FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: David Workman

Twin Falls – While finding last Wednesday’s $200,000 Powerball winner had become all the talk in the Magic Valley on Friday, Linda Wilson quietly went about her daily routine convinced she was not the person everyone was looking for.

“I didn’t think I was the winner,” said Wilson of Twin Falls. “I knew I hadn’t matched the Powerball.”

Someone not matching the Powerball was exactly who Lottery Officials were trying to locate. “I even saw the big check on the local news at 10 and heard the reporters talking about it,” explained Wilson. “I just knew it wasn’t me.”

Wilson is not a regular Powerball player, playing only a few times per year. “Many players like Linda Wilson who do not play every week often do not check their numbers for other winning prizes,” said Lottery spokesperson David Workman.

Early Friday afternoon, Wilson stopped in at Mr. Gas on Blue Lakes Boulevard to fill up her vehicle. That’s when the store clerk asked her if she had checked her numbers from Wednesday night. “I told the clerk it wasn’t me because I had not matched the Powerball, “insisted Wilson. “She said the winner had matched every number but the Powerball and we should check my ticket,” said Wilson, still in disbelief over her good fortune.

When they ran the ticket, the Lotto terminal instructed Wilson to visit Lottery headquarters in Boise.  “The clerk told me I was the one everybody was looking for.  I had to borrow $50 in gas money just so I could get to Boise,” said a joyful Wilson.

Wilson, who purchased a single ticket for Wednesday night’s draw, did not have to worry about borrowing gas money to get back to the Magic Valley. By successfully matching all five numbers, 3, 19, 33, 35, and 43, but not the Powerball, she won $200,000 - $134,400 after state and federal taxes.

“It’s like a dream come true,” said Wilson, a child care provider in the Twin Falls area. “Now we can afford a house of our own.” For their part in selling the winning ticket, Mr. Gas will receive $20,000. Photo of the winner is available, but not included in this release. # # #