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March 1, 2007 | Issue 4-14

FLIPPIN, Ark.--A local woman had reason to celebrate during Monday evening’s news broadcast when she saw each of her six lottery numbers revealed in sequence. Linda Hettington had just won the lottery.

“I was running from room to room just jumping up and down,” said the single 46-year-old, who resides in a studio apartment on Flippin’s north side. “I couldn’t believe it really happened to me.”

By Tuesday afternoon, however, the lucky winner’s mood had deteriorated. When meeting with state lottery officials, Hettington was presented with options of taking one lump sum totaling 32 million dollars, payments of one million dollars per year for 40 years, or payments of 25 dollars per year for two million years.

“I thought I checked the box to get a million [dollars] a year,” said Hettington, who mistakenly selected the third option, granting her 25 dollars a year for the next two million years. “I probably won’t even be alive to see all of the money.”

The Arkansas Lottery has come under scrutiny in the past for meager payment plans offered to jackpot winners. A spokesperson for the state’s sweepstakes organization said they advise each winner on the benefits and drawbacks of all payment options.

Hettington had planned to purchase a new car and a home but will have to put those plans on hold.

“I’ll be able to make a down payment on the car in 2123 and then just save for my house,” said Hettington. “Obviously, I’m still very excited. I did win the lottery.”

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