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Up-to-date info from the Ohio Lottery's Office of Communications.

Winner Wednesday

There’s nothing happier than an Ohio Lottery winner mid-week, and we’ve got a good one to share with you.

Maybe spring cleaning should be our story today, because this winner discovered he had a $1 million winner while he was cleaning up a stack of old Mega Millions tickets!

Michael was going through some old tickets and checking them one by one on the website when he discovered he won $1 million on a Mega Millions ticket from October 10, 2023!  

“I couldn’t believe it, just one of those things you don’t think is real. My wife was working so the only one I could tell was the dog.” he said.

It’s a good thing he decided to clean up when he did. Draw tickets expire 180 days after the drawing, and his winning ticket was 26 days from expiring when he brought it in to claim the prize.

Michael and his wife are still deciding how they will spend their unexpected win.

North Court Beverage in Medina sold the winning ticket.
 
 
Posted: 3/13/2024 11:52:17 AM


January Partners in Education Winners 

Congratulations to our January winners for our Partners in Education program!  
 
Teachers of the Month 
 
Winners receive a $500 gift card, a prize pack and certificate of excellence. 
 
Nominate A Teacher 
 
All teachers nominated for Teacher of the Month from September 2023 to March 10, 2024, will be put into a drawing for a chance to win a field trip courtesy of the Ohio Lottery and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources!

Jana Thomas“Mrs. Jana Thomas is a respected teacher-leader by her peers and students. Mrs. Thomas is not afraid to tackle issues or problems that may need innovative solutions. She most recently spearheaded an initiative to revamp our freshmen orientation process. Jana is also organizing a trip to Spain for several students in her Spanish classes.”- Ed Trifonoff, Principal 
 


Andrew Crabtree
“Mr. Crabtree goes above and beyond what is expected of him. He teaches special needs children and is remarkable at it. He reaches these kids in ways that I haven't seen in the 10 years that I have been in several different special needs classrooms. These children thrive from his teachings. He is teaching them how to read and count, and their colors and shapes. He makes me proud to be a paraprofessional in his classroom.”- Kim Taylor, Nominator

Jennifer Dickess“This teacher has been like a parent to me. She was someone I went to for help after the passing of my grandparents. She is always open with her students, and I know that any of them would go to her for guidance and advice. She is non-judgmental and is constantly reminding us of who we are as individuals. She truly has a heart of gold and is very deserving of this award.” - Ian Whaley, Student 



Don’t miss the latest Partners in Education news! Follow Our X Page: @OHPartnersinEd 
 
Academic All-Stars 
 
Academic All-Stars Receive a $100 gift card, a prize pack and a certificate of excellence.  
 
Nominate A Student  

“Kaydence is an exceptional student who deservesKaydence Carver extra recognition. She demonstrates outstanding citizenship in many ways. She stands out above her peers in that she has made it her mission to help others and put others before herself. Kaydence receives high grades because she is very conscientious and has a will to succeed. Kaydence also participates in extracurricular activities and contributes to her school in positive and meaningful ways.  She is a role model for other students and a pleasure to be around.”- Keely Kandel, Teacher 

Macie Shepherd“Macie Shepherd epitomizes the essence of a well-rounded student deserving of the Academic All-Star Award. Throughout her high school journey, Macie has showcased exceptional leadership qualities, both in her academic pursuits and extracurricular involvement. As a dedicated cheerleader, she not only excels in mastering routines but also extends her expertise to mentor and support younger teammates, fostering a positive and inclusive team dynamic. Macie's commitment to community service is evident through her voluntary contributions, whether it be assisting with school events or aiding in local initiatives like the Polar Express. In the classroom, Macie shines brightly, not only achieving academic excellence but also extending a helping hand to her peers, demonstrating patience, encouragement and genuine care for their success. Her proactive approach to academics, coupled with her compassionate demeanor, makes her a natural leader and role model within her school community. Macie's unwavering dedication to uplifting others and her outstanding citizenship make her an exemplary candidate for this award.”- Keely Kochman, Counselor 

“Ryli exemplifies the epitome of an Academic All-Star, embodying excellence across variousRyli McConnell dimensions. Academically, she shines brightly, displaying exceptional dedication and continuous improvement. However, it is her remarkable demonstration of responsibility, attitude, leadership and school pride, particularly evident in her role as a basketball player, that truly distinguishes her. From her early days as a freshman to her current status as a senior leader and team captain, Ryli's unwavering positivity, teamwork and coachability illuminate her character. Beyond the court, her commitment to community service and willingness to mentor younger players underscore her outstanding citizenship and selflessness. Ryli's pride in representing her school is palpable, reflecting a deep-rooted ethos of collective spirit and excellence. Her influence extends far beyond her team, inspiring admiration and respect from coaches, teammates, opponents and spectators alike. Ryli's nomination for the Academic All-Star Award is not just a recognition of her achievements but a celebration of her indomitable spirit and invaluable contributions to her school community.”- Jennifer Simmerman, Coach Indian Valley High School 
  
Congratulations to our outstanding students and teachers! Don’t forget – you can also Nominate A School For School Of The Year. Nominations are due by March 10, 2024.    
 
Posted: 3/6/2024 10:45:22 AM


Teacher Appreciation Field Trip Giveaway

We're excited to partner with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the second year in a row to send an Ohio teacher and their entire class on a field trip through the Teacher Appreciation Week Field Trip Giveaway.

Through a random drawing, one Ohio teacher will win a field trip for their entire class to learn and experience the outdoors with the help of ODNR experts.

The winner will be announced during Teacher Appreciation Week in May.

All teachers nominated for the Lottery’s Partners in Education Teacher Of The Month from September 2023 to March 10, 2024, will be automatically included in the drawing for the field trip giveaway.

Last year’s winner, Bridgette Hoff of Bluffton High School, took her class on a canoeing trip. Watch the highlights of the field trip in this video.

Visit ohiolottery.com/partners to submit a nomination for a teacher.

The Ohio Lottery's Partners in Education program recognizes Ohio students, teachers and schools for outstanding performance and achievement. Three teachers and threes students across Ohio are recognized monthly, September through May, either as an Academic All Star or as a Teacher of the Month.

Your nomination could be the one that sends the whole class on a fun and educational field trip. Nominate today!
Posted: 3/5/2024 1:25:48 PM


March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Responsible gambling is part of our messaging throughout the year, but those efforts get a boost every March as we recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).

PGAM is dedictated to increasing public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services.  
 
Did you know approximately 1% of the U.S. adult population is estimated to meet the criteria for severe problem gambling?

In Ohio, approximately 2.8% of the adult population is at risk of having a gambling problem.
 
Keep an eye on our social channels and in retail locations for important messages about responsible gambling throughout the month.  
  
You can also visit Keep it Fun, Ohio to learn about gambling myths, how to keep spending in check, and where to find help. 
 
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, here’s how to get help or give help. Call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline 24/7 at 1-800-589-9966.

You can also have a chat with a live Specialist 24/7 linked here: http://www.gamblinghelpohio.org/
 
 
 
 
Posted: 3/1/2024 9:50:23 AM


It's Winner Wednesday

Happy Wednesday! We're halfway through the week with a little spring weather preview making people across Ohio smile, but they're not smiling like our Ohio Lottery winners!

Karen won $100,000 playing the Bingo 25X scratch-off.

Karen says she and her husband picked up a few scratch-offs recenly and won $5 or $10, then they'd play again with their winnings. This was their biggest win.

"I was just in total shock and disbelief! People do win!" Karen said.

Karen and her husband have a few options for their winnings. She said they need a new deck and a new car. They also plan to share some with their grown children.

Par Mar Store #231 in Cambridge sold the winning ticket.

Tim from Wooster got lucky twice!

First he bought a Lady Luck 100X scratch-off and won $50, then he used his winnings to buy a 50th Anniversary scratch-off.

His second ticket was really lucky because he won $1 million!

Tim chose to take the cash option prize of $500,000.

He said he's planning to buy a Harley Davidson with his winnings.

BellStores #1159 in Wooster sold the winning ticket.

We love hearing winner stories like these! You can share your story by visiting our Winner Stories page.

You could be our next featured winner.
Posted: 2/28/2024 11:51:31 AM


Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots near $1 billion!

Where could you win nearly $1 billion?

In tonight’s Mega Millions drawing and tomorrow’s Powerball drawing!

The Mega Millions jackpot sits at $563 million.

Tickets are $2 each, and you can add Megaplier for $1 to multiply your non-jackpot prize.

Don’t forget, if you match five numbers but miss the gold ball, you win $1 million!

The Powerball jackpot, with the drawing set for tomorrow night, sits at $412 million.

Powerball tickets are $2 each, and you can add the Power Play for $1 to multiply your non-jackpot prize.

Just like with Mega, when you match five numbers but miss the red ball, you win $1 million!

Stop by an Ohio Lottery retailer today and pick up your tickets!


 
 
Posted: 2/27/2024 10:33:04 AM


New and old tickets make winners on Winner Wednesday!

You just never know when luck will strike on an Ohio Lottery Scratch-Off - sometimes it's a new ticket, and sometimes it's one that's been out for a while.

Today's Winner Wednesday blog is a combination of both!

John picked up the new Lady Luck 100X scratch-off and won $150,000!

He said he had to grab his glasses to look more closely because he didn't believe he had won.

John plans to pay off some bills and get put in a new kitchen with his winnings.

He bought his winning ticket at Speedway #9186 in Logan.

