Pit stop in Franklin leads to Powerball win

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY)  — An Alabama family’s routine summer road trip took an unexpected turn when a restroom stop at a Franklin, Ky., travel center led to a $150,000 Powerball prize, according to a release from the Kentucky Lottery.

Theresa and James Stuckey of Enterprise, Ala., were traveling to Kentucky to pick up their son, who had spent the summer with family in Ohio. The Bowling Green area is the family’s typical meeting point because it is about halfway between Alabama and Ohio.

After stopping in the Bowling Green area, the family got back on the road. About five minutes later, they had to stop again for a restroom break at the Pilot Travel Center in Franklin.

While at the travel center, Theresa bought a Powerball ticket for the Aug. 1, 2026, drawing. She purchased five sets of numbers and added the Power Play option.

Theresa’s ticket won a $50,000 prize, but because she added Power Play, the prize was tripled to $150,000.

“I always add Power Play,” Theresa said.

She told lottery officials she now plans to add Double Play as well for another chance to win using a second set of numbers.

The next day, the couple returned to Kentucky to claim their prize. After taxes, they received $108,750.

The family plans to use the money to pay off vehicles, help their daughter with college and take a family vacation.

The Pilot Travel Center in Franklin will receive $1,500 for selling the winning ticket.