Michael Oder
Verified
News Director for @wtoc11. This account is not actively monitored. Please email michael.oder@wtoc.com.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Michael Oder
Large police presence on Richards Street in Savannah
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Savannah police officers are on the scene of an incident on Richards Street near Ferrill Street Tuesday night. The intersection of Richards and Ferrill is closed with crime scene tape and evidence markers are laid out on the road. Neighbors in the area report hearing several gunshots. WTOC is reaching out to SPD for any information and will update this story with new details.
Officers hospitalized after fatal Savannah shooting, GBI investigating
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating after Savannah police said two officers were involved in a fatal shooting with a man Tuesday morning near Bull Street and Victory Drive. Savannah police said the shooting happened just after 7:15 a.m. The shooting left a 35-year-old man dead, according to the GBI. The GBI said Savannah police requested the investigation after Nicholaus Oxendine, of Savannah, was shot and killed.
UPDATE: Officers hospitalized after Savannah shooting, GBI investigating
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - [UPDATE 6/23/26 10:25 A.M.] According to Mayor Van Johnson, two Savannah police officers are in the hospital following a shooting near the intersection of Bull Street and Victory Drive. The Georgia Bureau of Investigations is looking into a shooting involving a Savannah police officer Tuesday morning near the intersection of Bull Street and Victory Drive.
Savannah police officer shoots suspect, GBI investigating
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Georgia Bureau of Investigations is looking into a shooting involving a Savannah police officer Tuesday morning near the intersection of Bull Street and Victory Drive. Savannah police officials confirmed that around 7:18 a.m. two of their officers were involved in a shooting with a suspect. SPD said their officers had minor injuries. No word on the condition of the suspect. There was a large police presence at Bull and Victory through the Tuesday morning commute.
Large police presence at gas station in Garden City Original
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - There is a large police presence at a gas station at the corner of Dean Forest and Sonny Perdue. Garden City police are on scene. Authorities said they had no information Wednesday morning when WTOC called. This is a developing story. This article will be updated as more information is released.
Charges dropped in 2023 Hilton Head Island break in
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The charges against a man who was arrested for allegedly breaking into a Hilton Head Island home in 2023 have been dropped. In January 2023, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office arrested Kewyn Louis Williams, then 35, for allegedly entering a home in the early morning hours of Jan. 5. A then-16-year-old girl called police after allegedly seeing Williams standing in her room.
WTOC is back on DISH
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Gray Media has reached an agreement to restore all Gray-owned local television stations to the DISH lineup, including WTOC, effective immediately. DISH customers can once again watch local news, weather, and sports from WTOC, as well as CBS shows. Click here to view our local programming schedule.
Here’s how you can help WTOC return to DISH lineup
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - It’s now been nearly two weeks since DISH Network removed WTOC from its lineup, with no end in sight. DISH was unwilling to strike a fair deal to keep its viewers from being able to see WTOC, which means DISH customers are missing key games from the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament, Season 50 of Survivor and WTOC News and First Alert Weather. If you’re a DISH customer, you can help us get WTOC back on DISH contacting them at 1-833-8-KEEPUS. Here are all the ways you can help.
DISH could pull WTOC from its service soon
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - DISH Network customers could lose access to WTOC Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. ET unless a renewal agreement is reached soon. If an agreement is not reached DISH will pull WTOC from its lineup Tuesday evening. This means DISH customers will no longer have access to CBS programs like “Survivor” and CBS Sports, including NCAA basketball, as well as and First Alert Weather and local news.
Jury reaches verdict in Teeple murder trial
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The jury in the Charles Teeple murder trial has reportedly reached a verdict. News of the verdict coming down just before 6:30 p.m. Friday. The jury had been deliberating for several hours. Prosecutors say Teeple punched Savannah resident Bruce Helmly, who fell into a coma shortly after and died days later. Click here to read what happened in the courtroom Tuesday. Click here to read what happened in the courtroom Wednesday.
