That's a 'power'-ful lot of money

Lynn Chesley of Lebanon holds what she hopes is the lucky ticket for tonight's Powerball jackpot after buying it at Lakeside Market in Milton today. (Harrison Thorp photo).

MILTON - Lynn Chesley of Lebanon has about a 1 in 175 million chance to win tonight’s Powerball jackpot, but that didn’t deter her or millions of other Americans looking to strike it rich.

Lottery officials announced on Friday that the jackpot has grown by an estimated $236 million since the last drawing on Wednesday.

The last jackpot was won on March 30.

Chesley, who plunked down $2 for a single ticket, stood in line this morning at Lakeside Market with others who all agreed the first thing they’d do if they won tonight’s windfall would be to go on a vacation.

The largest jackpot ever was a $656 million Mega Millions prize won in March 2012. The prize was split three ways with winners in Illinois, Kansas and Maryland.

Lakeside Market store clerk Jessica McCassie said Powerball sales were definitely up the past few days. She said the biggest lottery winner at the store up to this point has been $1,000.

Tonight’s jackpot will be the largest in Powerball history.