Baer Still Pursuing 'Hillbillies' Casino

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) _ Max Baer Jr. said a judge's ruling won't stop him from pursuing his proposed Beverly Hillbillies Mansion & Casino in a Carson City shopping center. <br/><br/>The 66-year-old

Wednesday, August 4th 2004, 9:37 am

By: News On 6

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) _ Max Baer Jr. said a judge's ruling won't stop him from pursuing his proposed Beverly Hillbillies Mansion & Casino in a Carson City shopping center.

The 66-year-old former TV actor said he disagrees with a judge's interpretation of restrictive covenants on the former Wal-Mart property.

District Judge Michael Griffin has ruled that the restrictions prohibit places of recreation or amusement on the property, which is co-owned by J.C. Penney and the Glenbrook Corp.

Baer said he won't sell the property and will let it remain vacant if he can't build his proposed $54 million casino, based on the '60s TV comedy. Baer played the doltish Jethro Bodine.

``My plan is to do a casino there,'' Baer said recently. ``I paid cash for it so I have no debt on it. I can afford to leave it there in perpetuity and I can write it off.''

His plans include a 200-foot flaming oil derrick at the entrance to a 30,000-square-foot casino with 800 slot machines and 16 game tables. Also planned are a movie theater, 240-room hotel and restaurants _ all keyed on ``The ``Beverly Hillbillies'' series.

Shelley Aldean, a Carson City supervisor who represents the Glenbrook Corp., said she was pleased with the decision and hopes Baer will work with other owners to find a suitable use for the property.

``That vacant building is taking its toll on Carson City,'' she said.

``We have a number of national retailers interested in that property and I hope Mr. Baer will entertain offers from retailers. That place is well-positioned commercially,'' Aldean said.