The madness hit even before Wednesday’s afternoon rush across the river.

Thursday, August 23, 2001

The madness hit even before Wednesday’s afternoon rush across the river.

The multi-state Powerball lottery grew to over $200 million after no players picked the lucky numbers Saturday, sending thousands around the Tri-State into a ticket-buying frenzy.

In Lawrence County, many offices pooled assets yesterday, sending out people to buy dozens of tickets at one time.

At the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, more than 15 employees dug $3 apiece out of their pockets for a shot at the Powerball.

Judy Espinoza, who started working behind Bridge Tobacco’s counter at 3 p.m., said she had sold about $1,300 worth of tickets at the Russell, Ky., store by 4:30 p.m.

Despite the Tri-State’s ticket-buying efforts, no one claimed Wednesday night’s winning number, meaning the Powerball jackpot moves even higher – the prize goes to an estimated $280 million for Saturday.

Tickets that match the first five numbers, but miss the Powerball, win $100,000 each, and there were 42 of those last night.

They were sold in: Arizona (2), Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Indiana (3), Iowa (2), Kansas (2), Kentucky (3), Louisiana (2), Minnesota (3), Missouri (6), Montana, Nebraska (3), New Hampshire (4), New Mexico, Rhode Island (2), Wisconsin (2) and West Virginia (2).