Brett Hodler's week started with a surprise after purchasing a Missouri Lottery ticket on his way to work. The Clarksburg resident pocketed $27,777 after winning the top prize on a "Show Me 7's" Scratchers ticket he purchased at Mr. G's Liquor, 306 W. Buchanan, in California. A steel fabricator with DeLong's Inc. in Jefferson City, Hodler said he stops to buy Lottery tickets a couple times each week on his way to work, but has never won a prize this large.
"I've won maybe $25 or $100 before, but nothing like this," Hodler explained. "I'm in shock."
Hodler, 27, said news of his Lottery win spread quickly to his family and friends. His wife, Michelle, didn't believe him when he called her with the good news.
"I had to text a picture of the ticket before she believed me. Then she asked when we are going shopping," said Hodler. "My sister, Ashley, reminded me that her birthday is coming up, too."
Once the shock wears off, Hodler will do some car shopping with his wife and put the rest in savings for his two-year-old daughter. There is one special toy he wants to buy.
"I might need to get a four-wheeler for deer hunting. Oh yeah, and give rides to my daughter," confided Hodler.
