Hundreds of local shoppers found a comfy seat at one of many Rugby area businesses to listen to the radio at 11:30 a.m., Dec. 20.

News Director Bruce Allen at AM 1450 KZZJ was joined by Rugby Area Chamber of Commerce director Shelley Block and Rugby seventh-grader Collin Voeller. After weeks of anticipation in the community, Collin reached into a large pile of Scratch and Win cards and pulled out the grand winner of $2,500 in Rugby Bucks.

Duane Ebach of Rugby was the name. Ebach was listening at Dakota Farms, where he received the prize and congratulations.

Five other names were chose for $500 in Rugby Bucks each. Those winners are Ludy Marto, Mark Hamilton, Sandy Hageness and Bruce Odden, all of Rugby; and Pat Anderson, of St. Cloud, Minn.

“Our businesses have done so much to make this Scratch and Win a success,” Block said. “What impresses me most is our businesses give and give and give. They’re always on board and they pay for the scratch cards, the advertising. Some businesses gave extra prizes so every one in two is a winner.”

In total, 39,000 cards were printed this year with 18,000 showing up prizes or discounts. Businesses gave out different prizes specific to their locations and industries and an additional $1,600 in Rugby Bucks was awarded as direct winnings of certain cards.

“I appreciate the businesses and what they do for this community,” Block said, “so promoting and marketing for them is a pleasure to do.”

Keep scratching because there are more cards out there, and it is always a good time to support Rugby businesses.