By Jeremy Fugleberg

What a shock.

Bob Wessel, of Bob’s Shoe Repair in downtown Rapid City, died today.

I was just going to call him about something, and he’s gone.

What a terrible tragedy. My thoughts go out to his family during this difficult time.

Here’s the obituary:

Robert LeRoy “Bob” Wessel, Jr., 49, of Rapid City, died on Thurs., April 30, 2009 at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Lori Wessel; two daughters, Breann Wessel and Stevie Wessel; one son, Bobby Wessel, all of Rapid City; and three sisters, Jan Walters of Albuquerque, NM, Linda Evensen of Brooklyn Center, MN and Robin Berg of Fort Collins, CO.

Visitation will be at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City on Sunday from 3pm to 5pm with a public prayer service at 5pm, and then at the church for one hour before services.

Services are set for 2:00pm, Mon., May 4, 2009 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City. Interment will follow at Pine Lawn Memorial Park in Rapid City.

Friends may sign Bob’s online guestbook at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.

By Jeremy Fugleberg

I’ve heard 25-30 were let go at the Rapid City Cabela’s store.

But Mary Bollock, manager of the store, says that’s “not true” and must just be a rumor:

We’re not laying off anybody here at the Rapid City Cabela’s at all.

I”m working to see if I can get confirmation from anybody who lost their job, but at this point, this is still an unsubstantiated rumor.

Bollock told me the store employs about 200.

By Jeremy Fugleberg

Black Hills Federal Credit Union just opened its new Member Service Center in the new Custer Pamida. The facility will be the credit union’s first in-store branch.

A grand opening was held April 24 to coincide with Pamida’s opening celebration.

The Custer Member Service Center will offer full cash services, a drive-up teller, 24-hour ATM and a full range of financial products and services.

Two offices will provide privacy for members wishing to open accounts, secure financing, or learn more about our mortgage programs or business services.

Hours at the credit union center is Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to Noon.

By Jeremy Fugleberg

Construction is now underway of the Miner’s Maze, next to Putz ‘n’ Glo black-light mini-golf along U.S. Highway 16.

Workers are now pouring the foundation for the maze, located on the other side of the parking lot of the min-golf attraction. The maze company will soon arrive to install the maze.

Said Chris DiMaria of Putz ‘n’ Glo:

We really feel it would be a great addition to our black-light miniature golf course. It certainly gives our customers an option to do something outside.

DiMaria said the maze would be similar to the Black Hills Maze, where contestants are racing against the clock, although this maze will have a miner’s theme.

DiMaria said there have been plans to add another attraction on the 3 acres of land along the highway.

The maze should open the Saturday before Mother’s Day.

By Jeremy Fugleberg

GM is shutting down its storied Pontiac line.

I’m planning on writing an article about the demise of the line and what that means to the Black Hills.

Do you know someone who’s a big fan of Pontiacs?

Someone who owns and polishes a much-loved Firebird or G.T. O.?

By Jeremy Fugleberg

It sounds like Wal-Mart is closing in on a final location for a new Rapid City store, somewhere in the south part of town.

But where will it go?

The Sammis Trail site on Highway 16 might still be a possibility.  It’s a good location that commands the well-traveled highway.

Another option is Catron Boulevard and Fifth Street. Again, a nice location, but it would move the store away from lucrative population in the west side of town (and the millions of tourists, as well — thanks, jt).

My money? Keep your eye on a site on the corner of Catron and Highway 16.

Where do you think the new Wal-Mart should/will go?

By Jeremy Fugleberg

It’s Rapid City’s own version of Coyote Ugly, apparently.

It’s called Budd Ugly’s. A catchy, easy-to-remember name with, um, dubious connotations.

The  new club is in the home of the former Phatty McGee’s, above the Sports Rock.

The new owners of the rock, Greg and Riley, are also responsible for the new club. Bob Fuchs still owns the building, apparently.

I’ll get you more details when I get them.

Oh, the new club also features bottle service.

By Jeremy Fugleberg

Commenter ‘wondering’ asks:

Does anyone know what the Lab will be bringing to Lead as for as an economic impact over the next few years?

Good question.

What will the Sanford Underground Lab’s opening and growth do for Lead?

By Jeremy Fugleberg

Alltel’s assets in South Dakota are up for sale, but it sounds like Verizon might want more time before it sells off the assets of the company it bought:

Athough the state PUC has some control over operations of cell firms in the state, the purchase is entirely under federal jurisdiction. PUC commissioners have said they have had to receive information on the sale from third party sources rather than the companies directly involved.

Verizon’s FCC filing apparently said the complexity of finding buyers “particularly during the current economic crisis” is the reason for requesting the extension.

It raises the question: Who should buy Alltel’s stuff?

Who would you like to see in the South Dakota cell market?

By Jeremy Fugleberg

I love hot dogs. I love them more than most other things (love you honey, you know who you are).

So yes, I’m very interested in the Tanka Dog, from the same folks that brought you the Tanka Bar.

Native American Natural Foods will unveil their new product at the SDIBA Native American business conference in Rapid City May 5-6 at the Ramkota:

And Native American Natural Foods of Kyle plans to unveil its newest product, the Tanka Dog, a healthier hot dog created from buffalo and wild rice.

I love the bars, so hopefully the dogs will come through for me.