Oregon had the highest voter turnout rate in the nation. Learn more here.

By the Associated Press

For the first time ever, Oregon had the highest voter turnout rate in the nation for last November’s elections.

Former Oregon Secretary of State Phil Keisling, who now leads a national effort to expand voting from home, said 61.5% of all the eligible citizens in Oregon cast a ballot, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported Thursday.

“We edged out Maine by .05%,” he said.

Keisling said Oregon has had a relatively high turnout rate since the state implemented its pioneering vote-by-mail system 25 years ago. He said the numbers have really ramped up…

The average gas price in Oregon has risen 9.3 cents in the last week. Find out more here.

CHICAGO (KTVZ) — Average gasoline prices in Oregon have risen 9.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.73/gallon Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 1,307 stations in Oregon.

Prices in Oregon are 5.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 16.5 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has risen 5.4 cents in the last week and stands at $4.65 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Oregon was priced at $3.09/g Sunday, while the most expensive was $4.79/g, a difference of $1.70/g.

The national…

St. Charles Health System announced Friday that four nurses have received The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, recognizing the outstanding, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day.

St. Charles says the nurses — which represent all four hospitals in Central Oregon — are nominated by patients, families and colleagues. A committee at St. Charles determines the recipients.

Here is more from St. Charles

The nurses—who represent all four St. Charles…

Bend High School has been awarded a large grant from the American Welding Society. Learn more here.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Senior High School has been awarded a $24,510 grant from the American Welding Society to upgrade its welding program and give students the opportunity to earn an entry-level, Level 1 welder certification while still in high school.

“We are really excited, since this will allow us to provide our students hands-on experience with the tools and equipment that are being used in the workplace right now, and create a pipeline for local businesses who desperately need these trade professionals,” instructor Chuck Hill said.

The funds were provided through the AWS Foundation as part of a nationally competitive…

Gov. Kate Brown forgives $1.8 million in traffic fines and fees. Learn more here.

By Central Oregon Daily News Sources

Gov. Kate Brown is forgiving some 7,000 Oregonians of their uncollected traffic fines and fees.

The governor issued the order Wednesday for court fines and fees that are associated with certain traffic violations that result in debt-based license suspensions. That’s about $1.8 million in fees.

Impacted drivers may soon seek reinstatement of their suspended license through the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Here is the full announcement from Gov. Brown’s office:

(Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today issued an order that remitted uncollected court fines and fees associated with certain traffic violation cases…

The price of a gallon of regular gasoline has fallen below $4 a gallon in the Portland area for the first time in 10 months.

Metro residents are paying $3.93 a gallon at the pump this week, according to AAA. Gas prices have been in a steep decline since October, when metro residents were paying $5.64 a gallon, a record high.

The relief comes as Oregonians embark on holiday road trips — and just ahead of…

Skyline Sports Complex in Bend has a groomed cross-country ski area. Find out more here.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Thanks to recent snowfall and help from volunteers, the Bend Park and Recreation District has a groomed cross-country ski area at Skyline Sports Complex in Bend.

The ski grooming at Skyline Sports Complex is done by community volunteers in partnership with Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation and BPRD.

Currently, there is a one-kilometer loop groomed for skiing, no track set. The groomed area is flat and users are asked to do their part to maintain the groomed surfaces by not walking or bringing dogs through the area.

“We need everyone’s cooperation to help keep this in-town skiing opportunity for…

The Doubletree Hilton Hotel in downtown Bend has new ownership. Learn more here.

Article by KTVZ

BOISE, Idaho (KTVZ) — Braintree Group, a privately held, vertically integrated, national real estate development and investment firm, announced Monday it acquired the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bend, located in downtown Bend and plans a renovation and rebranding.

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

The 117-room property (originally the Phoenix Inn) features an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, business center, and three meeting rooms totaling 2.327 square feet of meeting space, according to the announcement that continues in full below:

It is located right off US Route 97 in the heart of downtown Bend, Oregon. Bend is known for its scenic setting and year-round…

The Gateway North development in Bend, which will include a new Costco, has been given preliminary approval. Learn more here.

By Central Oregon Daily News

The Bend City Council has given preliminary approval to the Gateway North development that will include a new Costco with a gas station. The approval comes after some contention last month over a key sticking point — parking spaces.

The Gateway North development would be located between Robal Lane and Cooley Road along Highway 20. It would include the Costco with a gas station and a car wash. It would also replace the current Costco on the city’s east side.

The development also includes 422 units of housing and commercial uses including restaurants.

Ballot Measure 114 concerning gun laws will not go into effect today. Learn more here.

By Jonathan Levinson (OPB)

Ballot Measure 114 will not become law at 12:01 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 8.

The Oregon Supreme Court on Wednesday denied a state Department of Justice petition asking the court to throw out a lower court’s temporary restraining order blocking the law from taking effect.

Harney County Circuit Court Judge Robert Raschio issued the order Tuesday, saying the law violated the Oregon state constitution’s right to bear arms. Raschio said Oregonians would be “unable to lawfully purchase a firearm or bear a magazine capable…