A new Culver’s restaurant opened in Spearfish Monday. They’re at 2423 Platinum Drive, off Interstate 90 Exit 12 in front of the Holiday Inn. The “fast casual” restaurant chain is known for its Butter Burgers and frozen custard desserts.

Walgreens may be coming to Spearfish. According to the Spearfish Building Inspector’s office, inquiries about demolition permits for the former Family Thrift Center building on North Main have been made. Preliminary building plans for the location include a temporary trailer location for Bob’s Pharmacy during the construction phase. And some in Spearfish are saying it is definitely a Walgreens. Anyone heard anything?

There was sign posted in the Botticelli’s restaurant which tells its customers that cell phones are not permitted to be used in the restaurant as a courtesy to other patrons. The sign may have been then for a little while — I admit I hadn’t been in there in for a few weeks and I am known to be oblivious when hungry anyway — but it certainly is an interesting request.

Are there other restaurants which ask this of their customers? Good idea? Or is it a good idea for certain types of restaurants (for example, fast-food, pubs, loud sports bar/restaurants are likely never to ban cell phone use)?

You probably have heard that the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission is recommending approval of the $5 billion merger between Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.’s and rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. Part of the recommendation included a three-year price freeze for consumers. Tell me what you think of the merger.

The Kyle-based company that makes Tanka Bars got a big shot in the arm Wednesday when they were featured on “Live With Regis and Kelly.” Linda Crider, director of marketing for Native American Natural Foods, said that after the segment aired the company was swamped with phone calls and on-line orders for the bars, made of buffalo meat and cranberries.

The new Rapid City Cabela’s store will open at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, company officials announced Monday. Cabela’s, which bills itself as the “World’s Foremost Outfitter,” sells hunting, fishing and outdoor gear and is known for its aquariums and displays of game animals in their native habitats. How convenient, that’s the Thursday of the week of the Sturgis motorcycle rally.

In case you vote with your stomach, here’s a recap of presidential palates.

Hillary Clinton stops in Rapid and goes to Jerry’s Cakes. Barack Obama stops in Rapid and pops in to the Firehouse. And now comes news that Hillary is coming back to Rapid and stopping in at Tally’s Monday morning.

What do these choices say about the candidates?

If you like pastries and pie, that Hillary is your best choice for president? And if you prefer bangers and mash, microbrews, or buffalo burgers, then Barack is your guy?

And when John McCain comes to Sturgis during the rally, where would you bet he would stop for a little takeout?