The identity of the buyer of the largest winning Powerball ticket in Iowa history is still a mystery. Iowa Lottery spokeswoman Mary Neubauer says they know one of the 609 Powerball tickets sold at a northwest Des Moines Dahl’s supermarket won the 113-million dollar jackpot.
Neubauer says there is one other clue about the winner. Neubauer says it appears the winner personally chose the six winning numbers — which might indicate the person plays the game regularly. She says the person has 365 days to claim the prize.
Store director Mike Hixson says they’ve never had a big winner before. He says he was “surprised, elated” to find out someone had won at his store. Hixson says so far they haven’t gotten any calls or anyone who’s said they’re a winner.
Hixson describes his customers as middle class, middle-aged with several retirees — a good neighborhood. Hixson says he’s rooting for a regular to bring in the winning ticket. The Dahl’s chain wins 10-thousand dollars for selling the winning ticket.
Neubauer says the store will also gain a lot of attention. Neubauer says one thing it will do is make the store the “Lucky store,” something she says always seems to happen. Neubauer says people believe if someone won big at the store, then they could win there too. She says this win will also do away with a few of the myths about Powerball in Iowa.
She says they hear Iowans say “nobody ever wins” and “we never have a big winner.” She says now someone has won and they’ve won a big amount. Neubauer says the winner is likely talking with a lawyer and considering all their options — such as the tax advantages of waiting until the New Year to collect.