South Georgia couple wins $270M Mega Millions lottery jackpot
Posted: 2/24/2008 10:15:20 AM
The grand prize in this week's Mega Millions lottery drawing, $270 million, will go to one couple from South Georgia.
Robert and Tonya Harris from Bulloch County, Georgia became millionaires Friday night when their Mega Millions numbers, 12, 22, 19, 7, 13, and mega number 10, were drawn.
In an interview posted on WSAV.com, the couple said they rarely play the lottery, but this time the couple used their grandchildren's birthdays, something they've never done before. "They're my life. Them grandkids are everything I work for, strive for, to make sure they have a good life, and now they're going to have a good life," Robert Harris said in the report.
Mr. Harris, a structural steel and iron worker, reportedly called his employer, Quinlain Enterprise, Saturday morning to tell them that he plans to retire.
The winning ticket from Friday night's drawing was bought at Flash Foods 70 in Portal, Georgia, said Tandi Reddick, Georgia Lottery spokeswoman. Portal is about 200 miles southeast of Atlanta.
"We're very excited — it's caused a buzz in this small town," said Billy Hodges, general manager of Clyde's Market 70, which he said formerly was called Flash Foods 70.
Harris said he plans to buy a new truck — a GMC extended cab — and spend more time at home with his family.
The couple opted for the cash option, bringing their winnings down to $164 million.
Another 207 players matched four numbers, plus the Mega Ball number — good for third prizes of $10,000 each.
Six California players matched five numbers, and another 38 matched four of the five lotto numbers, plus the Mega Ball number. The prize amounts in California are different than what prize winners in the other Mega Ball participating states would receive.
The next drawing — worth $12 million — will be Tuesday.
The winning numbers from Friday night's drawing were: 7, 12, 13, 19 and 22. The Mega Ball number was 10.
The Texas Megaplier was 4.
Source: AP
