WOMAN TO FILE SUIT AGAINST TACO BELL OVER CONTEST

DEXTER -- A Stoddard County woman who was so close to $1 million that she could taste it, now says she might have to settle for $100 million.

Alice McQueen said she is in the process of suing Taco Bell and the "Defeat the Dark Side and Win" Redemption Center because she was refused the $1 million she claims she won.

She said she has hired Gary Webb Law Firm of Houston, Texas, and may sue for $100 million.

McQueen said she sent the medallions along with a copy of the game pieces to the promotions headquarters in Lombard, Ill.

McQueen made copies of the medallions at The Daily Statesman, observed by some of its employees.

In a letter sent to McQueen, Center officials said there were no game medallions submitted in the prize envelop she sent.

Laurie Gannon, Taco Bell Corp. representative, said, "We work with a nationally recognized, independent judging agency that follows strict contest procedures."

She said McQueen submitted an incomplete entry without the required pieces. "We regretfully notified Ms. McQueen that she was not qualified as a winner."

John McQueen, McQueen's son, said his mother sent the medallions in through registered mail and has the receipt to prove it.

He said that at first game officials said they did not receive the envelop he says had the winning medallions in it.

He added that after being threatened with a lawsuit officials acknowledged receiving the envelop, which they claim had only a copy of the medallions and not the real pieces.

In the letter, officials wrote, "The only materials enclosed in your prize claim envelop was a photo copy of the "Defeat the Darkside & Win" game board and a handwritten note signed by Mrs. Ray McQueen."