Harvard Store Sells $1.15 Million Winning Lottery Ticket

Someone in Harvard, Illinois is $1.15M richer, and it all started at a small suburban gas station.

The winning Lucky Day Lotto ticket was sold on Saturday at Chemung Country Store.  The lucky numbers drawn were 2-15-28-31-43, and now one ticket holder is sitting on a seven-figure payday.

For a locally owned store that relies on regulars, the excitement is very real.

“Our customer base is largely made up of loyal, local customers, so we're all hoping the winner is one of our regulars,” said co-owner Mark Smith.

That's part of what makes stories like this fun.  It's not a massive chain in a big city.  It's a neighborhood gas station where people grab coffee before work, pick up snacks after school, or stop in for fuel on their way home.  The idea that one of those everyday stops turned into a $1.15M win?  Pretty cool!

And the winning isn't just for the ticket holder.

Because the store sold the ticket, Chemung Country Store will receive a bonus of $11,500. According to Smith, the money won't just sit in a drawer.

“We'll put most of it back into operations and improvements, but we also plan to reward our staff in recognition of their dedication and excellent customer service,”

That means upgrades for the store and a little extra appreciation for the employees who keep the place running day in and day out.

Now the big question: Who has the ticket?

If you bought a Lucky Day Lotto in Harvard over the weekend, it might be time to double-check your numbers.  One local purchased literally turned into a life-changing win.