Locked keys lead to good deed

AIRWAY HEIGHTS - A visit to Longhorn Barbecue, 7611 West Sunset Highway, on Sunday April 24 by reporter Byrne Bennett was intended to be a casual luncheon to discuss his book on his uncle and Medal of Honor winner Joe E. Mann, A Greater Destiny.

But when Bennett went back to his truck, he discovered the keys were locked inside.

That's when server Kyelee Huck stepped in to help.

"She didn't hesitate," Bennett said in a Facebook post by Longhorn. "She was very willing to help. I admire people who go the extra mile for somebody they don't know."

Huck tried to reach into the truck and grab the keys, but her arm wasn't long enough, so she retrieved a kitchen utensil and was able to unlock the truck door using the tool.

"I wouldn't have needed her help if my Popeye-sized forearm would have fit through the cracked window," Bennett later quipped.

Bennett decided to repay Huck's service Sunday, May 7. He arrived back at Longhorn and gifted Huck a copy of A Greater Destiny and a gift card.

"I would have preferred Byrne give the server a copy of The Record-Times, but it was a good deed by our reliable Reardan reporter nonetheless," managing editor Drew Lawson said. "My decision to publish this in the paper will probably lead me to lock my keys in my own vehicle in a highly embarrassing and public situation."

Meanwhile, Bennett, keys back in hand, has recovered from illness and returned to reporting for The Record-Times this week. News and community tips can be emailed to him at byrnepbennett@gmail.com and/or Lawson at drew@cheneyfreepress.com, or by stopping in the Davenport office, 1112 Morgan Street, during regular office hours Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.