LANSING, October 14, 1999 — An Alpena woman took home the biggest jewel in the Michigan Lottery Cash 5 crown when she won the game’s $100,000 top prize!

The winner, who requested anonymity, matched all five numbers in the October 8 Cash 5 drawing — 8, 12, 16, 23 and 35. The winning Cash 5 "easy pick" ticket was purchased at Diamonds Point Shell, 2404 U.S. Highway 23 South, in Alpena. Apparently, the Diamonds Point Shell is a gem of a place to buy a Lottery ticket — a $150,000 winning Big Game ticket was also sold there in January of this year.

"I was sitting at home watching television and I wrote the winning numbers down so I could check my ticket," the winner said. "When I saw the first three numbers I knew I had won at least $20. Once I realized I had matched all five numbers, I still wasn’t sure how much I had won. I asked someone at the store how much you win for matching all five numbers, and she told me $100,000. I couldn’t believe I had actually won that much money!"

When not crocheting or helping out at her church, the Alpena woman said she enjoys playing Michigan Lottery games. She has been a regular Lottery player for the past 27 years and her favorites are the instant games and, of course, Cash 5.

The winner said she doesn’t have any plans for her winnings yet — she is "still thinking about it." Prior to turning the winning ticket in at Lottery headquarters in Lansing, the lucky lady placed it in her wallet for safe-keeping.

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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