Sounds like the final hurdle has been crossed to getting the C.O.D. Casino in downtown Minden built. The county commission gave full approval to the project on Thursday, and out of everyone in attendance at the meeting, there was not one person in opposition.

These gas pumps are something of a local landmark...wonder if they'll be incorporated in the new design.

Overall this seems like a good adaptive reuse project. Downtown sure needs a shot of something to pump some life back into it, and casinos have proven themselves to be good at getting bodies in seats. The hope is that some of them will decide to go for a stroll on the way from the slot machine to the car, and revitalize the rest of the area.

Pioneer Auto Parts, future home of Schat's Bakery.

Construction should start soon, but I can't imagine this opening until next year. Until then downtown will have to rely on its usual events: the Concerts in the Park, which should be starting up in a few weeks here, and the Farmers Market.