Mayors bet on the big game

Mayor Bob Rice of Havre and Mayor Bud Johnson of Laurel have stepped up to show support of their respective high school football teams in the state championship game on Saturday.

Rice and Johnson made a wager this morning, both betting on their team to win. The winner will get a metal sculpture of a locomotive silhouette by a Laurel artist and City Council member, and the loser will donate $50 each to the Havre and Laurel team booster clubs.

Rice said he called Johnson on Thursday and asked him if he'd like to put the title of his car on the game. Johnson declined, but proposed the alternative wager.

"I think it's an appropriate thing to do," said Johnson, who is unable to come to Havre for the game.

Should Havre win, the two are unsure how the sculpture will change hands. "The big event is the game, and we'll work out the details of the exchange later," said Johnson.