'Mega Millions Mania' sweeps valley

It was hard to escape "Mega Millions Mania" throughout the Mahoning Valley today as people lined up at gas stations, convenience stores and lottery stands.

The record Mega Millions jackpot grew to $640 million, as people opened their wallets and took a chance at becoming a millionaire overnight.

Dorothy Mika, of Youngstown, is a first-time Mega Millions player and waited in line at the Millionaire Express lotto stand near the corner South Avenue and Mathews Road.

“I’d probably faint for one thing,” she said when asked what she would do if she won.

After recovering from fainting, Mika said she then would purchase a condominium for herself, share the wealth with her children and donate to her church.

Also in line at Millionaire Express was John Infante, of Boardman, who has played the Mega Millions before and planned to buy a” bunch of tickets” Friday.

“It’s the excitement of winning that keeps me coming back,” he said.