Call this a downturn?

There is some concern that the cycle of boom and bust Nevada has experienced for most of its history may have once more eased over into bust.

The boom cycle has lasted in Douglas County for the last 40 years, so we were bound to hit a couple of bumps on the road to prosperity and this appears to be one of them.

Compared to the periodic economic collapse that has occurred in the state over the past 15 decades, this is just a slightly slower boom.

For a real Nevada bust, we would have to see boarded up store fronts and tumbleweeds poking up through the sidewalk.

We are as concerned about all the for lease signs along Highway 395 as anyone. It seems like a lot of businesses have closed their doors over the past year.

But more have stepped up to take their place.

Three new casinos are in the works within a mile of one another, including one in Sunridge, Max Baer's project on the other side of Indian Hills and the casino being built on the Bodine's property.

Another retail project is proposed for the intersection of highways 395 and 88 in Minden.

Carson Valley has weathered far worse economic storms than this one in its history.