Durwards honored for decades of service

A North Havre couple retiring from service on Hill County boards were honored Monday for their decades of service to the county.

Charles Durward received a framed certificate recognizing his 41 years on the county planning board, and Gaynelle Durward received a framed certificate for 33 years on the county zoning board.

Charles commented after receiving his award that he and his wife just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, with more than half of that spent on the boards.

Gaynelle said their involvement stemmed from their being in the North Havre Community Club, the involvement of which even helped lead to the creation of the county zoning board.

"We always wanted to know what was going on," she said.

After the presentation, Hill County Commission Chair Mike Wendland said the work of people like the Durwards truly helps the county.

"We appreciate all that people do on our boards," he said, adding, "How long they served shows their commitment." County Planner Clay Vincent said the couple has seen a multitude of changes in the area over their terms of service, from Big Bud Manufacturing beginning to build some of the largest — and the very largest — tractors in the world to the paving of Beaver Creek Road to the construction of Havre Middle School.

Changes included drafting the comprehensive county growth plan that was used for more than 30 years before it was replaced this year.

"That was a long, drawn out thing," Charles said.

He said that, at one point, he and some others were working to have an item included in that plan, but couldn't convince the others.

He decided to come in a suit and tie to the next meeting, and it was approved in no time, he said.

"You've got to be dressed up for these meetings, or they won't listen to you," he said jokingly.

Vincent said much of the form of Havre and Hill County as they exist today has taken shape from the work of the Durwards on their respective boards.

"You guys have seen a lot of change," he said.