 1,244-square-foot, 3-bed, 2-bath home. It includes radiant floor heating, cork flooring, heat recovery ventilation, insulated windows, and multiple outdoor living areas. The asking price is listed at $480,000 with HOA dues of $474 per month.

https://www.cohoecovillage.org/openings/for-sale-unit-161/

As of March 31st, the median home sales price in Corvallis was reported at $589,000. So while not cheap by any means (and a $474/month HOA fee), the property is almost a 100k less than what the average buyer would pay.

CoHo is not the only game in town if you are looking for a community-style way of living. Co-ops are becoming more and more popular, and Colorado Lake co-op offers a much more affordable option.

Not a lot of people know about Colorado Lake Co-op. This private neighborhood sits about 4 miles east of town off Highway 34, but is still within the Corvallis city limits. The member-owned cooperative includes 45 units, with many homes sitting directly along Colorado Lake. Residents collectively own the land itself and also share community gardens, activities, and gatherings at the clubhouse.

(pictured: Colorado Lake Co-op)

The lake is the centerpiece of the property, offering waterfront views, small docks, wildlife watching, kayaking, and a secluded atmosphere.

(pictured: Colorado Lake)

People say Corvallis is unaffordable in terms of home ownership, and it is, but hidden gems like Colorado Lake Co-op can buck those trends. Past listings in the community have ranged from roughly $145,000 to $197,000. And residents own the land.

That means, unlike many other manufactured home parks, the land cannot be sold out from underneath residents, adding both value and security. Of course, that ownership also comes with costs, and the co-op carries an HOA fee of about $565 per month.

Break that down for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a 10% down payment, on a $150,000 home in Colorado Lake Co-op, and you’re looking at a monthly payment of $861.00. So about $1426 a month with the HOA’s. That’s cheaper than rent for a standard 2-bedroom apartment here in town.

There are no current listings at Colorado Lake Co-op, but a few homes sold there in 2025.

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Sometimes in the news business, you get beat. Someone breaks a story first, has better information, or publishes a similar idea before you do. That’s exactly what local elementary school student Molly MacClary did to us. She beat us to it. She crushed our dreams. She launched the 1st Annual Corvallis Kitty Contest, an idea that had been on our list for quite some time.

Rather than go to war (or get into a cat fight) with this thoughtful and inspiring elementary school student by launching a competing contest of our own, we decided to put our tails between our legs and support her in this endeavor.

Molly attends Muddy Creek Charter School and loves animals. Molly describes the planning process:

“Me and my dad used my dad’s amazing computer skills to create a poster and do all of the planning and how to do it, and the stuff we needed to do it.”

“The Corvallis Kitty Contest is a competition for all ages to compete with their fluffy companions. The goal is fun and to bring all different kinds of cat owners together.”

We would’ve said “my dad and I” but never would’ve thought of the main goal being “fun.” That’s just good marketing Molly. Below is the flyer Molly and her dad came up with… QR code technology and all.

Via Molly and her media manager: On May 22nd at 4pm there will be a fun meeting at Peanut Park, including all participants and their cats to see if you are the lucky pair that won “Best Cat In Town.”

“If you weren’t the lucky pair, you can still win “best dressed cat” and extra points for matching outfits with your cat at the awards celebration!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

This is a sweet initiative and will likely create a variety of valuable learning experiences for Molly at a young age. We often remember things like this when we get older. Let’s support Molly and her contest and help make it a memorable moment.

Enter your cat, or dress it up, and head to Peanut Park on Friday, May 22, at 4pm. Or share the link with someone you know who might be interested. We are fairly certain it’d be fine to bring your cat without a costume as well. Here is a link to the form if you’re not into QR codes:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhwMIW_0t1DdDaETkW4L9MXQkpo5Og3KTYinhcEalHBBgSDQ/viewform

This is community Corvallis.

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Samaritan Health Services is a widely discussed issue in Corvallis, especially with the pending change in ownership. We decided to take a look at the organization’s latest publicly available Form 990 tax filings and break down some of the numbers into a more easily understandable read. ProPublica’s most recent filings are from 2024, as the 2025 filings have not yet been posted.

Last year, Samaritan Health Services announced plans to affiliate with Tacoma-based MultiCare Health System. This deal was described publicly as an affiliation, that would effectively place the much larger MultiCare in control.

This affiliation comes as Samaritan faces mounting financial pressure from rising healthcare costs and reimbursements that have not kept pace. MultiCare has said it plans to make major investments into Samaritan over the next decade.

Breaking down the most recent publicly available IRS Form 990 filings, they paint a picture of a regional healthcare system under significant financial pressure, despite generating hundreds of millions in annual revenue.

According to the 2024 IRS Form 990 filing, Samaritan Health Services reported:

• $327.7 million in total revenue

• $380.1 million in total expenses

A net loss of roughly $52.4 million. That represents a major deterioration from the previous 2023 fiscal year, when the organization reported a loss of approximately $20.9 million. More than doubling their losses year over year.

At the same time:

• liabilities increased to over $301 million

• total assets fell to roughly $272 million

For a nonprofit healthcare system, negative net assets become an important long-term warning sign if sustained over multiple years.

Who Gets Paid What

One of the clearest trends in the filing is rising labor costs. Samaritan reported $171.7 million spent on salaries, compensation, and employee benefits in 2024. That was up nearly $10 million from the prior year. The organization listed 1,583 employees.

