Local couple to take dream vacation after winning $1 million

An Indianapolis couple is planning their dream vacation after winning $1 million from a Hoosier Lottery scratch-off ticket.

Vickie Strode purchased the “$100 Million Cash Extravaganza Scratch-off” Thursday at a Speedway gas station located on the city’s southwest side.  She told lottery officials she never buys that particular lottery ticket.


“I honestly don’t know why I bought that ticket,” said Vickie Strode. “I don’t usually play that game. It was meant to be.”

Vickie Strode and her husband, Jim Strode, an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department cold case investigative consultant, said they plan to use their winnings on a lifelong dream trip to Europe.

“It’s a blessing,” said Vickie Strode.  “Nobody thinks it’s going to happen to you.”

The couple also plans to use their winnings to pay off their bills and help out other family members.