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Retired Eldon Man Unlocks $10,000 Prize

A former locksmith found the key to retirement – win the lottery.  Chuck Ruth of Eldon stopped for gas and a Scratchers ticket after running errands in Osage Beach on July 10.  He bought one "$200,000 A Year For Life" Missouri Lottery Scratchers ticket at Murphy Oil Express, 4294 Highway 54 in Osage Beach. 
   
"I just pick one up every once in a while," said Ruth.  "Got lucky, I guess." 
   
Ruth, 64, took the ticket home and scratched it with his wife, Penny, while sitting on their deck.  He said there "was a lot of shouting" after discovering the $10,000 prize.  Ruth said that they had won $1,000 on a Scratchers ticket previously, but that this was their biggest win.
   
"I hope that this is kind of a jump to that big one," explained Ruth. 
   
Ruth said that the prize money will go in the bank, but they have a few ideas such as extending the deck on their house or adding a hot tub.     
   
"I’m sure my wife will find something for it," shrugged Ruth. 
   
"$200,000 A Year For Life" is the second $20 Scratchers ticket released by the Missouri Lottery.  The game officially began Jan. 31 and features a top prize of $200,000 a year for life.  Players can also win prizes of $100,000, $20,000 or, as in this case, $10,000, in addition to several smaller amounts.