As Bruce Vrell was driving from Independence to the Lottery office in Salem, he thought about what he might do with his $1,000 “Crazy Crossword” Scratch-it prize. When Bruce arrived at the Lottery office, he had to readjust his thinking. He was going to have a little more prize money to work with.

Bruce thought he had uncovered nine words on his “Crazy Crossword” Scratch-it ticket, for a $1,000 prize. Actually, Bruce uncovered 10 words, and was advised he was an instant $15,000 top prizewinner. “I was quite pleased and surprised when I was told I was a $15,000 winner,” said Bruce. “I really haven’t stopped smiling.”

Bruce purchased his winning ticket at Moothart Market, in Independence. “When I had them check the ticket, they told me I had to go to Salem to claim my prize.” Bruce took his ticket home, and checked it once again. “As far as I figured, it was a $1,000 prize,” he said. “$1,000 was great. $15,000 is that much better.”

Bruce plans to take care of taxes on some properties that he owns. “This is really incredible. Overwhelming. It’s going to make my life a little easier.”