Durand takes first in the Small Town Showdown

By Doug Schroder

Editor

DURAND – Local radio DJ Steve Shannon brought his show to Durand on Friday, April 8, as the town had won his contest named the Small Town Showdown.

Forty small towns from the area originally started in the contest from votes collected by the radio station via the Internet. Durand made that list and never trailed in voting throughout the contest, according to Shannon.

“Durand led in the contest throughout,” stated Shannon.

Small town pride really showed for Durand, as it seemed the whole town turned out for the celebration, which ran 5:30 – 10 a.m. that Friday. Town officials showed up and the mayor was interviewed on air, even schools let students out to go to Cimino’s Restaurant where the celebration was held. The Durand High School Choir came and performed.

Benny Cimino was gracious in opening his restaurant at the very early morning hour of the event, even making breakfast pizza for the first time for all who attended. Steve even interviewed Benny on the radio for a little bit.

Steve also made a nice on-air tribute to Jozie Pobjecky, the high school girl, with Durand ties, who lost her life to bone cancer in the days prior to the broadcast.

While there, I got to meet Durand resident, and Durand Charm member, Bev Waller, who has quite a bit of history to share. I never realized what interesting history Durand has. Look for information in upcoming issues of the Gazette.

It was a well-deserved win for Durand. The pride the citizens have for their town really showed through during the competition and celebration. Congrats on the win to all those in the Bulldog nation!