James Hanson of Albert Lea purchased two sets of numbers for the Dec. 12 Northstar Cash drawing. The first set of numbers was a quick-pick; Hanson picked the second set of numbers using numbers he came up with “years ago.”

He checked his ticket on Dec. 13.

“I stuck it in the machine, and it said I needed to go to the Lottery office,” Hanson recalled. “I went back to where the numbers were and they all lined up!” The numbers Hanson hand picked (3-5-9-11-24) matched the numbers drawn on Dec. 12 to win the $38,801 jackpot.

Hanson claimed the prize at Lottery headquarters in Roseville on Dec. 14.

The winning ticket was purchased at Hy-Vee Food Store, 2708 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea.