Powerball Fever Grips the Area
Imaginations are running wild, as the Powerball jackpot has risen to $1.5 billion. Six magical numbers will change the lives of anyone who hits them all during Wednesday night's drawing. Powerball conversation can be heard at the office, grocery store, gym, and is a nightly topic on national radio and television programs.
Local convenience stores and gas stations have been inundated with customers who want a chance at the incredible jackpot.
Debby Griffin, an associate at Casey's on Grand Street, is experiencing the fever firsthand. “It's been kind of crazy. There's a steady flow of customers and we expect more as Wednesday gets closer. We've had several people come in and buy $50, $60, up to $100 worth of Powerball tickets at a time. Just this morning I have sold 556 in only two hours,” stated Griffin.
Holly Buckman, store manager at the Trex Mart on Walnut Street, has noticed plenty of new faces buying tickets. “People that don't normally buy tickets are coming in. Plus, we get a lot of people who buy Powerball tickets at this store because of the past winners we've had. They think it's a lucky place,” remarked Buckman.
After buying a couple of Powerball tickets, J. Smith of Kidder commented, “I'd have a bigger problem if I was to win. I would probably give ninety percent of it away.”
Trex Mart staff sold $3,000 worth of Powerball tickets on Saturday, Jan. 9. “There were so many people wanting tickets that one employee just stood at the Powerball machine to help with that. We had one person come in and buy $300 worth of tickets,” said Buckman.
Debbie Rader, associate at Rudy's Discount Smoke Shop on Walnut Street, has seen an increase in business due to the seismic surge in Powerball sales. “People like the fact that they don't have to wait in long lines like they do at the convenience stores.”
Catey Justus, employee at Casey's on Evergreen Street, was amazed when a customer spent $500 for a Powerball pool at his workplace. “People are most generally in a good mood and like to talk about what they would do if they hit the jackpot,” remarked Justus.
Marcia Dennis, resident of Osborn stated, “If I won, I would give to the church and help others, set aside money for my grandkids, and maybe buy myself a car.”
However, not everyone is showing a passion for Powerball. An anonymous customer at Trex Mart is indifferent to the hysteria surrounding the hype. “No, I'm not going to purchase a Powerball ticket, because money does bad things to people. I'm okay with my mediocre life,” she laughed.
The odds of hitting the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million. There will surely be a lot of disappointed people come Wednesday night.
