June 11, 2012 -- Warren Steele, Sergeant First Class for the U.S. Army, was sent on an important mission—by his wife—to pick up milk for the family household.  Steele deployed to the Winchester Xtra Mart, located at 102 Colebrook River Road in Winsted and secured the milk.  As an added bonus, the Torrington resident also made the tactical decision to purchase a CT Lottery “Emerald Green 8’s & Ruby Red 7’s” instant ticket.  When Steele scratched the ticket, he discovered it was a $10,000 top prize winner.  

“At first I thought it was a $10…then $100…until the clerk finally checked the ticket and confirmed it for me.  I couldn’t believe it.  I had just won $10,000,” Steele told Lottery officials.

Steele arrived at CT Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill recently to accept a prize check for $6,833 (value after taxes).  “We’re definitely going to pay off some bills, give some to each of the kids for their savings, and use the rest for a few home improvement projects,” said Steele.

For selling Steele his top prize winning ticket, Winchester Xtra Mart will receive a check for $100 from the CT Lottery.