The Emerald Star News March 8, 2012

7/31/2019 The Emerald Star News March 8, 2012

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Volume: 4 Issue: 5 March 8, 2012 bi-weekly Edition

The BEST LIL NEWSPAPER inWalton county - from Freeport, Florida

Made possible by your local advertising busi-nesses in this edition. Support local business!!

St. Patrick's Day Celebration- Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional St. Patrick's Day dish. In 2009, roughly26.1 billion pounds of beef and 2.3 billion pounds of cabbage were produced in the United States. Irish soda breadgets its name and distinctive character from the use of baking soda rather than yeast as a leavening agent. Lime

green chrysanthemums are often requested for St. Patrick's Day parades and celebrations.

St. Patrick's Day Parade-The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place in the United States on March 17, 1762,when Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched throughNew York City. More than 100 St. Patrick'sDay parades are held across the United States. New York City and Boston are home to the largest celebrations. Atthe annual New York City St. Patrick's Day parade, participants march up 5th Avenue from 44th Street to 86th

Street. More than 150,000 people take part in the event, which does not allow automobiles or floats.

Places to Spend St. Patrick's Day -There are four places in the United States named after the shamrock, the floralemblem of Ireland: Mount Gay-Shamrock, WV; Shamrock, TX; Shamrock Lakes, IN; and Shamrock, OK. NineU.S. towns share the name of Ireland's capital, Dublin. With 44,541 residents, Dublin, CA, is the largest of thenice, followed by Dublin, OH, with 39,310. Other towns with the luck of the Irish include Emerald Isle, North

Carolina and Irishtown, Illinois.

Facts about Irish Americans -There are 36.9 million U.S. residents with Irish roots. This number is more thaneight times the population of Ireland itself (4.5 million). Irish is the nation's second most frequently reported ances-try, ranking behind German. Across the country, 12 percent of residents lay claim to Irish ancestry. That number

doubles to 24 percent in the state ofMassachusetts. Irish is the most common ancestry in 54 U.S. counties, ofwhich 44 are in the Northeast. Middlesex County in Massachusetts tops the list with 348,978 Irish Americans, fol-lowed by Norfolk County, MA, which has 203,285. Irish ranks among the top five ancestries in every state exceptHawaii andNew Mexico. It is the leading ancestry group in Delaware, Massachusetts andNew Hampshire.

There are approximately 122,000 current U.S. residents who were born in Ireland.

Inside this EDITION:

Locals Asking For Another 331 OptionLocal resident J. B Hillard has questioned the need for a

second U.S. 331 bridge at this time and how the offer

from the Florida Department of.....Page 3

Man Arrested For Stealing FD

Funds An administrative assistant with the NorthBay Fire Department is charged with stealing more than

$81,000 from the department over a five...Page 5

Not Just Google - Now Facebook and

Yahoo spy on you, too Internet giant Face-book is accessing smartphone users' personal text mes-

sages, an investigation revealed Sunday....Page 6

DFS Council Member Questioned On

Minutes At a January meeting of the DeFuniakSprings City Council the members reviewed and

approved past minutes. Outside of the vote, Council

member Ron Kelley stated words thatPage 7
http://www.history.com/topics/stateshttp://www.history.com/topics/new-york-cityhttp://www.history.com/topics/north-carolinahttp://www.history.com/topics/north-carolinahttp://www.history.com/topics/illinoishttp://www.history.com/topics/massachusettshttp://www.history.com/topics/hawaiihttp://www.history.com/topics/new-mexicohttp://www.history.com/topics/delaware-indianshttp://www.history.com/topics/new-hampshirehttp://www.history.com/topics/new-hampshirehttp://www.history.com/topics/delaware-indianshttp://www.history.com/topics/new-mexicohttp://www.history.com/topics/hawaiihttp://www.history.com/topics/massachusettshttp://www.history.com/topics/illinoishttp://www.history.com/topics/north-carolinahttp://www.history.com/topics/north-carolinahttp://www.history.com/topics/new-york-cityhttp://www.history.com/topics/states


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Hello to you! I hope this edition finds you all doing well.What a long week of work this has been. So many meetingsand schedules to keep up with, it makes the week go by fast.

I suppose its everyone gearing up for spring break season that it all seemsto happen in the same week. I have noticed that local businesses are having sales, there are

plenty of good deals going on around the county.I would like to take a moment to comment that our prayers and wishes go out to those

who endured serious weather related issues over the weekend. Storms hit hard all acrossthe south and Mid-west. What a strange year of our weather it has been. I think we gotabout a foot of rain or more around Freeport. Several of my closest friends have lost theirhomes from the tornados spawned from the storms. The Emerald Star has contacted sev-eral people and organizations to get care boxes sent out. We sent off a small trailer ofgoods and clothes with a check over $700 to help purchase toiletries and baby foods overthe weekend to the affected areas. Feel free to contact your local family support type of

programs to donate, there are several who help disaster victims. Its the old verbage,what goes around comes around. If you know someone who needs help, find some help,

be the help. Dont wait for someone else. If each person waited for the next there is achance that nothing gets to them. What would you ask for if it were you? A little help?There are plenty of events coming to the area and its starting to fill my calendars plan-

ning of the summer. I see I will be traveling more this year than in the past few, so I hopethose gas prices remain where they are or even a drop of 20cent or so would benice..just more wishful thinking.

It was just last week that I was researching a project I had once started some time ago. Itwas fascinating to see the details I had discovered back then. When I was re-reading this, Irealized how much I had also overlooked on a few details, for it has been a few yearssince I had thought of it. Again, you catch yourself thinking of the what-ifs and so on.Even just 10 yrs. ago. When you look back on things you were once passionate about, itmoves you. And then suddenly it reappears as a dream in the night. Only to stir up a force.

The feelings from within you are what made you. The way tenacity and ones desire tosucceed stems from that inner dream which makes it a strong trait for one to carry. Do it.

Back some time ago things felt as if they were overwhelming. It is amazing to see wherethis newspaper once was and where it is today. Yes, we have gone through a few changesto say the least. When this newspaper was a 50cent per copy paper there was a questionfrom a few of the businesses about the number being sold, compared to if it were free.Everyone takes something that is Free they say. After down-sizing and the other adjust-ments needed since BP, I decided to ensure those businesses that every copy is in some-ones hand. Free. Guaranteed exposure to the max for businesses who advertise with us!

I see people getting their copy as soon as I get them out. I have worked diligently toensure a fresh edition delivered on Wed for over 3 and a half years now. Many of you

have written in and encouraged me with ideas and story material. When we get more ad-vertisers I will increase the number of pages again soon. I can always use an extra hand ifyou know of anyone. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

Just like us small businessmen, we desire to offer you a good service at a great price sothat you return to use our business anytime you have the need for us. No matter what typeof business you have, you can only offer what you can. Its not always about the profitmargin. Good work and hard efforts do become rewarded through longevity, even if itsonly from a feeling from within. When you know you done your best and are proud of the

product you built. That is what the American dream is all about. Its what we do for you

that counts. Frank

Dent & Bent Groceries

Lunch meats-Frozen Foods near date groceries & more!

Accepting-Food Stamps, EBT, Debit & Credit cards

(850) 880-6175located on Blueberry Rd.- FREEPORT in 331Plaza

Stop in and see what have..great prices

EditorialViews expressed in The EMERALD STAR NEWS do not necessarily reflect those of the

publisher. The staff ofThe EMERALD STAR NEWSpride ourselves in our efforts to ensureaccuracy of the publication contents. However, there is no guarantee of the accuracy of all the

Information nor the absence of errors and omissions (especially when sent through a third party);

therefore, no responsibility can or will be assumed. 3000 copies printed bi-weekly.

Publisher/Editor

(850) 585-0262Check us out on FACEBOOK!

