MITCHELL, ILL. — Just over the river, just after the new Chain of Rocks Bridge, lies the town of Mitchell, which recently made headlines for selling a $1 million Mega Millions ticket. The winning ticket was purchased at 508 Variety Shop in Mitchell, Ill.

This unincorporated community, located just outside of St. Louis, has a population of 1,000 people.

“This is huge news for our town,” said Amber Ronk, owner of 508 Variety Shop. “Mitchell is a very small town – blink and you might miss it. I am so excited for the winner!”

Ronk mentioned that the winner is likely a regular customer, as most patrons are local residents who visit almost every day. For selling the winning ticket, 508 Variety Shop will receive a bonus of one percent of the prize amount, totaling $10,000.

“This is exciting news for our little convenience shop, too,” Ronk shared. “Fourteen years ago, I was a cashier at this store. The owner at the time hired me, introduced me to his son, and he and I ended up getting married.”

Now the owner of the shop, Ronk plans to use the bonus money to spend quality time with her family.

“Owning a business can be stressful, and every day has its challenges,” she said. “I am hoping to spend some of the bonus on a vacation with my family, so I can enjoy some quality time with my husband and kids.”

The fortunate player purchased the winning ticket, matching all five numbers in the January 16 Mega Millions drawing to secure the $1,000,000 prize. The winning numbers were 2-10-42-49-54, with a Megaplier number of 13.

In the same drawing, two other players in Michigan and South Carolina also won $1,000,000 prizes.

Mega Millions offers an additional $1 for the chance to multiply non-jackpot prizes. The next Mega Millions drawing is scheduled for Friday night, January 19, at 10:00 p.m. (CT), with the jackpot estimated at $236 million.

Tickets for the game are available for purchase in-store, online, or on the Illinois Lottery app. For more information or to buy tickets online, please visit IllinoisLottery.com.