Emerald Star News

The

The BEST LIL NEWSPAPER in Walton county - from Freeport, Florida

Volume: 5 Issue: 22

October 31, 2013

bi-weekly Edition

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Made possible by your local advertising businesses in this edition.

Inside this EDITION: Dr Bob Pleads Guilty

Freeport physician Robert L. Ignasiak, Jr., pled guilty to 12 counts of health care fraud, 29 counts of illegally ...

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Business License Meeting

We recently reported on the move by Walton County to a potential Business Tax Receipt (BTR) program...

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WALTON COUNTY HOUSING

AGENCY AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HELP SECTION 8 FAMILIES TRANSITION TO HOME OWNERSHIP

The Walton County Housing ..

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Real Estate listings inside:

Do you have a business? Lowest Rates in the county! You need to advertise with us! Call today: 850-585-0262
Theemeraldstarnews.blogspot.com

Loves Family Travel Center Groundbreaking

Eighty jobs, about half full time and new businesses are coming to the Mossy Head I-10 exit. This past .....

This is our new web site:

Theemeraldstarnews.blogspot.com

New e-mail address:

Emerald_star_news@hotmail.com

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offered free .from our business Advertisers inside this week

A style of its own a community Based Newspaper

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Editorial
The Wolfes Den

The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Hello once again to each of you. I sincerely appreciate all the compliments coming in through E-mails and a few in person. It is so nice to meet the people who have been following along on this newspapers journey. Every edition starts from scratch and the news is placed around the advertisements for each edition. Make sure to Thank those businesses who have advertised with us. Being that we are relatively small we still guarantee you that we will do what you want with your Ad. Everyone I know is already thinking of the holiday season fast approaching. Now would be an excellent time to reserve your space in this newspaper. Got a sale coming? Selling things? To those of you have crafted goods and such for that special someone. Start putting a few extra pennies aside now. Let us all get out to help a hand for the elderly and the needy this year. I wanted to share a Halloween story, let me know what you think of it. Devil on Washington Rock A True New Jersey Story- As it happened to the author The dream was so vivid, she didn't realize at first that it was a dream. The party was crowded, the guests cheerful, the food delicious. Then a rumor began to circulate among the guests. The Devil was coming to the party. The Devil was on the way. She didn't pay much attention at first. Until a hush came over the crowd. Turning to see what it was, she saw a tall, handsome blond man standing in the doorway greeting his hostess. Around her, the murmurs began. It was the Devil. He had come. She watched out of the corner of her eye as the Devil made the rounds of the room. He looked so ordinary, it was hard to believe he was the Devil. Then he came to her group. As soon as he joined them, she knew the rumor was true. This was not someone to be trifled with. Frightened, she grabbed for a Bible her hostess had left lying on a nearby end-table and threw it at the Devil. For a moment, their eyes locked. The Devil's eyes were full of ferocious anger, terrible evil, and malevolent malice directed right at her. She thought she was dead. Then she woke, and lay trembling in her bed with the light on until dawn. The next morning was the end of term. Her parents and younger sister helped her clear out her dorm room and packed the car. It was dusk before they settled into their seats for the two-hour drive home. They talked excitedly as they drove towards their home in New Jersey, interrupting each other often, contradicting themselves and laughing. It was good to be together again. They were fifteen minutes from home when they left the highway. Her father turned onto Washington Rock Road that led up the mountain, through the C-bend around the Washington Rock State Park and then down the other side of the mountain. As they drove up the steep hill, a noisy motorcycle tail-gated them, trying to pass even though the road was windy and narrow. Finally the hill grew so steep that the driver was forced to slow down and eventually, they pulled away from him entirely. The car reached the top of the hill and started around the long C curve that took them through one end of the park. The park was dark and still. The whole family automatically looked to their right, out over the gorgeous view of the New York City skyline. They all saw the small park cart, sitting next to the road just inside the park boundary. It was parked directly underneath the only streetlight, where you couldn't fail to see it. And inside the vehicle.... She started trembling fiercely. Inside the vehicle was a tall, handsome blond man with eyes full of ferocious anger, terrible evil, and malevolent malice. It was the man from her dream. The man everyone said was the Devil! The tension in the car was palpable. She had mentioned her dream to no one. But her parents and her sister all felt the evil pulsing from the still figure in the cart. No one spoke as they drove past the man. Suddenly, the engine gave a strange cough. Her father gunned the motor, once, twice in a silent, desperate battle to keep moving. She gripped her hands together, praying silently as she stared at the figure opposite their car. The engine caught again and her father pressed down hard on the accelerator. Then they were past the man and roaring away from the park and towards the downward slope of the mountain. She was sweating profusely, unable to stop shaking. She looked back out the window at the man in the park, and saw the motorcycle come roaring at last to the top of the hill. It drove half-way around the C-bend and as it drew opposite the figure in the cart, she heard the engine of the motorcycle cough. And then stall. And then the park was out of view and they were riding silently towards home, not daring to speak until they were safely indoors. She often wondered what happened to the man on the motorcycle. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! Be safe and inspect the candy before you eat any!!