E-mail info. to:[email protected]

**Main Office/Sales - 850-585-0262

Web DesignerZamir Wolfe / Lee CoxContributing Editor -Dr. Summers

Guest columnistErica Beck

Guest ColumnistColin Richards

Page 2 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Thursday, March 8, 2012

Look us up online: Emeraldstarnews.comMail invoices and other information to:

P.O. Box 1133Freeport, Florida 32439

Quote ofthe week :

Yes its true. The rising demand for this newspaper our delivering needs we

could not meet each week. If you live a bit further out we will get it to you.

We need advertising help too, just give me a call today!

The Emerald Star News is published bi-weekly

We are locally owned and operated in Freeport

Happiness islike a butterfly;the more youchase it,the more it willelude you,

but if you turnyour attentionto other things,it will comeand sit softlyon your

shoulder.


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Page 3The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc.Thursday, March 8, 2012

40.00

WC School Board Approves Calendar

At a special meeting last Tuesday, the Walton County School Boardapproved the 12-month employee calendar and the 2012-2013 schoolcalendar. Walton schools will start August 8th of this year and end May

24th of 2013.

The calendar includes teacher work days for the instructors to work inclassrooms and several early release days for professional development.The Christmas and Holiday break will start on December 20th with anearly release and professional development time and go through Janu-

ary 3rd.

Spring Break will go from March 25-29. Graduation for the 2013 sen-

iors will be May 18th through the 24th.

The Board also took care of several expulsions and discussed a wall.The Board approved a plans and specifications by the architect for a 3rdGrade wing wall at West DeFuniak Elementary. This includes exteriorwall repair and renovation of 3rd grade wing as presented by MarkGardner. This also included the approval to advertise for a bid on the

renovation project.

The calendars and more information can be found on the Walton

School Districts website.

Locals Asking For Another 331 OptionAs reported by WZEP AM1460

Local resident J. B Hillard has questioned the need for a second U.S.331 bridge at this time and how the offer from the Florida Departmentof Transportation was made. The Walton County Taxpayers Associa-

tion asked the Walton Commissioners to delay the ballots for the spe-cial vote to ask residents if they want to use a half cent tax hike to payWaltons FDOT required $75 million share of a new second bridge.Hillard was invited to attend a meeting with the highway officials Mon-day morning. He reports there were 13 people in the discussion includ-

ing Representative Brad Drake.

Hillard says Secretary Prasad met with the Walton group for 1 1/2hours. He felt the meeting was not rushed, that everyone who wanted tospeak had an opportunity and says he was not interrupted or made tofeel what he had to say was not heard and considered. Hillard said hewas able to express his opinion that a tax referendum would most likely

fail. He also says the Secretary understood this possibility.

According to Hillard, Secretary Prasad and District Secretary Barfieldwere candid and made it very clear on what they face during thesefunding times. He says they not only covered the Walton issue in detail

but discussed other similar situations around the state including thePensacola Bay bridge. Hillard says this helped the group to better un-

derstand state and federal funding.

New proposals were offered by the Secretary. A letter will be draftedand sent to Commissioner Brannon, Chair of the Walton BCC, outlin-

ing these proposals which will include new commitments by FDOT.

Hillard says the BCC will have to regroup and all the players willhave to take another look at new options. He says the public will need

to get more involved and have a better understanding of the issues in-volved. Hillard says there is no question the group, including SecretaryPrasad and District Secretary Barfield, were committed to finding a

way to get the 331 issue resolved.

Hillard says more information should be released soon. He says hehopes we can bring the 331 issue to a final and just conclusion for

Walton County.

Dear Editor,

Please allow me space to convey findings still going on related to the BP oil spill. I am writing

this first-hand, on the spot.

I wanted to give you and your readers a quick update on happenings along the Gulf Coast for 2012.Since June 23, 2010 I have been out researching along our shoreline about impact from the BP oil

spill which happened to pollute my backyard.

Even today, we still have persistent oil lingering along the shoreline and buried all along theNorthern Gulf of Mexico.

Thankfully, there are still BP clean up crews present from Walton County all the way west includ-

ing Alabama too.

I flew to DC to testify before the NRDA Trustees at the Commerce Building (along with theChairman of SURFRIDER and their FL liaison) in what was the final hearing for input regardingthe BP damages and suggested restoration efforts that should be followed as we recover from theDWH oil rig explosion. Also met with 11 of our legislators to discuss the RESTORE ACT funding.The RESTORE ACT intended for 80% of the fines from the BP oil spill to be sent down to theGulf states for use in recovery and restoration efforts. From what I have been told, however, manyin DC did not agree and created an Amendment, tacked it onto the Transportation Bill in hopes of

bringing those monies here. In over simplified terminology, this is what has happened- to vote for

the money to be directed here, our legislators had to also vote for:

-Opening up the Gulf of Mexico to deepwater drilling in the eastern portion

of the Gulf.

-Approve ARCTIC drilling expansion

-OK the controversial KEYSTONE pipeline which would transfer the tar sands from Canada to theGulf Coast for processing. Imagine the difficulty in agreeing to this type of arrangement? Sure, youcan have your 80% monies, BUT, we need you to approve more pollution expansion across the US

which in turn will help you clean up your pollution from the BP disaster.

It took 4 years to see unsalvageable damages from the Exxon Valdez disaster in Alaska that the eco

system began collapsing. This is indeed our worry here too.

St. Patrick's Day ToastHeres to a long life and a merry one.A quick death and an easy oneA pretty girl and an honest one

A cold beerand another one!

Irish ToastIt is better to spend money likethere's no tomorrow than to spend

tonight like there's no money!


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Thursday, March 8, 2012The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc.

Call for AJs -tip of the week

A.J.DubuissonState Certified-Master Plumber

License # CF-C057978

If water runs through

it.

WE DO IT!!

Health PostGeorge Roll P.A.-C

Seagrove Medical Clinic

Call # 850-231-6200

Walk-ins and Appt.s

Send health questions orcomments to: P.O.Box 1133Freeport, Florida 32439

Freeport Mayors Post

Freeport MayorMickey Marse

To post a comment orquestion for the Mayor,

E-mail : Frank@

Emeraldstarnews.com

We reserve the right to refuse publications of any

questions for the Mayor. Thank You.

The

850-835-2028

998 Bay Dr.

Santa Rosa-Beach, Fl.32459

850-231-1473

Page 4

CALL:

WE DO:

Both Dogs & Cats !!

WALK-INS

WELCOME!

We lost one of our long time Freeportresidents last month. Ms. IreneGarrett passed on and has started hernext journey. She will be rememberedand missed by all.

Our pipe construction is almost com-plete going to the west. The contrac-tor has done a very good job on thisone. I have very few complaints onconstruction.

The Little League baseball seasonopening ceremony was scheduled forSaturday, March 3rd, but it was rainedout. Our parks director, Shane Supple,has been busy this year at the park.He just finished a baseball tournamentup week before lastthey had 39teams playing in it! Most of themwere out of state people. This is agreat economic booster for WaltonCounty. They spent money all overour county with motels and food.

There will be a Car Show and EasterEgg Hunt at the Freeport RegionalSports Complex on April 7.Come and join us for the fun.

We are putting in a solar panel array atthe Regional Sports Complex. Thiswill generate some electricity to helprun the park. We are also doing a me-ter split to divide the park lights be-tween several meters rather than justthe two that they are now operatingfrom. What we are trying to do isreduce the energy consumption permeter to eliminate the demand chargethat Chelco has in place. This shouldsave the City about $25,000 a year in

power bills.

The Freeport City Council meetingsare held the 2nd Tuesday and 4th Thurs-day of every month at 7:00 pm at theFreeport City Hall.Come participate in your local govern-ment.

Mayor Marse

A Study Finds That the Longer a PersonHas Diabetes, the More Their Risk of

Heart Attack Rises.

The risk for stroke is known to be twoto four times higher among people withdiabetes compared to people who dont

have the disease.

What has been less clear is whether that

risk peaks with the onset of the diseaseor if it gradually increases over time.

This study solidifies the idea that dura-tion is also an important factor, beyondsort of the yes or no of having diabe-

tes, says one specialist in Ohio.

