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Published: 21 February 2016 21 February 2016

Editor's Note: For context, you can read part 1 of this "community conversation" at http://www.grantcountybeat.com/news/news-articles/27316-community-conversation-violent-means-to-political-ends-will-silver-city-be-the-next-burns-oregon-part-1 

By Sandra Michaud

The first part of the evening's discussion featured the panelists giving their take on the situation in Grant County. 

Moderator Jamie Newton explained to the audience how they would be able to make statements and ask the panelists question during this phase of the Community Conversation.

Shelby Hallmark of Silver City was the first to make a comment. GǣThe concern we are facing is one that is immediately addressed to the Forest Service. They're the ones who have to deal with (rancher Adrian) Sewell (who went to Burns, Ore., and tore up his grazing permit in public) and anyone else who has a problem with their grazing agreements. I would just like to ask that everybody in town and the authorities to lend their support to help the Forest Service as they deal with what is a very difficult and likely to be a contentious situation, so that we can try to diffuse the problems.Gǥ

Hugh B. McKeen, a local rancher was next to speak. He said that his family has been ranching in the area since before there was a Forest Service, and that he had grazing permits from both the BLM and the Forest Service.

GǣI came to this meeting because of my suspicions. Any time you have Kieran Suckling on the board you know that itG