GRAND BLANC TWP., Mich. (WNEM) – A huge $842 million Powerball jackpot was won on Monday night in mid-Michigan at the Food Castle in Grand Blanc Township.
This marks the second-largest jackpot ever won in Michigan. The cash value lump sum amounts to $425.2 million.
The winner’s identity remains unknown until they reach out to the Lottery.
The most recent Michigan player to clinch a Powerball jackpot was a Waterford resident who secured the game’s $70 million jackpot in 2020.
On Tuesday morning, Jan. 2, TV5 interviewed the proprietor of the 30-year-old store where the winning ticket was purchased.
Bill Nannoshi, the owner of Food Castle, expressed, “Typically, such occurrences are associated with different states, so it’s fantastic. It’s wonderful for this community. Grand Blanc is an outstanding place to work and live in.”
The jackpot winner must submit an online claim and visit the Lottery Headquarters in downtown Lansing to claim their prize.
Several regular patrons of Food Castle came in on Tuesday to share their elation regarding the news.
Susie, a salesclerk at Food Castle, voiced her desire for the winner to be a local individual.
She stated, “I’m thrilled. I’m hoping and praying that it’s one of our regular customers and that they’ll be able to utilize it in a positive manner. All of our customers are truly excited that something positive is finally happening in Grand Blanc and I sincerely hope it continues. Maybe this will initiate a positive atmosphere throughout the town.”
Juan, a customer of Food Castle and a resident of Grand Blanc Township, shared his viewpoint on the Powerball draw.
He said, “It’s pleasant. I suppose I missed out. It wasn’t my ticket and I consistently play here, so. Congratulations to whomever won… I think it’s fantastic because usually everybody says, ‘Oh, no one ever wins in Michigan. They only win in places like California, Florida.’ So, it’s great to know that somebody here in town won. Too bad it wasn’t me,” exclaimed Juan.
Jessica Weare, Acting Michigan Lottery Commissioner, conveyed in a statement:
“A fortunate Michigan Lottery player woke up to life-changing news this morning after securing the $842.4 million Powerball jackpot on New Year’s Day! Jackpots like this also support local businesses, and ticket sales benefit Michigan’s public schools. The retailer that sold the winning ticket, Food Castle of Grand Blanc, will receive a $50,000 bonus commission. This Powerball jackpot run, which began in October, helps the Lottery fulfill its mission of maximizing revenues to support public education in Michigan. Last month, the Lottery announced a contribution of more than $1.3 billion to the School Aid Fund for Fiscal Year 2023, marking the fifth consecutive year the Lottery contributed more than $1 billion to aid schools. Everyone at the Lottery is thrilled to have a Powerball jackpot winner in Michigan! Congratulations to the big winner!”
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