Additional payroll-related expenses included:

• $115.3 million in salaries and wages

• $29.8 million in employee benefits

• $9.4 million in payroll taxes

• $6.5 million in pension contributions

One number that stood out most to us in the filing was how much Samaritan spent on outside staffing contractors. The largest independent contractor listed was Medefis Inc., which Samaritan paid $31.6 million. Other major staffing contractors included:

• Oregon Oncology Specialists LLP — $7.5 million

• CompHealth — $6.4 million

Together, just those three staffing-related contractors accounted for over $45 million. Medfefis Inc. provides access to a national network of staffing suppliers, allowing for competitive, fair-market rates. Healthcare systems nationwide have struggled with staffing shortages since the pandemic. They now often rely on expensive traveling nurses, contract physicians, and temporary labor.

Executive Compensation

The filing also discloses compensation for top executives and physicians.

Douglas Boysen — President & CEO

• $1,336,861 compensation - $71,010 additional compensation

Laura Hennum — VP / CEO Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center

• $802,185 compensation - $45,907 additional compensation

Robert Turngren, MD — Chief Physician Executive

• $647,392 compensation - $66,045 additional compensation

Joseph Cahill — COO

• $628,698 compensation - $58,457 additional compensation

Daniel Smith — CFO

• $622,805 compensation - $66,116 additional compensation

Other Top 10 Highly Compensated Employees

Outside of those 5 individuals, the next top 10 executives and medical leaders received compensation packages exceeding $300,000 annually, including:

• Wendie Wunderwald, VP CEO MVH (through September)

  $536,648 compensation + $52,879 additional compensation

• Margaret Mikula, MD, VP Chief Quality Officer

  $506,638 compensation + $71,975 additional compensation

• Bruce Butler, VP CEO Health Plans

  $510,080 compensation + $43,964 additional compensation

• Pankaj Sapra, SVP / CIO

  $461,225 compensation + $73,414 additional compensation

• Lesley Ogden, MD, VP CEO NLH / CEO SPCH

  $464,515 compensation + $60,746 additional compensation

• Kelley Kaiser, VP / CAO

  $448,420 compensation + $70,133 additional compensation

• Daniel Keteri, VP CEO SAGH

  $427,713 compensation + $66,520 additional compensation

• Tyler Jacobsen, VP Chief Legal Officer

  $377,517 compensation + $75,766 additional compensation

• Julie Osgood, VP COO SMG

  $381,463 compensation + $41,820 additional compensation

• Daniel Rackham, VP CEO MVH (starting August)

  $297,542 compensation + $68,730 additional compensation

The combined total compensation and additional compensation for these 15 Samaritan Health Services executives and leaders was $9,383,184.

The filing also shows Samaritan spent:

• $99,794 on lobbying expenses in 2024

The organization checked “Yes” indicating it engaged in lobbying activities during the tax year. The filing does not indicate direct political campaign activity.

IRS Form 990 filings offer one of the most detailed public looks into the hospital finances. It’s not just us though, Samaritan is facing the same pressures hitting healthcare systems nationwide, including rising labor costs, reliance on expensive contract staffing, shrinking margins, large infrastructure expenses, and mounting liabilities (see $100 million lawsuit).

At the same time, executive compensation remains substantial, even as the nonprofit system posted major financial losses.

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We did our best (worst) tabloid-style investigation here.

Sadly, after almost 30 years of indoor soccer, birthday parties, youth leagues, and community events, Corvallis Sports Park announced this week that it will officially close in June. A lot of special memories and moments were made there, by and for community members over the past few decades.

A sad announcement for the community.

The announcement was sent directly through an email from ownership and staff. According to the email, the facility’s ownership group accepted an offer on the building, bringing an end to the indoor sports facility.

“CSP started 30 years ago as a vision between two friends,” the email stated. “The park was designed and built under the leadership of Blake Leamy and Jeff Merten along with the investment support of five investors who loved soccer.”

Ownership described the decision to sell as difficult, acknowledging that the building became a “second home” for many players, families, coaches, and staff over the years. The email also confirmed what comes next for the facility:

“Moving forward, the new owners are remodeling the building for indoor pickle ball.” The facility’s final day open is scheduled for June 7.

The New Ownership Group

While the email confirms the building has been sold, we don’t believe the identity of the new ownership group has yet been publicly announced. The best we could do is some digging, and make some obvious connections… then draw some more Inquirer-style connections.

An Oregon LLC called TWIN OAKS GROUP, LLC was formed on February 20, 2026. State business records list the company’s registered address as: 175 SW Twin Oaks Circle, Corvallis, Oregon… the exact address of Corvallis Sports Park (the filing also lists a mailing address of: 1415 NE Bear Creek Rd, Bend, Oregon).

The timing is notable. At this point, no public filing directly confirms Twin Oaks Group, LLC as the buyer. However, the timing of the filing… and the matching address… do connect some obvious dots.

We can stretch this a lot further. But this is a “conspiracy theory” style stretch at best.

While the registered address for Twin Oaks is the Corvallis Sports Park current address… the mailing address for Twin Oaks Group, LLC is in Bend, Oregon. The address appears online in connection with several holding and investment-style LLCs.

A dedicated pickleball tap house called Ballers & Brews opened in September 2025… in Bend, Oregon.

Is Corvallis in line for a similar type of establishment like Ballers & Brews in Bend? The Corvallis Sports Club already has the pub infrastructure built in… The Upper Deck.

We’ll see.

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After we posted a short write-up yesterday detailing the $100 million wrongful death lawsuit filed against Good Samaritan Hospital here in Corvallis, the story grabbed national headlines today…front-page national headlines.

(family submitted photo)

After the Inquirer’s post, OregonLive picked up the story. OregonLive is an affiliated website of The Oregonian, the largest news publication in the state. OregonLive’s coverage then caught the attention of The Daily Mail. The Daily Mail is a British-born publication that operates a U.S. section on its website. It is ranked among the top 10 news sources in the U.S., drawing more than 94 million active monthly readers. Other national media outlets then picked up the story and fed it to their affiliates, including MSN.

The $100 million wrongful death lawsuit filed against Good Samaritan Medical Center here in Corvallis continued to draw national attention today, after coverage from the Daily Mail and other major outlets.

The lawsuit centers around the death of 18-year-old Ethan Cantrell of Alsea following treatment for a logging-related injury. According to the Daily Mail article, the lawsuit alleges hospital staff failed to properly identify and remove debris embedded in Cantrell’s arm wound after the accident.

The legal filing claims medics did not perform CT scans that may have revealed the debris lodged inside the injury, and also failed to administer the full range of antibiotics that could have potentially saved his life. The Daily Mail further reported that Cantrell was later transferred to a second hospital, where surgeons attempted to save him by amputating his arm at the shoulder. He reportedly died five days later.

“It’s just a sad, sad case,” attorney Brent Barton, representing Cantrell’s estate, told the Daily Mail.

The case has now spread beyond Corvallis, gaining traction across national and international news platforms. The case has now been entered into the Benton County court system, as we reported yesterday.

The lawsuit accuses multiple parties of negligence, including Good Samaritan, two physicians involved in the treatment, and the emergency medical group associated with the hospital’s ER operations, which we believe is Mary’s Peak Emergency Physicians.

The Mary’s Peak Emergency Physicians website list “anesthesiology” on their homepage. Anesthesiologists and anesthesia providers commonly administer antibiotics in the operating room to prevent surgical site infections.

A reader wrote into us yesterday after the post with this comment:

“I think it’s really interesting that the family is chosing to seek legal action against the medical care vs the employer. Why did he get so severely injured in the first place you know what I mean?

I don’t know if these types of cases discuss the proof openly, but I’m assuming that the doctors at OHSU would have noticed the agregious amount of debris the family claimed remained in the wound. But if there isn’t proof that the wound was not cleaned well, this might just be a case of a tragic death and the grief of a family “lashing out legally” so to say. I think it’s not uncommon for tragic deaths to try to find “justice” any way they can.”

There is also the question of who ultimately pays if liability is found. Practitioners and hospitals carry insurance, so how much do they actually pay out directly? Do insurance rates then increase, similar to auto insurance? And if so, are those higher costs eventually passed on to the public through the price of medical care?

Story developing…

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A $100 million wrongful death lawsuit has now been filed following the death of an 18-year-old Alsea man after treatment at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center.

The lawsuit centers around Ethan Cantrell. He was a logger from the Alsea area who suffered an arm injury while working in August 2024. According to the court filing, Cantrell went to the emergency room at Good Samaritan for treatment for his injury. His family alleges material and debris were left inside the wound, leading to a fast-moving infection that became fatal days later.

Court documents claim Cantrell’s condition deteriorated after the ER visit. He was then transferred to Oregon Health & Science University Hospital in Portland, where doctors performed emergency surgeries in an attempt to stop the spread of the infection. He died less than a week after the original injury.

The lawsuit accuses multiple parties of negligence, including Good Samaritan, two physicians involved in the treatment, and the emergency medical group associated with the hospital’s ER operations, which we believe is Mary’s Peak Emergency Physicians.

The lawsuit has now entered the Benton County court system, where future hearings and scheduling decisions are expected to take place.

Attorneys repping the family allege organic material such as moss, pine needles, and wood debris remained inside the wound after treatment. The suit claims that failing to fully clean and manage the injury contributed to the infection becoming life-threatening.

Ethan was part of a long-time timber family with generations of ties to Oregon’s logging industry. He was a fifth-generation logger and was working in the woods when he suffered the injury that would later become fatal.

Oregon law states that damages tied to pain and suffering in wrongful death lawsuits are restricted by state limits… while financial losses such as medical expenses or lost income are calculated separately. Because of those caps, the compensation requested for noneconomic damages in the lawsuit may differ from any amount ultimately awarded, if the case moves forward and is not settled out of court.

The case is now entering the Benton County court process, where hearings and scheduling will proceed locally. This case has just been entered into the legal system. No rulings have been made, and the allegations outlined in the lawsuit will be contested through the court process.

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May is officially bike month. Corvallis consistently ranks among the most bike-friendly cities in the country. About 11% of residents commute by bike, placing it among the top small cities in the U.S. for cycling commuters.

PeopleForBikes' City Ratings measure the quality and the connectedness of a city's bike network. It also measures the system of protected bike lanes, off-street paths, slow shared streets, and safe crossings that measure the comfort level of people to bike around a city.

Bike Month, celebrated nationally since 1956, encourages people to ride for commuting, errands, recreation, and community connection. With the current average price of gas at $5.25 in Oregon right now, bike month seems more economical than ever.

We also have a non-profit cycling club if you are looking for people to ride with. The Mid-Valley Bicycle Club keeps Corvallis rolling. They have a full list of events for May on their website. Some of these include group rides and campouts. There are membership fees involved, but it sounds like a solid investment for some community.

We broke down some of the biking events for May and bike shops in town. Shop Local.

The city has a full list of bike events in town for the month of May:

National Bike & Roll to School Day - May, 7 - 7:15am – 7:55am: Bessie Coleman Elementary School, 3838 NW Walnut Blvd - Celebrate active commuting while building community, safety, and school spirit for students and families.

