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Braving the cold to be the last one standing
Posted: 12.17.2011 at 1:30 PM
Updated: 12.21.2011 at 11:15 AM
Kate Allt

Kate Allt is a news reporter with KTVO

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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- UPDATE: Late Tuesday night, Mike Smith, 43, of Albia, Iowa won the contest.

KTVO's James Buechele will be talking with Mike later Wednesday and we will post that update.

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UPDATE: As of Monday afternoon, three people still remained outside, one hand on the truck, in the running for the giveaway. They have been competing for over two days, and all of them are still determined to be the last man standing.

On Saturday, Damion Collins was absolute about his willpower, and his story has not changed.

"This is like cake here, I know I can do  this," he said. "The only thing that's going to make me leave is the other two guys leaving."

Bridge City employees said they did not expect anyone to last this long.


At least it wasn't raining or snowing.

A group of people stood outside, one hand on a Bridge City TV and Appliances truck, in hopes of winning $5,000 worth of free appliances.

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The event was owner Chris McKeag's way of giving back to the community during the holiday season. Anyone wishing to participate had to provide proof of living on unemployment.

The giveaway began at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, when about a dozen people huddled around the truck and hunkered down. The rules were easy -- no taking a hand away from the truck under any circumstances, including bathroom breaks, and no outside help.

"I'm here for a haul, I'm just mindset, I'm warm, comfortable, got some coffee and a nice little spot," participant Damion Collins said. "I know I'll be the last one, I'm here for a whole weekend if it takes."

Iowa State student Brian Kennedy heard about the giveaway the day before it began, and decided it was worth a try. His strategy was to "sit as long as I can".

"I've got an extra change of clothes, just in case, and a little bag of pretzels. Hopefully that'll save me," he said.

As of 1:30 p.m. Saturday, there was still no winner. Check back when this story is updated to see who will be the last man standing.

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