Views expressed in The EMERALD STAR NEWS do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. The staff of The EMERALD STAR NEWS pride ourselves in our efforts to ensure accuracy 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. 2500 copies printed bi-weekly.

free-HOW??
From the businesses advertising in this issue. Thank each one as you go to their store 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 us a call today! The Emerald Star News is published bi-weekly

We are locally owned and operated in Freeport

Look online: theemeraldstarnews.blogspot.com

Mail invoices and other information to:

P.O. Box 1133

Freeport, Florida 32439
Quote of the week :
It's said that All Hallows' Eve is one of the nights when the veil between the worlds is thin - and whether you believe in such things or not, those roaming spirits probably believe in you, or at least acknowledge your existence, considering that it used to be their own. Even the air feels different on Halloween, autumncrisp and bright.

Publisher/Editor

Frank Wolfe Jr.

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

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**Main Office/Sales - 850-585-0262
Web Designer Lee Cox Contributing Editor - Dr. Summers

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Get 2 months of advertising for only $100..thats a total of 10,000 times printed.you cant beat that anywhere! Call me now for details...850-585-0262

This newspaper is your voice to the county commissioners and all city employees, whomever it may concern. Have something to say? Good or bad? Lets hear it!! Dont hesitate to make suggestions or send in your comments to us anytime on any subject. Its that time for school to start again. We are looking for individuals to post happenings from within your school. Did you ever want to be a writer? Heres your chance to be recognized. Send nay and all inquiries to the address listed above. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc.

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Dr Bob Pleads Guilty

As reported by WZEP AM1460

Freeport physician Robert L. Ignasiak, Jr., pled guilty to 12 counts of health care fraud, 29 counts of illegally distributing controlled substances, and one count of failing to appear for trial. The plea was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Between 2001 and 2005, while operating the Freeport Medical Clinic, Ignasiak developed a reputation as a physician who freely prescribed highly addictive controlled substances. During that time, he prescribed drugs such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, diazepam, and alprazolam in quantities, dosages, and combinations that caused his patients to abuse, misuse, and become addicted to the drugs. He continued to prescribe these substances even after becoming aware that his patients were abusing them. He did so despite indications that his patients were not taking the medicines as prescribed, were stealing drugs, were "doctor shopping," were taking the medicines with alcohol, and were suffering overdoses. Ignasiak was initially indicted on these charges in 2008. Following a jury trial, he was convicted of 12 counts of health care fraud and 31 counts of illegally distributing controlled substances. Ignasiak's convictions were reversed on appeal in 2012. He was released from custody, and a retrial was scheduled. In October 31, 2012, Ignasiak faked his own suicide and became a fugitive from justice. Almost a year later, in September 2013, he was arrested in Coral Springs, while handing out leaflets for a pressure washing company, under a false name. Ignasiak will be sentenced on January 14, 2014, by Senior United States District Judge Lacey Collier. He faces maximum prison sentences of 10 years for health care fraud, 20 years for drug distribution, and 10 years for failure to appear. The case resulted from a four-year investigation by the North Florida Health Care Fraud Task Force, comprised of the Florida Attorney General's Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Drug Intelligence Center Document Exploitation Division, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Walton County Sheriff's Office, and State Surgeon General, Florida Department of Health. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Rhew-Miller and Alicia Kim prosecuted this case. this story taken from WMBBs website and was listed as provided by the Department of Justice

