Two Conyers residents win big in lottery

Santa Claus made an early visit to Conyers this year when two residents won a quarter-million dollars or more playing the Georgia Lottery.

Lottery officials said Thursday that David Anthony Sr. won $391,446 from matching all five numbers in the Dec. 8 Fantasy 5 drawing.

Anthony, who purchased his Quik Pik ticket at the Shell Food Mart on Browns Bridge Road in Covington, told lottery officials that he and his wife, Sandra, planned to use their winnings to pay off their mortgage.

Christopher Ballas, a sandwich shop owner in Conyers, won $250,000 playing the holiday-themed "Season's Greetings" instant game.

Ballas, 30, purchased his winning ticket at the Texaco station on Klondike Road in Conyers. He said he planned to purchase a new home with his prize.