S Dakota Cowboy Wins Powerball Jackpot

Ranching in South Dakota can be a pretty hardscrabble existence. Severe weather conditions, uncertain rainfall, drastic changes in temperature can make ranching uncertain at best. South Dakota remains one of the poorest states in America. In an astounding turn of events a rancher too poor to afford a phone has just won a $232 million Powerball jackpot.

Neal Wanless a 23 year old rancher joins the ranks of some of the biggest lottery winners in history. Mr. Wanless is an extremely hard working young man who has struggled to help his family make ends meet. Wanless, who is single, lives with his parents on a 230 acre cattle ranch near Mission, South Dakota. Wanless will take home $88 million after taxes and plans to continue ranching. The Wanless family had fallen on hard times; last year a mobile home was repossessed and records show the family is $3,552 behind in their property taxes.

Wanless took a chance and bought $15 worth of lottery tickets at a store in Winner S.D. while on a trip into town to buy livestock feed.

Neighbor Dave Assman (real name) said, "They've been real short on finances for a long time. They are from real meager means, I guess you'd say." Cathy Vrbka, the county assessor, expressed her good wishes for the family and said, "I hope they enjoy their money. They work hard, backbreaking hard work."

Wanless expresses his appreciation to his community and plans to use some of his winnings to benefit his community. "My family has been helped by the community, and I intend to repay that help many times over," said a grateful Wanless. It should be noted that people in the rural west have a very strong sense of community and the well wishers are numerous. Everyone in the community seems happy for the Wanless family but now that Wanless is a multi millionaire how long he will stay single is anybody's guess. It is truly heartwarming to read of a deserving family finally getting a break.

For rural states like S Dakota the sale of online lottery tickets could be a blessing to lottery players. In states like S. Dakota lottery players may have to drive a considerable distance to the nearest lottery retailer. Most states that allow players to buy lotto tickets online report an increase in sales. Players in rural states could log on to their state lottery site and make an online lottery purchase without leaving the comfort of home. Online lottery tickets are clearly the wave of the future.