Cottonwood store employees react to $1.22 billion Mega Millions ticket

COTTONWOOD, Calif. – A small purchase has led to a big win for a Shasta County Mega Millions ticket buyer.

On December 27, California Lottery officials announced that the $1.22 billion Mega Millions winning ticket was sold at the Circle K store on Rhonda Road in Cottonwood, with all six numbers on that ticket matching the drawing matched. It was the only ticket in the entire country that had these winning numbers.

Jaspal Singh, the store’s owner for more than two decades, and his son, operations manager Ishar Gill, told KRCR it was surreal to learn that what happened took place at their location.

“I had to read it two or three times,” Gill said. “I told my wife, and then we ran into my dad’s room and told him, and he said, ‘Are you sure? … Did we really win?’”

He added: “Everyone knows about it. Everyone is excited.”

Gill told Northstate’s News that they don’t yet know how much money the store will receive from the win, but he said the cap is $1 million.

He explained that it was a mystery as to when the ticket was sold, as well as the identity of the winner, as he had not yet come forward. However, the locals have a message for whomever.

“Good job, man,” said a Shasta County resident named Christina. “I hope you live the rest of your life in peace and happiness, just ride off into the sunset and forget about this podunk town,” before adding, “I’m still stunned that this happened here in Cottonwood, absolutely stunned. “It’s amazing.”

Circle K employees said they plan to give some of the money they receive back to the community and said they are excited that the national win will help put Cottonwood on the map.