CALDWELL, Idaho — Idaho's newest millionaire is used to being in the spotlight.
He and his fellow co-workers make the news often fighting fires and saving lives.
But it's a much richer spotlight for Caldwell Fire chief Mark Wendelsorf, who won $1 million in the Idaho Powerball.
"I checked the ticket on Thursday morning after the draw at a store and was told to sign it and take it to Boise," Wendelsdorf said. "But they couldn't tell me how much it was, so I thought I'd won maybe $2,500."
Using an Idaho Lottery smart phone app, he checked his ticket against the winning numbers and discovered he had matched the first five numbers on one of the lines.
Wendelsdorf checked the lottery's website and saw the first five numbers won a million dollars.
"...There was a press statement from the Lottery saying a million dollar winner had been sold in Caldwell. That's when I knew I was the winner."
Wendelsdorf kept winning on the back burner for another couple of days, despite the winning ticket being a hot topic of discussion for people around his work.
He signed the ticket and locked it in a safe place at the fire station. When he finally told his wife, Kim, two days later, she didn't believe him.
"He's a big practical joker, so I thought he was kidding," Kim said. "He went back to work and took a picture of it to prove it to me."
The Wendelsdorf's took nearly three weeks before coming forward to claim their ticket. During the time, the couple put their financial affairs in order, taking the opportunity to meet with their banker and accountant before claiming the ticket.
"When we wake up on Friday morning, we will be debt free," Weldensdorf said.
In addition to being debt free, the Weldensdorf's will also treat themselves to a few big presents and then invest the remainder of their winnings.
The winning ticket was sold at the Stinker Store located at 704 Cleveland Boulevard in Caldwell, which is a block from the fire station. For their part in selling the winning ticket, Stinker Stores receives a $20,000 bonus from the Idaho Lottery.
The Powerball jackpot for Wednesday night is an estimated $50 million.
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Thanks to HoLeeKau for the tip.
Congratulations to the Wendelsdorfs.Love the name of the store where they bought their winning ticket.The Stinker Store!
Congrats to the lucky couple, may they enjoy.
He said he checked the ticket at a store.
Good thing he still had it afterward.
Wonder if the governor will be offering this latest Powerball winner a discount on Idaho potatoes.
WOW!! you can't wait to spend their money can you,,,but Potatoes... Really??
You called that right. I would'nt trust any of them.
Potatoes are one of the mainstay vegetables, which have provided nourishment and subsistence for millions of immigrants and current Americans.
Were it not for the humble potato, you might not be here today, to enjoy your freedoms and liberties in this great land of ours.
Remember the famous poem by Homer: "Ode To The Potato". I well up with tears, every time I just think about those haunting lines.
I've heard of bread being made from potatoes, is that donut Homer's biting into made from potatoes too?
Thursdays are a special day for Homer RJ (not to mention this special date of 10-11-12), where he will eat only freshly baked doughnuts.
Sunday is the designated potato day for Homer. Please re-visit him again on the 14th, to catch that potato feast.
Congratulations Mark and Kim Wendelsorf ... enjoy living in "the black" for the rest of your days!
Congratulations to the winners