University of Utah workers win $1 million lottery

SALT LAKE CITY — A group of blue collar University of Utah employees will share $1 million in Idaho lottery winnings.

The group of 33 finally hit pay dirt after playing the same exact series of numbers every month for the past 12 years.

Their luck turned thanks to a 1-year-old miniature pincher named "Stella." On Jan. 6, Steve Hughes bought the winning ticket at a gas station near Lava Hot Springs, Idaho, after his dog "Stella" locked him out of his truck.

Hughes was going to get the ticket elsewhere but decided to have his girlfriend buy the ticket there while he struggled to open the lock with a slim jim.

Hughes says they will each get about $20,000 after taxes. They work in the HVAC unit at the University of Utah.