Woman claims she didn’t return rental car for a month because she was too busy, deputies say

Deputies located the vehicle and detained the driver identified as 33-year-old Mogan A. Jewell. (Spokane County Sheriff’s Office)

Spokane, Wash.

Authorities say a woman was arrested after they recovered a stolen rental vehicle that was overdue by more than a month.

According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were alerted Thursday to an automated license plate reader that picked up on a reported stolen Dodge Durango with Florida license plates.

The sheriff’s office said it located the vehicle and detained the driver, 33-year-old Mogan A. Jewell, after confirming the license plate on the vehicle.

Authorities said Jewell had originally rented the SUV in Dallas on Oct. 20 for just a day. But she told them that she “became too busy to return it” and ended up driving to Spokane.

Jewell claimed that her attempts to contact the rental company to extend her rental agreement were unsuccessful. However, she did tell authorities that she received a message from the rental company warning her it would be reported as stolen if she failed to return it.

The sheriff’s office said the rental company is pressing charges because Jewell had not returned the Durango as required in the rental agreement.

Jewell was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail for possession of a stolen motor vehicle, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies towed the vehicle to ensure its safety until the rental agency could arrange to pick it up.

Chi-Chi’s Mexican restaurants to return after closing 20 years ago

Michael McDermott says he is determined to honor his family's legacy by combining the classic Chi-Chi's restaurant experience with modern influences. (PR Newswire)

St. Louis Park, Minn.

A Mexican restaurant chain that closed two decades ago is making a comeback.

Chi-Chi’s restaurants will be reopening locations next year.

A deal has been struck between Hormel Foods, the current owner of the Chi-Chi’s trademark, and Michael McDermott, son of the chain’s co-founder, to use the name and reopen the restaurants.

“I still have fond memories of growing up in the Chi-Chi’s restaurants that my father built throughout their time, instilling in me the passion and determination to pursue my own career in the restaurant industry,” McDermott said.

The iconic restaurant served the Minneapolis community for 28 years and grew to more than 200 locations nationwide. Its owners said their mission of delivering high-quality, value-driven meals will now continue in a modern and lively atmosphere.

“We have seen the impact our restaurant has had on individuals and families across the country and believe there is a strong opportunity to bring the brand back in an updated dining experience with the same great taste and Mexican flavor,” McDermott said.

Chi-Chi’s closed in 2004 following a hepatitis A outbreak at a Pittsburgh-area location traced to green onions served in its complimentary salsa.

CNN reports that about 650 people became ill with four deaths and several hundred lawsuits were filed in what became the largest hepatitis A outbreak in United States history.

McDermott, who has built his career in the restaurant industry with brands such as Kona Grill and Rojo Mexican Grill, said he is determined to honor his family’s legacy by bringing back Chi-Chi’s restaurants.

Specific locations, menu items and designs weren’t immediately released.

Family invites mail carrier for Thanksgiving dinner after he helped save their father

A family in Illinois welcomed a mail carrier and his family to join them for a very special Thanksgiving celebration. (City of Aurora, IL, Government)

Aurora, Ill.

Two Illinois families enjoyed a special Thanksgiving together this year.

Last month, U.S. Postal Service mail carrier Jaylen Lockhart was working when he saw Guy Miller fall while walking his dog.

WLS reported that Lockhart stopped what he was doing to help Miller.

Aurora city officials said without the mail carrier’s actions, the holidays may have been a different story for the Millers.

The city shared pictures of the two families celebrating Thanksgiving while giving their thanks.

“We are family now,” Lockhart said. “And for that, I will forever be grateful.”

The families said they are also planning on getting together for Christmas.

Man dies in crash on Thanksgiving while swerving to avoid hitting dog, reports say

JoeRamon Janas, 27, swerved to avoid hitting a dog, lost control of his vehicle and hit a light pole. (GoFundMe)

Harris County, Texas

A man reportedly died in Texas on Thanksgiving after crashing his car to avoid hitting a dog in the road.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office shared that a man, later identified by family members as JoeRamon Janas, swerved to avoid hitting a dog, lost control of his vehicle and hit a light pole.

The 27-year-old died at the scene.

KHOU reports that Janas’ parents said the crash happened about 10 minutes away from their home and that he was heading their way for the holiday.

“We were going to start preparing Thanksgiving dinner. So, we started that, woke up the next day with four police officers inside my living room to tell me the bad news,” Janas’ father Edward Bautista shared.

Loved ones held a vigil for Janas on Sunday night and they have also started a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.

“Ramon was a vibrant and kind-hearted soul who touched the lives of everyone he met. His loss has left a void in the hearts of his family and friends,” loved ones shared.

Fundraising efforts have raised more than $20,000 to assist the family.

Cucumbers sold in 26 states recalled over salmonella concerns

SunFed Produce has recalled cucumbers sold in 26 states because they may be contaminated with salmonella. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)

Whole fresh cucumbers are being recalled because they might be contaminated with salmonella.

The cucumbers were produced by SunFed Produce and sold in 26 states and parts of Canada.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the cucumbers were shipped to customers in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

The cucumbers in question were sold between Oct. 27 and Nov. 26 and officials say they could potentially be contaminated with salmonella.

SunFed has contacted its direct buyers to advise them of the recall, the FDA said. No other products sold by or farms supplying to SunFed are implicated.

Officials said it’s unclear how many people may have been sickened by the cucumbers, but the product could have reached consumers through food service and retail outlets.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products can get more information by contacting SunFed’s recall hotline at 888-542-5849.