Steven and Teresa Springstead of Fruitport claiming $300,000 from Tripling Red Hot Cashword Instant game on 12/14/2011. (Photo Courtesy of the Michigan Lottery.)

This has been a rough year for Steven Springstead and his wife Teresa of Fruitport. Steven had major surgery, became unemployed and was threatened with the loss of his home. But things have turned around since Springstead purchased an Instant Lottery ticket.

Springstead couldn’t believe it when he scratched off his Tripling Red Hot Cashword ticket and discovered he had won $300,000. “We looked it over four times before it really hit us,” he said.  The first item on the Springstead’s agenda is to pay off their house. “The bank doesn’t really want to deal with you when you’re unemployed. I think they’ll be willing to talk to me now,” Springstead said with a smile.   

The winning ticket was purchased at Orchard Market, 6530 Airline Rd. in Fruitport.