Jethro's derrick may grow again; flame would cost $5 million

RENO, Nev. -- Max Baer Jr. is reviewing again the possibility of a 400-foot oil derrick marquee for his proposed hotel-casino in Reno after an estimate for a shorter, flaming derrick came in at $5 million.

Baer, the former actor who played Jethro Bodine in "The Beverly Hillbillies" television show, won approval from the Reno City Council a week ago for a 240-foot derrick with a 70-foot gas flame.

But some neighbors oppose the flame and council members told Baer he'd be welcome to submit a second proposal to city planners for a taller tower if it had no live flame.

Baer says the signature oil derrick is a critical element of his $130 million project, the proposed "Jethro's Beverly Hillbillies Mansion & Casino."

But he said Tuesday the $5 million estimate he received from a sign company in Reno was more than he had anticipated.

"And that doesn't include the gas," Baer said in an interview Tuesday. He said he was having additional plans drawn up for the 400-foot tower.

"I think we'll end up going to the 400 feet," he said.

The council approved the flaming derrick on a 4-3 vote last Tuesday, with the three opponents acknowledging a preference for a taller derrick and no flame.

"I would trade off the flame for the heighth," Councilman David Aiazzi said.

Baer said his latest plan would include a derrick of about 350 feet with another 50-foot of lighting for an artificial flame or "synthetic explosion."

"The people who live in the area seemed to have more concern with the flame," Baer said after the council meeting last week.

"I would like to address their issue even though the other one has been approved ... The people of Reno have been very very fair to me," he said.

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