Southeast Minnesota Man Scores Big in Powerball — Here’s What He’s Doing With the Money

Powerball fever peaked last week after the jackpot climbed for weeks, eventually growing to more than $1.5 billion. A couple of tickets, sold in Missouri and Texas, matched all the numbers to claim the massive prize, but many others won smaller cash amounts by matching some of the numbers.

One of those winners lives in southeast Minnesota. "I bought one ticket at the Kwik Trip and asked for random numbers and even took the Power Play option. I only play when the Powerball jackpot gets to the billions."

Southeast Minnesota Man Buys Lucky Lotto Ticket at Kwik Trip

Michael purchased his lucky ticket on the way to work.

He shared his story with the Minnesota Lottery and explained that he had only bought one other ticket during this jackpot run and didn’t expect much. "I had bought one other ticket during this jackpot run. I found out when I was at work, when I checked the numbers that I may have won something."

I've never won more than a few bucks on lottery tickets, so I can't imagine what Michael was feeling—a little excitement, a little shock, a little “no way this is happening to me!”

Southeast Minnesota Man Realizes He Won The Lottery

"I had several of the numbers but didn’t think I had won anything at first. Later I was wondering if anyone won so I checked the numbers again. I couldn’t believe that I had all of the numbers in order except 23."

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He double-checked using the Minnesota Lottery app.

"It said $50,000 and then I hit Power Play and thought no way! I just won $100,000. I then double checked with my dad and my girlfriend to make sure it was right."

How Minnesota Man Plans To Use His Lottery Winnings

The Caledonia man already has plans for the money. He told lottery officials he’s using it for a new car and a trip.

"With my winnings I plan to buy a new Toyota car so I don’t need to keep fixing the one I have, go on a nice vacation to see and enjoy the ocean for the first time, and save for the future. And I am going to have some real nice golf clubs for next year!"