First things first. Tuesday is Election Day.

I would suggest taking this newspaper with you to your polling place so you can read something while you are waiting in line to vote. Consider this fair warning: If you wait until later in the day to vote, you might not get to vote at all.

Despite the fact that nearly 10,000 people have used absentee ballots to vote early in Jasper and Newton counties, it is clear that the turnout for today’s election will be extraordinary. New records for voter participation in the two-county area could be set. We can only hope that county officials have ordered enough ballots and have taken the necessary steps to handle a big turnout.

Remember this: If you don’t vote Tuesday, you have no right to complain.

Wasabi

If you have no desire to watch tonight’s election returns and want an escape from reality, the opening of Joplin’s newest restaurant could be just the ticket — no pun intended.

Wasabi Steak House and Sushi had its “V.I.P.” premiere night Saturday at its new storefront at the main entrance to Northpark Mall. Soonae Lee and Sang Choi are the owners. They operate a Wasabi Grill in Fayetteville, Ark.

“This is a good opportunity for us to serve the people of Joplin,” Lee said. “People here expect a good restaurant, and that’s what we will be.”

To entice customers to give it a try this week, the restaurant is offering an introductory 30 percent discount on whatever is ordered.

The new restaurant, which will employ master hibachi chefs, has six cooking stations, private seating areas, a full liquor bar and a sushi bar.

The menu includes appetizers, salads, soups and noodle stir fries, grilled beef and seafood, and lots of sushi choices. The restaurant also offers lunch and combination specials.

Culver’s is coming

In case you have not heard this through the grapevine, Culver’s is the new stand-alone restaurant that will be coming to City Pointe in Webb City.

The restaurant, which will feature a Route 66 theme, will offer family favorites.

Ground will be broken this month. More news to come in the weeks ahead.