Category: ktvz-local-news

Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Happening next, Redmond city park restrooms and drinking fountains will be closing for the season starting October 12th.

City parks crews are preparing for colder fall temperatures by winterizing facilities to prevent freezing and damage.

The city says all flush restrooms and drinking fountains will be shut down for the season.

Visitors can still enjoy the parks, but should plan ahead and make other arrangements for restrooms and drinking water.

For questions, contact the city of Redmond.

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Kelsey Merison

JOSEPHINE COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State Police say a missing 67-year-old Nevada man was found buried on a property in rural Josephine County, where two other men were found dead following a shooting involving detectives.

Andrew Forrest Odom, 67, of Incline Village, Nevada, was reported missing to the Medford Police Department on Oct. 1, 2026.

Investigators determined Odom traveled from Carson City, Nevada, to Medford on Sept. 21. His last known whereabouts were in Josephine County on Sept. 22.

As the investigation progressed and suspicious circumstances were identified, the case was transferred to Oregon State Police, and the Josephine County Major Crime Team was activated.

On Oct. 6, OSP detectives contacted a subject in the 10000 block of Williams Highway in rural Josephine County. Police say the subject fled into a residence and fired shots at detectives.

Tactical resources from the Grants Pass Police Department and Josephine County Sheriff’s Office responded. After officers cleared the residence, they found two people dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

The men were identified as 73-year-old Rick Odom and his 40-year-old son, Spencer Odom. Investigators said Spencer died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Rick was the brother of Andrew Odom.

On Oct. 8, detectives, assisted by the Oregon State Police Crime Lab, located human remains buried on the property. The remains were identified as Andrew Odom.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The Josephine County Major Crime Team includes members of Oregon State Police, Grants Pass Police Department, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office. The team is being assisted by the Medford Police Department and the Oregon State Police Crime Lab.

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Madeline Clark

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — Are you looking for something to do this weekend in Central Oregon? Madeline Clark highlights three local events, from Faith, Hope and Charity Vineyards inviting the community to harvest grapes in Terrebonne to 23rd annual Bend Film Festival, happening this coming weekend.

For many more and to submit your own events, visit https://events.ktvz.com.

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Tyson Beauchemin

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Powder House Ski & Patio in Bend is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend. They’re kicking things off with a storewide sale this Friday and community events through the weekend.T

The anniversary sale follows a weak snow season last year, which left the retailer with an excess inventory of winter gear now marked at half off. The celebration takes off on Saturday and Sunday with live music and axe throwing at the store.

As part of the anniversary event, Powder House Ski & Patio is conducting a canned food drive to support NeighborImpact. Customers who donate a can of food will receive a can of Van Henion beer. The business is also hosting a weekend raffle with tickets priced at $1 each, with all raffle proceeds going to NeighborImpact.

Todd McGee, owner of Powder House Ski & Patio, attributed the business’s decades-long survival to his employees.

“The our employees are fantastic. And, I think the customers love seeing the same face year after year. That really helps,” McGee said. “We’re getting to know each customer. And the location is obviously very fabulous. Like, it has been here since, 76.”

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Felicity Desuasido

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Marquel Heath, a 15-year-old from Warm Springs, was reported missing after she was last seen Tuesday, October 6th at her home, according to the Warm Springs Police Department.

Warm Springs Police have announced this morning that Marquel Heath has been located, no further information has been released.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Old Mill Classic Cruz has donated $10,000 to Warrior Impact of Central Oregon to support local Veterans, first responders and their families.

The donation was raised during the 2026 Old Mill Classic Cruz, held May 17 along the Deschutes River in Bend’s Old Mill District. The annual car show brings together car enthusiasts and community members while raising money for local organizations.

This year’s event featured 223 participants, 45 sponsors and more than 44 volunteers. The show included a variety of classic, custom and stock vehicles, with a portion of sponsorships, registration fees, donations and other proceeds going toward the charitable contribution.

“We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors, participants, donors, volunteers, and everyone who helped make the 2026 Old Mill Classic Cruz such a success,” said David Boynton. “Our mission has always been about more than hosting a car show. It’s about bringing our community together, honoring those who have served, and giving back to our local Veterans and first responders.”

