With the shout of "Gentlemen, start your engines," Don Barden broke ground this morning on his $450 million North Side casino. Mr. Barden pledged to make it a world-class facility and once again vowed to make it the flagship of his Majestic Star chain.

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In addition to the usual ceremonial groundbreaking shovels, Mr. Barden had heavy equipment operators on hand who immediately started their engines and began the actual excavation work at the site. He renewed his commitment to have the slots parlor open in April 2009.

The ceremony was attended by more than 100 people, including former Steeler Jerome Bettis, singer Smokey Robinson and a contingent of family members and friends bused in from Detroit.

While the ceremony was billed as a celebration, Mr. Barden hinted he wouldn't mind using the shovel to finally bury some of the many groups that have challenged him since he was awarded development rights a year ago.

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