BURNS, OR -- The militia standoff 30 miles south of Burns has had a definite impact on some businesses there. “It’s going to be our best January that we have or probably will ever have,” says Samantha Landon, owner/operator of Bella Java and Bistro in downtown Burns. She tells KBND her business is suddenly full of law enforcement and media in addition to locals. Simply keeping product and supplies is a challenge. “We had to call another place to help bake more goods for us because we can’t keep up with the baked goods.”
Meanwhile, down the road at America’s Best Value Inn, business is also booming. “I’d say it’s up about 80%,” says relief manager Vickie Allen. Her new clientele is similar to that of the coffee shop. “Oh, I’ve had police; I’ve had FBI; I’ve had ABC, NBC, CBS, New York Times, The Oregonian.”
Both Allen and Landon say the mood in Burns is one of cautious concern. But until the stalemate is over, business is booming at a time of year things are usually very quiet.
