SAXTON, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Bedford County man who retired from the U.S. Navy struck it rich by winning a million-dollar lottery jackpot.
The big winner, 58-year-old Kenneth Bilger, who goes by “JR,” has lived in Pennsylvania since 2002. On May 9, he stopped in at Martin General Stores on Main Street in Saxton and purchased a few lottery tickets. By the time he got to the last one, he hit it big.
“I was floored. It was a trip,” Bilger told lottery officials. “This is a lot more money than I’m accustomed to.”
PA Lottery Corporate Sales Manager Paul Monella, Winner Kenneth “JR” Bilger and his wife, Becky.
Bigler said the most he’s ever won from the lottery was $1,500, just a fraction of his new big win.
“I had to check the ticket three or four times,” he said. “I was shaking and flushed. A guy walking out thought he was going to have to call an ambulance for me.”
He went on to say that his wife and daughter didn’t believe he won when he called, but when he showed it to his other daughter, reality set in for the family.
Bilger added that the money will be used to help his wife retire and for his hobby of restoring old trucks.
“On behalf of the Pennsylvania Lottery, I would like to congratulate Kenneth on this incredible $1 million win,” said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. “We are thrilled to see this prize helping Kenneth and his family enjoy greater financial freedom and pursue the things they love. We also want to again thank Martin General Stores for their valued partnership in serving our players and supporting the Lottery’s mission of benefitting older Pennsylvanians.”
The winning ticket was a “Triple Red 777” scratch-off game. It’s a $30 game with top prizes of $1 million. Martins General Stores in Saxton will receive a $5,000 bonus for selling the big ticket.
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