Linda Schmidt of Alden won $20,000 playing the Couch Potato Crossword game. Schmidt claimed the prize on Aug. 16. Kwik Trip, at 1210 E. Main St. in Albert Lea, sold the winning ticket.

According to a press release, lottery players have won more than $6.5 billion. In Minnesota, more than $2.6 billion in lottery proceeds have helped the state including more than $1 billion has helped preserve, restore and protect Minnesota’s environment and almost $1.5 billion has helped fund state programs including education, public safety and health and human services.