New duds for senator

Howdy, the mustachioed waving neon senator on the corner of Cactus Jacks Senator Club in downtown Carson City, is finally getting a new suit.

Work to update the

39-year-old sign on the corner of 420 N. Carson St. started Monday morning and is expected to be done by Thursday.

The casino first announced it was renovating the sign in 2007. The renovations included changes to the exterior of the building that followed a remodel of the casino floor.

Property manager George Higgins said Howdy's new suit was spurred by fewer cars passing the casino because of the bypass.

"It was looking kind of tired, and we're always looking to improve the look of our businesses," Higgins said.

Northern Nevada Comstock Investments bought the casino in March 2007 from Peter V. Investment Co. for $2.9 million.

On Oct. 2, the casino will celebrate its 39th anniversary (as well as Howdy's new suit) from 3 to 9 p.m. Cash prizes and a slot machine will be given away.