Michael W. Richardson of Monroe claimed a $999 top prize from a Find the 9's scratch-off ticket at the Louisiana Lottery Corporation's Monroe office.

"This is great!" exclaimed Richardson, age 52.   "I am taking a vacation!" He purchased his winning ticket at Stop & Save #3 on Winnsboro Road in Monroe.

With two ways to win on each ticket, Find the 9's has one remaining top prize as of May 13.

Lottery ticket purchasers must be at least 21 years of age.