ROYALSTON – The Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol went to Royalston on Wednesday and, in what PCH Representative Howie Guja said was a first, was unable to make it the front door of the $15,000 winner.

As the Prize Patrol made its way to the Stone Road home of Carol Doucette, they found a muddy, flooded driveway. Luckily, as Guja tried to figure out the best way to get the check to Doucette, she appeared with her dog Rebel and together, made their way around the big puddles in the driveway.

“You have won $15,000 from Publisher’s Clearing House,” Guja told Doucette, who also received some celebratory balloons and a bouquet of flowers.

When asked how she planned to spend the $15,000, Doucette responded with a laugh, “Probably fixing my driveway. Beyond that I really don’t know. Probably go out to dinner.”

Doucette said her husband John has often teased her about entering the PCH sweepstakes, which she has been doing regularly for about five years.

“He says I’m wasting my time,” she added.

Others who may be joining in Doucette’s good fortune will be her daughter and son-in-law, April and Mark Normandin, and their three kids, all of whom live just down the road.

As for advice for other would-be winters, Doucette said simply, “Keep playing, just keep playing. Obviously, it works – you people showed up in my driveway.”

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.