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Dennis Moore of Ayden said he was only planning to buy some lemonade, but something told him to buy a lottery ticket too, so he listened and won a sweet $250,000 prize, according to a press release from the North Carolina Education Lottery.

“It’s my lucky day,” Moore, 36, said. “I still feel like I’m dreaming right now.”

Moore, a machine operator, bought the lucky $5 20X The Cash scratch-off from Falling Creek Store on Falling Creek Road in Kinston. He went to scratch his ticket in his truck and couldn’t believe his eyes.

“I had to turn the light on in my truck to make sure I was seeing it right,” Moore laughed. “I was so happy my hands started shaking.”

Moore went to lottery headquarters Friday to collect his prize. After required state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $146,402.

He said he wants to use the money to buy a new house for himself and his two children.

The 20X The Cash game launched in February with four top prizes of $250,000. Two $250,000 prizes remain to be claimed.

For details on how money raised by the lottery made an impact in 2021, visit www.nclottery.com and click on the “Impact” section.

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