Krotz Springs Man Claims $1 Million Powerball Prize

David Stelly told his coworkers he was "going to win some money" before checking his Powerball ticket last week, and that's just what he did.

The 47-year-old from Krotz Springs matched all five white ball numbers in the Sept. 29 drawing but missed the red Powerball number, making him Louisiana's newest $1 million winner. Stelly received $700,000 after state and federal taxes were withheld. The winning numbers for the drawing were 14-18-28-29-57, and the Powerball number was 8.

An avid motorcyclist, Stelly said he purchases his Powerball tickets every weekend at Hebert's Boudin & Cracklins on I-49 North Service Road in Opelousas, when he and his father-in-law pass by on their bikes. The store will receive a bonus of $10,000, which is 1 percent of the prize, for selling Stelly the winning ticket.

Stelly said he waited a while to claim his prize because he wasn't sure what he would do with the money. However with the check finally in his hand, Stelly said he planned to set aside college funds for his children and perhaps even buy a new motorcycle.

The Powerball game underwent several enhancements in January to create bigger jackpots, more millionaires and better odds of winning. In addition to a price increase to $2 per play, the game's "match-5" prize, which Stelly won, quadrupled from $200,000 to $1 million. 

Ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. Draw-style game tickets must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing. Anyone who may have a gambling problem or friends and family of anyone with a gambling problem should 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.