Site last updated: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Pennsylvania retiree wins sweepstakes

Jo-Ann Snyder reacts when she sees the check from Publishers Clearing House at her home in Wilkes-Barre on Friday.

WILKES-BARRE — A Pennsylvania retiree has won $1 million upfront and $5,000 a week for the rest of her life through the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes.

Members of the marketing company’s “prize patrol” on Friday surprised 72-year-old Jo-Ann Snyder at her home in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, with oversized checks, flowers and balloons.

Snyder said she and her husband, Michael, a part-time mechanic, can now fulfill their dream of traveling Route 66 from Chicago to California.

Snyder will get to choose an heir who’ll also get $5,000-a-week for the rest of his or her life.

The retired optical company worker had only one gripe during the excitement. She said it would have been nice to have some advance notice so she could have done her hair.

More in Pennsylvania News

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS