Charles City man gets early Christmas present in lottery win

To the Press

A Floyd County man may be unwrapping a newer vehicle this holiday season after winning $50,000 in the lottery last week.

James Kellogg, 64, of Charles City claimed the sixth of 12 top prizes available in the Iowa Lottery’s “$50,000 Holiday Magic Crossword” scratch game.

He said he bought his winning ticket Thursday at Liquor Beer & Tobacco Outlet, 1908 Clark St., Charles City, and scratched his ticket off right away.

“It looked like a pretty good ticket, then I scratched off the last two letters and that did it,” Kellogg told lottery employees Friday as he claimed his prize at the lottery’s regional office in Mason City.

He said he had his girlfriend look over his work to verify that he’d won the game’s $50,000 top prize.

“She said, ‘Looks like a winner,’” he said.

Kellogg, who is retired, said he already has big plans for his winnings.

“I need a new truck,” he said.

The $50,000 Holiday Magic Crossword scratch game is a $5 ticket. More details about how to play this game and the number of prizes still up for grabs in it can be found on the Iowa Lottery’s website, www.ialottery.com.

The $50,000 Holiday Magic Crossword scratch game is one of 11 holiday tickets that can be entered online or via the new mobile app in the “Secret Santa” Play It Again promotion from now through 8:59 a.m. Dec. 28 for a chance to win cash prizes. For rules and complete details, visit www.ialottery.com.