Meadow Outdoor Advertising recently donated two billboards, which are located east of Burns on Highway 20, to the Harney County community.

One of the billboards features imagery of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and says, “We are Harney County. We have our own voice.” The other, which features a photograph of law enforcement officers, says, “Our heroes making Harney County proud.”

The advertising company has been doing business in Burns for more than 35 years.

“We feel like we are a part of the community,” General Manager Chris Zukin wrote in an email. “We support the people of Harney County and praise the patience and resiliency they have shown. The protesters should go home and leave. Let this community get back to normal.”

Melissa Alfstad said the ideas for the billboards came from a Facebook group that she is part of.

“This group is made up of many different individuals who would have otherwise never met,” Alfstad said. “It is a very diverse group that all want the militia to leave.”

Alfstad explained that the group is made up of men and women representing a variety of ages and occupations.

“I am proud to be a part of a group that is trying to do positive things for the community. There is a promise that something good will come from the bad. I believe this is some of the good,” she said.

Franki Gould, another member of the group, spearheaded an appreciation dinner on Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Memorial Building at the Harney County Fairgrounds. Featuring dinner, dancing and a silent auction, the well-attended event allowed citizens of Harney County to show their appreciation to all those who have been working to ensure the safety of the community. Proceeds were donated to the Arrowhead Plaza beautification project, Burns Paiute Tribe Natural Resources Department, and Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association.