LANSING, July 25, 2006 – A very lucky local business owner is $250,000 richer after he cashed a winning Mega Millions ticket.

The ticket matched all five white ball numbers, without matching the gold “Mega” ball to win the prize.

John Marko, who owns the St. Charles Bait shop, has been playing the Lottery since it began in 1972.  He and his wife Dorothy enjoy playing the Mega Millions and Classic Lotto 47 games; this is their largest win to date.

The lucky easy-pick ticket was purchased at Frank’s Super Market, 115 E. Belle Ave., in St. Charles.

The couple plan to use their prize money to pay bills.  In his spare time the lucky winner enjoys hunting and fishing.

Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery game in Michigan, California, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Washington.  Wagers cost $1 each and tickets may be purchased at more than 10,000 Michigan Lottery retailers statewide.

All proceeds from the Lottery are contributed to the state School Aid Fund which supports kindergarten through 12th grade public education in Michigan.  In fiscal year 2005, the contribution was $667.6 million.

For additional information, please visit the Lottery’s Web site at https://www.michiganlottery.com/.

# # #