Federal agents' pre-dawn WC BCC As reported by WZEP AM1460 raid on reporter's home The Walton Commissioners will be taking back Emergency Management back. raises questions Walton Administrator Larry Jones said there are a number of reasons it would
Audrey Hudsons husband had just left for work on August 6 when suddenly, her dog began barking. The nationally-known journalist walked over to the curtains and peeked outside to discover her Chesapeake Bay home was surrounded by law enforcement officers wearing full body armor. The phone rang. It was her husband. Im in the driveway, he said. The police are here. Open the door. And so began Hudsons nightmare held captive by armed agents of the U.S. Coast Guard, Maryland State Police and the Department of Homeland Security as they staged a pre-dawn raid in search of unregistered firearms and a potato gun. But instead of taking the potato gun, agents seized unrelated government documents and notes from the former Washington Times journalist. Agents took Hudsons records during a search for guns and related items owned by her husband, a civilian Coast Guard employee. They also confiscated her legally registered firearms, according to court documents obtained by The Associated Press. The armed agents held Hudson and her husband in the kitchen as they searched their home. At some point, one of the agents asked if she was the same person who had written a series of stories critical of the Federal Air Marshal program in the mid-2000s. Hudson did indeed author those stories for The Washington Times. Those stories were embarrassing to the agency, she told me. It wasnt until five weeks after the pre-dawn raid that Hudson realized agents had taken her private documents documents that were not listed on the search warrant. At the time she was told that miscellaneous documents had been taken. I got a call from Homeland Security and they told me I could come pick up the documents, she said. The search warrant did not allow them to walk out with those documents. They clearly violated the search warrant. It appears the agents were on a fishing expedition. Hudson tells me her home is filled with boxes and boxes of files. But they only took five files and all five had to do with the Federal Air Marshal stories, she said. The Coast Guard told The Associated Press its investigator was suspicious that the government documents in her possession were labeled law enforcement sensitive. However, they were returned after concluding Hudson had obtained them under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act. But that doesnt explain why the Coast Guard took her personal, handwritten notes. Nor does it explain why the Coast Guard accessed her personal

be better to have the county take care of the services. The responsibility is statutorily under the commissioners. He also said the funding comes from the commissioners and there is some disjointedness between the two agencies when having to transfer back and forth. Jones said they have worked with the sheriff to bring the proposal to the commissioners. Comander said they have been working to get the EOC Bunker ready to move back into. Jones said they expect it to cost up to $300,000 to get the bunker back into the shape needed to be of full service and to comply with the 50 year lease from the state. The property in the Woodlawn area the FDOT was going to build on is now property to build a new fire station to replace the old United Station when the highway is widened. Walton will sublease from the FDOT who leases from the state. If the roadway is shifted to help the hospital and the fire station is not removed, then the deal will not take place. Walton County has property called mitigation land. This is land set aside in exchange for working in other sensitive land. Basically, if the county will have to disturb wetland or other sensitive land, they buy additional land to put into conservation. The land has to be taken care of and that includes prescribed burns. Commissioners rejected a bid and will work with the Forest Service to take care of the need. The commissioners approved a contract with C.W. Roberts for CR 2 shoulder paving, extended a landscaping agreement for Highway 98 medians and scheduled a workshop for November 14 to talk about a possible Sports Complex in southern Walton County. The work at the TDC Building will get a restroom expansion. Attorney Mark Davis asked for a land lease for the fire station east of Freeport, for Mr. Copeland to work in bargaining with the firefighter union and for a commissioner to serve on the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. The commissioners will allow the Life Enrichment Senior Center to rent the facility as a way to help fund the center as the budget has been cut. Commissioners have staff looking into a way to allow farmers to dig their land for ponds or leveling, something they can already do, but then sell the dirt. This would be on a very limited and very controlled basis so as to not start mining operations. And Commissioner Chapman has been working to bring potable water to the Douglass Crossroads area, but says there just isnt enough homes to make the project break even. William Webster said the residents living on and around King Lake say there is a dangerous condition at the dams overflow spill pipe. Jones said they did erect a sign and are concerned that the spillway pipe is open. He said the lake is private and the owners should make sure there is a grate placed. Jones said it is up to the private owner. The county has notified the Water Management District the cover is not there.

