Oskaloosa Man Wins $30,000 Lottery Prize

Trevern Braden Wins Top Prize in ‘Bonus Crossword’ Game

CLIVE, Iowa — An Oskaloosa man who won a $30,000 lottery prize said he plans to share his winnings with his parents.

“I’m going to improve both of our living situations a little bit and spread the goodness around,” Trevern Braden told officials on Thursday as he claimed his prize at lottery headquarters in Clive.

Braden, 46, bought his winning “Bonus Crossword” ticket at Casey’s, 1807 Iowa Highway 5 in Lovilia. When he scratched off the bonus letters and saw his initials, he thought he was on to something good.

“I made a little video on my phone before I even scratched any more, and I said, ‘We’ve done it!’ And sure enough, $30,000 later,” he said.

Braden said when he stopped by his parents’ home to tell them in person about his win, they asked if they were getting a grandchild.

“Nope, it’s a baby but it’s not a grandchild,” he said with a laugh.

He said the excitement of his win only increased after visiting the lottery office.

“Right now, I’m still about to pop,” he said with a grin. “I hope it doesn’t hit me any more because I can’t take it if it does. It’s great.”