RALEIGH – Frank Watson, a resident of Littleton in Halifax County, said he had to check his numbers several times before he believed his Powerball ticket from the Oct. 5 drawing was worth $200,000. Watson’s computer-picked numbers matched all five white balls in the drawing, but not the red Power Ball. He was at home when he realized he had won.

“I was sitting at the kitchen table and reading in the newspaper that a local store had a big winner,” Watson said. “I recognized the name of the store and checked my ticket on the Internet. I had to check it several times. I’ve played before and not ever matched one number, so it’s unbelievable when all of a sudden they all come up like that.”

Watson purchased the ticket at the Parade on Main Street on U.S. 158 East in Littleton. He plans to use his winnings, worth $136,000 after taxes, to help his church and pay bills.

“I’ve kept tickets in my wallet and let them expire,” Watson added. “I’m glad I saw that article. I feel very fortunate to win. I wonder why it was me that won it, but I’m glad it was.”

From March 30, 2006 through June 30, 2011, Halifax County players won more than $76.5 million in prizes, boosted by Powerball winner Jackie Alston's jackpot claim in 2007.

During the same time frame, local retailers earned more than $5.6 million in commissions on ticket sales and Halifax County education programs received more than $11.9 million in lottery funds. By law, these funds benefit specific programs. More than $3.3 million paid for 69 teacher salaries in grades K-3; more than $3 million provided 798 prekindergarten opportunities for at-risk four year olds; and more than $881,000 went to 797 need-based college scholarships. Halifax County officials decided how to utilize more than $4.6 million in school construction funds provided by the lottery.

To date, the N.C. Education Lottery has raised more than $2 billion for these initiatives statewide.