Fewer people are visiting Bend this summer than last. Learn more here.

Visit Bend says hotel occupancy rates are down 10 per cent.

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – You may not notice it as many favorite spots are still crowded but Visit Bend says fewer people are visiting this summer than in prior years.

“We track the number of hotel rooms occupied each week. This summer we’re averaging 18 thousand compared to last summer when it was closer to 20 thousand,” Visit Bend CEO Kevney Dugan explained.

Dugan cites higher gas prices and international travel as reasons for the reduction in tourists.

While the number of rooms booked has dropped 10 per cent, Dugan says revenue is still strong as…

Average gas prices fall 11.3 cents per gallon. Learn more here.

CHICAGO (KTVZ) — Average gasoline prices in Oregon have fallen 11.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $5.05/gallon Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 1,307 stations in Oregon.

Prices in Oregon are 42.1 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand $1.34/g higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has declined 14.8 cents in the last week and stands at $5.27 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Oregon was priced at $4.35/g Sunday while the most expensive was $5.81/g, a difference of $1.46/g.

The national average price of gasoline has fallen 15.9 cents per gallon…

The average gas price has fallen 7 cents a gallon. Learn more here.

CHICAGO (KTVZ) — The average gasoline price in Oregon has fallen 7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $5.39 a gallon Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 1,307 stations in Oregon. Prices in Oregon are 11.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago, but still stand $1.74/g higher than a year ago.

The national average price of diesel has declined 8.5 cents in the last week and stands at $5.65 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Oregon was priced at $4.69/g Sunday while the most expensive was $6.69/g, a difference of $2.00/g.

The national average price of gasoline has fallen 12.8…

Three intersections on Highway 97 near Metolius in Jefferson County that have a history of serious and deadly crashes is being permanently closed Wednesday.

The Oregon Department of Transportation is shutting down SW Bear Drive and Eureka Lane at US 97. ODOT said poor visibility and the fact the intersections are at the end of a passing lane have made the intersections especially dangerous.

A concrete barrier will be installed where Bear Drive meets the highway.

SEE ALSO: 3 trail segments near Phil’s Trailhead closing to remove vegetation

SEE ALSO: 22 Deschutes Nat’l Forest campgrounds closed for snow

The closure will mean changes for…

The Cascadia bullet train could connect British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. Learn more here.

By Tom Banse (Northwest News Network)

For more than five years, Washington state, Oregon and British Columbia have collaborated on studies of a possible Cascadia bullet train to run between Portland, Seattle and Vancouver, Canada. This winter, the Washington Legislature approved money for yet more studies. But state lawmakers also set aside a much bigger sum to attract federal support that could advance the bullet train dream toward being shovel-ready.

Project supporters envision a train with a top speed of at least 250 mph operating on a dedicated track. That could whisk travelers…

Bend PD performed an impromptu safety enforcement detail on Sunday. Find out more here.

Bend police officers issued several traffic citations during an impromptu safety enforcement detail on Sunday.

Four officers carried out seven traffic stops between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on NE 3rd St. and the North Parkway near Empire Ave.

Citations included driving 80 mph in a 45-mph zone and operating a motor vehicle while using a cell phone.

The Bend Police Department would like to remind drivers to follow the speed limit, avoid distracted driving, and to wear seat belts in order to arrive safely at their destination and enjoy the warm weather. 

READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE

The historic Santiam Ski Lodge is getting a glow up! Read more about the transformation here.

ByDamian Fagan

Located just west of the Hoodoo Ski Bowl at Santiam Pass, the historic Santiam Pass Ski Lodge is garnering the attention it deserves. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps from July 1939 to February 1940, the lodge has stood empty and deserted since 1986, except for some periodic maintenance by the U.S. Forest Service and wandering rodents. But restoration efforts now underway are breathing new life into the structure, which is listed on the Federal Register of Historic Places and which Restore…