SAFE Corvallis Bike Happy Hour - May, 8 - 4:00pm – 6:00pm: Laughing Planet, 127 NW 2nd St - Casual meetup to connect with local riders and celebrate Corvallis’ cycling culture.

Team Dirt Trail Work (OSU/Starker Forest) - May, 9 - 10:00am – 1:00pm: Oak Creek Trailhead, 8600 NW Oak Creek Dr - Volunteer work day focused on improving local trail systems in McDonald Forest and surrounding areas.

Filmed By Bike - May, 9 - 7:00pm - Whiteside Theatre, 361 SW Madison Ave: Bicycle film screening and social gathering bringing together the local cycling community.

Team Dirt Mountain Bike Thursdays - May, 14 - 6:30pm – 8:00pm: Common Fields, 545 SW 3rd St - Monthly meetup for riders to hang out, share stories, and plan upcoming rides and adventures.

Mid-Valley Bicycle Club Midge Cramer Ride - May, 16 - 10:00am: Osborn Aquatic Center, 1940 NW Highland Dr - Annual ride honoring a founding member of the local cycling community and celebrating his legacy.

Corvallis Spring Roll - May, 17 - 10:00am – 2:00pm: Cloverland Park, 1605 NW 29th St - Kid-focused bike and trike event designed to build confidence and create a fun, safe riding experience.

Bike In & Set Off a “Chain” Reaction - May, 19 - 5:00pm – 7:00pm: Southtown Farmstand & Market, 1361 SE Alexander Ave - Ride in for free drinks, giveaways, and a community-focused bike gathering.

Ride of Silence - May, 20 - 6:30pm (gather), 7:00pm (ride): Osborn Aquatic Center, 1940 NW Highland Dr - Memorial ride honoring cyclists while raising awareness for road safety and sharing the road.

More info can be found on the city website here.

If you are looking to bike commute more, especially with the high price of gas, some local bike shop options include:

Corvallis Cyclery | 344 SW 2nd St - A longtime staple in downtown, Corvallis Cyclery is known for its experienced staff, reliable repairs, and roots in the local cycling community. It’s a go-to spot for quality service and practical expertise.

Peak Bike & Outdoor | 207 NW 2nd St - One of our most recognizable outdoor retailers, Peak Bike & Outdoor offers a wide selection of bikes, gear, and accessories alongside knowledgeable staff. With decades of history in town, it serves as both a bike shop and a hub for the outdoor community.

Spicy Pedals | 582 SW Adams Ave - A newer addition, Spicy Pedals focuses on accessible, community-driven service with an emphasis on affordability and inclusivity. Reviews say they have a quick turnaround repairs and a welcoming atmosphere.

Corvallis Bicycle Collective | 707 NW 11th St - Our go to shop. The Corvallis Bicycle Collective is a nonprofit focused on making biking accessible to everyone. Offering used bikes, repair education, and community programs, it plays a role in lowering barriers and supporting a more inclusive biking culture.

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The City Council is set to discuss the potential implementation of a local payroll tax or personal income tax during a work session on May 7. The discussion is spurred by the City facing a significant and growing budget gap tied to both operational costs and future facility investments.

Even if implemented, this would take 2 or more years to take effect “depending on the structure and means of administering and collection of the tax.”

The City Council work session is on May 7, at 4:00 p.m., Madison Avenue Meeting Room, 500 SW Madison Avenue. There is also a zoom link available: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Pn6u6a_XQQOpyf0mePbpFA

According to the work session agenda, Corvallis is currently facing an estimated $18.4 million annual funding need, including roughly $14.3 million for police and civic campus facilities and about $4 million for ongoing operations.

To address this gap, Council previously directed staff to explore new revenue options, including a payroll tax and a personal income tax. Both options could fund long-term operations as well as major capital projects, but they differ in how they are applied and who they could impact.

These are the options listed in the work session agenda:

Option A) Flat rate Payroll Tax, with No Exceptions: A 1% rate shared evenly by Employers & Employees, with no exceptions.

Option B) Flat rate Payroll Tax, with Exceptions: A 1% tax, shared evenly by Employers & Employees, with a full exemption for Employees earning below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI)

Option C) Flat Rate Personal Income Tax: A 0.68% rate applies to all taxable income.

Option D) Graduated Personal Income Tax: A 1% to 2% tax applied based on filing status and total taxable income.

A payroll tax would apply to wages earned within the city and could be split between employers and employees. A personal income tax would apply to the income of residents.

Staff noted that either option would likely require additional administrative resources. In other words, implementing any of these tax options would bring in more revenue for the city, but it’s not free… there are costs involved in collecting and administering that revenue. In some cases, a personal income tax could potentially be administered by the State of Oregon, reducing the local administrative burden.

Several potential structures will be reviewed, including flat-rate and graduated tax models, as well as options that exempt lower-income residents.

Stay calm. At this stage, the discussion is for information only, with no immediate action planned. The conversation does signal that new local taxes are being seriously considered as part of the long-term financial strategy.

In terms of Area Median Income (and this will obviously change in the future, if and when the taxes get implemented), this applies to option B and option D.

According to 2025 HUD data, the 2025 Area Median Income for a four-person family in the Corvallis area is $126,300. That’s considered “100% AMI” used for housing programs and policy discussions. So at 60%, a 4-person household earning below $75,780 (at current AMI) would be exempt from the tax in option B.

