Media-ready jpg image of Randy and Lona Barg

Microsoft Word Document of Lona Barg News Release

DATE: July 7, 2008
CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, karie.lowe@kslottery.net

Coffeyville Resident Wins $10,000 After Cashing Free Ticket

TOPEKA, KAN. –Last Thursday evening, Lona Barg stopped at a local convenience store to cash in a free ticket she won playing a $1 instant game. The Coffeyville resident cashed the free ticket for a $1 Double Doubler instant scratch ticket. She was speechless when she revealed a $10,000 top prize playing the game.

“Can you believe I won $10,000 by cashing in a free ticket!” said Barg. “I can’t believe it. How often does something like this happen in Coffeyville? It’s hard to believe it’s real.”

In fact, when Barg showed her husband Randy the winning ticket, he thought it was a joke or a fake ticket.

“He almost tore up my ticket,” said Barg. “Everyone has seen on television where people get tricked with those fake tickets. Randy thought it was one of those games. Thankfully, I stopped him before he tore it up.”

According to Barg, she plays a variety of instant scratch games several times a week. Since she has never won a top prize before, she wasn’t sure what to do next.

“We decided we better have it verified at a store,” said Barg. “After it was verified, we still had a hard time believing it was real. It didn’t sink in until today.”

The Bargs, who have been married 24 years and have two children, are undecided how they’ll spend their prize money.

The winning ticket was purchased at K & S Oil., Inc. 1, located at 1610 W. 8th St. in Coffeyville.