ÔÇïBOISE, Idaho ÔÇô A group of eight co-workers have claimed a Powerball prize worth $200,000 from the May 20, 2009 $170 million draw. This announcement was made by the Idaho Lottery this afternoon during a check presentation held at the retail store in Pocatello where the winning ticket was sold.

"The winners were a group of men who work together and travel to different towns around the country," announced David Workman, Idaho Lottery Spokesman. "They happened to be passing through and working in Idaho, played Powerball because the jackpot was big, and won."

The Jacksons Food Store, located on Yellowstone Ave near Interstate-86 sold the winning ticket to the group. Jacksons will receive a bonus commission from the Idaho Lottery for $20,000.

Each member from the group received a check for $25,000 then, as their work schedule demanded, immediately left Idaho. "If you have to travel, Idaho is a nice place to be. Heck, of a lot better than Kansas," the group said in a joint statement. "We were just visiting, but thank you Idaho!"

The other $200,000 winning Powerball ticket from last Wednesday night was claimed by Mary Ann Cecotti of Caldwell on Friday, May 22, 2009.

No one won the Powerball jackpot last Saturday night, making tonight's jackpot worth an estimated $222 million. As the excitement continues to build around this jackpot run, the Idaho Lottery is encouraging all players to play within their means, to play only what they can afford, and not to go overboard. The Idaho Lottery is also reminding players to sign the back of their tickets at the time of purchase to clarify any misconceptions about ticket ownership.

Players wanting to purchase a Powerball ticket for tonight's draw have until 7:55 PM Mountain Time on Wednesday evening.

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