Option D would most likely include a sliding scale, where lower-income tiers pay a smaller percentage compared to higher-income households.

These tax options are still a long way off, but this marks the start of the discussion. Based on the options presented, it appears the city is weighing either a payroll tax or an income tax, not both. Options A and B involve payroll taxes, while options C and D involve income taxes.

We’ll see what happens.

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This article is so inconclusive and leaves so many more questions than answers that it’s fair to say it’s probably a waste of time to read. But if the honorable Circuit Court Judge Joan E. Demarest could spend time on this, we will as well, and, as promised, publish a write-up. This is interesting information, and public information supported by taxpayer dollars… but fair warning, there are more dead ends here than answers.

Backstory, if you didn’t read: Flat Tail Brewing Part 2. Next.

Case number 23CN00191 is a petition for an order of contempt against the Corvallis Club. Information was requested from the club, and the court heard arguments; however, the respondent, “Corvallis Country Club,” did not appear or provide the requested information. The petition for an order of contempt was granted and signed by the judge. The respondent was fined $500 for each business day beginning April 7, 2023, with all fines payable to the court, along with legal fees of $5,290.50. Next.

The documents were served by a process server, Mercuty PDX, to the parties involved. Signed receipt by Jef Van Arsdall, Sheriff Benton County, Oregon. Next.

We contacted the Benton County District Attorney, who responded quickly, provided helpful information, and clarified that this is a Circuit Court matter, part of the state judicial branch, while their office operates at the county level. Interestingly, county and circuit court cases are heard in the same downtown building, but are branches that operate independently. So, kudos to the DA for responding… taxpayer dollars at work. Next.

We contacted the Corvallis Police Department, who were also quick to respond and very helpful. They directed us to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, noting that it falls under their jurisdiction, not the Corvallis PD’s. So, kudos to the Corvallis Police Department as well, taxpayer dollars at work. Next.

We contacted the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, who also responded quickly, so kudos to them as well. In summary, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the defendant (The Corvallis Club) was formally served in person by a sheriff’s sergeant with a full set of legal documents, including a contempt order and a monetary judgment. Next.

The court’s message was delivered clearly and officially, but that’s where the process stopped, which is odd. The Sheriff’s Office says it never received a writ of execution, the legal mechanism required to actually enforce the judgment. Without it, no further action could be taken. The writ is a court order that authorizes the sheriff to seize a debtor's assets, money in a bank account, personal property, or real estate, to satisfy the debt.

This is a court order that was signed by a judge, acknowledged, delivered, and documented, but not enforced.

We contacted the Circuit Court judge’s office to ask why no writ of execution was issued with the judgement, but we never received a response. It’s only been 3 days. If they respond, we will post an update.

There are a few things we were looking for here.

One is justice. And justice was not served.

There were no penalties for the Corvallis Club being held in contempt of court, for disobeying a judge’s order, and ignoring the legal framework we often depend on for protection. We also help fund this framework through taxpayer dollars. The courts generate revenue as well. In cases like this, contempt-of-court fines typically go to the state, county, or a local municipality’s general fund. Instead, time was spent on this case with no return to the state or county. That makes us angry. It should make you angry as well.

We were also looking for an answer as to why the Corvallis Club was not required to pay the court-ordered fines. It appears the answer is that no writ of execution was included in the judgment. But that answer raises another question: why was there no writ of execution? Why would a judge hear a case, issue a judgment, and spend time on it, only for that judgment not to be enforced, especially when the Corvallis Club ignored the court’s orders?

In all honesty, a judge is far more knowledgeable about the law than we are, in fact, we’re certain of it. It’s not easy to become a judge. We assume there is a valid reason this penalty was not enforced, but we’ve asked and have yet to receive a response.

Should we not fear a contempt of court because the penalties won’t be enforced? Doesn’t a subpoena exist to compel the production of required information for the court? If that information can’t be obtained, doesn’t that contribute to a breakdown in the system? What’s the point of a subpoena at all if it doesn’t produce any information? Are the courts powerless if enforcement is not written or followed up on?

We have another question without an answer. We did receive (more than 10) angry emails in response to Flat Tail Brewing Part 2. Someone even mentioned it to us in person. This anger was directed at the Duncans. Stories of how members of the community were harmed by them in various ways. Complaints. Voices. Some even expressed fear of retribution.

These emails and complaints are hearsay. We didn’t investigate each and every one of them to verify their validity. But over 10 of them? That’s a lot. That’s a pattern. And we did verify a few.

We believe in second chances, but not in this case. This would be more like 12th, 13th, or 14th chances, especially given a documented pattern of wrongdoing. We have court documents, conversations, and emails from readers to support this. We don’t fear retribution… in fact, we welcome it. Let’s keep the story alive, shed more light on the matter, until justice is served.

The question is, why would the Corvallis Club employ these individuals? It has already faced legal fines. To us, hiring them and posting their profiles on the website seems like negative publicity, especially when these are people who have harmed the community in various ways, including stealing and embezzling money from a much-loved local business (12-person jury agrees).

Don’t expect answers from the Corvallis Club, any general inquiry emails appear to go straight to Tonya Duncan’s email address.

We won’t be signing up for a membership anytime soon.

On a side note, we honestly have no idea if the court-ordered fines against the Corvallis Club are still running. By our math, it’s been 783 business days since the judgement. At $500 per day. Tack on the $5290.50 legal fees, and we are up to: $396,790.50.

Like we said, contempt-of-court fines typically go to the state, county, or a local municipality’s general fund. Google says “once a fine is formally imposed by a judge, it remains due until paid or the court orders otherwise.” We know Google is not a lawyer either, but we do know $396,790.50 is a lot of money.

