Cabela’s Inc., which says its stores routinely draw shoppers from hours away, is among “destination stores” making some changes due to higher fuel costs.

The Sidney, Neb., retailer known for its stores with museum-quality taxidermy features is launching a new display advertising campaign with a gas-saving theme, encouraging shoppers worried about fuel prices to scrap visits to stores for online or catalog orders.

“We can hopefully direct customers to those channels so they don’t have to fire up the car,” said spokesman Joe Arterburn, who said the company is likely drawing fewer store shoppers from great distances. “Everyone is tightening their belt.”

HealthMarkets settles with Nebraska, other states

Nebraska is among 29 jurisdictions in a $20 million regulatory settlement agreement with HealthMarkets, Inc., and its affiliated companies, MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company, Mid-West National Life Insurance Company and Chesapeake Life Insurance Company.

The regulatory settlement follows a three-year multi-state exam that found problems of consumer disclosure, oversight and training of agents, claims handling and complaint-handling practices. HealthMarkets faces up to $10 million in additional penalties if it fails to meet performance standards outlined in the settlement.

The multi-state examination was coordinated through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Market Analysis Working Group.

According to the terms of the settlement, the companies must implement an outreach program to customers.

According to the findings, the companies targeted their sales to self-employed individuals and sold the health plans through associations.

The $20 million penalty will be divided among the participating jurisdictions based on the companies’ premium volume.

California law bans trans fats

SACRAMENTO — California is joining the health crusade against artery-clogging trans fats.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation Friday that will prohibit restaurants and other “food facilities” from using oil, margarine and shortening containing trans fats.

Violations could mean fines of $25 to $1,000. Food sold in their manufacturers’ sealed packaging would be exempt.

New York City and Philadelphia have ordinances banning trans fats, but Schwarzenegger’s office says California is the first state to adopt such a law.

— From news wires