Lucky Churchpoint Resident Wins Lotto Jackpot

Life-long Church Point resident Eurdley Olivier said he was "feeling lucky" when he decided to purchase the ticket that won him the $450,000 Lotto jackpot on Jan. 7 which he claimed today with his wife, Shirley.

Olivier said he has played $4 week on Lotto "quick-pick" tickets since the game began in 1992.  He discovered he won on Monday when he visited Vautrot's Mini Mart onPeach Bloom Highway to check his numbers and enjoy a free cup of coffee, which the store offers every morning.

The place was buzzing with talk about a Lottery winner in town. After checking his ticket, Olivier nonchalantly asked if anyone knew who the winner was. When they didn't, he replied, "I do — ME!".

"Everyone was whooping and saying they wanted to kiss a rich man," said Olivier, recalling the excitement with a grin.

Olivier said he's not sure what he'll do with his winnings, but that he is perfectly happy keeping his old truck. He received $315,000 after state and federal taxes were withheld.

Vautrot's Mini Mart, which sold Olivier his winning ticket, will receive a bonus of $4,500 or 1 percent of the prize.