Media-ready jpeg image of Terry Yowell and Teresa Ragoschke

Microsoft Word Document of Terry Yowell News Release

DATE: June 3, 2008
CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, karie.lowe@kslottery.net

Council Grove Resident Braves Elements to Claim Prize

TOPEKA, KAN. – Heavy rain, hail, and high winds didn’t stop Terry Yowell from making the trip to Lottery headquarters in Topeka yesterday to claim a prize worth $20,000. The Council Grove resident won a top prize playing a $2 Bonus Crossword instant scratch ticket when she revealed 10 words on the ticket.

“My friend and co-worker Teresa Ragoschke and I play Bonus Crossword tickets every day on our lunch break,” said Yowell. “On Friday, I bought two tickets but didn’t get a chance to scratch both of them. The one I did scratch wasn’t a winner. The other ticket I stuck in my purse and almost forgot it was there.”

Saturday afternoon Yowell was finishing her laundry when she remembered the ticket was still in her purse.

“I figured I’d scratch that ticket while I waiting on my laundry,” said Yowell. “I started revealing words right away, so I knew I had a lucky ticket. I figured I’d win $500. I never expected to win $20,000.”

After realizing she’d won the $20,000, Yowell went back to the store where she purchased her ticket.

“The gal at the store checked my ticket and the lottery machine said, ‘Claim at Lottery,’” said Yowell. “The clerk told me she didn’t know how much I’d won but it must be a lot. I called my brother and had him check my ticket, too.”

According to Yowell, she’s had good luck playing Bonus Crossword. She’s won $500 and several $100 prizes.

“She’s always winning,” smiled Teresa Ragoschke. “I called her Saturday morning bragging that I’d won $50 playing a $1 scratch ticket, and just a few hours later she was calling me bragging she’d won $20,000. I couldn’t believe it.”

Yowell, who is widowed, has a daughter and three grandchildren. She plans to do some home remodeling with her prize money.

The winning ticket was purchased at Short Stop 18, located at 9 E. Main in Council Grove.