Hunger Action Month Brings in 12,770 pounds of Food for JoCo Food Bank

Hunger Action Month was a success as the Josephine County Food Bank announced the final tally of donations. With a goal of bringing in 10,000 pounds of food throughout September, the Food Bank posted to their Facebook page that 12,770 pounds of food were brought in, as well as $13,438. Rex on the Rogue raised $8,014, and 981 pounds of food towards the end goal. The Church of Jesus Christ in the Grants Pass Area held a drive that gathered 481 pounds of food, and raised $4,483. The Food Bank is grateful to the community and their partners for helping surpass their goal for Hunger Action Month. ...Read more

Man Pleads Guilty To Distributing Fentanyl, Admitting It Caused Person's Death

A Medford man pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl and admitted that it caused the death of another person. Richard Scott Samuels, 60, has pleaded guilty to an indictment charging possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, announced the U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon. According to court documents, a death was reported on May 15th, 2025, and on August 6th, 2025. Both were determined to be deaths due to a fentanyl overdose. Law enforcement investigated these deaths and learned that Samuels was alleged to be the supplier of the fentanyl that both the deceased had used. Law enforcement arrested Samuels September 4th, 2025, and seized from his person and residence, a phone, over $5,300 cash, a handgun, and multiple drugs in approximate amounts; 283g fentanyl, 92g of heroin, 5g of meth, and 5g of cocaine. A federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment November 6th, 2025, charging Samuels with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. ...Read more

Local Ray's Food Place, Shop Smart Customer Donations Supporting Pink R Campaign

Throughout the month of October, participating Ray's Food Place and Shop Smart stores are inviting customers to round up their purchases to the next dollar to benefit the Pink R Breast Cancer Round Up campaign. According to a release, this year's fundraising goal is $15,000. When customers participate, their donations will support local organizations serving the communities where customers live and shop. This year's beneficiaries include the Women's Imaging Center at Three Rivers Community Hospital in Grants Pass, and the Providence Community Health Foundation Breast Center in Medford, among others throughout the state. Held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pink R brings customers and store teams together to support breast cancer services in Oregon and Northern California. ...Read more