Over time, diabetes, probably throughelevated blood sugar, injures the arteries.And [blockages] probably develop overtime at a higher or more rapid rate in

people who have diabetes,

The study also followed nearly 3,300seniors who lived in an ethnically di-verse part of New York City. None had

ever had a stroke.

About 22% of the people had diabetes atthe start of the study and another 10%developed diabetes during the study.Over an average follow-up period ofnine years, there were 244 reported

strokes.

The study confirms that the risk of

stroke is elevated in people with diabe-tes. It also shows that when compared to

people who dont have diabetes, the riskof stroke increases significantly everyyear a person lives with the dis-ease. After 10 years of diabetes, the re-

searchers report that stroke risk triples.

Those risks remained even after re-searchers accounted for other factorsknown to influence stroke risk, includingage, smoking,physical activity, a historyofheart disease,high blood pressure,

and cholesterol.

In addition to the study also underscoresthe importance ofdiabetes prevention,through a healthy diet and regular exer-

cise.

For people who already have the disease,other research has shown that controllingother things that are bad for the heart,such as high blood pressure and highcholesterol, can also help to lower some

of the risk.

If you have any questions or needs thatwe can be of service to you, please give

us a call anytime.
http://www.webmd.com/heart/picture-of-the-arterieshttp://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/default.htmhttp://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/diabetes-overview-factshttp://www.webmd.com/diet/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/diet/default.htmhttp://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/diabetes-overview-factshttp://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/default.htmhttp://www.webmd.com/heart/picture-of-the-arteries


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Page 5

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331 CostsAs reported by WZEP AM 1460

Bonnie McQuiston, President of theWalton County Taxpayers Associationsays her request did not include a match byWalton County, rather just the entireamount to complete U.S. 331 to I-10.McQuiston and others say the WaltonCommissioners were responsive to their

request.

According to McQuiston, she asked thecommissioners for the printing of ballots tobe delayed two weeks to allow time tomeet with legislators and the FloridaTransportation Secretary. McQuiston saysthe plan is to request $78M be allocated toWalton County to complete widening thesegments of Highway 331 that are notfunded in the state's 5 Year Work Plan.McQuiston says these segments are inter-spersed with segments that have funding,and the entire segment is from I-10 to

north of the 331 bridge.She further says they are not suggesting

any local funds for this project. She saysthe $78M is $100M less than the bridge

project. McQuiston says that with 100%funding from the state for the remainder of331 from I-10 to the bridge, the state is leftwith extra money for other things andWalton is not left with a local debt, no tolland no tax and no loans. She says they willwork to get the bridge expanded when the

Highway 331 widening is completed.One need for the bridge to be widened is

to make sure people can evacuate southernWalton. Sheriff Mike Adkinson and hisstaff have said they do have a plan to shiftthe direction of travel to provide twonorthbound lanes in the case of an evacua-

tion.

According to the Florida Department ofTransportations Five Year Work Plan, thesegment of U.S. 331, also known as StateRoad 83, from north of the relief bridge atthe bay to just south of Highway 20 is

funded in 2012.

The FDOT shows the project will let forbids in May and construction should beganin September with completion in the springof 2015. The cost is $38.4 million. WaltonPublic Works Director Starsky Harrellagrees and says there are also funds for asmall segment north of Nokuse to Wood-lawn. A small section is currently under

work from north of the by-pass to Nokuse.

The additional two lanes for the Freeportby-pass need funding as does the sectionfrom Woodlawn to I-10. Funding includes

purchasing needed right-of-way, engineer-ing and design as well as the actual con-

struction.

Cogon GrassAs reported by WZEP AM1460

At the recent DFS City Council meeting,Chuck Lawson, a local Master Gardener,talked about Cogon Grass. This is one of the

10 most invasive plant species in the world.

Craig Overstreet, another Master Gardner,former teacher and a scientist with the gov-ernment said it is illegal to sell, posses ormove invasive species. With no natural ene-mies and nothing bothering them, the plantsthrive. Kudzu is another invasive species,

number two on the plant.

Number one Cogon grass arrived in Mo-bile in the 1930s as a packing material andthem as a potential forage material. Thegrass is spread by seeds and roots. It hasalso been spread by road crew equipment

and has been used as an erosion control.

Overstreet says it chokes out everythingelse and is not edible. It is also seriated like

a steak knife. Animals eating it have prob-lems digesting.

Cogon Grass has a yellow color, grows inpatches, chocking out everything else andthe center line on the blade is off center. Its

bloom is a feathery white plum and it turns

brown in the winter.

The grass is called dangerous. It burns veryhot, much hotter than regular grass and thiswill kill trees. It is very hard to kill due tothe underground stem. The Council and

audience was asked to help prevent spread-ing the grass and use methods such as disk-

ing and spraying to kill it.

Local areas where you can see the grass isnear Bob Sikes and 18th, in the PickettsCrossing area along 331, down Bruce andoff Hubbard. If you need more information,

call the Extension Office at 892-8172.

WCSO Responds to

Medical Emergency

Walton County Sheriff's Office DeputyJason Hall provided life-saving assistancethis past Sunday to a 62-year-old Alabamaman who collapsed while participating inthe annual Seaside Half Marathon Event

on County Highway 30A.

"These law enforcement officers should becommended for their professionalism, care

and cooperation," said Sheriff Michael A.Adkinson, Jr. "Their training and quickresponse aiding in saving the life of a

Walton County visitor."

Deputy Hall was "flagged down" at ap-proximately 9 a.m. by a citizen who stated

that a man collapsed.

Deputy Hall determined that the man hadno pulse and immediately administered anAutomated External Defibrillator (AED)after Florida Department of Law Enforce-

ment (FDLE) Special Agent Mike Duffeyadministered CPR.

The revived man was transported by theSouth Walton Fire District to a local hospi-tal where he was evaluated by medical

professionals.

Man Arrested For

Stealing FD Funds

An administrative assistant withthe North Bay Fire Department ischarged with stealing more than$81,000 from the department over afive year period. The OkaloosaCounty Sheriffs Office has charged59-year-old Ralph Banegas of Nice-ville with grand theft and fraud inconnection with the misappropriated

funds.

Fire Chief Joseph Miller contactedthe Sheriffs Office after an audit ofthe agencys employees payrollshowed a discrepancy. That initialaudit indicated more than $23,000was missing. When confronted,Banegas admitted to the Chief thathe would manually write himself acheck and when the Chief left theoffice, go in and stamp the check

using the Chiefs signature stamp.A subsequent, more detailed auditshowed the missing amount at$81,829.75. The thefts took place

between June 7, 2006 and

September 28, 2011.

Disaster volunteers needed!

If you are a new volunteer, thinking aboutvolunteering or wondering just what theRed Cross does in a disaster, this class is foryou. You will learn Red Cross fundamentalsas well as how our Chapter operates and

what volunteer positions are available.

This class is open both volunteers and non-

volunteers!

When: Saturday March 17th

Time: 9:00amLocation: Pensacola Office

222 N. Baylen Street, Pensacola, FL 32502

To register please contact John Murray at

[email protected]
http://gator1092.hostgator.com:2095/3rdparty/squirrelmail/src/compose.php?send_to=john.murray%40redcross.orghttp://gator1092.hostgator.com:2095/3rdparty/squirrelmail/src/compose.php?send_to=john.murray%40redcross.org


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Thursday, March 8, 2012The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc.Page 6

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LORENA

By M. Vreeland

Besides being beautiful, the kitten you see

above is both lucky and smart. When she

was hurt and afraid, our lovely Lorena

knew just who to turn to for help. One ofour

extraordinary volunteer angels stopped

along the side of the road after she spotted

an errant Labrador puppy. When the dogs

owner came out to retrieve her wandering

pup, she told our angel that there had been

a cat hanging around her house lately

and that the animal had an injury to its tail.

