Money Burning a Hole in Pocket Leads to $10,000 Win for Independence Man

According to Kelly Whitley, he had $15 burning a hole in his pocket Monday evening after cashing a few Kansas Lottery instant scratch tickets.  After debating back and forth, the Independence resident decided to spend the $15 on a variety of other instant scratch tickets.  Whitley was glad he listened to his instincts since it lead him to a $10,000 top prize, playing a $2 Fire & Ice 5s instant scratch ticket!

"I scratched the $15 worth of tickets I had bought while I was still in the store," said Whitley.  "When I realized I had won $10,000, I was scared, shaking and couldn't believe it."

Whitley, who plays Kansas Lottery instant scratch games daily, had never had such a big win and wasn't certain what to do next.

"I asked the store clerk to check the ticket for me," said Whitley.  "He confirmed what I had won and recommended I sign the back of my winning ticket, which I did immediately.  I kept the ticket on the visor of my truck until I had to go to work."

Whitely, who has been a truck driver for 32 years, works for Jack B. Kelley and travels to several states.  Since he had to work this week he decided it was best to give his girlfriend the winning ticket for safekeeping. 

"She had the ticket hid in her closet until I was able to claim the ticket today," said Whitley.  "I really enjoy playing scratch tickets.  I buy tickets in all the states I travel to.  I never go in thinking I'm going to win because I don't want to get disappointed.  I can say with certainty, I'm not disappointed now."

Whitley plans to join a local country club with part of his winnings so he can play golf with friends.  He was undecided how he would spend the rest of the winnings.

The winning ticket was purchased at Jumpstart Travel Center, located at 1700 East St. in Iola.