Kentucky’s Big Win Hits Fast
Imagine hitting the biggest lottery jackpot in your state’s history and not wasting a second to claim it. That’s exactly what Linda Grizzle and her son, Shannon Farthing, from Georgetown, Kentucky, did after snagging a $167.3 million Powerball prize on April 26, 2025. As reported by Casino.org on May 2, 2025, the duo marched into the Kentucky Lottery Headquarters in Louisville on Monday, April 28, to present their winning ticket, matching numbers 1, 12, 14, 18, 69, and Powerball 2. This wasn’t just a win—it was a state record, and they moved lightning-fast to secure it.
Unlike most mega-winners who take weeks to surface, Grizzle and Farthing, regular lottery players, didn’t hesitate. Now, they face a big choice: a $77.3 million cash lump sum or $167.3 million over 30 years. Here’s the scoop on their whirlwind win and why it’s got Kentucky buzzing.
The Record-Breaking Jackpot
A Historic Haul
The $167.3 million jackpot, with a cash value of $77.3 million (before taxes), smashed Kentucky’s previous Powerball record of $128.6 million, set in Georgetown in 2009. The ticket, bought for $2 at Clark’s Pump N Shop on Connector Road, matched all six numbers in the April 26 drawing. The store scored a $37,000 commission, and the win ended a 15-year Powerball jackpot drought in the Bluegrass State, thrilling Kentucky Lottery CEO Mary Harville.
Quick Claim, Big Decision
Grizzle and Farthing didn’t dawdle. “It’s going to be a good Mother’s Day,” Grizzle told lottery officials, joking it “hasn’t sunken in yet.” She plans to clear her debts, while the pair, splitting the prize evenly, is consulting a financial advisor. Kentucky rules give them 60 days to pick between the cash option—$77.3 million, reduced to $45.6 million after federal (37%) and state (4%) taxes—or the annuity, paid over 30 years with 5% annual increases. Most winners grab the cash, but rising interest rates make the annuity tempting.
Why the Rush?
Breaking the Mold
Big lottery winners often hide out, meeting lawyers and planners before claiming. Not these two. Grizzle realized they’d won on Sunday, called Farthing, and they verified the ticket at Clark’s Pump N Shop. By Monday, they were at lottery HQ. Kentucky’s rules help: winners can secure their ticket early and decide on payouts later, easing the pressure. Their speed reflects excitement and trust in the process, though they’re now wisely seeking financial advice.
Kentucky’s Powerball Legacy
Since joining Powerball in 1992, Kentucky has seen 19 jackpots, but none this big. The state’s lottery has raised billions for education, funding scholarships like the KEES program. This win, the third Powerball jackpot of 2025 after Oregon ($328.5M) and California ($526.5M), underscores Kentucky’s lucky streak. Odds of hitting the jackpot? A steep 1 in 292.2 million.
A Near-Miss Elsewhere
While Kentucky celebrates, a Massachusetts woman nearly lost a $100,000 Mass Cash prize. Margot Garstka of Chicopee found her winning ticket (numbers 6, 11, 18, 24, 25) in a junk drawer after a news report jogged her memory. With just days left before the May 1, 2025, deadline, she claimed her prize on April 15. It’s a reminder: check those tickets, or millions could slip away.
Why This Matters
For Lottery Players
This win’s a dream for anyone tossing $2 into Powerball. Grizzle and Farthing’s story—regular players hitting life-changing cash—fuels hope. But it’s also a nudge to sign tickets, store them safely, and check results. In Kentucky, you’ve got 180 days to claim, and prizes over $5,000 face state tax withholding.
For Kentucky
The jackpot’s a boon beyond the winners. Lottery proceeds fund education, and Clark’s Pump N Shop’s $37,000 bonus boosts local business. Harville noted the win’s ripple effect: “Everyone’s a winner” when scholarships grow. Kentucky’s 1.51% share of April 26’s Powerball prizes shows its players are in the game.
What’s Next?
The Big Choice
Grizzle and Farthing’s financial advisor will weigh cash versus annuity. Cash offers instant wealth but less total value; the annuity’s a steady stream, cushioned by interest rates. Their decision, due within 60 days, will shape their future—and tax bills.
Powerball Rolls On
The jackpot reset to $20 million for April 28’s drawing, with Powerball drawings every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. ET. Kentucky’s win may spark a ticket-buying frenzy, especially with online play options making it easier to join.
The Bottom Line
Linda Grizzle and Shannon Farthing turned a $2 ticket into Kentucky’s biggest Powerball win ever, claiming their $167.3 million prize in record time. Their swift move and looming cash-or-annuity choice keep this story alive. For players, it’s a reminder to play smart and check tickets; for Kentucky, it’s a historic high. Will they take the $45.6 million net cash or stretch it over decades? Stay tuned—this lottery tale’s still unfolding.