Rotary Club of Savannah partners with Polish club to host deployed soldiers
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - It was a holiday party around the world. The Rotary Club of Savannah held it’s annual Christmas party Monday afternoon with a toy drive to benefit Santa’s Bunker. Santa’s Bunker collects toys for families of soldiers who are stationed at Hunter Army Airfield and Fort Stewart. Monday’s party had some very special guests. Soldiers from Fort Stewart currently stationed in Poland joined the celebration through video chat.
Chatham Co. DA says missed autopsy in Whitemarsh Island stabbing is ‘professional negligence’
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Chatham County District Attorney is calling into question the missed autopsy of 18-year old J.T. Schroeder following his death in October. District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones said in a statement Friday, “The release of JT Schroeder’s body was not a “miscommunication”. It was oversight, failure and professional negligence." Schroeder was stabbed and killed during an altercation at the Walmart on Highway 80 on Whitemarsh Island in October.
Police presence near Greenwood Street and Pennsylvania Ave
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Savannah police were on the scene of an incident near Greenwood Street and Pennsylvania Ave. Several officers were on scene Thursday night gathering evidence. No word on what they might be investigating. We have reached out to SPD for more information. Copyright 2025 WTOC. All rights reserved.
Savannah, Chatham County area firefighters honor the fallen
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Savannah’s historic fire bell rang 30 times Saturday morning to remember firefighters who have died in the line of duty or from cancer. October 4 marked “Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day” in the city of Savannah and “Fallen Firefighters Memorial Week” in Chatham County. Firefighters, family members of those fallen, and local leaders gathered outside Savannah Fire Department Headquarters on Oglethorpe Ave.
UPDATE: Man, dog killed in major fire on Fripp Island
BEAUFORT COUNTY, SC. (WTOC) - A man and a dog were found dead in a home after a major fire on Fripp Island. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said during their response to many homes on fire on Bonita Road Saturday morning, a 59-year-old man and a dog were found dead inside one of the homes. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office will release the man’s identity and official cause of death following notification of next of kin. Officials say this investigation remains active.
Multiple agencies responding to major fire on Fripp Island
BEAUFORT COUNTY, SC. (WTOC) - Officials confirm there is a major fire on Fripp Island. Fripp Island is along the South Carolina coast, north of Hilton Head Island. Officials said off-duty firefighters from Burton were being called in to assist. Multiple agencies are responding to this fire. A WTOC viewer sent us this video of the fire.
Multiple agencies responding to major fire on Fripp Island
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Officials confirm there is a major fire on Fripp Island. Fripp Island is along the South Carolina coast, north of Hilton Head Island. Officials said off-duty firefighters from Burton were being called in to assist. Multiple agencies are responding to this fire. WTOC has a crew on the way to the scene and will update this story when we have more information. Copyright 2025 WTOC. All rights reserved.
Rotary Club of Savannah hosting fundraiser for new gathering space
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - A community table could be coming to Savannah’s “front yard”. The Rotary Club of Savannah is hosting a fundraiser Thursday June 5 to raise money for the proposed Herb Traub Gathering Space at Forsyth Park. The space chosen for the outdoor seating area is west of the amphitheater and Collins Quarter restaurant.
Rotary Club of Savannah announces next president
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Rotary Club of Savannah announced Peter Hoffman as the 111th president of the service-oriented club on Tuesday. Hoffman, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, will be installed in a ceremony on Monday June 30 at 12:30 p.m. at the DeSoto Hotel during the club’s weekly meeting. Hoffman was recently appointed Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Coastal Georgia.
Woody Folsom recognized as ‘Dealer of the Year’ by GMC
BAXLEY, Ga. (WTOC) - Woody Folsom Chevy GMC was recognized by GMC as the 2024 Dealer of the Year for outstanding performance. In a ceremony at the dealership, Woody Folsom Chevy GMC President Woody Folsom received the honor. The dealership also had the largest sales volume for GM in the state of Georgia in 2024. Several representatives from GMC were in attendance at the event. During his speech, Folsom took the opportunity to highlight all of the employees who work toward the dealership’s success.
WTOC nominated for four Southeast Regional EMMY Awards
ATLANTA, Ga. (WTOC) - WTOC received four Southeast Regional EMMY nominations Sunday, the most for any station in the Savannah market. The nominations, chosen by other journalists across the country, represent a wide swath of coverage in the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry.
