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DATE: April 28, 2008
CONTACT: Karie Lowe (785) 296-5744, karie.lowe@kslottery.net

Baldwin City Resident Wins Second $25,000 Top Prize

TOPEKA, KAN. – Yesterday, while buying for gas for his lawn mower, Gordon Ruppert purchased two $5 Deal or No Deal instant scratch tickets. Once he returned home and finished mowing his yard, the Baldwin City resident decided to scratch his tickets. The first ticket he played was a $10 winner, but the second ticket was worth $25,000!

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Ruppert. “In fact, I thought I’d won $2,000 at first. After re-checking my ticket, I realized it was a $25,000 winner.”

Just three weeks ago, Ruppert came to Lottery headquarters and claimed a $2,000 cash prize he won playing Bonus Crossword. Two years ago, he claimed a $25,000 top prize playing a $5 game.

“I’ve had great luck,” said Ruppert. “My wife Mary couldn’t believe I won again.”

After having his ticket verified at the store where he purchased his ticket, Ruppert signed the back and hid his winning ticket for safekeeping.

“I hid my ticket in my dinner bucket,” smiled Ruppert. “I don’t think very many people would look in someone’s dinner bucket for a winning ticket.”

Ruppert, who works for InfraSource and installs gas lines, has been married to Mary for 33 years. They have seven children and six grandchildren. They plan to pay bills with their prize money.

The winning ticket was purchased at Santa Fe Market, Inc., located at 522 Ames, in Baldwin City.