LANSING, April 15, 1998 – It was no April Fool’s joke for the latest winner of the Michigan Lottery’s $5 "Break The Bank" instant game.  The 35-year-old Ithaca resident collected the top prize of $250,000!

The winner, who reqested anonymity, was elated when she arrived at Michigan Lottery headquarters to claim her prize.

"It’s absolutely unbelievable!  It’s just something else!" said the winner when asked about winning such a large prize.

"We had gone to pick up my husband’s truck and bought just one ticket," said the winner.  "I took the ticket back in when I saw it was a winner because I thought it was an April Fool’s joke.  I just started bawling!"

"After that, we just left the truck there.  My husband gets to buy a brand new truck now!"

The winning "Break The Bank" ticket was purchased at Merrill Express Stop,105 W. Saginaw Road, in Merrill.

"Break The Bank" is just one of many Michigan Lottery instant games available at more than 9,000 retailers statewide.

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