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The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Health Post
George Roll P.A.-C Seagrove Medical Clinic Call # 850-231-6200 Walk-ins and Appt.s Send health questions or comments to: P.O.Box 1133 Freeport, Florida 32439

998 Bay Dr.

Santa Rosa-Beach, Fl.32459

850-231-1473
A.J.Dubuisson
State Certified-Master Plumber
License # CF-C057978

850-835-2028
Freeport Elementary School

Hello, Here at the Seagrove Medical Clinic are here to help you when you are feeling under the weather. We can also refer you to a specialist if needed beyond what I can do for you. Call or stop on in anytime. Located in Seagrove Beach, Florida # 231-6200 I like hearing your feedback from articles I have written or sent in information that may be helpful to you each edition. Have a Happy, Safe Halloween!!!

October Kiwanis Citizen of the Month Call for AJs -tip of the week

4th Grader-Cadence Arntz

WCSO Animal Investigations

As reported by WZEP AM1460

Inspect your water heater for signs of leaking fittings and corrosion or rust.

Since January 1, 2013, The Walton County Sheriffs Office has handled 38 cases involving animal abuse, abandonment and neglect. The Sheriffs Office has a full time investigator dedicated to these cases. Investigator Breezy Adkinson has over 16 years of law enforcement experience and works extremely close with Walton County Animal Control and Alaqua Animal Refuge. Investigator Adkinson spends a good deal of her time educating owners of domestic pets and livestock on providing medical care, appropriate diet and good living conditions. She follows up on all ongoing cases to ensure animal owners are providing the proper care for their animals. One of the biggest animal cases to date is that of Nancy Payne, 49, who was arrested for 102 felony counts of animal cruelty. This was a lengthy investigation and the Sheriffs Office greatly appreciates the support of Animal Control and Alaqua Animal Refuge. Alaqua Animal Refuge assisted both agencies by taking in ninetyseven dogs and sixteen horses from the animal cruelty case, which is still ongoing. They have provided protection, shelter and care to these animals. It has been an incredible partnership among the three organizations whose main goal is to care for neglected and abused animals. In 2013, the Walton County Sheriffs Office has spent $21,152 dollars in boarding fees and feed and $3,393 dollars for veterinary fees and medicine. The majority of the money has gone to support Alaqua Animal Refuge in helping with the recovery process for the animals involved with the Sheriffs Office criminal cases.

DOH-WALTON Opening Primary Care Clinics in Paxton and Mossy Head

~ Were Branching Out ~ WALTON COUNTY The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-Walton) is pleased to announce the expansion of its primary care services to the Mossy Head and Paxton communities in Walton County. DOH-Walton in conjunction with the Board of County Commissioners of Walton County, Florida and the Town of Paxton will open offices that will offer much needed primary care services to the communities. The branches are expected to open in November. The DOH-Walton Paxton Branch is located at 21505 US Highway 331 North, Laurel Hill, Florida 32567. The DOH-Walton Mossy Head Branch is located at 1483 County Road 1087, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433. Due to funding sources, all patients seen at these branches must be Florida residents. Funding for the clinics is provided by the Board of County Commissioners and a Low Income Pool (LIP) grant by the State of Florida. For information about LIP funding: http://ahca.myflorida.com/Medicaid/Medicaid_reform/lip/ index.shtml. Both branches will provide a range of primary care services. Clinic providers are able to help patients with a wide range of sickness such as sore throats, coughs, colds, flu, rashes, aches and pains, stomach problems, and urinary infections. The clinic also provides school-entry physicals, school sports physicals and well child examinations. Eligible clients will pay a reduced cost in relation to their income and family size. Proof of income is required. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (850) 892-8015.

