Record Powerball prize inspires plans modest and grand

The multi-state Powerball jackpot hit $600 million Friday, surpassing the previous mark of $587 million prize.

Lottery officials estimate the after-tax, lump-sum prize will exceed $375 million.

The Herald asked several people Friday in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks what they might do with more than $300 million -- and whether they even can imagine that kind of money.

Terry Burass paused for a moment before answering.

"I'd love to go to New Zealand and Australia," he said.

The post adjutant of the American Legion Post 157 in East Grand Forks was getting ready to serve as part of the post's honor guard at a funeral.

Unmarried with no children, he has two older siblings.

"I don't have any family to leave it to," he said. "I'd probably set up some endowments for something, probably through some American Legion projects, especially on the child or youth side."

Courtney Nygaard listed her practical priorities.

"I'd pay off my student loans," she said. "Then I'd pay off my house -- and buy a car -- and pay for my wedding."

Reminded that would put barely a dent in her treasure chest, she said, "I'd put the money in savings and donate a big chunk of it to some charity."

Modest plans

The thrifty college student from the Twin Cities doesn't buy lottery tickets, she said, as she sat at a picnic table outside UND's Memorial Union. She was enjoying lunch with a group of fellow students who are part of a dual-enrollment clinical laboratory science degree program between Winona (Minn.) State University and UND.

"I don't need much," she said. "I bring my lunch in a Crayon box."

Fellow students are just about as frugal:

• Said Adan, Rochester, Minn. -- "Man, I don't know. I would go on a vacation around the world and visit every town."

• Ross Boreen, Bemidji: "I can't afford to buy lottery tickets. I live on $2 a week, anyway."

• Jason Soderberg, Rochester, Minn.: "I'd buy a boat. I'm not buying a ticket though. Can't afford one."

• Tiffany Arcand, Twin Cities: "I didn't buy one. My mom did."

• Danielle Schneider, River Falls, Wis.: "I'd put most of it in savings. I'd probably buy a horse, a jumper."

While the students are content with pinching their pennies, others around the community aren't quite so tight.

"I'd move to Colorado and go skiing all winter long and be at the lakes in the summer," said Jared Misialek, who works as a bartender in Grand Forks.

He and a group of fellow employees usually pool together $10 each to buy 50 or 60 Powerball tickets at a time -- but only when the jackpot reaches nine figures.

"I wouldn't even waste my time for less than $100 million," he said.

Meanwhile, Mike Leddige took time out from making beer deliveries to an East Grand Forks package store to buy a couple of Powerball tickets for himself.

"Oh yeah, I'd spend some of it on family, and take a nice long trip," he said. "That's a lot of money. It's kind of ridiculous. I don't know how I could spend it all, but I'd have fun trying."

Call Bonham at (701) 780-1110; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1110; or send email to kbonham@gfherald.com .

1/3: Terry Burass

2/3: Courtney Nygaard

3/3: Said Adan