Brief: Hillbilly casino plan advances

The Regional Planning Commission made up of city and county representatives gave unanimous approval last week to his proposal for the hotel-casino at a shopping mall south of downtown Reno.

Baer is the former actor and director who played Jethro Bodine in the television series.

The Reno City Council has balked so far at approving the part of his proposal calling for a marquee with a 240-foot oil derrick and 70-foot flame, which he says is critical to the project's success.

Baer says he'll go elsewhere if the council won't give in. The council considers the request again on Jan. 12.

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