Thirteen co-workers from Data Center Inc. in Hutchinson have claimed the $250,000 Mega Millions cash prize from the July 1 drawing. The group, who gave themselves the name DCI Lucky 13, matched the first five Mega Millions numbers, winning the cash prize.
Four of the lucky winners took the afternoon off yesterday in order to claim the $250,000 cash prize at Lottery headquarters in Topeka. After taxes, each of the 13 co-workers will receive approximately $13,500.
The group, which began with four people in October 2010, grew quickly to 13 by December. All together, they say they have spent a total of $740 on Mega Millions and Powerball tickets since pooling their money.
"Everyone chips in $2 a week when we buy tickets," said group winner Peggy Ramos. "We then scan them and send them to everyone, so they will have a copy. We usually don't check our tickets until Monday, but Dashona happened to check them Saturday. She called me screaming with the news we had won."
Word quickly spread among the group that they had won $250,000.
"I was boating when I received the news," said Renee Brubaker. "I started jumping up and down right there in the middle of the boat."
"Our bosses were happy for us too, but had us sign a document stating if we were to win a jackpot we would stick around until replacements could be found," said Peggy Ramos. "You never know. Lightening does strike twice."
Over the holiday weekend, the DCI Lucky 13 group had plenty of time to contemplate how they would each spend their share of the winnings.
"My wife will be driving a new red convertible," said Jerry Rempe.
Others mentioned a new diving board, landscaping, a truck, and college tuition.
The winning ticket was purchased at Kwik Shop 764, located at 2617 N. Main in Hutchinson.
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