3/02/2009 - 3:23 PM

Baton Rouge Man Claims $200,000 Powerball Prize

James Speaks of Baton Rouge has a reason to smile after he claimed a $200,000 match-5 Powerball prize at Lottery headquarters with his daughter, Carol Bruno.

James Speaks of Baton Rouge was the picture of calm, cool and collected when he claimed a $200,000 match-5 Powerball prize at Louisiana Lottery headquarters.

"That's just how he is. It's his personality," said Speaks' daughter, Carol Bruno.

"I didn't tell my wife. I didn't tell anyone," said Speaks, age 80. "The ticket looked like a winner when I bought it, so I memorized the numbers. I was sitting in my chair and saw the numbers in the paper.
 
"I didn't want to get excited until I claimed the prize," he added.

Speaks said he hasn't thought about what he'll do with the money. "My children might get a buck or two, though," he quipped.
 
Speaks' ticket matched all five white-ball numbers drawn, but missed the red Powerball number to win $200,000 for the Feb. 25 drawing.

He purchased his winning ticket from Circle K #8080 on Florida Boulevard in Baton Rouge. The store will receive a one-time bonus of $2,000 for selling the winning ticket.

The winning numbers for the Feb. 25 Powerball drawing were 17-32-42-49-56 and the Powerball number was 11.

Ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age. The Lottery encourages anyone who may have a gambling problem or friends and family of anyone with a gambling problem to call toll free 1-877-770-7867 for help. For security purposes, the Lottery strongly encourages players to sign the back of their tickets immediately after purchasing.  More information about other Powerball winners can be found in the "Meet Our Winners" section of the Lottery's Web site, www.louisianalottery.com.