Right on cue, Lorena came running up

and planted herself at our angels feet. An-

gel to the rescue, kitty to Alaqua Animal

Refuge. After being examined by our awe-some doctor, she decided that the damage

to

the tail was so severe that most of it needed

to be removed. Lorena has recovered

nicely from her surgery and even looks

quite cute with her abbreviated tail. A

little shy but extremely affectionate, she

purrs with contentment as soon as she is

picked up and cuddled. This sweet little catneeds a forever home and a special

someone to love her and keep her safe.

Like all of us, Lorena deserves a second

chance. Please consider inviting her into

your heart.

"Northwest Florida's Premier Animal

Sanctuary and Adoption Center"

Alaqua Animal Refuge is a non-profit, no-

kill shelter, located at 914 Whitfield

Road, Freeport. We welcome you to visitall the adoptable animals at our beautiful

ten acre sanctuary any Tuesday throughSunday from 12:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. For

more

information you can call us at 850-880-

6399 or check out our website at

www.aarflorida.com.

CH2MHILL Update

Jayne Swift, with CH2MHILL OMItold the DFS City Council they have

been

getting calls due to the water line re-

works. This can cause discoloration inthe water. She said they respond andflush the lines to take care of the prob-lems. The company had an inspectionfrom OSHA, and staff is actively

working on any concerns.

Swift also gave the annual report.Major maintenance items include test-ing backflow devices, replacing chlo-rine devices, painting buildings and

changes in the monitoring systems.

Swift says they have worked to stopexcess water loss. She said sewer flowis up a little, but solid disposal is downdue to efforts made by her staff. Theyalso recycle wire, paper, plastic andglass and have worked to reduce elec-

tricity usage.

One problem is the amount if greaseremoved from lift stations. This is an

ongoing problem in the system.

The local office has won several

awards, including safety awards. Swiftsays they are also involved in the com-munity, giving time and more tocauses like the Boys and Girls Cluband helping with the Marvel of Flight

event.

Not Just Google - Now

Facebook and Yahoo spy on

you, too

Internet giant Facebook is accessing

smartphone users' personal text mes-sages, an investigation revealed Sunday.Facebook admitted reading text messages

belonging to smartphone users whodownloaded the social-networking appand said that it was accessing the data as

part of a trial to launch its own messag-

ing service, The (London) Sunday Times

reported.

Other well-known companies accessingsmartphone users' personal data -- suchas text messages -- include photo-sharingsite Flickr, dating site Badoo and Yahoo

Messenger, the paper said.

It claimed that some apps even allowcompanies to intercept phone calls --while others, such as YouTube, are capa-

ble of remotely accessing and operatingusers' smartphone cameras to take photo-

graphs or videos at any time.

Security app My Remote Lock and theapp Tennis Juggling Game were amongsmaller companies' "apps" that may inter-

cept users' calls, the paper said.Emma Draper, of the Privacy Interna-

tional campaign group, said, "Your per-sonal information is a precious commod-ity, and companies will go to greatlengths to get their hands on as much of it

as possible."

More than 400,000 apps can bedownloaded to Android phones, andmore than 500,000 are available foriPhones -- with all apps downloaded

from Apple's App Store covered by thesame terms and conditions policy.

According to a YouGov poll for thenewspaper, 70 percent of smartphoneusers rarely or never read the terms andconditions policy when they download an

app.

Dear Aunt Ruby,

I have been divorced for two years andam friendly with a man, Bryan, whosefriendship I value. A few weeks ago we

decided to explore a dating relationship.Unfortunately, the past couple of weekshave been busy for me. We havent beenable to spend as much time together as

either of us would like.

Last week Bryan texted me, saying heknew where this was going andthought we should talk about it. Hesubsequently said he thinks I wasnt be-ing honest about wanting to spend time

together.

When I reassured him, he explainedthat he has abandonment issues. Now Ifeel I must be careful not to do anything

that might cause him to panic.

Should I back off now and try to sal-vage the friendship, or should I give theromance a chance? His paranoid actionsso early into this stage of our relation-ship have made me uncomfortable. Its

as if hes asking for a guarantee already.

Uneasy in DeFuniak

Dear Uneasy,I dont blame you for having second

thoughts. Bryan appears to be someonewho also has trust issues, and that hewould tell you he thinks you havent

been honest with him is cause for con-

cern. That is a sign to recognize.

Back off, because the only person whocan resolve his insecurities is Bryan. I

feel your instincts are correct.

Dear Aunt Ruby,

I'm a 40-year-old working mother rais-ing a daughter who is the joy of my life.Once in a great while I'll accept an invi-tation to go on a date and hire a babysitter to watch my daughter for the eve-

ning.

My question is, do you think its fairfor me to ask for the man to split the cost

for the sitter or even contribute? --

Tight BUDGET

DEAR Budget,

Paying for your daughter's sitter isyour responsibility. When you becomeinvolved in a steady relationship and thecost of a sitter becomes a financial bur-den, discuss it then with your boyfriend,who should be willing to share some of

the cost.

A gentleman would probably offersome kind of cash to help you shortlyafter dating a few times for in help with

the babysitter expense.

We tend to forget that happiness does-

n't come as a result of getting something

we don't have, but rather of recognizing

and appreciating what we do have.


7/12

Happenings in DeFuniak Springs

Thursday, March 8, 2012 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Page 7

DFS Council Member

Questioned On MinutesAs reported by WZEP AM1460

At a January meeting of the DeFuniakSprings City Council the members re-viewed and approved past minutes. Out-side of the vote, Council member RonKelley stated there were some other is-sues, but he would get with the Clerklater. This statement has now becomeone of concern for some citizens who

feel Kelley was confessing to changingthe minutes after they were voted on.

The Florida Sunshine Laws requiresminutes to be taken at meetings open tothe sunshine. The minutes do not have to

be verbatim, but do need to reflect thegeneral discussions and what was saidand who voted. You are not required torecord most meetings, but if you dothese need to be kept and made open tothe public. Staff has been placing the

audio on the citys website since the firstof the year.

As soon as a meeting is over, the min-utes are the official minutes, even if avote of approval has not been taken.Once a vote of approval is made, theminutes become the official recordedminutes. At the end of a meeting, amember of the public can ask for a copyof the minute takers notes and summaryso far. They are the official minutes. Theminute taker can retype and prepare the

minutes, but can not make changes to thecontext of the summary. Again, the sum-mary is not verbatim, rather a reflectionof what was said and done. If a recordingis made, the whole recording must be

preserved and sections can not be taken

out or altered.

City Manager Sara Bowers confirmsher staff does not make changes to thecontext of the minutes after approval.She says any changes would only be to

spelling, grammar or formatting, not tothe summary of the meeting.

Update From Sen. Greg

EversAs reported by WZEP AM1460

Florida State Senator Greg Evers talksabout the possibility of a toll to finance thePensacola Bay Bridge expansion. Evers sayshe can understand the importance the bridge

plays in the Panhandle, but cannot and willnot support placing a toll on residents to payfor the project. Instead, he believes that ex-

ploring other opportunities, such as having

the Florida Department of Transportationprovide enough additional funding to coverthe cost of the project that cannot be pro-vided by local governments, would be a bet-ter way to go. Evers says this will be an on-going discussion that he will continue to be a

part of, as it will be at least 5 years until theactual project gets underway. Evers says bythen, he is sure they will have come to a solu-tion within their financial means that will notrequire imposing or levying a tax or toll on

residents.

In bill news, Evers says he is supporting anamendment to House Bill 463 that wouldmake the reckless discharge of a firearm in aresidential neighborhood unlawful. TheSenator says his amendment language wascrafted by the National Rifle Association andhas the NRA's full support. The languageseeks to strike a balance between protectingan individual's Second Amendment rightsand providing for greater safety of residentialcommunities from the reckless discharge of a

firearm in a neighborhood.Evers says it is unfortunate the acts of a

few people in our local area, Martin and Her-nando Counties, have forced the Legislatureto step in to enforce by statute what ought to

be common sense and responsible gun own-ership. He says he believes we are applyingthe appropriate measures to safeguard resi-dential neighborhoods and families and he isvery grateful to the National Rifle Associa-tion for helping and supporting him in this

effort.

