Wisconsin Player Collects $31.4 Million Powerball Jackpot

Friday, October 23, 2009 posted 01:11 PM EDT

Doug Miron from Marinette has played the same Powerball numbers every week for 17 years. Finally, it payed off! Miron collected $31.4 million from the Powerball drawing of Wednesday, October 14th at Wisconsin Lottery headquarters. "I looked at the TV with one eye, and I opened my other eye, and I know my numbers. And they're all there! And I jumped up on the table," said Miron.

Even though the odds of winning the jackpot are high, Miron said he always knew his numbers were going to be drawn. "He was that sure that he kept playing. He said you gotta buy one to win," said Miron's girlfriend Jody Nelson. Nelson said she was shocked when Miron told her he'd matched all six numbers. "I couldn't believe that he won. I thought maybe he didn't look at the numbers right," said Nelson. But the numbers were correct, and Miron won the jackpot. His winnings were bittersweet. Miron and his brother Steve used to play Powerball together every week. Steve died several years ago, and Miron said he wishes he could have shared the moment with him. "I kept playing his numbers after he died. And not one of his hit," said Miron.

Miron said even though his brother has passed, he still plans to live out some of the dreams they shared. "We always talked about what we'd do. I'm gonna do something now," Miron said, choking back tears. "I got my eyes on a new truck." Miron will do some traveling and get his family what they need with the money.

"I think I'm just gonna have a few more toys. Other than that, I don't think so. I'm a pretty grounded guy," said Miron. Miron said despite his new wealth, he has no plans to quit his job as a wood sculptor. He also said he plans to continue playing Powerball every week, with the same numbers.

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