No Joke: Ottumwa Man Wins Lottery Top Prize On April Fool’s Day
Toni Hartley Claims $20,000 Prize In ‘$20,000 Crossword’ Scratch Game
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CLIVE, Iowa — A big lottery win can be hard to believe, especially when it’s a $20,000 prize on April Fool’s Day.
“I scratched it and flipped out!” said Toni Hartley of Ottumwa.
He bought his winning “$20,000 Crossword” scratch ticket at Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh, 2457 N. Court St. in Ottumwa, and claimed his prize Wednesday at the lottery’s main office in Clive.
Hartley, who is 47 and works for an RV dealership, said he purchased his ticket during his lunch break.
“I got a sandwich, some jalapeño poppers and a couple tickets,” he said.
Hartley forgot about those tickets until he got home that night and was stunned to see his top prize.
“It’s pretty amazing, it’s kind of ironic. I really kind of thought, of all days, why not?” Hartley said.
He plans to use his winnings to pay off some bills, add to his savings account and spoil his new grandchild.
He plans to use his winnings to pay off some bills, add to his savings account and spoil his new grandchild. For more information about this game, and the number of prizes still available, visit www.ialottery.com.
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