Sixty-two-year-old Robert Burhans of Woodstock is Ulster County’s new Lottery millionaire.  Burhans matched the first five numbers drawn from the July 10 Mega Millions drawing earning him the $1,000,000 second prize.

“We were on our way home from Kingston and we stopped at Stewart’s for some soda,” explained Burhans.  “I only play Mega Millions when the jackpots are really high so I decided to buy my ticket while I was there.”

Burhans checked his numbers the next day and knew right away he was a big winner.  “The numbers started matching up and I knew I won.  I signed the ticket right away and drove to the Lottery to claim the prize,” he explained.

The winning Mega Millions numbers for the July 10 drawing were 1-17-28-56-70 Mega Ball 14.

The $1,000,000 Mega Millions second prize is paid as a one-time lump sum payment.  Burhans will receive a net check totaling $671,800 after required withholdings.

When asked how it feels to win the Lottery Burhans explained, “At least now I can’t say I’ve never won!”

Burhans said he plans to use his winnings to plan a nice vacation.  “It just feels nice not to have to worry about money anymore.”

The winning ticket was purchased at Stewart’s Shops at 268 Broadway in Kingston.

Burhans is the 78th New York Lottery player to claim a prize totaling $1,000,000 or more this year.

The New York Lottery contributed $26,948,536 in Lottery Aid to Education to school districts in Ulster County during fiscal year 2017-2018.

About the New York Lottery

The New York Lottery continues to be North America’s largest and most profitable Lottery, contributing $3.37 billion in fiscal year 2017-2018 to help support education in New York State. The Lottery’s contribution represents approximately 13 percent of total state education aid to local school districts.

New York Lottery revenue is distributed to local school districts by the same statutory formula used to distribute other state aid to education. It takes into account both a school district’s size and its income level; larger, lower-income school districts receive proportionately larger shares of Lottery school funding.