Freeport Elementary School 4th Grade Student Council Officers (R to L) President-Nevaeh Lancaster-Bunn Vice-President-Cole

McCormick Secretary-Ryleigh Mixon Treasurer-Hunter Lenoir

Cable and ABC Still Talking

If you have been missing games on the local Channel 13 ABC, there might not be any good news for now. We checked with the local cable provider in DeFuniak Springs and the discussions with Hoak Media, the owners of Channel 13, have not yet yielded a deal to air the network. Joe Durkin, Sr. Director Corporate Communications with Bright House Networks says that at this point an agreement has not been reached to carry WMBB (ABC) and DT2 My TV. He says they understand and appreciate their customers frustration over missing the ongoing football games and programming, but by law Bright House Networks must have permission from broadcasters such as Hoak Media Corporation to carry their channel. Durkin says they remain optimistic that an agreement will be reached soon.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

The Emerald Star News, Inc.

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The FREEPORT POST

Business License Meeting
As reported by WZEP AM1460

Watch Yourself When Out and About

As reported by WZEP AM1460

The Mayors Post

Russ Barley Freeport Mayor Please send any and all comments to The Emerald_Star_News@hotmail.com

We recently reported on the move by Walton County to a potential Business Tax Receipt (BTR) program. This is basically a business license. While there will be public hearings, the matter is not set and will have to go through several more steps before the commissioners vote. Currently, the County has schedule two public hearings in regard to the proposed programs to be held the week of October 28, 2013. The first meeting will be held on Monday, October 28 at 1:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the DeFuniak Springs Courthouse located at 571 E. Nelson Ave. The second meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 30 at 1:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the South Walton Annex located at 31 Coastal Centre Blvd. The proposed BTR program would potentially institute a program where all businesses operating within Walton County would be required to register and pay the Walton County local business tax annually. In the proposal, the initial registration fee for businesses would be $50, with an annual renewal of $30. The commissioners are considering the change as a way to better know what businesses are operating in the county, to help with economic development, for safety as the firefighters would have an idea of hazard potentials and to make sure the original approved uses of a building is still in effect.

When you are out and about, the Walton County Sheriffs Office says to be cautious about giving acces to your belongings. Investigators with the Walton County Sheriffs Office are investigating two purse snatchings that took place four days apart at the Silver Sands Premium Outlet Mall. The first incident occurred on Tuesday, October 15 th and the second took place on Friday, October 18th. Both incidents occurred while the victims were eating and a male subject approached the area, grabbed the purse and ran off. In the second incident, the suspect is described as a tan male, wearing a light grey shirt, jeans, buzz cut hairstyle, dark eyebrows and looked to be in his late teens or early twenties. At this time, investigators are following all leads. Anyone with any information regarding this incident and who wants to be eligible for a cash reward of UP TO $1,000 is asked to call Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 863-TIPS (8477), report anonymously online at www.emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com, text "TIP214 plus your tip" to 274637(CRIMES) or send a mobile tip using our new "Tipsubmit Mobile" application, which is a free download for iPhones, iPads, and Droids. (Text STOP to 274637 to cancel. Text HELP to 274637 for help. Msg&Data Rates May Apply.) With the upcoming holiday season this is a prime time for crime. The Sheriffs Office is asking citizens to please be vigilant, be aware of your surroundings and keep your personal belongings close to you. The following crime prevention tips are helpful for your personal safety: Park your car in a well lit area and be aware of your surroundings. Carry only the credit cards you intend to use and avoid carrying large sums of money. Never leave packages or valuables in your vehicle that are visible. While out and about, present an alert appearance. There is safety in numbers so shop with friends or relatives. Carry the day's most expensive purchases closest to your body, and don't carry so much you lose the ability to react quickly.

