Post Falls man wins $100K, calls in 'rich'

Earning enough money to attend college has been a process for Kyle Messier.

But that process received a faster timeline this week when the Post Falls man won $100,000 on the Idaho Lottery's Ultimate Bankroll scratch game.

Messier was planning to work for two or three more years to save money for college and put his fiancee through school first.

But, shortly after he won, he quit his fast food job and plans to attend a trade school. He said furthering his education has been a goal amid working extra hours at his job.

"Wow, that's about six years of salary at my old job," said Messier when he held his check at the lottery offices in Boise on Tuesday morning. "This is a dream come true and couldn't have come at a better time.

"I guess you could say I called in (to work) rich."

Messier's winnings after taxes were $67,500. The game began on Dec. 3.

"This is the top prize on the game and the first one claimed," said David Workman, lottery spokesman. "There is still one top prize left on the game. When the second top prize is claimed, the game is removed from the market."

The odds of winning the top prize are 1:121,850.

He bought two $10 tickets on Monday afternoon at Frontier Grocery on Seltice Way in Post Falls - his regular store.

"I got in the car with my best friend and started playing the tickets when I realized I'd won," Messier said. "My friend and I started hugging right there in the car. I couldn't believe it.

"I just got lucky."

Messier, who has lived in the area all his life, attended Coeur d'Alene High.

Frontier Grocery will receive a $10,000 bonus from Idaho Lottery for its part in selling the winning ticket.

Messier was accompanied at the check presentation in Boise by a friend, his mother and step-father, his son and fiancee.

Messier was returning from Boise on Tuesday and not available for further comment.