TOPEKA, KAN. – Clifton Meloan of Manhattan has claimed a Powerball prize worth $200,014 in the Saturday, December 8, 2007 drawing. Meloan, a retired K-State Professor, matched the first five numbers on a $4 Powerball ticket in which he chose his own winning numbers. He also won $14 by matching the first three numbers, twice!
“I always check my Powerball ticket after a drawing,” said Meloan. “Last Sunday while I was reading the paper, I looked at the winning Powerball numbers that were printed. I always look at the Powerball number first, then I look at the first five numbers. When I didn’t match the Powerball, I figured my ticket didn’t win. I couldn’t believe it when I realized I’d matched the first five numbers. I didn’t even know how much I’d won.”
Meloan calmly explained to his wife, Marilyn, that he’d won on his Powerball ticket and was going to have it checked at a nearby grocery store.
“She thought I probably only won $10,” said Meloan. “When I went to Dillons, I asked the store clerk if a person matched the first five numbers on a Powerball ticket, did the ticket win. She said yes and scanned the ticket on their lottery terminal. When she told me I’d won $200,000 all I could say was, ‘My God!’”
Meloan said word spread quickly throughout the store and before he knew it the store manager was taking his picture and offering his congratulations.
“When I returned home, Marilyn asked how much I’d won,” said Meloan. “She asked if it was $10 and I shook my head and said higher. She then guessed $25 and I shook my head and said higher. Then she guessed $50 and I shook my head and said higher. When I told her it was $200,014 she almost passed out.”
Due to the bad weather and other circumstances, Meloan decided to put his winning ticket in a safety-deposit box for safekeeping.
“We’re not rich but this is life changing for us,” said Meloan. “We’ll be able to become debt free.”
The Meloans, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year, have three grown children and six grandchildren. They plan to use their winnings to pay off bills. Meloan went on to say he’d like to buy his wife something special.
The winning ticket was purchased at Dillons 46, located at 1000 W. Loop Place, in Manhattan.
