LANSING, April 27, 1999 – What would you do with an extra $10,000?  That is exactly what Joseph L. Bailey of Sterling Heights and Esther E. Rumps of Redford are now asking themselves!  Each recently won $10,000 in the Michigan Lottery’s "Big Bucks" instant game!

Bailey, 49, who said he has been playing Michigan Lottery games "forever," was thrilled beyond belief when he realized that he had won big!

"I bought four tickets and scratched them off at the store," Bailey said.  "When I saw that I had won I told the clerk I needed a hug!"

The factory worker at American Axle Manufacturing said he kept the winning ticket in "a special hiding spot" in his home before turning it in at the Lottery’s regional office in Sterling Heights.  He said he plans to use his winnings to put the finishing touches on his new home.

Bailey, an avid golfer and bowler, purchased the winning ticket at Sterling Meat Market, 11540 15 Mile Road, in Sterling Heights.

Rumps, another lucky "Big Bucks" winner, said she was in "shock" when she realized that she had won $10,000!  The Redford retiree said she has been playing Michigan Lottery games for the past 26 years and her favorites include Michigan Lotto, The Big Game, Cash 5 and, of course, the instant games.

The lucky lady purchased the winning ticket at Souni Gas & Food Inc., 23433 Plymouth Road, in Redford.  Rumps said she has no special plans for her winnings at this time.

"Big Bucks" is just one of many Michigan Lottery instant tickets available at more than 9,300 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

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