LANSING, May 28, 2002 – The right words came easily to a lucky Grand Ledge man who recently scratched off a Michigan Lottery "Cashword" instant ticket to find a $35,000 top prize!

The winning ticket was purchased at Plaza Party Store, 900 W. Jefferson St., in Grand Ledge.

"I just knew I had purchased a winning ticket," the winner, who requested anonymity, said. "So I scratched it off right there at the store, and learned immediately that I had won $35,000. I couldn’t sleep at all until I turned it in!"

The lucky 65-year-old retiree said he plans to use his winnings to pay bills and possibly purchase a new truck. He added that he enjoys fishing and playing Michigan Lottery games in his free time. The winner said he kept the winning ticket in a pajama pocket at all times before turning it in at the Lottery’s regional office in Lansing.

"I was scared I would lose the ticket, so I kept it in my pajama pocket," he said. "I wanted to keep it with me at all times so I slept with it!"

"Cashword" is just one of many Michigan Lottery instant tickets available at more than 9,000 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

# # #