LANSING, August 3, 1999 — Edward Szalonek of Grand Haven is still in shock after winning the $100,000 top prize in the Michigan Lottery’s Cash 5 game!

"I saw the winning numbers on WOOD-TV 8 and wrote them down," Szalonek said. "When I checked the numbers on my ticket I couldn’t believe it. I called the Grand Haven Tribune and the Lottery’s toll-free number to verify that I had written down the right numbers. I called my wife at work right away to give her the good news! She told me I should only call her if there is an emergency — I considered this to be an emergency! We are both shocked and still can’t believe we won."

The 80-year-old winner matched all five numbers in the July 26 drawing — 4, 8, 9, 23 and 27. The winning Cash 5 "easy pick" ticket was purchased at Meijer Inc. #180, 1500 U.S. Highway 31, in Grand Haven.

Prior to turning in the winning ticket at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, Szalonek hid it in a "safe place" in his house.

The retiree from Chllenge Porcelain in Grand Haven said he has been playing Michigan Lottery games for the past 26 years, and his favorites are Cash 5, the Daily 4 and instant games. Szalonek said he is still thinking about what he wants to do with his winnings, but commented that he will likely share part of it with his family and invest the rest.

Szalonek, an avid gardener, offered the following advice for other Lottery hopefuls: "Just stick with it. One of these days you are going to hit it!"

Cash 5 drawings are conducted every Monday through Friday at 7:28 p.m. Players can win $100,000 for matching all five winning numbers; $350 for matching four of five numbers drawn; or $20 for matching three of five numbers drawn.

Tickets are available for Cash 5 and other Michigan Lottery on-line games at more than 6,400 Lottery retailers throughout the state.

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