Big Sandy woman claims $3,171 lottery win

Kari Johnson of Big Sandy will be off to visit a friend in Denver after winning $3,171 in the "Shake a Day" EZplay Jackpot.

Johnson bought the ticket at the Mint Bar and Cafe in Big Sandy.

This was only the third time she has played the Shake a Day contest. The first time she won $50, the second she won nothing. The third tiome was the charm.

She said she was the first person to win the jackpot at the Mint.

The jackpot starts at $500 and increases every day there is no winner.

EZplay instant online games can be played and validated immediately without waiting for a draw, much like a scratch game.

Johnson wasn't the only Montana to clean up in the lottery.

Glenn Collins of Bozeman this morning claimed a $10,000 top prize for the "Pink Diamond Bingo" Scratch game with a ticket he purchased at a Town Pump in Bozeman.

Collins purchased $20 worth of lottery tickets — the first time he ever bought a lottery ticket.

He said he plans to save most of his winnings and use them toward his education.