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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 calendar: editor@corvallisnow.com

May 1 (Friday)

Kitten Khaos! - Heartland Humane and Greenhouse Coffee unite. Pet. Cuddle. Shop. - 4:00pm - 8:00pm - Greenhouse Coffee + Plants

Friday Night Lights - Friday Lights is a monthly event that brings the Corvallis downtown area to life with music, art, food, and community connection - 5:00pm - 8:00pm - Downtown Corvallis - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/eventdetail/5143/corvallis-friday-lights

First Friday Free Walking Tour - Connecting you to local stories as we explore an invisible side of downtown Corvallis. You’ll also have an opportunity to engage with fellow learning, story, or history enthusiasts - 5:30pm - Courtyard Marriott - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/eventdetail/5506/free-wallking-tour

May Day Party - Celebrate May Day with American Dream Pizza at the Campus location. There will be live music as well as a DJ - 4:00pm - Midnight - 2525 NW Monroe Avenue - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/eventdetail/5495/may-day-party

First Friday Drag Show & After Party - A high-energy monthly drag show followed by an after party at the Retro Arcade with discounted entry for attendees wearing wristbands - 8:00pm – 10:30pm - Common Fields, 545 SW 3rd St

Just AI: Brian Merchant - A talk exploring the human cost of AI and automation, featuring journalist and author Brian Merchant as part of the PRAx Just AI Series - 5:30pm – 7:00pm - Ray Theater, PRAx (Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts) - https://www.grassrootsbookstore.com/events/4957320260501

May 2 (Saturday)

McDonald Forest 50k - Challenging 50k ultramarathon trail run traversing from Peavy Arboretum to McCulloch Peak and Dimple Hill - 7:00am - 8692 NW Peavy Arboretum Road - https://www.mac50k.org/

OSU Pet Day - A free annual community event featuring family-friendly activities like teddy bear surgery, kid zone, Picasso puppy painting, and dozens of booths focused on animal health, wellness, and adoption - 10:00am – 3:00pm - Magruder Hall, Oregon State University, 700 SW 30th St - https://vetmed.oregonstate.edu/osu-pet-day

Unlocking Art - A free community engagement program at The Arts Center featuring interactive activities that explore exhibitions in new and meaningful ways, including Reformation – Kim Smith Claudel - 1:00pm – 2:00pm - The Arts Center - https://theartscenter.net/unlocking-art/

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

Free Comic Book Day 2026 - A fun, family-friendly event with free comics and bonus giveaways for participating in themed activities like costumes, social media engagement, and more - 11:00am - Matt’s Cavalcade of Comics, 2075 NW Buchanan Ave

Contra Dance Night - Beginner lesson + dance - 7:00pm - Corvallis - https://corvallisfolklore.org/home/calendar/

May 3 (Sunday)

Corvallis Spring Garden Festival - The Spring and Garden Festival is Corvallis’ annual celebration of spring and community, located at the Art Center Plaza on the first Sunday in May - 10:00am - 4:00pm - The Arts Center Plaza, 700 SW Madison Ave - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/eventdetail/5477/corvallis-spring-garden-festival-2026

The Amazing Bubble Man - A mesmerizing, family-friendly performance blending art, science, and entertainment with incredible bubble creations that delight both kids and adults - 2:00pm - LaSells Stewart Center, Oregon State University - http://amazingbubbleman.com/

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

May 5 (Tuesday)

Graphic Novel Club: Rare Flavours Discussion - A virtual book club hosted by the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library discussing Rare Flavours by Ram V and Filipe Andrade, with new members welcome - 6:00pm – 7:00pm - Virtual Event (Corvallis-Benton County Public Library)

Writer’s Night - A recurring creative gathering for writers, poets, and songwriters with a chance to workshop ideas and share work in a relaxed environment - 6:00pm – 8:00pm - Greenhouse Coffee + Plants, 308 SW Monroe Ave

May 7 (Thursday)

PRAx Presents: American Strings: Eliades Ochoa - A special event featuring legendary Cuban musician Eliades Ochoa in conversation followed by a full live performance celebrating traditional Son Cubano music - 12:00pm - PRAx (Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts), 470 SW 15th St

Mother’s Day Floral Design Workshop & Wine Tasting - A hands-on floral arranging workshop led by florist Pami Monnette featuring local flowers, plus a complimentary wine tasting from Vitae Springs Winery and food discounts - 6:00pm - Hotel Corvallis

May 9 (Saturday)

The Thyme Garden’s Art in the Garden Mother’s Day Festival - The festival features artists from around the region as well as music and dancing against the backdrop of the Thyme Garden’s 2-acre display gardens and 80 acres of rambling forest paths - 11:00am - 4:00pm - 20546 Alsea Hwy - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/eventdetail/3005/art-in-the-garden-mothers-day-festival

Filmed by Bike - The worlds best bike movies are back - 7:00pm - Whiteside Theatre - corvallisbikes.org

Farmers Market - Weekly market - 9:00am – 1:00pm - Riverfront - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/events

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

Singu-Hilarity STEM Comedy Variety Show - A science-themed comedy and performance show featuring comedians, parody songs, and human-robot acts blending classic vaudeville with modern technology - 7:30pm - Majestic Theatre, 115 SW 2nd St, Corvallis

USATF Oregon Middle School Track & Field Championships - The Oregon Middle School Meet of Champions is hosting the USATF Oregon Middle School Track & Field Championships - 8:30am - 5:00pm - Corvallis High School