Warrior Impact of Central Oregon is dedicated to supporting local Veterans, first responders and their families through community programs and other efforts.

Boynton said the donation reflects the generosity of the community and its commitment to supporting those who serve.

For more information about Warrior Impact of Central Oregon, visit warriorimpact.org.

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Kelsey Merison

MEDFORD, Ore. (KTVZ) — Democratic Governor Tina Kotek and Republican State Senator Christine Drazan faced off Wednesday night in an Oregon Gubernatorial debate.

The debate was hosted by our Medford affiliate, KOBI, and Southern Oregon University. 

The candidates answered questions on a range of topics, including education, healthcare, and abortion. They were also asked about homelessness, snap benefits, and other hot button topics. 

Here’s what they had to say about data centers in Oregon.

“I believe we need a moratorium across the state until we can hold these large mega-corporations from out of state to a higher standard, so we can make sure that we are protecting our electricity costs, protecting our goals to produce more renewable energy,” said Governor Tina Kotek.

“We just witnessed rewriting history in real time,” Republican State Senator Christine Drazan said. “(Governor Kotek) increased data centers in our state. We now have 142 that have received $1.4 billion in tax breaks, which were advanced on her watch.”

Recent polls suggest it’ll be a tight race between the two.

If elected, Drazan would become Oregon’s first Republican governor in nearly 40 years.

On Tuesday, October 13th, candidates for Oregon governor will join us at KTVZ News live at at 6 p.m. and on KTVZ+ for another debate.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Summit High School is celebrating some of its top academic achievers.

The school hosted a special breakfast yesterday morning for students who completed the rigorous AP Capstone Diploma program, along with National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students.

School staff say both honors recognize exceptional academic achievement and years of hard work.

Great work, students! Keep it up!

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Kelsey Merison

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Crook County 9-1-1 is inviting community members to learn more about careers in emergency dispatch at a recruitment open house later this month.

The event is scheduled for Oct. 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Prineville Police Department.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet dispatch staff, tour the dispatch center and learn more about the hiring process.

Organizers say emergency dispatch may be a good fit for people who can stay calm under pressure, make quick decisions, multitask and pay close attention to detail while working with phones, radios and computer systems.

The open house is free to attend, but space is limited. Those interested must RSVP by Oct. 18.

Click here to register.

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Adrielle Hasara

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) — Columbia Park and the Gilchrist Bridge in Bend will close to public use starting Monday, Oct. 19, at 8 a.m. for riverbank restoration and bridge replacement. The closures are expected to remain in place through early summer 2027.

Years of heavy public use led to deterioration along the Columbia Park riverbank access point, prompting fencing to protect the area. The upcoming project will restore a section of the riverbank, build an accessible river access point and install pathways, plazas and site furnishings. In March 2026, the Bend Parks and Recreation District Board of Directors and the Bend City Council added the replacement of the Gilchrist Bridge to the project scope.

The park’s playground, lawn areas and pathways will close during construction while work focuses on the riverbank. Site fencing and contractor equipment staging may begin before the full closure. Recommended detours across the river include Bend Whitewater Park or Galveston Avenue.

Recreational use of the Deschutes River through the project area will also face temporary closures during specific construction activities, including the removal of the existing bridge. Advance notice of river closures will be posted on information boards near the project site, emailed to stakeholders and shared through media and social media.

Ian Isaacson serves as the park district’s landscape architect and project manager. “This project represents a coordinated effort between the district and the City of Bend to improve river access, ecological conditions and trail connectivity in a partnership that benefits the community,” Isaacson said. He also asked for public cooperation during the closure: “We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as construction gets underway. The bridge, park and river are important community resources and the project will enhance the experiences.”

Funding for the Columbia Park construction includes grant money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and a donation from the Joseph & Elizabeth Hoffart Charitable Foundation. Design work was funded by the Oregon State Marine Board Waterway Access Grant Program, which uses permit fees from nonmotorized boats 10 feet and longer. The City of Bend is funding the Gilchrist Bridge replacement, with design support from a grant provided by the Bend Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Contractor equipment staging and fencing are scheduled to begin ahead of the full Oct. 19 closure. Following the completion of the project in early summer 2027, ownership and maintenance of the Gilchrist Bridge will formally transfer from the city to the Bend Parks and Recreation District.

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