Winning Mega Millions Ticket Sold Right Down the Road

[PGDesigns]

So the jackpot was up to $270 million, and the people I work with decided to all chip in and buy a lot of tickets. However, the winning ticket was sold right down the road from us in a town about 10 minutes from here that's just big enough for a red light and gas station. :)

Ironically, the guy who collected our money and bought the tickets lives in the town the winning ticket was bought in (Portal, GA). Too bad he didn't buy our tickets there on his way home!

[WebLady]

It always seems to be the ones you'd never expect that win :p

We bought a ticket and didn't win :(

[PGDesigns]

Apparently, the lady is a regular customer in the convenience store there and is a middle-aged housewife...

Congrats to her, but there's a lot I could do with $270 million. :laugh:

[Nekochanpurr]

Wow! Its always neat when it happens to someone close!

Haha, i agree.. i always see them on the news and stuff and think 'man, they don't need it, split it with me!' LOL

[Whitewater]

If ever I won a pot like that, I'd give every bride here $5000 for their weddings. Seriously. We both are big on spreading out our good fortune, and giving a helping hand if and when we can.

But in our state, the state automatically gets half of it, and then there are regular taxes, so with a 270 million jackpot, we would get . . . let's see . . . .about 100 million. Still not too shabby. But we're still irritated that the bulk of it goes to the government!


Whitewater

[PGDesigns]

Whitewater, my FH and I would give away a lot of money, too. That kind of money could help a lot of people. :)

Here's a picture of the little store that sold the winning ticket. I've actually been there a couple times.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c187/allic6/Lottery_2Web.jpg

[PGDesigns]

$270 MILLION! Portal family wins Mega Millions
Winning ticket bought at Clyde's #70 in Portal


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By PHIL BOYUM

pboyum@statesboroherald.com
912-489-9454
Posted: Feb. 23, 2008 3:39 p.m.
Updated: Feb. 23, 2008 9:17 p.m.


Friday was a big night for Portal.
First, the Portal High School boys basketball team advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the Class A state playoffs.
Then, as the lottery commissioner read off the lottery numbers, one lucky ticket bought in Portal had won $270 million in the multi-state Mega Millions lottery game.
It was learned Saturday Bobby and Tonya Harris of Portal were the owners of the winning ticket from Clyde's #70 on Highway 80 in northwest Bulloch County town. Tandi Reddick, a spokesperson with the Georgia Lottery, said she could not confirm a winner until the ticket is verified, which can't be done until the Lottery offices in Atlanta open Monday morning at the earliest.
Bobby Harris said the winning numbers were based upon his grandchildren's five birthdays. Family friends said the Harris' went to Augusta Saturday afternoon to stay and celebrate with family before heading to Atlanta to claim the winnings.
"I called my boss this morning and told him I was quitting," Harris said. "He understood."
Harris told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he and his wife would soon move out of their mobile home, but he wasn't sure they'd move out of town.
Harris said he plans to take the winnings in a lump sum when he drives to Georgia Lottery Headquarters to cash in the winning ticket Monday. If the couple opt for a lump-sum payout, they'll get a check for $164 million. If they take the annuity option, they'll get $10.3 million annually for 26 years.
A Clyde's customer was overheard saying, "Wow! I hope she's my friend."
Christa Hodges, a Clyde's employee working Saturday afternoon, said the winning ticket was purchased by Tonya Harris sometime Friday evening. Hodges said Harris lives in Portal and is a regular customer.
"She's a really nice lady," Christa Hodges said. "She's been in here three times already today, but she's been real calm. I don't think it's hit her yet."
"She's a regular," said fellow employee Breanna McCoy.
Another employee Matthew Newsome rung up the purchase of the winning ticket. He said it "feels pretty good" to sell the big winner. According to Reddick, ., Clyde's will receive a $25,000 "retailer incentive bonus" for selling the winning ticket.
Eddie Adams owns Da' Pig Shack across the street from Clyde's. He said that corner of town was buzzing Saturday morning as the news spread through the small community.
"The parking lot (of Clyde's) was full and everybody was excited," said Adams. "(Harris) was outside giving everybody a 'thumbs up.'"
Adams said news about the lottery winner traveled fast.
"I had people from Florida calling me to see if I was the one who won," said Adams.
Larry Lanier, owner of the IGA grocery store on the corner opposite Clyde's, said the Harris' are regular customers of his store.
"I saw her Friday night. She cashed her check, went across the street and played her grandkids' birthdays," said Lanier. "She's a rich woman now in South Georgia. She's got more friends and kinfolk than she's ever had."
Lanier recommended to Harris that she get a good banker and a good attorney.
John Campbell, a manager at Clyde's, said he expects lottery sales will likely double for the next few weeks.
"They'll be coming to the terminal hoping some of the good luck will rub off," said Campbell.
"It's a good day in Portal for everybody," said Campbell.


The Associated Press contributed to this article.

[smileyone2002]

WOW! how exciting for her!! But doesnt it make you want to kick yourself in the butt knowing it was that close to you!?! I know I would...I have a disease with the "what if's...."!!

[PGDesigns]

WOW! how exciting for her!! But doesnt it make you want to kick yourself in the butt knowing it was that close to you!?! I know I would...I have a disease with the "what if's...."!!

LOL yeah, I'd much rather it be halfway across the country. I have so many things going on right now that need money. It's just one thing after another.

[smileyone2002]

I feel ya...I am going through the same thing!:bbmad: