MAN HITS BIRTHDAY JACKPOT

Ray C. Smith Jr. of Scott City turned 21 Saturday and his grandmother had a special birthday present in mind.

"If I live till he turns 21, I'm going to take him to the boat," 80-year-old Lillian Smith had promised.

Sunday, son, parents and grandparents headed to Metropolis. After being stopped to have his identification checked, Smith headed for the gaming floor where he ended up being a $75 winner.

"We figured he'd go there sooner or later and it would be better if we took him," said Lillian Smith.

The elder Smith and her husband Dorris make the trip to Metropolis at least once a week. They haven't gotten rich, but they don't feel they've lost much either.

"Our pleasure's worth a little," she said.

The couple prefers the Metropolis boat over others they've visited. Familiarity with the people and machines make it "feel like home," said Lillian Smith.

Ray Smith thought the whole thing was "pretty cool" and will probably go back.

"I'd like to go back someday, but I'm broke now," he said. Today's winnings will go to pay bills.

"Ray has other things to do with his friends and all," said his grandmother. "For my husband and I, this is about all we do."