Beaufort County authorities need help finding teen
BEAUFORT, SC. (WTOC) - Authorities in South Carolina are asking for help locating a teen that didn’t come home after school. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said Delayla Santos Alvarado, 16, never came home from school. Alvarado is a student at Battery Creek High School. She was reported as a runaway on March 20, 2025. The sheriff’s office said if you know where she is or see her, to call their non-emergency dispatch line at (843) 524-2777. Copyright 2025 WTOC. All rights reserved.
WATCH: Greening of the City 2025
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Season of St. Patrick is washing over the Hostess City. Friday night, WTOC presented the “Greening of the City” special. The program started in 2024 to mark the 200th St. Patrick’s Day parade in Savannah. The tradition continued this year broadcasting from the rooftop of the Drayton Hotel. WTOC anchors Hayley Boland and Shelby Coates hosted.
Records show several ‘near misses’ at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport over last four years
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Government records show there have been three incidents in recent years at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport of planes coming dangerously close to one another. WTOC Investigates searched the Federal Aviation Administration’s Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing System for incidents at SAV.
Million dollar donation launches new Red Cross program in Chatham County
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Georgia Red Cross is getting a big boost as they start a brand new program to help folks here in Chatham County. Atlanta Gas Light is giving $1 million to help start the Community Adaptation Program (CAP) in Chatham County. This is the first time the Red Cross is launching this program in Georgia. There are currently only 17 other counties in the nation with a similar program.
Brunswick man arrested on child molestation charges
BRUNSWICK, Ga. (WTOC) - A Brunswick man was arrested Friday for child molestation, according to Glynn County police. In a press release, GCPD said William Douglas Dawson, 40, of Brunswick, was arrested on Oct. 26 and charged with aggravated child molestation. No bond amount has been set. Copyright 2024 WTOC. All rights reserved.
Minnesota State Senator proposes safeguards for sports betting
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KTTC) – Minnesota State Senator John Marty (DFL-Roseville) has proposed new legislation related to sports betting in the state. In a release Thursday, Marty said none of the current legislative proposals have “adequate safeguards” to prevent gambling addiction. He introduced SF5330 to offer solutions to those health and societal issues.
Austin man facing 20 charges related to child porn
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – An Austin man is in jail, facing 20 charges related to child porn. Eric Robert Smith, 59, of Austin, is in the Mower County Jail under a $100,000 bond. He is being charged with ten counts of possessing pornographic work feature a minor under 14 and ten counts of possessing pornographic work as a registered predatory offender. In December, court documents show Smith allegedly violated the terms of his release from prison.
Olmsted County deputy arrested for solicitation of a child
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – A deputy with the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office is on paid administrative leave after being arrested and charged with three counts of sex crimes against a child. Mathew Richard Adamson, 44, is being charged with prostitution - hire/offers/agree to hire; individual under age 14, solicitation of a child through electronic communication, and engaging in electronic communications relating or describing sexual conduct with child. Court documents show on Nov.
Higher charges, increased bail for Madeline Kingsbury’s ex-boyfriend charged with her murder
WINONA, Minn. (KTTC) – Adam Fravel, the ex-boyfriend of Madeline Kingsbury, is now facing two first degree murder charges in connection to her death. Fravel, who was arrested and charged in the death of the Winona mother of two, appeared in person at Tuesday’s hearing. State prosecutors asked Winona County District Judge Nancy Buytendorp to dismiss the previous complaints and proceed with the newer charges of first degree murder.
Higher charges, increased bail for Madeline Kingsbury’s ex-boyfriend charged with her murder
WINONA, Minn. (KTTC) – Adam Fravel, the ex-boyfriend of Madeline Kingsbury, is now facing two first degree murder charges in connection to her death. Fravel, who was arrested and charged in the death of the Winona mother of two, appeared in person at Tuesday’s hearing. State prosecutors asked Winona County District Judge Nancy Buytendorp to dismiss the previous complaints and proceed with the newer charges of first degree murder.
