Police officer nabs lottery jackpot
Published: October 18, 2005
Dealing with stress is a daily job for a full-time police officer but six little numbers were able to take Mackinaw police Officer Mark Skiles to his breaking point.
Skiles bought an Illinois Lottery ticket Friday from Casey’s General Store in town that matched the six winning numbers of the $4 million jackpot. But it wasn’t until Monday morning, when a friend urged him to check the numbers, that he knew he won.
“The exciting part was the anticipation of making sure the ticket was legitimate. I was so excited I thought I was going to throw up. My blood pressure was going up with each number,” said Skiles, 36. “I thank God above. He blessed us with the money. It happened for a reason.”
After calling his wife, Deborah, Skiles rushed to the Casey’s General Store and said he almost fainted while manager Laura Adams verified the Quick Pick ticket’s authenticity.
“We never play the lotto. We haven’t played in 10 or 11 years. My husband spent $1 on the ticket. I got on him for not picking his own numbers, I said, ‘What did you play for?’” said Deborah Skiles, 35. “It’s like it’s not real. I’m still all numb about it.”
The excitement also spread throughout the Tazewell County community of 1,452 residents. At the Golden Apple Cafe, diners couldn’t stop talking about the jackpot or the family man who won it.
“It couldn’t happen to nicer people. He’s a likable person, down to earth and friendly,” said Cindy Modin of Mackinaw. “What you see is what you get, he’s genuine.”
One woman who would not give her name said she would have to move. “Every one would be at your door.”
The Skileses, originally from West Virginia, moved with their two sons, Tyler, 10, and Tucker, 6, just outside Mackinaw four years ago and said they plan to stay.
“As far as I’m concerned I will stay in the area. We’re private people. The less publicity the better. We know everyone knows, but we try to keep it as private as we can,” Mark Skiles said.
After contacting their lawyer for advice, the Skileses are now planning a trip to the Springfield Lottery office to finalize their winnings.
“People generally take at least a couple days. Most approach a financial advisor or lawyer (before claiming their money),” said Illinois Lottery spokesman Courtney Hill.
The winner could chose the lump sum - 50 percent minus taxes, which will be about $1.4 million, or the full jackpot paid out over 26 years, he said.
Mark Skiles has indeed talked with an attorney and “will take his advice,” although he did not say what that is. Both the Skileses intend to keep working.
Casey’s will receive 1 percent of the jackpot as a bonus, Hill said.
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