Powerball jackpot of $215 million causing lakes area excitement

"Don't worry, you'll be taken care of when I win."

It's a promise that Brainerd lakes area convenience store clerks, including Tom Thumb manager Harlan Hedke, will hear many times before Saturday's $215 million Powerball drawing.

"People have lots of big plans for it if they win," said Hedke. "People are really excited about it."

The Powerball jackpot is the third highest in Powerball history.

If a single $215 million jackpot winner selected the 30-year annuity option, the winner would receive after the required withholding: $4.7 million per year; $392,673 per month; $90,616 per week; $12,909 per day; $537 per hour; $8.96 per minute; or 14 cents per second.

The estimated cash option jackpot is $116.8 million.

That's a lot of Christmas cash.

"We have tons of people coming in, even people who don't usually buy Powerball tickets are buying them," said Theresa Rinio, manager at the Checkered Flag. She said most people are buying anywhere from $5-$20 worth of tickets. She said one man came in and bought $100 worth of tickets this week."Hopefully someone from Minnesota wins it," she said.

Hedke said that several customers have told him what they plan to do after they win the jackpot.

"Most of them will be doing some traveling if they win and buying a few toys," said Hedke. "It's fun talking about it but obviously the odds aren't in your favor."