BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Powerball ticket sales have kept merchants and business owners busy over the last two to three weeks as the jackpot has increased. This week is no exception. With no winning ticket sold for Monday night’s drawing, Wednesday’s payout will be a whopping $1.2 billion, the fourth highest in the lottery’s history.
Massive lottery jackpots have become more common in recent years as lottery officials have adjusted game rules and ticket prices to pump up the top prizes and added to the frequency of drawings.
According to the Powerball website, no one has successfully hit all six numbers since Aug. 3, meaning there have been 38 consecutive drawings that did not yield a jackpot winner.
Alice Scott, manager of the ZipZone location in Lovely, said the business has seen a steady increase in Powerball sales over the last two weeks, which always happens with the jackpot reaches an impressive amount.
“As the jackpot goes up, the sale of tickets goes up,” said Scott. “I wish everyone the best of luck. I’d really like to see someone local win or someone that really needs the money and who, in turn, would help out others in the same situation. Just imagine how many families and organizations you could help with that kind of money.”
Residents responded to a poll Tuesday asking what they would do if they won the Powerball.
“I’ve bought three tickets,” said Lauren Cox Runyon of Pilgrim. “I would take care of our bills and those of our families. I’d definitely hire a financial adviser, but I do have a plan. I’d take myself to a cancer and Alzheimer’s research facility and donate to aid in finding a cure. I’ve often said I’d build back the Pigeon Roost Elementary School and I just might throw in a Pigeon Roost High School, too. I would not quit my job, but the Cloud 9 Café would sure get some upgrades.”
Pauletta Horn of Inez has eight sets of numbers she always plays. She plans to purchase tickets before the Wednesday night deadline. If she wins, she will take care of all her immediate family and close friends, making sure they have their dream homes and enough money to set them up for life.
“I’d also like to go on a huge family vacation, preferably at a beach somewhere, and just relax and enjoy our time together.”
Justin Bevins of Pikeville said he wouldn’t tell anyone if he won and would hire a financial adviser and disappear for a few months, traveling to places he’s always wanted to visit.
Randy Pack of Warfield said his immediate plan would be to open up food pantries throughout Eastern Kentucky to help struggling families.
Robert Summerfield of Columbus, Ohio, would purchase a new home and vehicles, invest wisely and set up trust funds for his grandchildren. He would also help family and friends have a better life.
Wanda Hunt of Williamson, W.Va., would buy an island and only grant access to a select few, and buy all the groceries she wanted.
Margaret Preece of Riverfront Road said she would get her grandson placed in a first-class program and build a new bridge from Kentucky to West Virginia to replace the former Nolan Toll Bridge.