CLEVELAND COUNTY, N.C. — A Shelby woman is celebrating after she scratched off a $1 million lottery prize this month.
Tawanna Calhoun stopped at BJ's Quick Stop on Fallston Road and tried her luck on a $50 scratch-off ticket. It was Calhoun's lucky day as she revealed a $1 million-winning ticket, North Carolina Education Lottery officials said.
Calhoun collected her winnings at the lottery headquarters on Tuesday. She had a choice: receive her price as an annuity of $50,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000. She opted for the lump sum, bringing home $429,014 after required state and federal taxes.
The $10 million spectacular game debuted in December with five top prizes of $10 million and 20 $1 million tickets. As of May 24, three of the $10 million grand prizes remain to be claimed.
Lottery officials say the state has provided over $27 million in grants, using money raised by the lottery, to support Cleveland County school construction.
Playing the lottery is a form of gambling. If you are concerned about your gambling or worried about a friend, you can call the NC Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-877-718-5543. You can also contact the National Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
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