In a June 25 Town Council meeting, Hazelet said that after doing some research he felt a misstep in protocol occurred and the council would revote on the injunction after Draper publicly disclosed his interest in the project. He also relieved Draper of his duties overseeing the town's water department. At the time, an attorney for Draper said he didn't believe his client legally had a conflict of interest in the development, though he did publicly state Draper held three trust deeds on Genola Meadows lots.

Notwithstanding, the council upheld its previous decision in a 3-2 vote Wednesday night — Greenwood and Councilman Kendell Ewell opposed lifting the injunction. What puzzled Greenwood at the time is that Draper didn't publicly disclose his interest during the meeting.

"They just wanted to revote again," he said. "It makes no sense."

Hazelet disregarded Greenwood's protest, saying it had been disclosed previously. Hazelet and Draper did not return multiple requests for comment Friday.

Most of the townspeople have shown support for the Greenwoods in the aftermath of the tree-cutting and expressed their disgust for the handiwork of "scumbags," said Genola resident Sandra Greenwood, who is no relation to the councilman.

"It's downright rotten," she said. "it's like a hate crime ... someone has a vendetta."

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest, Sandra Greenwood said. In the meantime, they've set up flags at the stumps of the fallen trees.

"This is America," Sandra Greenwood said. "We have the right to question; we have a right to freedom."

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E-mail: jdana@desnews.com