Grand Blanc Twp. residents congratulate Powerball jackpot winner

GRAND BLANC TWP., Mich. (WNEM) – The winning ticket for Monday night’s massive $842 million Powerball jackpot was bought in mid-Michigan at the Food Castle in Grand Blanc Township.

This is the second-largest jackpot ever won in Michigan. The cash value lump sum is worth $425.2 million.

The identity of the winner is unknown until they contact the Lottery.

The last Michigan player to win a Powerball jackpot was a Waterford resident who won the game’s $70 million jackpot in 2020.

On Tuesday morning, Jan. 2, TV5 caught up with the owner of the 30-year-old store where the ticket was purchased.

“Usually, you hear about stuff like that happening in different states, so it’s great. It’s great for this community. Grand Blanc is an awesome place to work and live in,” said Bill Nannoshi, the owner of Food Castle.

The person who won the jackpot needs to submit an online claim and visit the Lottery Headquarters in downtown Lansing to get their prize.

Some of Food Castle’s regular customers were coming in on Tuesday to share their excitement over the news.

Susie, one of the salesclerks at Food Castle, said she hopes the winner is someone local.

“I’m excited. I’m hoping and praying that it’s one of our regular customers and they’ll be able to use it in a positive way. All of our customers are really excited that something is finally happening in Grand Blanc that’s positive and I just hope it continues. Maybe this will put a good vibe going through town,” she said.

Juan, a Food Castle customer and resident of Grand Blanc Township, shared his thoughts on the Powerball drawing.

“It’s nice. I guess I blew it. It wasn’t my ticket and I play here all the time so. Congratulations to whoever won… I think it’s great because usually everybody’s like, ‘Oh, nobody ever wins in Michigan. They only win in like California, Florida.’ So, it’s nice to know somebody here in town won. Too bad it wasn’t me,” Juan said.

Acting Michigan Lottery Commissioner, Jessica Weare, said in a statement:

“A lucky Michigan Lottery player woke up to life-changing news this morning after winning the $842.4 million Powerball jackpot on New Year’s Day! Jackpots like this also help local businesses, and ticket sales benefit Michigan’s public schools. The retailer that sold the winning ticket, Food Castle of Grand Blanc, will receive a $50,000 bonus commission. This Powerball jackpot run, which began in October, helps the Lottery fulfill its mission of maximizing revenues to support public education in Michigan. Last month, the Lottery announced a contribution of more than $1.3 billion to the School Aid Fund for Fiscal Year 2023, which was the fifth consecutive year Lottery contributed more than $1 billion to benefit schools. Everyone at the Lottery is excited to have a Powerball jackpot winner in Michigan! Congratulations to the big winner!”