Friendly rivalry between county attorney, auditor

An ongoing bet between Washington County Auditor Dan Widmer and County Attorney John Gish went public at a Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday.

“I’d like to point out that County Attorney John Gish is looking especially dapper this morning,” Widmer said, referring to an Iowa Hawkeye-themed tie worn by Gish, a Cyclones fan.

Widmer said he and Gish had formed a tradition from the rivalry between their preferred collegiate athletic programs.

“ (We) have had an annual bet every year on the Iowa-Iowa State football game, and the loser wears the tie of the losing team on the next Tuesday after the game,” he said. “This time, John was not in the office last Tuesday, so we had to delay his wearing of the Iowa Hawkeye tie until today.”

While happy to win another consecutive year, Widmer did his best to maintain some degree of humility.

“It’s just all for fun, and John’s really a good sport about it,” he said. “I’ve had to wear the Iowa State tie several years ago for the basketball game, so I have worn the Iowa State tie as well.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com