LANSING, November 2, 2005 – A very lucky New Baltimore man is the lucky winner of a $10,000 prize in the Mega Millions game. Robert Cirello matched four white balls and the Mega ball to win the prize.

The Mega Millions prize structure changed beginning with the June 24 drawing when California became part of the Mega Millions game. The previous prize for matching four white balls and the Mega ball was $5,000.

The lucky 78-year-old retiree hid the winning ticket in a safe at home before cashing it in at a Lottery regional office. He plans to pay bills with the prize money.

The winning easy pick ticket was purchased at Ureel’s Party Store, 68970 North Ave., in Ray.

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 2004, the contribution was $644.8 million.

For additional information, please visit the Lottery’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/lottery.

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