Luke Bryan concert in Eyota canceled due to weather
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – The Luke Bryan Farm Tour concert schedule for Saturday night in Eyota has been canceled due to weather, according to the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office. Here’s the official statement from the Luke Bryan Farm Tour: “Eyota, MN Farm Tour, we are onsite and have been working to make this show happen for tonight. Unfortunately with impending weather we are having to make the tough decision to cancel the show.
Hearing for man charged with Madeline Kingsbury’s murder canceled
WINONA, Minn. (KTTC) – The latest hearing scheduled for Adam Fravel, the ex-boyfriend of Madeline Kingsbury charged with her murder, has been canceled, according to court officials. Fravel was set to have an omnibus hearing Friday Sept. 22, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. in Winona County District Court. That hearing was canceled Tuesday, according to court officials. No date for when the hearing will be rescheduled as been released.
Rochester Towers Condominium evacuated due to structural issues
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Residents of the Rochester Towers Condominium are being asked to evacuate the building by 7:30 p.m. Friday due to structural issues. Rochester Towers Condominium is located at 5th Ave. SW. Authorities put a 150 ft perimeter around the building, which includes road closures on 2nd Street and parts of 5th Ave. In an email shared with KTTC, FirstService Residential first alerted residents at 4:36 p.m. that they would need to evacuate in only three hours.
Jeff Ettinger selected as interim president at University of Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (KTTC) – Former Minnesota Congressional District 1 candidate Jeff Ettinger has been selected as the interim president of the University of Minnesota, according to the university system. The U of M Board of Regents selected Ettinger from a group of four finalists at their meeting Tuesday. Ettinger currently serves as the chair of the Hormel Foundation Board of Directors, one of Minnesota’s largest community foundations and grant makers.
Nearly 2,000 volunteers search for missing Winona mother of two
WINONA, Minn. (KTTC) – Nearly two thousand volunteers signed up to help search for missing Winona mother Madeline Kingsbury Friday. The Winona County Sheriff’s Office said 1,860 people signed up to search two areas in Winona and Fillmore Counties. A second day of searching is being organized for Saturday. At a press conference midday Friday, authorities didn’t release a lot of new information. Winona Police Chief Tom Williams said the investigation is active and on-going.
Hy-Vee voluntarily recalling pot roast dinners due to wheat allergen
DES MOINES, Iowa (KTTC) – Hy-Vee is voluntarily recalling two varieties of its Hy-Vee Mealtime Beef Pot Road Dinners due to the presence of an undeclared wheat allergen. Right not, Hy-Vee said there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions from people eating these dinners. The meals were distributed to Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh and Dollar Fresh Market stores across their eight state region.
MnDOT asking for help naming snow plows
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KTTC) – Time to break out your snow puns! The Minnesota Department of Transportation is asking for your help in naming eight snow plows this winter. The eight plows will work in each of the state’s MnDOT districts. Previous winners include Betty Whiteout, Plowy McPlowFace, Ctrl Salt Delete, Snowbi Wan Kenobi and The Truck Formerly Known As Plow. You can submit your idea through the state agency’s website. You have until Dec. 16 to get your name submitted.
Gray Television stations to host televised Minnesota gubernatorial debate
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Current Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and his Republican challenger Scott Jensen have agreed to a televised debate on October 18, hosted at KTTC-TV in Rochester and broadcast on all Gray Television stations in Minnesota and Fargo, ND. The debate will air from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday Oct. 18.
Montgomery County DA calls for resignation of Madison County DA
CONROE, Texas (KBTX) - Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon is calling for the resignation of Madison County District Attorney Brian Risinger. Risinger was the subject of a Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Rangers investigation. It alleged Risinger asked a Madisonville police sergeant to not arrest someone who was working with his re-election campaign. After seeing our reports, Ligon sent a statement calling for Risinger’s resignation.
Bryan High softball coach no longer employed with the district
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - In an email obtained by KBTX, Bryan ISD Director of Athletics Janice Williams confirmed that Enrique Luna, head softball coach at Bryan High School, is no longer employed with the district. Williamson said Luna’s departure would not impact the softball season. She said they plan to discuss the path forward at a meeting Wednesday evening. KBTX is reaching out to Bryan ISD for more information. Copyright 2022 KBTX. All rights reserved.
