Couple wins $1 million lottery prize just weeks before their first child is born

John Stanhill and Victoria Oakley won $1 million on a scratch-off ticket just three weeks before their baby was born. (Florida Lottery)

Jacksonville, Fla.

A Florida couple received a nice little bonus just in time to welcome their first child together.

According to the Florida Lottery, John Stanhill and Victoria Oakley won $1 million on a scratch-off ticket just three weeks before their baby was born.

The couple claimed their prize this week at the Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee after Stanhill purchased a $50 500X THE CASH scratch-off ticket from an Exxon gas station in Jacksonville Beach.

The $1 million win seemingly came at the perfect time as the couple also welcomed a baby boy to their family.

“This just couldn’t have happened at a better time!” Stanhill shared.

Oakley added, “We won the lottery – and then we won the lottery again with our beautiful, healthy baby boy!”

The family chose to accept their winnings in a one-time payment of $640,000 after taxes.

“We are over the moon with everything that’s happened,” the couple shared. “Our lottery win has been such a huge relief for us. We’ve been able to fully focus on being new parents by putting our financial worries at ease.”

The overall odds of winning 500X THE CASH are 1 in 4.23, according to the Florida Lottery. The game features a top prize worth $25 million.

The retailer that sold Stanhill’s winning ticket also received a $2,000 bonus commission.

Longtime pastor steps down from leadership role at church ‘due to sin’

FILE -- Dr. Tony Evans, a well-known evangelical pastor in Texas, has stepped down from a leadership position at his church. (christinlola via Canva)

Dallas

A longtime pastor in Texas is stepping down from his leadership role at his church.

After 48 years, Dr. Tony Evans of the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Church announced to his congregation that he was stepping away from his pastoral duties due to sin.

“The foundation of our ministry has always been our commitment to the Word of God as the absolute supreme standard of truth to which we are to conform our lives,” Evans shared in a statement over last weekend. “When we fall short of that standard due to sin, we are required to repent and restore our relationship with God.”

Evans continued, “A number of years ago, I fell short of that standard. I am, therefore, required to apply the same biblical standard of repentance and restoration to myself that I have applied to others.”

Evans said he has “committed no crime,” but “did not use righteous judgment in my actions.”

According to Evans, he has shared the news with his family and other church leaders.

Bobby Gibson, a fellow pastor at the church, and church elders are expected to provide more information regarding the ministry moving forward.

“During this season, I will be a worshiper like you and look forward to seeing all that God is going to continue doing to make his name great,” Evans said. “I’m trusting God to walk me through this valley.”

Evans thanked everyone for their support and blessings as he was able to grow his congregation from a group of 10 to where it is today with more than 10,000 members.

“This journey has been filled with a multitude of joys and sorrows, successes and failures, mountains and valleys, but God has always been there to see us through,” Evans wrote.

Family mourning loss of 5-year-old daughter killed by suspected drunken driver

A Florida mother says her 5-year-old daughter Madeline touched the lives of those around her. (GoFundMe)

Auburndale, Fla.

A family in Florida is mourning the loss of their 5-year-old daughter after being involved in a suspected DUI crash.

Madeline Nichols was preparing for kindergarten, but instead, her family says they are now planning to say goodbye to their little girl instead of her first day of school.

“Our beloved Maddie, who was only 5 years old, a beautiful light of life in our family, has tragically passed away,” her family shared through a GoFundMe. “Words cannot express the depth of our sorrow and the void her absence has left.”

Authorities in the Lakeland area say the crash happened after midnight last Friday when a driver, later identified as 24-year-old Robert Harison, crossed a center lane and hit a Dodge Caravan that was carrying Madeline.

The 5-year-old was reportedly on her way home with her father, Justin Jones, and mother, Jacqueline Nichols, when the collision happened.

Madeline died and her mother and father suffered serious injuries, according to the family.

Investigators said Harrison was arrested and is facing DUI-related charges in connection with the crash.

The family said Madeline’s parents have a long road of recovery ahead as they continue to deal with the loss of their daughter.

“Her [Madeline], as well as her mother and father, were in a terrible car accident due to a drunk driver that resulted in her death and them being in critical care,” the family shared. “Maddie brought so much joy, laughter, and love to everyone she touched, and her loss is immeasurable.”

Authorities said the deadly crash remains under investigation with Harrison scheduled to appear in court next month.

Family members say Madeline’s father remains in the hospital and they are planning a final farewell for the 5-year-old.

“We are faced with the daunting task of arranging Maddie’s final farewell,” the family said. “With heavy broken hearts … we are reaching out for any support.”

The GoFundMe account made in Madeline’s honor has received over 100 donations since being created days after the tragic crash.

Teen graduates high school with perfect attendance from kindergarten through 12th grade

Rikki Blaylock graduated from Ridgeview High School with a special achievement -- never missing a day of class for 13 years. (Clay County District Schools)

Orange Park, Fla.

A high school grad in Florida is being recognized for more than just getting her high school diploma.

According to Clay County District Schools, Rikki Blaylock recently graduated from Ridgeview High School, and she did so while never missing a day of school in 13 years.

School officials said the teenager never missed a class from kindergarten through her senior year of high school.

Blaylock was recognized Thursday night at the Clay County School Board meeting while receiving a certificate from Superintendent David Broskie.

“Congratulations to Class of 2024 Rikki Blaylock for her recognition at last night’s School Board meeting,” Ridgeview High representatives shared. “Rikki was Awarded Perfect Attendance for Kindergarten to her senior year; truly a phenomenal feat!”

Blaylock was on the Clay County Soccer Club and part of the high school track and volleyball teams.

‘Why our Brookie’: Girl, 9, dies after ‘freak accident’ on motocross bike

Brooke Carlton, 9, was transported to a hospital after a motocross collision but her family said she did not survive. (GoFundMe)

Riverside County, Calif.

California authorities say they are investigating a collision at a motocross track over the weekend that took the life of a young girl.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, first responders were called last Sunday to the Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park at around 10 a.m. regarding a reported crash.

Deputies said they arrived to find good Samaritans performing life-saving measures on an unconscious child, later identified as 9-year-old Brooke Carlton.

She was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Another child was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Both juveniles were riding electric motocross bikes at the track when the collision occurred, the sheriff’s office said.

A fundraiser for the Carlton family confirmed her death.

“Yesterday, the good Lord called out dear Brook Lily to heaven after a freak accident at a local motocross track,” a message from the family said. “Our entire family is still trying to understand why our Brookie, but we firmly believe that God needed her and called her home to be with him.”

Representatives for the Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park said due to legal obligations they were not available to release any further immediate information. But they did release a statement online.

“We are truly sad. This was such a freak accident and not a time to bash the track but a time to remember this little girl and support her family,” park representatives shared. “We are a community, and we will do our part in supporting the family as well. May you rest in peace, Brooke!”

Brooke reportedly was an ambassador for Go Fast Girls, a motorsports apparel company, with her profile stating that she had just begun racing.

“Hi! My name is Brooke Carlton, and I am 9 years old. I just started racing motocross in the Southern California area and I am gearing up to race BMX too! I love to be out on the track competing with other girls and going fast,” her profile read.

Riverside County authorities said their investigation remains ongoing.