BOISE, Idaho ÔÇô Every now and then there are heartwarming stories during the holiday season that just make you believe that good luck does happen and good things do come to those who are deserving. On December 18, 2011, believing he had a non-winning ticket, Donny Jones of Idaho Falls nearly threw his $1 Powerball ticket away. At the encouragement of his wife, Connie, he checked the remaining numbers on his ticket. They all matched. Jones was the $200,000 Powerball winner from the December 17, 2011 Powerball draw.

"I just don't believe I'm the big winner!" exclaimed Jones when he officially claimed his ticket at Idaho Lottery headquarters in Boise late in the afternoon on January 5, 2012. "I'm still stunned."ÔÇï

ÔÇïBorn with a disability, Jones has lived in Idaho Falls since 1970 and has overcome many challenges in his life. He has worked for the Hometown Kitchen Restaurant on 17th Street in Idaho Falls for the past 16 years, starting as a dishwasher and working his way up to being the cook. He's been married to Connie for the past 10 years.

ÔÇï"Winning made for a good Christmas," added Jones who plans to do something nice for his wife after paying off bills with his winnings.

Due to the busy holiday season, Jones was unable to get away from work long enough to make the long drive to Boise to collect his winnings until yesterday. In particular, Jones was very excited about receiving the large, oversized souvenir check presented to him by Lottery officials. Still, the excitement and fun of the big check was nothing compared to when he received the real check.ÔÇï

ÔÇï"Holy mackerel!" said Jones when the final check was placed in his hands. "That's good. Thank you very much."

The winning ticket was sold at the Common Cents store located at 520 E. 17th Street in Idaho Falls. For their part in selling the winning ticket, Common Cents receives a bonus from the Idaho Lottery of $20,000.ÔÇï

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