MI’s $250K Powerball Prize Expires Soon at Kroger!
Have you ever bought a lottery ticket, tucked it away in a drawer, and completely forgotten about it? I’ll confess—I’ve done it. There’s something about the thrill of buying a Powerball ticket that makes you dream big, but checking those numbers? That’s where most of us drop the ball. Right now, someone in Michigan is sitting on a life-changing $250,000 Powerball prize, and they don’t even know it. The ticket was bought at a Kroger in Bloomfield Hills, and it’s set to expire on March 11, 2025. That’s just weeks away! If you’ve got a ticket lying around, this is your wake-up call to check it before it’s too late.
In this article, I’ll dive into the story of this unclaimed lottery prize, why it’s still out there, and what you need to do to make sure you don’t miss out on a jackpot like this. Plus, I’ll share a personal story about my own lottery mishap that taught me a valuable lesson. Let’s get started.
The Story Behind the $250K Powerball Ticket
Last year, on March 11, 2024, a Powerball drawing took place with the winning numbers 01, 03, 07, 16, 66, and Powerball 05. One lucky ticket sold at the Kroger store at 4099 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, matched four white balls and the Powerball. Normally, that’s a $50,000 prize—not too shabby, right? But here’s where it gets exciting: the ticket holder had opted for the Power Play feature, which multiplied the winnings by five, boosting the prize to a whopping $250,000.
According to the Michigan Lottery, this ticket is still unclaimed, even though it was purchased nearly a year ago. That’s a quarter of a million dollars just waiting for its rightful owner! The Kroger in Bloomfield Hills, located in Oakland County, is a busy spot, so it’s possible the ticket was bought by a local, a commuter, or even someone passing through. Whoever it is, they’re running out of time to claim their prize.
Why Do People Forget to Check Their Tickets?
You might be wondering, “How does someone forget about a $250,000 prize?” Trust me, it’s more common than you think. I’ve been following lottery stories for years, and unclaimed prizes happen all the time. There are a few reasons why:
-
Busy Lives: Between work, family, and daily chaos, checking a lottery ticket can slip your mind. I once found a ticket in my car months after a drawing because I was too caught up with life to check it. (Spoiler: It wasn’t a winner, but the lesson stuck.)
-
Lost Tickets: Tickets get tucked into wallets, purses, or junk drawers and forgotten. The Michigan Lottery says this $250K ticket could be sitting in someone’s glove compartment right now.
-
Not Checking Numbers: Some people buy tickets on a whim and don’t follow up. They might not even know the drawing happened!
-
Skepticism: A few folks assume they’ll never win, so they don’t bother checking. Can you imagine missing out on $250,000 because you didn’t believe it could happen?
The Michigan Lottery’s spokesperson, Jake Harris, recently told local news that unclaimed prizes are a recurring issue. A few years ago, a Wayne County man named Anil Phillip nearly lost a $150,000 Powerball prize because he misplaced his ticket. He found it just days before the deadline and claimed his winnings in the nick of time. Stories like this remind us that it’s worth taking a moment to double-check.
The Clock Is Ticking: The March 11 Deadline
Here’s the critical part: Powerball tickets in Michigan are only valid for one year from the drawing date. That means the $250,000 prize from the March 11, 2024, drawing must be claimed by 4:45 p.m. on March 11, 2025. If no one comes forward, the money will go to the Michigan School Aid Fund, which supports public education in the state. While that’s a worthy cause, I’m sure the ticket holder would rather have the cash in their pocket!
The urgency of this deadline can’t be overstated. As Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli said, “I am urging all Michiganders to check any Powerball tickets they have purchased to ensure that they aren’t missing the chance to claim this Powerball prize.” If you bought a ticket at the Bloomfield Hills Kroger around March 2024, now’s the time to dig through your pockets, purse, or car console.
How to Check Your Powerball Ticket
Not sure if you’re holding the winning ticket? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to check and claim your prize:
-
Find Your Ticket: Look in places where you might have stashed it—your wallet, car, or a drawer at home. Sign the back of the ticket to protect it from being claimed by someone else.
-
Check the Numbers: Compare your ticket to the winning numbers from March 11, 2024: 01, 03, 07, 16, 66, and Powerball 05. You can also scan your ticket at a lottery retailer or use the Michigan Lottery app.
-
Verify the Prize: If your ticket matches four white balls and the Powerball, you’ve won $50,000. If you selected the Power Play (check your ticket for a “5X” multiplier), your prize is $250,000.
