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FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2026

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2017 Land Transactions Resurface, Raising New Questions as Federal Scrutiny Continues By John Oliver As a federal investigation continues to cast uncertainty over operations connected to the Grants Pass Airport, and beyond newly reviewed documents from 2017 are raising additional questions about how public assets were handled and whether those transactions were conducted with the level of transparency residents expect. At issue are two recorded quitclaim deeds involving the same parcel of land in Josephine County, described as the Southwest quarter of the Southeast quarter of Section 8, Township 34 South, Range 5 West of the Willamette Meridian. While the documents themselves are not new, their reemergence in the current climate of heightened scrutiny has brought renewed attention to the circumstances surrounding the transactions. According to official county records, on May 17, 2017, Josephine County conveyed the property to Michael B. Crisafulli for a stated consideration of $53,000. The transfer was authorized by the Josephine County Board of Commissioners at that time, which included then-Commissioner Simon Hare as a sitting elected official. Less than two months later, on July 6, 2017, the same property was conveyed by Crisafulli to Andreas Blech for a stated consideration of $105,000. The legal description of the property remained unchanged between the two transactions. The sequence of these transactions reflects a significant increase in stated value over a short

Deadline Day Arrives period of time. The documents do not, on their face, provide an explanation for the change in valuation, nor do they include details regarding any improvements, developments, or other factors that may have contributed to the increase. In the context of public asset management, the circumstances surrounding the initial transfer from Josephine County raise several important questions. It remains unclear from the recorded documents whether the property was offered through a competitive bidding process, publicly listed for sale, or otherwise made available to multiple interested parties prior to the county’s decision to convey the property. Additionally, the basis for determining the $53,000 sale price is not reflected within the documents themselves, including whether an independent appraisal was conducted.

Questions have also been raised regarding whether any discussions or understandings existed at the time of the initial transfer concerning this potential resale of the property. The short timeframe between the county’s conveyance and the subsequent private transaction has led to inquiries about whether any improvements were made to the property that would justify the increase in value, or whether other factors influenced the resale price. Further scrutiny is being directed toward the relationships between the individuals involved. Specifically, whether any prior business relationships or communications existed between Crisafulli and Blech in connection with the property prior to the resale. The involvement of former Commissioner

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see FEDERAL, page 3

From National Rescue Symbol to Criminal Charge ‘Baby Jessica’ Arrest Draws Renewed Attention Decades Later By Ellen Ward Nearly four decades after a dramatic rescue captured the attention of millions across the United States, Jessica McClure Morales, once known to the public as “Baby Jessica,” is again in the national spotlight under far different circumstances. According to law enforcement authorities in Midland County, Texas, Morales was arrested late Saturday night following a reported domestic disturbance at her residence. Deputies responded to the scene at approximately 10 p.m., where she was taken into custody on suspicion of assault causing bodily injury involving family violence. She was later booked into the local jail and subsequently released on bond. At this stage, officials have released only limited information about the incident. Details regarding what led to the confrontation, as well as the identity and condition of the other individual involved, have not been made public. As is standard in such cases, a formal arrest affidavit is expected to provide additional clarity once it becomes available

in the coming days. The case has drawn widespread attention not solely because of the charge itself, but because of Morales’ unique place in American memory. In October 1987, at just 18 months old, she fell into a narrow well in Midland, becoming trapped more than 20 feet below ground. What followed was a tense, 58-hour rescue effort that unfolded live on national television, drawing an audience estimated in the tens of millions. Emergency crews worked around the clock, ultimately freeing the toddler in a moment that became one of

the most iconic rescue stories in modern U.S. history. The incident transformed Morales into a symbol of survival and hope, with the country collectively holding its breath until her safe recovery. Donations poured in, and her story became a defining media moment of the late 20th century, illustrating both the power of live broadcast news and the emotional reach of a single human story. In the years that followed, Morales largely stepped away from public attention. She re-

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see ‘BABY, page 5

Southern Oregonians Face April 15 Tax Filing Cutoff

By Bryce Robinson April 15 has arrived, and for taxpayers across Southern Oregon and the rest of the country, the clock is now ticking toward the annual federal income tax filing deadline. By the time midnight passes, millions of Americans will have either submitted their returns to the Internal Revenue Service or taken steps to request more time. For many residents, tax day is simply a final step in a process already completed weeks ago. Electronic filing and direct deposit have streamlined the experience, making it faster and more efficient than ever. Still, a significant number of taxpayers find themselves pushing up against the deadline, whether due to busy schedules, missing documents, or the complexity of their financial situations. For those who have not yet filed, there is still a clear path forward. An extension can be requested, providing additional time to complete and submit a return. However, it is important to understand that an extension to file is not an extension to pay. Any taxes owed are still due by April 15, and failing to pay on time may result in penalties and interest that begin accumulating immediately. Tax professionals across Oregon often see a last-minute surge in filings on this date, as individuals and small business owners work to finalize deductions, confirm income statements, and ensure accuracy before submission. In communities like Grants Pass and Medford, where many residents are self-employed or operate small businesses, the process can be especially detailed. Income streams, expenses, and deductions must be carefully documented to avoid errors that could trigger delays or audits. For taxpayers who are ready to file, the process remains straightforward. Filing electronically is typically the fastest method, and many individuals qualify for free filing

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see APRIL, page 7