Maddie Jackson, an Auburn Ag student from DeKalb County, recently created a large “hay character” to honor former President Trump in a field along Highway 75 in Sylvania.

“I know most people in the area support Donald Trump, and I was hoping to brighten someone’s day or put a smile on their face when I made it,” Jackson told Mountain Valley News.

Early Saturday morning, Jackson’s parent received calls from multiple members of the community telling them that Maggie’s creation was on fire. The family suspects arson.

“I’m really at a loss for words,” said Maggie’s mother, Ashley Griggs Jackson. “Heath and I began getting calls about 12:30 this morning that the hay bales were on fire. By the time we arrived they all were fully engulfed. The feeling of being mad and sad all at the same time was very overwhelming.”

“Lots of people have reached out about wanting to help rebuild it. Maddie just happens to be home from Auburn to dove hunt today and we are leaving that up to her. If she wants to rebuild it we will support her and help her!”

“With all that being said, if anyone came by the hay bales around 12:15 am and saw anything please reach out.

The family is offering a $1,000 reward to anyone providing info that leads to the apprehension of the perpetrator(s).

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten