Jonathan Phelps may never buy gas anywhere other than at a lucky convenience store in Oronoco, Minn.
In April, he bought a lottery ticket at the Oronoco Gas 'N Go at 1455 Cedar Center Av. in the small town just north of Rochester. He won $20,000 playing the Big $10 Ticket scratch game.
Last week, Phelps, of Byron, Minn., was back at lottery headquarters in Roseville to turn in another winning ticket that he bought from the same gas station. This time he left with $500,000.
"I couldn't believe it! Who wins twice at the exact same gas station in two months?" he told lottery officials when redeeming the ticket he bought playing the $500,000 Jackpot scratch game.
Phelps said he was able to become debt free with the first win. He now plans to help family and seek out a financial adviser, a statement from the lottery said.
Over the past 10 years, there have been 58 people who have won prizes of $10,000 or higher more than once and purchased their winning tickets at the same retailer. Another 17 who bought tickets at the same retailer have won more than once as part of a Powerball group, said lottery spokeswoman Debbie Hoffman.
Tim Harlow • 612-673-7768
