LOCAL NEWS, PAGE A6
CLASSIFIEDS, PAGE B5
Wetumpka Elementary celebrates new playground
Looking for something to buy or sell? Check inside
SPORTS, PAGE B1: 2018 ALL-COUNTY FOOTBALL TEAM INSIDE TODAY
THE WETUMPKA HERALD Elmore County’s Oldest Newspaper - Established 1898
Wetumpka, AL 36092
50¢
WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 26, 2018
THEWETUMPKAHERALD.COM
VOL. 120, NO. 52
Top 10 stories Snow, murders, Kegley search among top 2018 stories By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
The year 2018 saw Wetumpka and Elmore County chilled by substantial snow in January and a triple murder-suicide in July. Those are among the top 10 stories of the year as selected by The Herald.
1. County blasted with snow, extreme cold
A blanket of snow covered Elmore County between Jan. 16 and 19. Jan. 16 started with temperatures in the 40s but flakes began falling by midnight. Throughout those three days, temperatures steadily decreased while police said car accidents increased. Elmore County chief deputy Ricky Lowery said the sheriff’s office responded to more than 50 calls concerning wrecks or stranded motorists. According to the Elmore County Emergency Management Agency, Millbrook and Wetumpka received 2 inches of snow, Santuck received 2.5 inches and Tallassee reported up to 3 inches.
2. Search for Kegley
On Feb. 26, law enforcement agencies and volunteers began combing 300 acres in Friendship’s Chalk Hill Road area in search of evidence connected to the 1998 disappearance of Traci Pittman Kegley. Kegley was last seen at a local gas station on April 26, 1998. Kegley’s vehicle was located with her toddler daughter inside the next day. To gather evidence, police used dive teams, drones and dog teams. Gov. Kay Ivey offered a $10,000 reward and Crimestoppers offered a $1,000 reward for pertinent information regarding the Kegley case. Anyone with information regarding Kegley’s disappearance is encouraged to contact Crimestoppers at 334-215-STOP. See TOP 10 • Page A5
Amalia Kortright / The Herald
Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis said the city is excited to begin its downtown redevelopment project in a few months.
Wetumpka mayor wants improved downtown, expanded tourism By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
Mayor Jerry Willis said he expects 2019 to be full of progress and development for the City of Wetumpka. Currently, Willis said he and other city officials have focused on developing Wetumpka’s downtown
area, expanding the local business community and enhancing the city’s sports complex. Additionally, Willis said they have looked at ways to increase tourism in the city and accommodate the millions of people who visit Wind Creek Casino, Fort Toulouse-Jackson Park and Jasmine Hill Gardens each year. See WETUMPKA • Page A2
Q&A: Sitting down with local mayors, talking issues, challenges, plans
Millbrook finances strong going into 2019 By AMALIA KORTRIGHT Bureau Chief
Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley said he is proud of the city’s financial condition entering the new year. According to Kelley, Millbrook recently celebrated the opening of a new town hall and a new hotel, which he said is sure to bring in sales tax revenue. In 2019, Kelley said the city is looking to expand its public safety departments, bring in new business and increase its population.
Q. Looking back at 2018, what are you proudest of accomplishing as a mayor and council?
File / The Herald
Law enforcement from throughout the state lead search efforts in Friendship in hopes of finding evidence linked to the 1998 disappearance of Traci Pittman Kegley.
Today’s
CONTACT US
64 51
334-567-7811 Fax: 334-567-3284
Weather High
Low
A. We’ve made a lot of improvements. This is the new city hall. We moved into it in June. It gives us a lot more room. It’s a beautiful setting. Across the street is our Village Green and that’s a big thing for us. Economically, one of the big things is that our big hotel that we’ve been See MILLBROOK • Page A3
a k p m Wetu
Amalia Kortright / The Herald
Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley said the city plans to focus on increasing its population and sales tax revenue in the coming year.
Flea Market & Antiques 5266 U.S. Hwy. 231 • Wetumpka, AL (Winn Dixie Shopping Center • Behind KFC)
OVER 100 BOOTHS
THURSDAY: HIGH 66 LOW 51
USPS 681-260
Booth space available starting at $118 per month for 6’ x 10’
Where Superior Service is Standard
Gassett
Funerals On Site Cremations Pre-Needs • Monuments
Funeral Home & Crematory, LLC
Celebrating 40 Years of Service!
334-567-2666
Joe Al All Allen len Gasse len G Gassett, assett tt, tt Founder 1942-2009
(334) 567-8433 www.gassettfuneralhome.net • 204 East Charles Avenue, Wetumpka, AL 36092