Frederick couple to tackle home improvement project with winnings
A Western Maryland man told Lottery officials this week that he’s always loved the numbers nine and zero. Anytime he has to choose a number, the Frederick resident selects nine or zero or both. Knowing this, it’s no surprise what numbers he selected when playing the Lottery’s Pick 3/4/5 games for the last 30 years or so. What was a surprise was having those numbers he’d played for so long deliver a $50,000 prize.
“I have a friend who buys tickets with me,” said the 60-year-old construction worker. “He’s been playing longer than I have, and he’s always telling me that nine and zero are bad numbers, that they never come out together.” He shared his friend’s opinion with Lottery officials only moments after exchanging a Pick 5 ticket with the combination 9-0-9-9-0 for the game’s $50,000 prize. “Well, I proved him wrong.”
As shocked as the Frederick County man was upon seeing the June 11 evening drawing results, his reaction paled in comparison to that of his wife. “I walked into the living room and just stood there smiling,” he said. “I didn’t say anything, just made her guess. She got it pretty quickly.” Happy that they’d found some Lottery luck, she was blown away by just how much the prize turned out to be.
“She refused to believe me. I couldn’t convince her so, eventually, I just gave her the ticket and told her to check it herself.” The husband reports that a loud celebration soon followed.
The couple will use the winnings to start a home improvement project they have discussed for a year. “It will be nice to get this done and off of our minds.” The remainder of their $50,000 Pick 5 prize will go straight to the family’s savings.
Also in the money is Ballenger Creek Pike Exxon in Frederick. The business will receive a $500 bonus from the Lottery for selling the winning ticket. If you want to try your luck there in hopes some Lottery magic is still floating around, head to the business at 5870 Ballenger Creek Pike.
