BOISE, Idaho ÔÇô Idaho has a new millionaire! The first ever $1,000,000 winning Idaho Lottery ticket sold in Nez Perce County was claimed Thursday at Idaho Lottery headquarters in Boise by longtime Lewiston couple Richard and Lorraine Hallisy. Their winning ticket was from the April 21, 2012 Powerball draw.

"I checked our tickets on the computer then called for Lorraine so I could show her," described Richard when he found out they had the winning ticket. "'Take a look at that', I said to her."ÔÇï

"I thought it was going to be one of those internet jokes," said Lorraine. "I couldn't believe it."ÔÇï

ÔÇïNo joke, the first five numbers matched and the ticket won the married couple of 56 years $1,000,000. The couple discovered their lucky win on the Sunday morning after the draw but swore a few friends and family to secrecy before claiming the ticket.

ÔÇï"Oh we saw stories about it in the newspaper and on the television, but we had a few things to take care of before heading down to Boise," added Richard on why it took the couple nearly two weeks to claim their prize.

ÔÇïRichard worked as a forester for the Idaho Department of Lands District Office in St. Maries in the 1960's before a long tenure at Potlach in Lewiston. He retired from Potlach 18 years ago.

ÔÇïThe Hallisy's were contemplating what to do with their new winnings, including helping their immediate family and possibly taking a couple of nice vacations. They purchased their winning ticket at the Zip Trip in Lewiston at 99 Southway. For their efforts in selling the winning ticket, Zip Trip receives a bonus from the Idaho Lottery of $20,000.

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