Traffic along U.S. 231 in Wetumpka could be congested at times today because large crowds are expected to flock to Alabama's largest casino. The Wind Creek Wetumpka officially opens today. The Poarch Creek Indians said the $246 million dollar casino features huge casino space, five restaurants and a 20 story hotel and a 16,000 gallon shark tank. The facility is larger than the tribe's casino in Atmore. It will employ around 1,100 people.
Alabama Partnership
A new report released by the Alabama Partnership for Children shows the early care and education industry has a $1.3 billion dollar economic impact in the state. The study was discussed Monday by a panel of business, education and economic experts at a press conference at Auburn University at Montgomery. The study also shows 24,000 jobs are provided by the early child care industry.
Elmore County Fatality
An Elmore County High School teacher has died from injuries she suffered in a two-vehicle crash last Friday. Elmore County School Superintendent Dr. Jeff Langham said 61-year-old Marilyn Nipper, a special education teacher, died Monday afternoon. Authorities said Nipper was driving a vehicle that collided with a log.
Cold Case Arrests
Authorities in south Alabama have four people in connection with a nearly two decades old killing of a Covington County store owner. Covington County Sheriff's officials said investigators arrested Eugene Black, Sheila Brooks, Sheila Williams and Sandy Ellison. All face murder and robbery charges in connection with the May 2nd, 1994 death of James "Nibby" Barton. Barton was found shot to death inside his convenience store in the Heath Community. The cold case was reopened in February. The four suspects are being held in the Covington County Jail on bonds totaling or exceeding one million dollars.