Finally, Evers says he would like to extendhis prayers and condolences to the families ofCapt. Ryan Hall, Capt. Nicholas Whitlock,1st Lt. Justin Wilkens and Senior AirmanJulian Scholten. These four members of the1st Special Operations Wing at HurlburtField were killed after completing a missionin Africa. The U28 Heros Fund has beenestablished at First National Bank & Trust tohelp defray funeral costs and travel expensesfor the airmens families. It is brave men and

women like them who fight every day for thefreedoms we enjoy. Evers says these heroes

paid the ultimate sacrifice and he is honoredby their service. The story and family ap-proved pictures of the heroes are on our web-

site under News at WZEP.com.

WCSO Busts

DeFuniak SpringsMeth Lab

The Walton County Sheriff'sOffice (WCSO) arrested SherryBrown, 59, and Teresa Greene,45, both of DeFuniak Springs,Fla., on methamphetamine drug

charges.

They were arrested Feb. 24.

The WCSO executed a searchwarrant Feb. 24 at a residencelocated at 1135 Smith Road.During the search of the resi-dence, the WCSO discoveredwhat appeared to be a clandestinemethamphetamine laboratoryinside a cooler in one of the resi-dence's bedrooms. The WCSOrecovered items consistent withingredients and tools used to

manufacture methamphetamine.

The WCSO recovered a plasticcontainer from a vehicle contain-ing a white substance which field-tested positive for methampheta-

mine.

Teresa Greene was charged withone count of trafficking metham-

phetamine, a first-degree felony;one count of production ofmethamphetamine, a second-degree felony; one count of dis-

tribution of a listed chemical, asecond-degree felony; and onecount of possession of drug para-

phernalia, a first-degree misde-

meanor.

Brown was charged with onecount of trafficking metham-

phetamine, a first-degree

felony; one count of distributionof a listed chemical, a second-

degree felony; and

one count of possession of drugparaphernalia, a first-degree mis-

demeanor.

They were booked into the

Walton County Jail.

Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center

Opens New Office in Walton County

Open House Housewarming Planned

The Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Cen-ter a local organization that helps child abuseand neglect victims throughout Okaloosa andWalton County has opened a second location inDeFuniak Springs to better serve child abusevictims and their families in Walton County.An Open House Housewarming is planned for

March 30 at 11:30 a.m.

"When we first opened our doors in Niceville

a decade ago, we knew we eventually wantedto have a second location in Walton County.

We finally did it," CEO Julie Hurst, said.

Services offered at the Centers are provided tochild abuse victims at no cost to the familiesserved. While the Center has always providedservices to both counties, it wasn't until lastyear that families could start to receive someservices right in Walton. Previously all fami-

lies needed to drive to Niceville.

"By having a physical presence in Walton

County the agency team members are betterable to work together to provide services andmore education is being provided in the com-munity on what the signs of abuse are and howto report your suspicions," Hurst continued,"We suspected we would see an increase in thenumber of victims and we have. We've seen a40 percent increase in the services we're pro-viding to Walton County kids. We're savingand healing more child abuse victims than ever

before."

The Open House Housewarming will includea ribbon cutting ceremony, refreshments andtours of the new facility. The open house willrun from 11:30 a.m. -6 p.m. with the ribboncutting at noon. The Walton County Center islocated at 256 Highway 90 near the intersection

of Hwy 331 and Hwy 90.

"We're looking forward to sharing our newspace with everyone in the community. Wehave had so many generous volunteers and sup-

porters that have worked together to make thisday possible. We want them all to come out and

celebrate with us." Hurst said.About the Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy

Center

The Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Cen-ter (ECCAC) provides services to help identify,treat and support children in abusive situations.The organization helps prevent child abusethrough education, protects child victims fromfuture abuse, and provides resources to restorethe lives of the child and the child's family. TheCenter is a non-profit organization with loca-

tions in Niceville and DeFuniak Springs, Fla.For more information or to support the Emerald

Coast Children's Advocacy Center

please visit http://www.eccac.org. If you sus-

pect abuse, call the Florida

Abuse Hotline 1-800-96-ABUSE.
http://www.eccac.org/http://www.eccac.org/


8/12

Page 8 The EMERALD STAR NEWS, Inc. Thursday, March 8, 2012

Kindergarten Registration

will be held Monday-Friday, March 5-16, 2012 from 8:00-2:30 p.m.at all Walton County elementary schools for any child who will befive (5) on or before September 1, 2012

An official birth certificate is required.

You may obtain an official birth certificate for any child born in

Florida at the Walton County Public Health Unit for $12.00.

Before entering school in August, each child must have a physical

examination and up-to date immunizations.DOH 680Florida Certification of Immunization (blue card)

Obituary for Jerry DeLane Davis

Mr. Jerry DeLane Davis,age 70, of DeFuniakSprings, Florida passedaway Tuesday, February 28,2012. He was born Novem-

ber 28, 1941 in West Bay,Florida to Horace and Win-nie Nolin Davis.

Mr. Davis was a resident ofWalton County. He was Baptist by faith. Heworked at Showell Farms for over 40 years beforeretiring. He enjoyed Dominos and he also en-

joyed Drag Racing.Mr. Davis is preceded in death by his father and

mother, his wife, Diane Davis, one sister, ElouiseBrown and one daughter, Patricia Newby.

Mr. Davis is survived by one daughter, Jona L.Trammell and husband Michael of DeFuniakSprings, Florida. He is also survived by 6 grand-children, Ashley Wise, Brandi Thorn and husbandKenny, Joshua Newby, Jacob Newby, Jeremy

Newby and Diana Trammell; 5 great-grandchildren, Yazmin Wise, Javius Nettles, Trin-ity Thorn, James Thorn and Brayden Thorn.Floral arrangements are being accepted.You may go online to view obituaries, offer con-dolences and sign guest book at www.clary-glenn.com.

Clary-Glenn Funeral Home is entrusted with thearrangements.

Obituary for

Sandra Sandy Pereira Weddington

Sandra Pereira Weddington, June 19,1955-February 27,2012 was a resident of Freeport,Fla. Sandy, as she was known to her friends

and family quietly passed away after a long andcourageous struggle with Multiple Sclerosis inthe loving presence of her family. She is sur-vived by her husband of 38 years, Stuart Wed-dington and their 3 children, Rachel Wedding-ton Reese, Joshua Stuart Weddington, andAdam Dale Weddington and their 7 grandchil-dren, Jesse Reese, Sara Reese, Noah Reese,Maggie Reese, Nolan Weddington, Liam Wed-dington, and Camilla Weddington, who knewher as "Precious", Sandy's brother DennisPereira, and sister Susan Pereira DeRouen.

Sandy will be laid to rest at Gulf Cemetery inSanta Rosa Beach, Fla on Friday March 2, 2012at 10:00 AM in a private family service

You may go online to view obituaries, offercondolences and sign guest book at www.clary-glenn.com.

Clary-Glenn Freeport Chapel Funeral Home isentrusted with the arrangements.

Traffic Stop Leads to Meth ArrestThe Walton County Sheriffs Office (WCSO) arrested Teresa Ford,

44, of Crestview, Fla., on methamphetamine drug charges.

The investigation began March 1 after a WCSO Canine Unit Deputyand Nero, a certified narcotics detection canine, conducted a traffic

stop near the intersection of Highway 90 and Highway 1087.

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted after Neroalerted the deputy of the possible presence of illegal narcotics in thevehicle. During the search, the deputy recovered what appeared to betools and ingredients commonly used to manufacture methampheta-mine. The deputy also recovered a plastic bag containing a substance

which field-tested positive for methamphetamine.

Ford, the passenger of the vehicle, was charged with one count pos-session of methamphetamine with intent to sell, manufacture or de-liver drugs, a second-degree felony; one count of possession of pre-cursor chemicals, a second-degree felony; and one count of posses-

sion of drug paraphernalia, a first-degree misdemeanor.

