$399.4 million lottery ticket sold in Lexington
A Lexington convenience store sold a $399.4 million Powerball ticket Wednesday night, but the winner has yet to step forward, The State reported.
The ticket entitles its holder to the fifth-largest-ever lottery prize in the nation. It was purchased at the Murphy Express on Augusta Road near Interstate 20.
The ticket was purchased hours before the drawing, with its numbers chosen at random. Whoever purchased the ticket can either take $233 million in cash immediately or an annuity worth the full $399.4 million over 29 years, according to state lottery officials. If the winner chooses to take the one-time payment, the state may collect between $12 million and $15 million.
In the past four years, $659 million in Powerball jackpots has been won in a 20-mile stretch of the greater Columbia area.
Army veteran dies from apparent drowning
A decorated army veteran directly descended from Revolutionary War officer Francis Marion has died from an apparent drowning, the (Myrtle Beach) Sun News reported.
Lt. Gen. James B. Vaught, 86, was found in a pond near Old Reaves Ferry Road in Conway. He was found around 5:30 p.m. Friday after his family called authorities because he hadn’t returned home. He was found by a pontoon boat, though Horry County Coroner Robert Edge said he was not sure how Vaught got in the pond.
Vaught died of asphyxia due to drowning, according to his autopsy, but there were also signs of cardiac disease.
Vaught’s family originally settled in Horry County in 1683, after emigrating from Germany. He attended the Citadel in the early ’40s before being drafted in 1945 and served for more than 38 years.
Cayce water tank proposed as landmark
A water tank in Cayce could soon become a landmark for the town if $250,000 is raised for a redesign, The State reported.
The tank, located on U.S. 321 near I-26 and I-77, would have a golf ball emblazoned with the South Carolina Gamecocks mural on its top and a golf-themed mural on its sides, with Cayce spelled with the South Carolina block “C.”
The tank is located near the South Carolina golf team’s practice range. Other facilities for the team are located under the tank.
The fundraising drive for the 2-million-gallon tank’s redesign begins today. Donations can be made online and must be at least $25. Supporters hope to use the potential $250,000 on costs of painting the mural and to support Harvest Hope Food Bank.