Prineville residents split over Harney County standoff

The just-concluded Malheur Wildlife Refuge occupation in Harney County has sparked discussion, debate and affected many living in Central Oregon, including Prineville residents.

Residents in Prineville have been very vocal about where they stand on the occupation, with groups holding several rallies in recent weeks.

One Prineville resident expressed views Thursday supporting the federal government in the work they were doing to de-escalate the situation.

“I think they (the occupiers) were breaking the law, and we should run them out of there,” Joe Gannon said.

Another resident who has family in Burns said he’s upset by how the occupation has divided the Harney County community.

The last four occupiers surrendered Thursday morning and are now among 25 people indicted on federal crimes for their occupation of the refuge. An intense situation ended peacefully after the last occupier, David Fry, walked out with his hands up.

“I think they should be charged,” Gannon said. “I think the government is doing a pretty good job on everything they are doing.”

But another resident said she is supporting the ranchers over the federal government because they say the government is taking too much public land.

“The feds own too much property and should sell it to the public,” said Ruth Ann McGovern.

No matter who you speak with in Prineville, each has an opinion on the refuge occupation.

The standoff is over but the divisions over what happened appear far from being healed.