Yuman wins $250K in Mega-Millions drawing

Yuma resident Susan Elton is $250,000 richer after winning the second-place prize in a recent Mega-Millions drawing.

The drawing was held Dec. 18, and Elton claimed the prize on Dec. 20. The winning ticket was purchased at the Fry's Food Store in the Foothills.

Elton said she already has plans for the money.

“I intend to pay off any and all bills” and “save the rest,” she said.

Elton joins five other lucky Yumans who have won the lottery since 2011.

In May of 2011, a Yuma Marine won $1 million in the Arizona Lottery's $100 Million Cash Spectacular Scratchers game. The Marine, who wished to remain anonymous, was serving on active duty when he won. He had purchased the winning ticket at the Barney's at 2381 South Ave. B. He chose to receive his prize in a 20-year annuity, resulting in $50,000 a year before taxes.

In July of 2011, certified public accountant Ted Gaffin won the lottery and chose to accept $63,333.33 a year for the next 30 years. He had bought the ticket at Lutes Casino.

Then in Jan. 2012, four Yuma area residents won $10,000 each.

In addition to making the dreams of people come true, proceeds from the sale of Lottery tickets - nearly $3 million per week - fund a variety of state programs. Since July 1981, the Arizona Lottery has paid out more than $4.6 billion in prizes to players, nearly $2.7 billion in net profit to the state and more than $550 million in commissions to retailers.