BOISE, Idaho – A few days ago, Danny Goodnight from Twin Falls had a dream that he had a winning Powerball ticket and the first number on it was the number 1. With a big jackpot available last Saturday night, Goodnight found himself in the liquor store on Kimberly Road in Twin Falls about an hour before the draw. The long-haul, feeder truck driver for UPS asked for a quick pick with the PowerPlay option and the ticket he received had the number 1 on it.
“You don’t see the number 1 come up too often and I thought it was interesting,” explained Goodnight about his ticket. “I was surprised when I got my ticket and it had the number 1 on it. I thought it was a sign of good luck.”
It turns out he was right. Goodnight’s single ticket matched four of the first five numbers and the Powerball. With the PowerPlay option, his winning prize was $40,000.
“This could not have come at a better time for us,” explained his wife, Kay who was with Danny when he claimed his prize in Boise. “We are raising two grandchildren and care for elderly parents. This is really going to help out.”
The couple plan to pay off some debt with their winnings and invest the balance.
For their part in selling the winning ticket, the Idaho State Liquor Division will receive a bonus from the Idaho Lottery of $4,000.
“This is a win-win for the State of Idaho,” said Jeff Anderson, who is Director of both the Idaho Lottery and the Liquor Division. “The lottery bonus will go to the Division’s beneficiaries: Idaho cities, counties, court services, substance abuse programs, education and general government.”
On Saturday night there was also a $1,000,000 Powerball winning ticket sold in Boise. No one has come forward to claim that prize. The estimated Powerball jackpot for Wednesday night is $400 million.
