The winning ticket for the second largest Powerball jackpot in history has moved the small California town where it was purchased by an undisclosed customer.
Residents of Frazier Park, a quaint mountain community of 3,100 people about 75 miles north of LA, are eager to find out if the lucky winner of the $1.76 billion prize is one of their own.
Nidal “Andy” Khalil, who since 1994 has co-owned the Midway Market & Liquor store where the winning ticket was purchased, said he hoped it was one of his regular customers.
“I found out about 9:30 last night, actually through social media,” Khali told The Post with a smile.
“I didn’t believe it at first. I think this might be the biggest thing that’s ever happened at Frazier Park. I hope it’s one of my regulars because we have several people who buy tickets every day.”
The beloved shopkeeper and Syrian immigrant said he plans to keep part of the store’s $1 million payout from the winnings for his children’s college education fund.
His nephew Chris Khalil, who works in the family store, said he was shocked by the news. He is getting married in the next few months and the extra funds will come in handy, he said.
Nidal “Andy” Khalil, who since 1994 has co-owned the Midway Market & Liquor store where the winning ticket was purchased, said he hopes it is one of his regular customers.AP The beloved shopkeeper and Syrian immigrant said he plans to save some of the payment $1 million of the store’s winnings go toward her children’s college education fund. AP
News of the Powerball win spread like wildfire through Frazier Park, which is mostly made up of retirees, veterans and “lifers.”
In a local Facebook group, many residents questioned and theorized who the mystery winner was. Some called for the winner to use some of the money to pay for the restoration of public parks and upgrades to city buildings.
At local watering hole Sue’s Tavern, patrons shake their heads in bewilderment and disappointment that they didn’t buy the golden ticket.
In a local Facebook group, many residents questioned and theorized who the mystery winner was. Some are appealing for the winner to use some of the money to pay for the restoration of public parks and upgrades to city buildings. AP Jonathan Khalil, left, and Chris Khalil, son of the store’s co-owner, hold a ceremonial check presented to the store on Thursday.AP
Many, however, said they were happy that Khalil would cash in on the deal. About five people nursing beers and other drinks said they were happy to see the Syrian immigrant and longtime shop owner award the seven-figure fee as they described his kind nature.
Locals who stopped by the Midway Market & Liquor Store on Thursday walked in and shook Khalil’s hand, congratulating him on his win.
“We were here last week and I told Andy, ‘We’re about time! We’re going to get that big hit,’” said resident Dale Chester.
Meanwhile, Sue’s Tavern patron Nick Miller said if he had the winning ticket, he wouldn’t tell anyone.
Locals who stopped by Khalil’s Midway Market & Liquor Shop came in and shook Khalil’s hand, congratulating him on his win.AP
“My mom, my sister, and my wife — if I had one — wouldn’t know and I’d file for divorce real quick,” Miller, 42, joked. “If it was me, I wouldn’t tell anyone because it’s money like Kim Kardashian. That’s not a joke.”
The winning numbers are 22, 24, 40, 52, 64, and Powerball red 10.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
