LANSING, February 26, 1999 – A Cheboygan man is now $100,000 richer after winning the top prize in the Michigan Lottery’s Cash 5 game!

The 44-year-old winner, who requested anonymity, collected the game’s $100,000 prize by matching all five numbers in the February 22 drawing – 24, 26, 32, 38 and 39.  The winning "easy pick" ticket was purchased at Pleasantview EZ Mart, 5667 Pleasantview Road, in Harbor Springs.

"I saw the winning numbers in the Detroit Free Press," the Cheboygan man said.  "I knew right away that I had won!  I had to look at my ticket a couple of times to make sure it was really happening; I am elated!"

Prior to collecting his prize at Michigan Lottery headquarters in Lansing, the winner kept the ticket in his pocket at all times for safe keeping.  The painter, who has been playing Michigan Lottery games for the past 26 years, said he plans to use his winnings to pay bills and bring his family back together.

The lucky Cheboygan man offered the following advice for other Lottery hopefuls: "Keep the faith! It can happen to anyone!"

Cash 5 drawings are conducted every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  Odds to win the $100,000 top prize are one in 575,757.  Tickets are available at more than 6,400 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

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