Lisa Bundy thankful for community support

Gem County residents Ammon and Lisa Bundy never thought their fight over grazing and water rights for their ranch would be a focus of national attention. The Bundys see themselves as defenders of the Constitution, standing up for what they believe in. Lisa Bundy said her husband is in federal prison now because he was “defending his neighbors and challenging the federal government over his rights.” “We are supposed to fight for our rights and fight for our land. This is God-given land, and he has designated us to take care of it,” Lisa Bundy said. Ammon Bundy, his father and brother are in federal prison awaiting trial on charges stemming from an armed standoff that stopped government agents from rounding up Bundy cattle near Bunkerville, Nevada, in 2014. Jury selection is set to start Oct. 10 in Las Vegas for Ammon Bundy, his father Cliven Bundy, Ammon Bundy’s brother Ryan Bundy and two other men. The Bundys moved to Gem County in June 2015. Seeing the American flag waving at Freezeout Hill and the banner at Emmett High School reading “Small town, big time football” were signs to them that this was the place they wanted to call home. Lisa Bundy said that God led them to Gem County through a series of confirming events. They bought a home with an apple orchard for them and their six children ranging from 2 to 15 years old. Living as a single parent with her husband in prison is the hardest thing Lisa Bundy said she has ever had to face. “We have a lot of church and community support,” Lisa Bundy said. “When everything happened, and our friend LaVoy Finicum was shot and killed, and Ammon was arrested in Oregon, our church came in and took over.” She said they provided meals for her and the children and cleaned their home, as she was in a state of shock and numbness. She said the community support has been phenomenal. “My husband would not have done this unless he felt guided to do it,” Lisa Bundy said. “I know God has a purpose in all things...more