FORT FRANCES, Ont. — When Wade Bagacki checked his Lotto Max ticket at Ski's Variety in Fort Frances, the machine displayed a message that caused him to take a step back.
"I saw the words Big Winner...the store clerk had to make sure the machine was right. I was tongue-tied," Bagacki said.
It turned out he had won $100,000 for matching six of seven Encore numbers on the ticket he had purchased for the Sept. 11, 2020 draw.
The 53-year-old entrepreneur told the woman he's dating, and his family, right away.
"My brother didn't believe me and thought I was joking," he laughed.
Bagacki plans to put some of the money aside for retirement, pay some bills, and buy some equipment for his home renovation business.
He said "This is a big relief, especially with the pandemic. It's a very nice feeling."