She was booked into the Walton County Jail.

Tots, Teens and in be-Tweens,Pensacola's Premier Consignment Event, will have

its Spring-Summer Sale March 14-18.

The sale will be located at 3616 North Palafox

Street, just one block north of

Fairfield Drive and next to the Casters Building.

The hours will be: March

14-15 10AM-6PM, March 16 10AM-7PM, March

17 9AM-4PM (50% off), March 18 1 PM-5PM

(50% off).

Our sale specializes in new and "gently used"clothing ranging from Preemies to Womens sizes.We have a good selection of teen clothing (both

boys and girls) as well as maternity clothes.

Swimwear will also be a favorite at this sale.

We also carry baby equipment, furniture, toys forinside and outside, books, shoes, jewelry, purses,and much more. There will also be vendors on siteto visit with you and give you samples of what

they sell.

This sale is the collaborative effort of mother-daughter team, Myra Martin and Leigh Wienert.They have years of retail experience and they

pride themselves in offering a sale that saves you,

the customer, money and makes your shopping

fun and enjoyable.

Walton Community Health

Improvement Partnership HostsHealth Summit

"A Healthier Walton Begins Today"

The Walton County Health Department encour-ages your participation in the Walton CountyHealth Summit on March 14, 2012 from 9:00a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The purpose of this ground-

breaking meeting is to develop a Community

Health Improvement Plan leading to a healthierfuture for the people of Walton County. TheHealth Summit will be at the Walton CountyHealth Department at 362 State Highway 83 in

DeFuniak Springs, FL.

If you are a citizen interested in the health ofour community or if you represent an agency ororganization working toward improved healthand well-being of our residents, you are invitedto engage in this community-wide, strategic

planning session to identify and prioritize pub-lic health and medical issues in Walton County.

Community assessments completed in the lastsix months will drive development of a com-

munity-owned health improvement plan.

More information about the Walton Commu-nity Health Improvement Partnership and com-munity health planning and improvement, is onthe Walton County Health Department websiteat: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdwalton/

Community_Health/Community_Health.htm.

To learn how you can be involved in improvingour community's health and to RSVP for the

Walton County Health Summit on March 14,2012, please

contact [email protected] (850)

892-8040 x 1163 or

[email protected] (850) 892-8021

x 1137.

It's only when we truly know and understandthat we have a limited time on earth -- andthat we have no way of knowing when ourown time is up -- that we will begin to liveeach day to the fullest, as if it was the only

one we had.

Look, I really don't want to wax philosophical, but I will say that ifyou're alive, you got to flap your arms and legs, you got to jumparound a lot, you got to make a lot of noise, because life is the veryopposite of death. And therefore, as I see it, if you're quiet, you're notliving. You've got to be noisy, or at least your thoughts should be

noisy and colorful and lively. - Mel Brooks
http://www.clary-glenn.com/http://www.clary-glenn.com/http://www.clary-glenn.com/http://www.clary-glenn.com/http://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdwalton/Community_Health/Community_Health.hhttp://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdwalton/Community_Health/Community_Health.hhttp://gator1092.hostgator.com:2095/3rdparty/squirrelmail/src/compose.php?send_to=Laura_Brazell%40doh.state.fl.ushttp://gator1092.hostgator.com:2095/3rdparty/squirrelmail/src/compose.php?send_to=Ewa_Bearden%40doh.state.fl.ushttp://gator1092.hostgator.com:2095/3rdparty/squirrelmail/src/compose.php?send_to=Ewa_Bearden%40doh.state.fl.ushttp://gator1092.hostgator.com:2095/3rdparty/squirrelmail/src/compose.php?send_to=Laura_Brazell%40doh.state.fl.ushttp://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdwalton/Community_Health/Community_Health.hhttp://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdwalton/Community_Health/Community_Health.hhttp://www.clary-glenn.com/http://www.clary-glenn.com/http://www.clary-glenn.com/http://www.clary-glenn.com/


9/12

Thursday, March 8, 2012 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Page 9

The 14 day Overview

Aquarius

1/202/18

Pisces

2/193/20

Aries

3/214/19

Taurus

4/205/20

Gemini

5/216/21

Cancer

6/227/22

Leo

7/238/22

Virgo

8/239/22

Libra

9/2310/22

Scorpio

10/2311/21

Sagittarius

11/2212/2

Capricorn

12/221/19

Towel sets & Lace Book Marks

Adult & Children Aprons

Bib & Burp Cloth sets

Fleece Blankets (personalized)

Special orders welcomeMonogramming also available

*Gifts for that upcoming special occasion

Sold at The Head Hunter Salon

To order call Gail 850-814-0852

Help..Spread the word about this

newspaper to everyone you know!

Advertising specials going on NOW!!

Please thank those advertisers in this issue,

because of them we can continue to promoteyour business in Walton county. Thank you

Rt. 30A Antique &VintageCar Show

Rosemary Beach, FL: For the eleventhyear, Hilltop Productions will line thelawns of Rosemary Beach, FL, with a vari-ety of antique, classic and vintage carsfrom years gone by. The date has been setfor March 24, 2012, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.,with registration beginning at 9 a.m. on

North Barrett Square.

We will once again be adding awardspresented in the categories of best engine,best interior, best exterior paint and Peo-ples Choice Award. These categories willbe judged by a panel of professionaljudges. Once again, there will be entertain-ment, gift bags for all those participating,commemorative posters, and demonstra-

tions.

Entry fee is once again $20 in advanceand $25 the day of the show. Proceeds

raised from the event will go to benefitvarious charities in and around the Florida

Emerald Coast.

The 11th Annual Rt. 30A Antique & Vin-tage Car Show is sponsored by HilltopProductions, H & M Tent and Party Rent-

als, and Rosemary Beach.

For more information, call Hilltop Produc-tions at (850) 951-2148, or log on to

www.hilltopproductionsinc.com

Dear Parents,

The March issue of Recipes for Successis now available on the school website

under

the Parent Link. The flyer is availablefor parents in Spanish and English and

gives

strategies for helping students at home.

The flyer is designed to reinforce or

enrich learning that takes place atschool. The school website address is

located

below.

http://www.walton.k12.fl.us/schools/fes/

index.htm.

Don't let the little things get you down as the week gets underway -- and do plot your next big advance! Thenwatch for things to be revealed in any and all areas of your life. Or maybe it's you who's ready to let a plan beknown or let a cat out of the proverbial bag. You might find yourself with less energy than usual. Get extra

rest, and try mental and physical exercise to get you going, rather than just another coffee.

Know your own vast value as the week gets going. Dont ask for more and you'll be surprised. An open mindand a little caution don't have to be mutually exclusive, and you'll want both working for you. Keep those cuesyou're picking up on in your back pocket for later on. The time isnt right for you to venture out and about,

think of those around you and tread lightly. Things are not what they appear to you at this time.The golden rule is in full effect as the week gets under way: Respond to others with the thought and care you'dlike them to use with you. The good karma you accrue is priceless. Opportunity's knocking -- so greet it with asmile (and more, if it's of the romantic variety!). Involve issues surrounding who's in charge. Are you ready to

negotiate when it comes to a certain situation or relationship?

Feelings, situations, relationships -- they're all intensified by the stars as the week gets under way. Things canget tricky -- will it be in a getting fooled or an 'oh, I get it!' way? Not everything's on the surface, and this trendcontinues. Let your subconscious speak now -- in dreams, in fanciful thoughts, in free-form writing or brain-storming. You're especially responsive to your physical surroundings. Why not go places that inspire you --

and take someone inspiring along?

It looks like you're sticking to your guns as the week gets going, and you've got the smarts to make an insight-ful argument for your point of view, too. A logical approach works wonders. An extra set of hands and eye-balls (and the extra perspective that comes with them) makes projects (or even play) much better. Say howdy,

partner! Be sure to be explicit about plans, ideas and feelings from Friday through the weekend.

Take a deep breath and another look as the week begins -- if you don't, you risk taking something personallywhen you shouldn't. (Also, be sure to pause before you make any agreements final.) Something you see or hearfrom Friday through the weekend helps you take a step in a slightly different, much better direction -- perhaps

in an important relationship (or one that's becoming important!).

You might be getting lots of input as the week gets going, and, sure, you'll want to consider it all. Just remem-ber that the most important feedback will likely come from within. Don't neglect your best instincts! Yourheart's definitely got something to say, and before you know it, you might just be blurting it out. Good for you!

You're hot, so make some stuff happen. Looks like something (or someone) is really sparking your enthusiasm.

Getting stuff done -- and lots of it! -- is likely priority-one for you as the week begins. Just make sure pertinentpeople are on board with your plans, or else conflicts are in the cards. You might want to loosen those plans up-- or set them aside altogether -- around Wednesday and Thursday. A looser approach, as well as an open heart

and mind, allow room in your world for the expansion the stars favor now. Let it grow.

Is life more about money and material stuff, or ideas and feelings as the week gets going? The stars call on youto check your priorities now. What's most important? Be conscious about such choices -- you'll have a stellaropportunity to explore them more around mid week. And if you've got a chance to explore vis-a-vis a certainsomeone, it looks like now's the time. (Get them in on it!) Then, an old issue or a person from your past may

resurface.

You're ridiculously compelling as the week gets going. If you want something (or someone!), now's the time togo for it! Around mid week, it's time to look at the bigger picture, to check out the road ahead. Proceed with a

bit of caution -- and with your eyes and ears wide open. You've got a way with bringing people together andbringing plans to fruition on the weekend; work looks extra productive, while your friends (or a 'more than

friend,' if you've got one) hail you as a hero.

Give yourself time to puzzle through something at the start of the week. Whether it's a work issue or somethingmore personal, you can come up with an unusual (and unusually good) solution. Then you're ready to let somegood times roll, when friends and maybe a sweet surprise or two are in the stars. Your personal style shines,and it keeps on shining through the weekend. That imagination of yours is working overtime on some hot stuff!

Somebody loves your way with (warm, witty) words now, too.

A little prep time is a big help as the week starts moving. Get your work agenda and your social calendar all

lined up, and choose a goal, hope or dream to keep at the forefront of your mind. Speaking of dreams, thosewho think you're all about the nitty-gritty may be surprised by your philosophical (or romantic!) side. Your

personal vibe gets even better on the weekend -- you're all charged up, and it's the magnetic kind, with you at-

tracting all kinds of positive attention. Enjoy! On Sunday, stick with what's working.

Advertise with us!! Guaranteed the lowest price to fit any budget. Call today: 850.585.0262
http://www.walton.k12.fl.us/schools/fes/index.htmhttp://www.walton.k12.fl.us/schools/fes/index.htmhttp://www.walton.k12.fl.us/schools/fes/index.htmhttp://www.walton.k12.fl.us/schools/fes/index.htm


10/12

Page 10 The EMERALD STAR NEWS, Inc. Thursday, March 8, 2012

Have a Great Time, but always use

Safety around the GrillBY Colin Richards

[email protected] Although preparing and using an outdoor grillfor cooking is not a complicated process, one ofthe most important aspect to be mindful of atall times is safety. The following safety tipsshould always be considered when using anoutdoor grill.

When in use, always keep outdoor grills awayfrom the walls of buildings, tailgating tents andfrom under low hanging tree branches.

Never use outdoor grills inside a garage orother outdoor building.Grills should be positioned in an area that islevel, such as a patio or designated lawn space,

butshould never be used in similar areas that may

be covered with a roof.

If a grill is to be used on a wooden deck, a largepiece of metal or a fireproof patio/deck protec-tor should be placed under the unit. If the deckis attached to a building, the grill must be posi-

tioned as far away from the walls of the build-ing as possible. Rings or kettles designed forwood burning (onto which a cooking gratecould be placed) should never be used on adeck.

When using a charcoal grill, never add starterfluid to coals that are already hot. This can cre-ate a very dangerous situation. When using gasgrills equipped with automatic ignition, the

burners should not be lit when the hood is

closed. The build-up of gas that can occurwithin the confines of the closed hood prior toigniting the burners may cause an explosiononce the burners are lit.

Outdoor grills should not be used during peri-ods of high wind. A grill should never be leftunattended and children and pets should always

be kept away from the grilling area.

Never use chemically treated wood, such asscraps of pressure treated lumber left over from

anexterior building project, as fuel for a firemeant for grilling.

A fire extinguisher or water source should be

readily available.

New Barbecue Season Coming With the new

barbecue season coming up soon please let me

know if there is anything that you would like

me to cover in the upcoming months. I want to

make this column as informing and interesting

as possible for you the reader.

FREE TAX RETURN PREPARATION

AGAIN

IN WALTON COUNTY

Walton County free TaxAide will start the

first week of February and continue to April 17. If

you are a shut-in or in a nursing home and need acounselor to come to you, leave a message at any of

the sites and you will be contacted. Please bring the

following information with you: Last Years Return,

Social Security Card, Picture ID, Real Estate Taxes

paid on your home and all tax documents that you

have received such as W-2s, 1099s and social secu-

rity. Below is a list of the locations and schedule for

each.

CALL FOR APPOINTMENT!

Walton County Council on Aging1145 W. Baldwin Ave.

DeFuniak Springs

Tuesday 12:30 to 4:30

Call 892-8165 for an appointment and directions

Life Enrichment Senior Center

312 College Ave

DeFuniak Springs

Thursday 12:154:15

Call 892-8746 for appointment and directions

Freeport Library

76 W Hwy 20

Freeport

Thursday 10:00 to 4:00

Call 835-2040 for an appointment and directions

Wanderlust, Shark Night, In

TimeIf you enjoy any of Paul Rudds comedy movies, i.e. RoleModels, Dinner for Schmucks, I love you, Man, etc., thanyou will love Wanderlust. This film is about a couple from

New York who are settling into their marriage with ahopeful future, but they are unexpectedly rattled whenPaul Rudd loses his job. This causes the couple to sell their

brand new apartment and move in with Rudds older

brother. During the drive to their new future they decide toget off the road and get a good nights sleep before con-tinuing their drive, they unexpectedly pull into a ruralcommune where free love rules. Overcome by the feelingof being free from worldly struggles they stay at the com-mune and immerse themselves into this new, unknown,world of communal living. Things take a turn when thesmoke clears and the realities of communal living, and allof its negative aspects, are presented. Wanderlust is ratedR for a reason, so be wary, if you are a fan of the inappro-

priate comedies that Paul Rudd is famous for, then youwill not be disappointed by this film.

Shark Night is not a thriller film for lovers of slasher orgore filled horror flicks. However, if you are a fan of thestupid teenagers who go swimming in a lake knowing thata sea creature just ripped off their friends arm two minutesago, then you will love Shark Night. The story plot is alittle surprising, but it doesnt make up for the fact that thecharacters go where they know they shouldnt go, and trust

people they know they shouldnt trust. This film was sur-prisingly clean in the nudity department, which usually is acrutch for these types of films. It has a PG-13 rating so ifyou let your child watch Lake Placid then this film should

be okay. If you enjoy films like Piranha then you will notbe disappointed by Shark Night.I put off seeing In Time because I thought the premiselooked so ridiculous, time is money, yeah tell me some-thing I dont know. However, my husband (a closet JustinTimberlake fan) had to rent it once it hit Redbox. I wasvery surprised at this film. In this utopian type future, peo-

ple stop aging at 25, when their clocks start. However,you have the means to earn time, as you would earn moneytoday. There is a cost of living, and you pay for every-thing in time. The only way to die is by an act of violenceor by running out of time. The cast of this film was very

well put together and executed. I loved the story line, andthe many parallels between their world and how we arecurrently living today. If you like the action adventure typefilms like Surrogates and The Island then you will enjoy InTime.

If you have any Comments or Recommendationsemail me [email protected]

See you all at the Movies!!!

