$2 million lottery ticket sold at Kalispell store

A $2 million winning lottery ticket was sold in December at a convenience store in Kalispell.

According to Michael’s West Exxon store manager Tiffany Howard, the ticket was sold to the lucky customer during Montana Lottery’s Montana Millionaire week.

Howard said Montana Lottery confirmed the winner, who has chosen not to reveal themselves. Due to a change in legislation, Montana Lottery is no longer allowed to release the names of winners unless they provide consent.

Howard said Michael’s West has sold many winning tickets, but she believes this was the biggest lottery prize awarded locally.

Unlike most other states, Howard noted that Montana retailers of lottery products or their employees do not receive any part of lottery winning proceeds.

Howard said sales at the store have been brisk since word spread about the winning ticket, particularly with more big prizes up for grabs.

The jackpot for Powerball on Wednesday was estimated at $635 million. Powerball drawings take place Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8:59 p.m.