How's this for a great start to the New Year: Madelyne Wight of Vergennes, Vermont claimed $2,084,503 in cash this morning after she correctly picked the winning numbers in the December 31 Tri-State Megabucks drawing.

Ms. Wight learned of her good fortune when she logged onto the Vermont Lottery¹s web site.  "I sat staring at the screen for 20 minutes with tears rolling down my face" said the Vergennes resident.  "I had to call the toll-free number to make sure there was no mistake.  I even called the ticket agent to check the numbers a third time."

Ms Wight has played Tri-State Megabucks for almost twenty years and uses a combination of birth dates when picking her numbers.  She spends $2 each week on Megabucks tickets.

When asked how she might use her winnings, Ms. Wight noted that she had retained the services of a financial advisor and would consult with him about investment issues.  "I also plan to use some of the money to purchase a new car and a small house somewhere in Vermont," said Ms. Wight.  "It needs to have a fence in the backyard so I can let the dogs out to play."