Using their computer, lottery officials tracked the $50.1 million winning ticket to Kwik Stop No. 3 in North Platte, Nebraska, in the hours following the Powerball drawing, which took place on this day in 1988.
Dianne and Lyle Fleharty purchased the winning ticket while in North Platte to see their son compete in a baseball tournament, according to Stan Tegler of Hastings, who claimed to be married to the potential winner’s sister.
The first winners in Nebraska were a couple who scooped the $50 million Powerball jackpot on July 30, 1994.
In the hours following the Powerball drawing on this day in 1988, lottery officials used their computers to locate the $50.1 million winning ticket at Kwik Stop No. 3 in North Platte, Nebraska.
According to Stan Tegler of Hastings, who claimed to be married to the potential winner’s sister, Dianne and Lyle Fleharty bought the winning ticket while in North Platte to watch their son play in a baseball tournament.
The Flehartys’ phone number was changed in the days before the press conference, so they could not be reached for comment.
I needed to organize my thoughts, Lyle said. He described the experience as “almost incomprehensible.”
Dianne Fleharty suggested they purchase siding for the house after they won, and the family made jokes about other requirements like a garage, a new driveway, and a sprinkler system.
The Flehartys contacted him at the Kutak Rock law firm’s Omaha offices, according to Steven Seline, the Flehartys’ recently hired tax and estate attorney.
“The Flehartys are fortunate, but Seline added, “the lottery is fortunate to have them win it. They are genuinely kind and joyful people.”
