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3 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Sifting through the rubble of Eagle Point's historic mill ... White City simulation house will provide training scenarios for multiple agencies ... South Medford student arrested after alleged school shooting threat ... Sifting through the rubble of Eagle Point's historic mill ... White City simulation house will provide training scenarios for multiple agencies ... South Medford student arrested after alleged school shooting threat ... EASTERN OREGON STANDOFF Occupiers at Oregon wildlife refuge turn away armed group Military-style rifles and gear send wrong message, they say Comment By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Jan. 9, 2016 at 5:49 PM By The Associated Press Posted Jan. 9, 2016 at 5:49 PM » Social News BURNS — A group of armed men from around the Pacific Northwest who arrived at a wildlife refuge on Saturday morning left several hours later after people leading an occupation of the refuge told them they weren't needed. Todd MacFarlane, a Utah lawyer acting as a mediator, said occupation leader Ammon Bundy and others were concerned about the perception the armed visitors conveyed. "This was the last thing in the world they wanted to see happen," MacFarlane told The Oregonian. Bundy didn't request the presence of the Pacific Patriot Network, he said, and has "tried to put out the word: 'We don't need you.' " The network, a consortium of groups from Oregon, Washington and Idaho, arrived at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge midmorning in a convoy of about 18 vehicles, carrying rifles and handguns and dressed in military attire and bulletproof vests. Some of the men told journalists they were there to help with security for the group that has occupied the headquarters of the refuge since Jan. 2. Their leader, Brandon Curtiss, said the group came to "de-escalate" the situation by providing security for those inside and outside the compound. One of the original occupiers of the refuge, LaVoy Finicum, said earlier on Saturday that the network's help is appreciated, but "we want the long guns put away." Bundy has repeatedly rejected calls to leave buildings at the refuge despite pleas from the county sheriff, from many local residents and from Oregon's governor, among others. On Saturday, militants drove government-owned vehicles and heavy equipment around the compound, saying the trucks and backhoes now belong to the local community. They also covered the national refuge sign with a new sign saying: "Harney County Resource Center" in white block letters over a blue background. The Harney County Joint Information Center put out a statement on Saturday, saying they continue to work for a peaceful solution. "The FBI's investigation is ongoing so it would not be appropriate to provide details at this time," the statement said. The local school district announced there would be classes on Monday, after a week without school because of safety concerns. By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Jan. 9, 2016 at 5:49 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501