Bryan ISD wants help naming new campus, transportation facility
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - You could choose the name of Bryan ISD’s next intermediate school or maintenance and transportation facility! The district is accepting suggestions now through Jan. 30. You have to fill out an online form here. The district wants you to send in a written one to two paragraph statement, no longer than 250 words, sharing biographical or historical data and the reason you are suggesting the name.
Funeral services announced for Bryan Councilmember Flynn Adcock
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Visitation and funeral services have been announced for Bryan City Councilmember Flynn Adcock. Adcock passed away suddenly Monday afternoon. He was 57. Visitation is scheduled for Jan. 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Callaway Jones Funeral Home in Bryan. A private burial will be held Jan. 21 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Brenham. Adcock was elected to city council on Nov. 3, 2020, and has lived in District 4 since 1992. Copyright 2022 KBTX. All rights reserved.
Milam County District Attorney says ‘justice served’ in plea deal for Caldwell students
CAMERON, Texas (KBTX) - Milam County District Attorney Bill Torrey believes justice was served Tuesday when three Caldwell High School students pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge related to an incident on a Caldwell ISD bus in September. Marina Brinkman, Kadie Hartman and Katherine Hart took a plea deal from Torrey and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor unlawful restraint.
Milano ISD closing rest of week due to rising COVID cases
MILANO, Texas (KBTX) - The Milano Independent School District is closing the rest of this week due to rising COVID-19 cases, the district said Wednesday. Citing an increase in coronavirus cases, the district said they will close all campuses Jan. 13 and 14. Monday is district holiday. Students and staff will return to campus Jan. 18. Copyright 2022 KBTX. All rights reserved.
Milam County District Attorney says ‘justice served’ in plea deal for Caldwell students
CAMERON, Texas (KBTX) - Milam County District Attorney Bill Torrey believes justice was served Tuesday when three Caldwell High School students pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge related to an incident on a Caldwell ISD bus in September. Marina Brinkman, Kadie Hartman and Katherine Hart took a plea deal from Torrey and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor unlawful restraint.
Vehicle crashes into front of Bryan business
Skip to content Vehicle crashes into front of Bryan business(KBTX) Published: Oct. 8, 2021 at 5:03 PM CDT|Updated: 1 hour ago BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - A vehicle has crashed into the front of a business in Bryan. Bryan police and College Station firefighters responded to the business on 29th Street around 4:00 p.m. Friday. The front of the store was damaged and glass was being removed. No word on any injuries or if there were people inside the store at the time. Copyright 2021 KBTX. All rights reserved.
St. Joseph Health requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1
Skip to content Published: Aug. 12, 2021 at 4:01 PM CDT|Updated: 22 minutes ago HOUSTON, Texas (KBTX) - St. Joseph Health will require all employees to be fully vaccinated by Nov. 1, the health system announced Thursday. St. Joseph Health is part of the St. Luke’s Health network, which made the announcement. The vaccine requirement extends to all physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, volunteers, and others caring for patients within their facility.
Waller County Sheriff warns drivers about someone impersonating an officer
Skip to content The mystery person pulled a vehicle over and approached the driver with a gun, according to the sheriff’s office. Updated: 1 hour ago WALLER, Texas (KBTX) - The Waller County Sheriff’s Office is warning drivers about someone impersonating a police officer in the county. According to a post on their Facebook page, a driver was pulled over on Joseph Road near FM 1488 around 10 p.m. June 19.
Two weeks after shooting, Kent Moore Cabinets employees still struggling to recover
The U.S. flag flies at half staff in front of the Kent Moore Cabinets facility on Stone City Drive in Bryan, Texas.(KBTX) Published: Apr. 22, 2021 at 4:16 PM CDT|Updated: 18 hours ago BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Two weeks after a deadly workplace shooting, employees at Kent Moore Cabinets are still struggling to process what happened said company officials. The company continues to provide support and counseling to those employees who need assistance.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Michael
Contact Michael, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack