For Michael Owenby of Candler, North Carolina, a decision to quench his thirst turned into a $1 million lottery win.
Owenby, a custodian at Erwin Middle School, was helping his friend shop for a car when he decided to get a drink and get some lottery tickets.
"I asked for a $5, $10, and $20 ticket," Owenby said.
When he scratched the Millionaire Bucks ticket, he couldn't believe what he saw.
"It's amazing," Owenby said. "It all happened because I wanted a Mountain Dew."
He claimed his prize Thursday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. Owenby had the choice of taking a $1 million annuity that has 20 payments of $50,000 a year or a lump sum of $600,000. He chose the lump sum and after federal and state tax withholdings received $415,506. He plans to use the money to get a new car and save for retirement.
Owenby bought the $20 ticket at M&S Food on Patton Avenue in Asheville.
Millionaire Bucks launched in January with three $4 million prizes, and five $1 million prizes. Two $4 million prizes and two $1 million prizes remain.
Ticket sales from games like Millionaire Bucks made it possible for the lottery to raise $634 million dollars for the state last year. For details on how more than $69.3 million in lottery funds has made a difference in Buncombe County, click on the "For Education" section of the lottery's website.
N.C. school custodian cleans up
Is that your headline, Todd? Clever, either way.
It is
I Googled the headline before asking and didn't see anything other than this post at the very top of the search results.
Moppin the floor up with NCEL!
I love it!
Congratulations to this custodian. That was a pure luck!
THE GOOD GOOD GIVES TO OTHERs IS ALWAYS and also given to me TYTYTY!!!!! 8
Enjoy. Congrats
I wonder if he'll buy his friend a new car too. I would.
Congratulations Mr, Michael Owenby Spend Wisely
They sure is a lot of Winners this Month hope Someone from Lottery Post will be Next BIG WINNER!!
Todd Vader is always clever and wise!
Ditto.
i like "mop up"
good 1
and this is great news...
I am thrilled for a custodian to win this amount.
Congrats to him and his family.