Support locally owned & operated business

Summer advertising specials going on now!!!
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11/12

BAGS FOR HAGSOn Hwy 20 901 suite #3 850-835-2415

WE PAY YOU

FOR ALL YOUROLD, BROKEN OR UNWANTED GOLD

JEWELRY, CLASS RINGS, OLD WEDDING RINGS,

EARRINGS, AND OLD GOLD JEWELRY

TOP DOLLAR ON THE SPOT

NOW BUYING GOLD!!!

FOR RENT

If you have something you want toplace just contact our office

Real Estate

Your land or family land is all youneed to buy a new home. Land/Home packages also available. Call

Clayton Homes at 850-682-3344.

The Emerald Star Newsoffice # is: 850-585-0262

Located in Freeport Florida

SERVICES

Any size, style, design

Vinyl lettering, car wraps, banners,business cards, etc.Design/layout services available.

Call for FREE estimate. 585-0262

Handyman-25yrs. Exp.All phases of home repair./remodelFree estimates. Excellent work for a

great price. For more informationCall: ESN @ 850.585.0262

Yard Workextremely reasonable rates. Let mehelp clean up your area. Call ESN:

850-585-0262 for details/times.

The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Page 11Thursday, March 8, 2012

HELP WANTED

Volunteersneeded at the Alaqua

Animal refuge. Must be 18 +For more information call(850) 880-6399

Advertising sales positionsexcellent opportunity-call now!!Positions available with little to no exp.With leads. Call 850.585.0262

Got an item you want to sell?

Classifieds

Only $10per issue

For Sale

Freshly raked Pine Straw. Dry bailedstored in barn. Only $3.50 per bail delivered.

Call 333-0877

Do you like to meet new

people? Sales may be the wayWork where you live? Would you want to

join a co. of friendly local people? Would

you like to offer great deals with thebusiness people in Walton county?

For more details call: 850-585-0262

March blood drives in the

Walton County, Destin areaThursday, 8thSouth Walton CountyOffices at the Coastal Library, SantaRosa Beach1.30 pm to 4 pmSaturday, 10thLowes Destin, - 12

pm to 3 pm

Monday, 12thCoast Guard, 2000

Miracle Strip Pkwy., Destin9.30 am

to 2.30 pm

Friday, 16thSacred Heart Hospital,Emerald Coast, Sandestin9 am to 4

pmWednesday, 21stWalton HighSchool, 555 Walton Road, DeFuniakSprings8.30 am to 3.30pmThursday, 22ndFreeport High School,1261 Hwy 331 S8.30 am to 3.30 pm

Wednesday 28th

Crystal Bay, 2400Crystal Cove Land, Miramar Beach

12 pm to 4 pm

SIX WEEK SMOKING CESSATION

PROGRAM

(West Florida AHEC)

Beginning Thursday, March 8, 2012 from

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Walton County Health Department

362 State Highway 83

DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

For more information or to pre-register,

please call

(850) 398-6965 or (850) 678-6766

Freeport Elementary School

Kiwanis Citizen of the Month

for March is Jasmine Burnham

Walton County Coastal Branch

Library will be celebrating reading with ayoung adult program on March 19, Mondayfrom 3:30-5:00 p.m. in the community roomof the library. Readers of Suzanne Collins,"The Hunger Games" series will be chal-lenged with Hunger Games Jeopardy, in-vited to get artistic drawing a HungerGames mural and join in with Story Teller,Susie Arnold as she introduces students tothe art of theatrical skit using the HungerGames theme. Join Library Staff serving upfood and fun for all! To receive email notifi-

cations of future

library events visit http://youseemore.com/

walton. Walton County Coastal Branch

Library, 437 Greenway Trail, Santa RosaBeach, FL. For more information please

call Linda Thompson (850) 267-2809

Walton County Coastal

Branch Library.

Free Coupon Classes with Julie Kline ofCoupon for Dummies. Join Julie for a freecoupon class designed to educate people onthe tremendous savings we all have right atour fingertips. Our goal is to help you cutyour grocery bill in half or less. This class isfree to the public and will meet in the com-munity room of the Coastal Branch Libraryon Saturday, March 24th 10:00 a.m.-12:00

p.m. No registration is required. Please call

Linda Thompson at the Coastal Library formore information 850-267-2809. 437 Green-

way Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 orvisit the calendar for email notificationswww.youseemore.com/walton

I am coordinating a community basedyard sale in Freeport at the regional sports

complex on April 14 from 8-noon.

This yard sale focuses on maternity andkid items. There is no fee to participate

and sellers will keep all of the proceeds.

There will be kid based activities like carseat and bike helmet fittings.

There are some sellers signed up but thereis room for more. I am hoping you canassist by sharing this information. Thecontact person is Donna Free at 892-8015

Monday through Friday 8-5.

The

Celebrating 22 years!!!March 17

Thank you to all of our

customers over the years

hAppy sweet 16 birthdAy!

Nikkita wolfe

Love Dad
http://youseemore.com/waltonhttp://youseemore.com/waltonhttp://www.youseemore.com/waltonhttp://www.youseemore.com/waltonhttp://www.youseemore.com/waltonhttp://www.youseemore.com/waltonhttp://youseemore.com/waltonhttp://youseemore.com/walton


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Page 12 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Thursday, March 8, 2012

Ph: 850-835-4153 www.freeportwaterfront.com

HOMES * LOTS * ACREAGE * COMMERCIAL * INDUSTRIAL * WATERFRONT

BAYFRONT ESCAPE3BR/2BA, 2,200 SF, w/Florida rm. Dbl gar,carport & workshop. Guest quarters w/

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THE FLORIDA GOOD LIFE3BR/2.5BA, 1,836 SF cottage on LaGrangeBayou. 1st floor Master BR. Open kitchen w/granite countertops. Dbl garage. $374,900

LAGRANGE BAYOU - WATERFRONT4BR/3.5BA w/over 2,100 SF on 1.3 acres. 9ft. ceilings & new Florida rm. Oversizedgarage + studio. Covered boatlift. $519,000

BAY ACCESS4 acres w/Choctawhatchee Bay access!Unrestricted and cleared. Mobile homes

ok and horses are welcome. $75,000

WATERFRONT DEAL!Almost 1 acre on Mallet Bayou!

3BR/2BA home with 1,514 SF. Dock w/

power & water, fenced yard. $236,500

10 ACRES UNRESTRICTEDVacant land approximately one block fromthe Choctawhatchee River in Bruce area.Well & septic needed. NOW $54,900

NEW LISTING!Bayou Bend S/D interior lot with wateraccess to LaGrange Bayou. Beautiful oak

trees. Restricted. CW available. $29,900

6 ACRES IN PORTLAND - SHORT SALENear Eglin AFB Reservation. Over 1,600sq. ft. w/3BR/2.5BA. Updated kitchen, s/sappliances. Pole barn & more. $174,900

Happy St. Patricks Day!

Caribbean FunOn Black Creek!2 BR/1.5 BA, two-story bungalow directly on Black Creek. Dockw/electric. One ac of land w/78 on water. Dbl carport, 12x24metal storage building, laundry & half bath on first level. Bed-rooms, kitchen, & family room on second level. Dont miss the

great screen porch! NOWONLY $ 1 8 9 , 0 0 0

RIVER RENDEZVOUS1st class cabin on Choctawhatchee. 3BR/3BA,approx. 1,700 SF. FP, vaulted ceilings. 50x70metal bldg. across street included. $299,800

EMERALD SHORES - MALLET BAYOUProtected water with easy access to theIntracoastal & Choctawhatchee Bay. CW&Savailable. Tremendous potential! $168,900

COMMERCIAL FRONTAGEEast Side / West Side / Corners

For Sale or Leaseon Highway 331 South

We Have the MostReady-to-Build Land to Meet

Your Business Needs.

CALL TODAY!

READY-TO-BUILD WATERFRONT LOTBay Harbour lot being offered at anunbelievably low price. Not a short sale!

Owner Financing Available. $149,000

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