Baton Rouge Man Claims $200,000 Powerball Prize

James Speaks of Baton Rouge was the picture of calm, cool and collected when he claimed a $200,000 match-5 Powerball prize at Louisiana Lottery headquarters.

"That's just how he is. It's his personality," said Speaks' daughter, Carol Bruno.

"I didn't tell my wife. I didn't tell anyone," said Speaks, age 80. "The ticket looked like a winner when I bought it, so I memorized the numbers. I was sitting in my chair and saw the numbers in the paper.
 
"I didn't want to get excited until I claimed the prize," he added.

Speaks said he hasn't thought about what he'll do with the money. "My children might get a buck or two, though," he quipped.
 
Speaks' ticket matched all five white-ball numbers drawn, but missed the red Powerball number to win $200,000 for the Feb. 25 drawing.

He purchased his winning ticket from Circle K #8080 on Florida Boulevard in Baton Rouge. The store will receive a one-time bonus of $2,000 for selling the winning ticket.

The winning numbers for the Feb. 25 Powerball drawing were 17-32-42-49-56 and the Powerball number was 11.

Ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. The Lottery encourages anyone who may have a gambling problem or friends and family of anyone with a gambling problem to call toll free 1-877-770-7867 for help. For security purposes, the Lottery strongly encourages players to sign the back of their tickets immediately after purchasing.