Fabric Sale Fundraiser for manyworld - Saturday May 9th and Sunday May 10th only, Proceeds support manyworld projects and programming - 11:00am - 3:00pm - manyworld 1013 NW Taylor

May 10 (Sunday)

The Thyme Garden’s Art in the Garden Mother’s Day Festival - The festival features artists from around the region as well as music and dancing against the backdrop of the Thyme Garden’s 2-acre display gardens and 80 acres of rambling forest paths - 11:00am - 4:00pm - 20546 Alsea Hwy - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/eventdetail/3005/art-in-the-garden-mothers-day-festival

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

May 12 (Tuesday)

Figure Drawing Sessions - Refine your skills in our figure drawing sessions with a nude model, open to artists 18 and older*. These non-instructional sessions offer a calm, focused space to practice gesture, proportion, and form - 6:00pm – 8:00pm - The Arts Center - https://theartscenter.net/figure-drawing-sessions/

May 14 (Thursday)

Graand Kinetic Challenge Fundraiser at Common Fields - A day-long fundraiser where a portion of food sales supports the Graand Kinetic Challenge, featuring community engagement and limited-edition art posters - 12:00pm – 9:00pm - Common Fields

May 15 (Friday)

The Devil Made Me Do It: Presented by Mortem Revue - An 18+ live performance event focused on community and confidence, featuring Mortem Revue at the Whiteside Theatre - 8:00pm - Whiteside Theatre, 361 SW Madison Ave

Mental Health First Aid Training - A free, full-day evidence-based course teaching participants how to recognize and support mental health and substance use challenges, with CEU credits available and no prior experience required - 9:00am – 5:00pm - Benton County Health Department, 4077 Southwest Research Way - bit.ly/BentonCoMHFA-May26

May 16 (Saturday)

​​CorkVallis - A lively downtown wine walk where attendees stroll through participating shops and businesses, tasting pours from featured wineries while exploring everything Downtown Corvallis has to offer - 2:00pm - 6:00pm - Downtown - https://downtown-corvallis.org/event/corkvallis-wine-walk-corvllis-2026/

Farmers Market - Weekly market - 9:00am – 1:00pm - Riverfront - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/events

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

May 17 (Sunday)

The Corvallis Spring Roll - The Spring Roll is a fun place for kids to experience the thrill of riding independently in a safe and exciting environment - 10:00am - 1605 NW 29th Street -

https://www.corvallisspringroll.com/

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

Corvallis-OSU Symphony: Spring Concert - A classical concert conducted by Erik Leung featuring works by Meyer, Copland, Montgomery, and William Grant Still, performed by one of Oregon’s oldest orchestras - 3:00pm - PRAx (Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts), 470 SW 15th St

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

May 19 (Tuesday)

Portrait Essays: A Writing Workshop: Writing, Art, and Understanding - A cross-generational workshop led by Peggy Purdue using writing, art, and journalism techniques to explore identity, perspective, and deeper understanding - 2:00pm - Corvallis Museum and Cultural Center

May 21 (Thursday)

Business After Hours - Connect, network and unwind, Hosted by Block 15 Brewing - 5:00pm - 7:00pm - 3415 SW Deschutes St.

MUSE - MUSE: Art Grows Here - A free, all-ages event celebrating local rural arts organizations with hands-on activities, live music, and community art experiences - 4:00pm – 7:00pm - Corvallis Museum and Cultural Center, 411 SW Second Street

Landscapes Reimagined: Philip Stork - Reception - Through layered compositions, Philip Stork explores movement across space and time. His abstract landscapes emerge from imagination while drawing from the colors and environments he’s encountered through travel - 5:30 - 7:00pm - 700 SW Madison Avenue

May 22 (Friday)

Alt Prom: Gothic Glam - Music, food, photo booth, min drag show - 6:30pm - 9:00pm - Corvallis Community Center - 2601 NW Tyler Ave

Lauren Kessler: Everything Changes Everything - Grass Roots hosts Lauren Kessler for a reading and discussion of her new book Everything Changes Everything - 6:00pm – 7:30pm - Grass Roots Books & Music - https://www.grassrootsbookstore.com/events/5081320260522

May 23 (Saturday)

Farmers Market - Weekly market - 9:00am - Riverfront - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/events

May 24 (Sunday)

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

Craft Circle - Social crafts - 3:00pm - manyworld - https://www.manyworld.diy/calendar

May 27 (Wednesday)

May 28 (Thursday)

Voices of the Valley: Corvallis Poets Reading & Reflection - An evening of readings and reflections celebrating the release of an anthology featuring influential Corvallis poets from the past 40 years - 6:00pm – 9:00pm - Corvallis Museum and Cultural Center, 411 SW 2nd St - https://leftforkbooks.com/books/voicesofthevalley/

May 30 (Saturday)

64 Bits or Less 2026 — Retro Gaming Festival & Swap Meet - We’re bringing back one of the best weekends of the year for gamers, collectors, and nostalgia lovers alike. Whether you grew up with these games or are just discovering them now, we’ve built an event where everyone can find joy in the classics - 10:00am - 7:00pm - Benton County Event Center & Fairgrounds

Pigs on the Wing – 20th Anniversary Show - A high-energy tribute to Pink Floyd featuring seasoned Pacific Northwest musicians celebrating 20 years of performances - 8:00pm - Whiteside Theatre, 361 SW Madison Ave

Tattoo Pop-Up at 2 Towns Taproom - A public tattoo event featuring licensed artists including Austin Fillmore and Monica Amneus, offering first-come, first-served black ink tattoos along with food and drinks - 1:00pm - 7:00pm - 2 Towns Taproom, 33930 SE Eastgate Circle

Farmers Market - Weekly market - 9:00am - Riverfront - https://www.visitcorvallis.com/events

May 31 (Sunday)

64 Bits or Less 2026 — Retro Gaming Festival & Swap Meet - We’re bringing back one of the best weekends of the year for gamers, collectors, and nostalgia lovers alike. Whether you grew up with these games or are just discovering them now, we’ve built an event where everyone can find joy in the classics - 10:00am - 7:00pm - Benton County Event Center & Fairgrounds

Celtic Session - 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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One of Corvallis’ spring traditions is returning this weekend, bringing together local growers, artists, and community members to celebrate the start of the gardening season.