Robert from Adena is celebrating a big win on the Merry & Bright scratch-off.

He said he picked up his ticket on Valentine's Day and though he'd play a holiday ticket since in his words, "no one is playing those anymore!"

He made a good choice. He won the top prize of $80,000 a year for 25 years! He chose the cash option prize of $1 million.

Robert and his wife will be getting new cars, and he is planning to invest the rest of his win for retirement. 

CJ's Shurfast Food Mart in Cadiz sold the winning ticket.

Someone got lucky playing Rolling Cash 5 on February 19.

Onestop in Grove City sold the jackpot-winning auto-pick ticket worth $850,000!

The winning numbers were 17-21-31-32-37.

Congratulations, winners! 

Posted: 2/21/2024 11:44:10 AM


December Partners in Education Winners

Written by Dessiona Jackson

Congratulations to our December winners for our Partners in Education program! 

Teachers of the Month

Winners receive a $500 gift card, a prize pack and certificate of excellence.

Nominate A Teacher

Angel Conley“Mrs. Conley has been an excellent 5th grade teacher for my son and his classmates. She shows she genuinely cares for each of her students. She is always looking over them to make sure they are doing okay. She gives them a smile to lift them up throughout the day and makes herself available to talk to if her students need her. You may see her sitting with her students at lunch getting to know them better.  She reminds me of many of the amazing teachers I had growing up who truly and genuinely showed they cared about their students. We are so very lucky to have her in our lives.” — Christy Norris, Parent

“Brenda has a driving love for kids with special needs. She teaches them andBrenda Hartley nourishes them in developing their own individual potential. She has incredible patience and often deals with a variety of difficult behaviors. She never loses hope for her students. She celebrates each victory with her students while loving them through the tough times. Her teaching creativity helps her reach her students at their grade level. She manages a multi-aged classroom while giving individual attention to each student. She has a great support staff of paraprofessionals and a very supportive administration.” — Kathy Laird

Melissa Henke“Mrs. Henke is a compassionate teacher with attention to detail. She is always finding creative ways to help her students learn. She constantly pours her heart and soul into educating her students to the best of their ability. It is so wonderful and rare to have an exceptional teacher who cares so much!” — Steven Henke




Don’t miss the latest Partners in Education news! Follow Our X Page: @OHPartnersinEd

Academic All-Stars

Academic All-Stars Receive a $100 gift card, a prize pack and a certificate of excellence. 

Nominate A Student 

“Kinsey is very active in sports with cheer and softball, but her passion is volleyball. WhileKinsey Rife playing sports all throughout the school year, with late practices and games, she also works a job at Dairy Queen and still manages to keep making honor roll. She is a leader in everything she does, a great friend and a role model. She’d give the shirt off of her back if one needed it. She has given shoes off her feet because a classmate didn’t have the right shoes for practice! She’s always talking to her friends about keeping their grades up and staying out of trouble. Despite encountering difficult obstacles, she always held her head high and continues to reach for the stars. She wants nothing more than to attend college and play volleyball.” — Kimberly Chatfield, Parent 

Prince Johnson“This student had been doing great all year, not only with his grades and behavior, but also with his character. His heart is pure, and his mind is sharp. I would just love for everyone to acknowledge his path to greatness.” — Prince Sean Arthur Johnson, Parent  





Krislynne Favor
“This student does a great job in my computer classroom. She is always ahead of the class when it comes to technology and computers. I am so impressed with her skills.  Her attitude and behavior are very respectful. She is just an all-star in my book.” — Jack Reppart, Teacher 




Congratulations to our outstanding students and teachers! Don’t forget – you can also Nominate A School For School Of  The Year. Nominations are due by March 10, 2024.   
Posted: 2/21/2024 9:00:00 AM


Meet our Retailer-of-the-Week, Miller's Markets

Meet our Retailer-of-the-Week, Miller's Markets in Lodi!

This small town store does big Lottery business with a team of employees dedicated to taking care of customers and making sure the machines and bins are full.

The staff gets to know all customers amd provides excellent customer service. 

Each week, the store holds a second chance drawing for $10 in free tickets.

Give Miller's Markets a try for your next Ohio Lottery purchase!
Posted: 2/19/2024 11:04:34 AM


Live Drawings Back on Mobile and Web

Here's some bright news headed into the weekend!

All drawings have returned to the Ohio Lottery mobile app and website.

KENO and The Lucky One drawings are back live on the Ohio Lottery mobile app and the website.

You can watch drawings again anytime, anywhere!

EZPLAY® Progressive Jackpots are now updating every two minutes.

Thank you for your patience while we worked to get these services restored. 

You get a little extra for playing KENO through the end of the month. You earn double points for non-winning KENO tickets entered through MyLotto Rewards®  through the end of February! 
 
Posted: 2/16/2024 3:49:45 PM