There were no grand-prize winners in Saturday’s Powerball jackpot, and lottery officials are saying tonight’s (Wednesday) numbers are going to be higher than initial estimates. The giant prize has now climbed to an estimated $700 million with the annuity option, $443.3 million with the lump-sum payout. This is now the second-largest prize in the history of Powerball and the second largest lottery prize ever offered in North America. With strong sales throughout the remainder of the day, that final jackpot number could climb even higher. Odds of winning the grand prize are one in 292.2 million. There was an Iowa winner from Saturday’s drawing, Deborah Barron of Hiawatha matched four of the first five numbers and the Powerball for a $50,000 prize. The largest ever Powerball jackpot won in Iowa was for $241 million in June of 2012, claimed by the Shipping 20 group of co-workers from the Quaker Oats plant in Cedar Rapids. Tickets will be sold until 8:59 p.m. tonight with the drawing taking place at 9:59 p.m.
