The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The race on Highway 34 is over, and Ottumwa is the winner.

The friendly competition between the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa and the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center kicked off last month at the Gothic House in Eldon.

Both executive directors were gracious in their respective winning and defeat.

"Well, the best thing I can say is that there really are no losers in this race," said Bridge View Executive Director Larry Gawronski. "Both the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center and the Bridge View Center won in that they gained over 800 new 'likes' and we gained almost 1400 new 'likes'."

"It's a tribute to Ottumwa, I think it's a tribute to Indian Hills Community College," said Fairfield Arts and Conventions Center Executive Director Rustin Lippincott. "The people rallied behind the center so it really exuded that community pride that I was looking for when I challenged Larry at the Bridge View Center with this competition."

Both Gawronski and Lippincott said they are excited that the competition raised awareness of the activities and events at both centers. In addition, the new 'likes' offer a new audience that can receive immediate updates from their local center.

As the loser of the race, Lippincott will have to introduce an event at the Bridge View Center in full costume, something he said his kids are very excited about.