The annual Corvallis Spring Garden Festival will take place on Sunday, May 3, from 10:00am to 4:00pm at The Arts Center Plaza and along Madison Avenue between 7th and 8th streets, adjacent to Central Park. The event is free and open to the public. How can you not like that?

The festival offers a mix of vendors and activities centered around gardening, sustainability, and local craftsmanship. People can browse a selection of plants and goods, including annuals, perennials, succulents, herbs, specialty plants, seeds, and garden art.

Vendors will also feature handmade items such as ceramics, woven willow art, gifts, and personal care products. Food will be available from local vendors, including Wild Yeast and Whole Flower Farms, offering both sweet and savory options, with gluten-free and vegan choices.

In addition to shopping and food, the festival will include live music from local performers and a variety of activities designed for children, making it family-friendly.

The event is organized with a focus on sustainability and community engagement. This year’s festival is sponsored by the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition, Corvallis Parks and Recreation Department, Corvallis-Albany Farmers’ Market, and The Arts Center.

We are lucky to have strong local food and sustainability networks here. From backyard gardeners to small-scale farmers and artists, the festival creates a space where the community can connect, support local businesses, and share knowledge about growing and living more sustainably.

The Spring Garden Festival fits with a time when everything is getting more expensive. You can learn about sustainability, save money, support the environment, and connect with important nonprofit organizations in our community.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Van Buren Bridge is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, at 10:00am. It’s currently undergoing final touches, as we noticed today. How cool would it have been to hold the Spring Garden Festival on the bridge a few days before the ceremony? Maybe not so great for traffic on a Sunday… but we thought it was a fun idea to throw out there.

Here is a list of vendors participating this year:

• Corvallis Sustainability Coalition Food Action Team

• Jon King Pottery

• Humming Bee Nursery

• Manyworld

• Understory Art Studio

• Red Wolf Apothecary

• Honeystone Candles

• Everfree Farm

• Corylus Farms Hazelnut Oil and Flour

• Seven Small Stones

• Stephen Sever Copper and Stained Glass

• Far Out Gardening

• Tambourine Tree Nursery

• OSU Organic Growers Club

• Swamp Acres Wood Works

• The Entertainment Zone — buskers will be Wild Hogs, Marilyn Jordan, JD Ruse Circus, and Melanie Reid

• OSU Landscape & Urban Horticulture Club (with kids activities)

• Wild Yeast Bakery

• Whole Flower Farms

• CVHS Artists

• Honey Tree Apiaries

• UV Keramik

• The Arts Center

• Jovial Whims by Louie Gizyn

• The Thyme Garden

• Peace Seedlings & Peace Seeds

• Kusra Kapuler Art

• Garden Festival Info & Conversation Zone

• Owen Dell and Associates, LLC Landscape Architecture

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Editors note: May 2, 2026, The Visit Corvallis survey is now closed.

A pair of new community surveys is giving residents a direct line into local decision-making. These surveys focus on how public spaces are funded and used, as well as how the city presents itself to visitors.

Public agencies and organizations often rely on community feedback to guide funding, planning, and long-term priorities. Participation in these surveys can help us ensure decisions reflect the people who live here every day. Or at the very least, hear our input. We are grateful they offer these surveys.

Visit Corvallis Destination Experience Survey

Take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VCorDEP

Visit Corvallis is developing a “Destination Experience Plan,” aimed at shaping how Corvallis and Benton County are experienced by both visitors and locals.

The survey asks residents, workers, and volunteers to weigh in on what’s working, what’s missing, and what should be improved. It takes about 15–20 minutes to complete and is designed to guide future tourism strategy. A little bit of a longer survey, but we took it, and the questions were well thought out… it is worth the time input.

Visit Corvallis works within broader efforts to balance economic impact with community quality of life. Tourism decisions don’t just affect visitors… they impact housing, downtown development, events, infrastructure, and how crowded or accessible spaces feel for locals. Think www.14storycorvallis.org.

Library Community Survey

Take the survey: https://form.jotform.com/261026289469062

The local library survey focuses on how residents use library services today, and what they want to see in the future. That includes everything from physical spaces and collections to programming, accessibility, and community needs.

The library is more than just books, it functions as a community hub, offering internet access, educational programming, and a safe public space. Feedback from this survey can directly influence how resources are allocated, what services expand, and how the library adapts to changing community demands.

Library funding and programming decisions are often shaped by demonstrated public need. If residents don’t weigh in, priorities may not reflect actual usage or demand.

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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, the lawyers, or Flat Tail Brewing; it’s also about the enforcement system, the Benton County Circuit Court and even the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

There are parties responsible for upholding a judicial order. Signed by a judge. 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 Circuit Court or the Benton County Sherrif’s office 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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