-
Contact the Michigan Lottery: For prizes over $100,000, you’ll need to claim in person at the Michigan Lottery headquarters in Lansing. Call 844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment.
-
Bring Identification: You’ll need a valid ID and your signed ticket to claim the prize. Be prepared for taxes—federal (24%) and Michigan state (4.25%) taxes will reduce your take-home amount to about $179,375.
If you’re not sure where to start, head to the Kroger at 4099 Telegraph Road to validate your ticket. Retailers can confirm smaller wins, but for this prize, you’ll need to go to Lansing.
What Happens to Unclaimed Prizes?
If the $250,000 prize goes unclaimed, it won’t just disappear—it’ll be redirected to the Michigan School Aid Fund. This fund supports K-12 education across the state, so the money will do some good. But let’s be honest: the ticket holder would probably prefer to pay off a mortgage, buy a car, or take a dream vacation with that cash.
Unclaimed prizes aren’t rare in Michigan. In 1998, a $34 million Michigan Lotto ticket went unclaimed, setting a state record. More recently, a $390,000 Lucky For Life ticket sold in Livonia is also nearing its March 26, 2025, expiration date. The Michigan Lottery’s website lists major unclaimed prizes, and it’s surprising how many people miss out. This $250K Powerball ticket is just one of many waiting to be claimed.
My Lottery Ticket Mishap: A Lesson Learned
Let me share a quick story that hits close to home. A couple of years ago, I bought a Powerball ticket at a gas station on a whim. I was feeling lucky, so I grabbed a ticket and tossed it into my purse. Weeks later, I saw a news story about an unclaimed prize in my area. My heart skipped a beat—could it be mine? I rummaged through my purse, found the crumpled ticket, and checked the numbers. Sadly, I hadn’t won, but the experience taught me to check my tickets right away. Now, I use the Michigan Lottery app to scan tickets as soon as I buy them. It’s a small habit that could make a big difference.
That moment of panic stuck with me, and it’s why I’m so passionate about urging others to check their tickets. The thought of missing out on a life-changing prize is heartbreaking. If you’re reading this and you’ve got a ticket from the Bloomfield Hills Kroger, don’t make the same mistake I almost did—check it today!
The Bigger Picture: Lotteries and Dreams
The story of this unclaimed $250,000 Powerball ticket is more than just a news headline—it’s a reminder of the dreams that lotteries inspire. Every time we buy a ticket, we imagine what we’d do with the money. Maybe you’d pay off student loans, take your family on a cruise, or donate to a cause you care about. But those dreams only come true if you take the simple step of checking your numbers.
Lotteries also play a big role in Michigan’s economy. The Michigan Lottery has contributed billions to the School Aid Fund since 1972, helping schools buy books, hire teachers, and improve facilities. Even unclaimed prizes like this one make a difference. But as someone who’s followed these stories for years, I can’t help but root for the ticket holder to claim their prize before it’s too late.
Call to Action: Check Your Tickets Now!
If you or someone you know bought a Powerball ticket at the Kroger on Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills around March 2024, stop what you’re doing and check it. You could be holding a ticket worth $250,000! Share this article with friends and family in Michigan to spread the word. The deadline is March 11, 2025, at 4:45 p.m.—don’t let this prize slip away.
And if you’re a regular lottery player, make it a habit to check your tickets after every drawing. Download the Michigan Lottery app, visit a retailer, or check the numbers online at www.michiganlottery.com. You never know when luck might strike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if the $250,000 Powerball prize isn’t claimed?
A: If the prize goes unclaimed by March 11, 2025, at 4:45 p.m., the money will be transferred to the Michigan School Aid Fund to support public education.
Q: How do I know if I have the winning ticket?
A: Check your ticket against the numbers from the March 11, 2024, drawing: 01, 03, 07, 16, 66, and Powerball 05. If it matches four white balls and the Powerball with a 5X Power Play, you’ve won $250,000.
Q: Where do I claim a $250,000 prize in Michigan?
A: You must claim prizes over $100,000 in person at the Michigan Lottery headquarters in Lansing. Call 844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment.
Q: Are lottery winnings taxed in Michigan?
A: Yes, federal taxes (24%) and Michigan state taxes (4.25%) apply to winnings over $5,000. For a $250,000 prize, you’d take home about $179,375 after taxes.
Q: Can I claim a prize anonymously in Michigan?
A: Michigan law requires lottery winners’ names to be public for prizes over $10,000, but you can discuss privacy options with the lottery office.
By checking your tickets and staying informed, you could be the next big winner. Don’t let this $250,000 Powerball prize become another unclaimed story!
