Bonners Ferry Local Guide including all of Boundary County Idaho

Powerball Jackpot Reaches $240 Million

Tuesday, January 23, 2007; KBCI

Idaho has boasted several big Powerball winners in recent years, and the current $240 million jackpot is driving up lottery ticket sales statewide. David Workman, a spokesman for the Idaho Lottery, says the odds of winning are slim: 1 in 146 million. He says every player's odds are supposed to be the same, but for whatever reason-- Idahoans seem to be a little bit luckier than players in other states around the country. Since 2005, two Idahoans have become instant millionaires, seven have won at least $200,000, and many more have taken home at least $10,000. Whether they're taking the quick pick, or writing in their lucky numbers, Caldwell resident Rosie Stumbaugh says, "We like (picking) our dates. Anniversary dates and our birthdays and stuff like that." Stumbaugh says she is already thinking about what a sudden windfall could buy. "A boat, probably vehicles. Pay off the debts. FIRST pay off the debts!" she said. Angie Landis is another player who says she plans to be careful with her money if she wins. "Well, you hear rumors that people who win the lottery go bankrupt often," she told CBS 2 News. The Idaho Lottery claims its winners appear to be doing just fine. - Full Story