A Berrien County man struck it lucky on just his second-ever Powerball ticket.
Michael Werner of Buchanan matched four white balls and the Powerball in the Sept. 1 drawing, winning $50,000. According to state lottery officials, thanks to a multiplier, the prize jumped to $150,000. Werner purchased the ticket online using his winnings from his very first Powerball play.
“This was only my second time ever playing Powerball,” Werner said. “I played my own set of numbers, so when I saw the results, I recognized them right away. I had my brother double-check, and then I logged into my account and saw my $150,000 balance!”
Werner, 40, recently visited Michigan Lottery headquarters to claim the prize. He says he plans to use the winnings to travel and take care of bills.
Powerball tickets in Michigan cost $2 each, with optional add-ons giving players chances to multiply non-jackpot prizes or enter a second nightly drawing. Drawings are held Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights.
