Everyone gets them – the letters from Publisher’s Clearinghouse announcing the latest sweepstakes.

Monday, April 23, 2001

Everyone gets them – the letters from Publisher’s Clearinghouse announcing the latest sweepstakes.

Most of us throw them away without a second thought.

Jim and Joanne Kinney, however, watch the mail a little more closely.

This January, the husband and wife Ironton residents were one of 210 people waiting for a knock on the door, hoping to meet the television cameras and the "Prize Team" bringing them a check for $10 million.

Joanna said it all started in late December when the couple received a letter telling them they had already won a prize and was in the running for the $10 million jackpot.

"We were definitely shocked," Joanna said.

She said, on Jan. 23, they received a call saying they definitely won a $1,000 prize and they and 210 people were running for the big payout.

James said, "Our odds were better than the lottery We were pretty excited."

On the big day, Jan. 28, Superbowl Sunday, the Kinneys and their family gathered at their home for a party, waiting for a knock on the door.

"When the game ended, we were sitting there waiting for someone to knock on the door," Mrs. Kinney said. "My grandson, J.C., sneaked outside and knocked A few of us about had a heart attack."

Although the "Prize Team" didn’t knock that night, the Kinney’s are happy with their $1,000 winnings.

"They sent us a real nice letter with the check underneath," said Mr. Kinney.

Now, the couple returns the letters from Publisher’s Clearinghouse, hoping to do a little better the next time.

"What’s it hurt," said Mr. Kinney, "I’ll take those odds any time."