Johnston County Man Celebrates $2 Million Win

JOHNSTON COUNTY – A routine work break to a local convenience store turned into an unforgettable moment for Harlee Aliff of Kenly when he won the first $2 million top prize in a new lottery game.

“It’s not something you can describe,” Aliff said. “It’s surreal.”

Aliff, an employee at a clearing and grinding company, was working down the street from the Handy Mart on Wilsons Mills Road in Wilson Mills. He stopped by the store and grabbed a $20 Stacks of Cash scratch-off that returned a $2 million prize.

“It’s coming at a great time,” Aliff said. “It’s a breath of fresh air.”

When Aliff arrived at lottery headquarters Thursday to collect his prize, he had a decision to make. He could choose to receive the prize as an annuity of $100,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $1.2 million. He chose the lump sum of $1.2 million and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $864,126.

Aliff plans on buying a house and taking care of his family.

The Stacks of Cash game debuted this month with three top prizes of $2 million and six prizes of $100,000. There are two $2 million prizes and five $100,000 prizes remaining. The odds of winning the top prize are 1 in 1.4 million.

Education programs in Johnston County received $14.6 million in support from lottery funds in 2025.