Marco Rubio Backs Away From Own Immigration Bill Becoming Law
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) does not think the bill he helped draft and pass through the Senate should be combined with House-passed legislation, spokesman Alex Conant told TPM and Politico in stories published on Monday. Rubio has been backing away from the bill, which he drafted with the so -called "gang of eight," since its passage in June, saying the House should work its will instead. But House Republicans plan to take a very different approach to the one Rubio pushed through with significant bipartisan support only four months ago. The reason, according to Conant, is that he -- not wrongly -- thinks the "gang of eight" bill is opposed by majority of Republicans in the House and has always favored a piecemeal approach. While the House GOP is unlikely to pass the comprehensive bill, advocates hope it can be combined in a conference committee with whatever the House passes. But Rubio doesn't think that should happen, although he does not necessarily oppose going to conference and limiting the scope to what the House approves on its own, Conant said. "The point is that at this time, the only approach that has a realistic chance of success is to focus on those aspects of reform on which there is consensus through a series of individual bills," he told TPM in an email. "Otherwise, this latest effort to make progress on immigration will meet the same fate as previous efforts: failure."

Russ Barley-Mayor-Freeport, Fl. Greeting from the Mayors Office ,the new Heritage Museum will be open on this Sunday November 3, 2013 , the celebration will begin at 2:00 PM, my sincere appreciation to Museum Curator Tim Ard and the city Historian Beckie Buxton for all of their hard work in bringing this together. Please dont forget to help with the donation boxes located at the Food Depot, TJs Table and Dollar General for the Freeport Holiday Fundnon -perishable foods and unwrapped toys would be greatly appreciated. A ground breaking for the new project at Cross Creek Development will take place on November 4, 2013 at 10:00 a.m., and a Ribbon Cutting for the new Jobs Plus location on Hwy 20 East will take place on November 14th at 12:00 pm.. The next Picking on the Porch is scheduled for November 10th at city hall beginning at 2:00 pm, for additional information please contact our City Planner Latilda Hughes at city hall and the Mayors Charity Ball is on tap for November 23, 2013 at the Hammock Bay Lake Club, tickets are available at TJs Table, City Hall, The Prissy Hen, Hammock Bay or with any Town Planters Society Member- the proceeds will help go towards the Freeport Holiday Fund working with the firemen of the community. Letters will soon be going out for volunteer annexation into the city limits, please take time to read the letters and respond, further information can be obtained by calling the city hall. The city council elected to have an impact study to help determine the best way to consider the impact fees that are in place for both residential and commercial, this topic will be addressed in coming meetings with the council. Soon the holiday season will be among us and the city is in the process of working on the Christmas Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, these will take place on the first Friday of December- December 6, 2013, beginning at 4:00 pm (Parade) and 6:00 pm (Tree Lighting). You will begin seeing our city Christmas decorations going up in the next few weeks reminding you all that it is just around the corner. The next scheduled city council meeting is November 12,.2013 at 7:00 pm., please come join us and have a part in your city government. As always I am always a telephone call away or please stop by the city hall for a visit. Russ Barley-Mayor

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The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH URGES FLORIDIANS TO HELP PREVENT SEASONAL FLU

TALLAHASSEE - Flu season is here and the Florida Department of Health urges residents and visitors to take precautions to help limit their risk of exposure to infection. Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Take action now to protect yourself and your family from the flu, said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John H. Armstrong. Floridians need to get their annual flu shot, wash their hands regularly and stay home if they do become ill. Symptoms of the flu include headache, fever, severe cough, runny nose or body aches. Contact your health care provider immediately if symptoms appear. The Department offers the following prevention tips:

WALTON COUNTY HOUSING

AGENCY AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HELP SECTION 8 FAMILIES TRANSITION TO HOME OWNERSHIP

Loves Family Travel Center Groundbreaking

Eighty jobs, about half full time and new businesses are coming to the Mossy Head I -10 exit. Wednesday morning County and State officials and representatives from Loves Family Travel Centers got together to break ground for the new facility. Walton Commissioner Chairman Kenneth Pridgen welcomed the representatives and Senator Don Gaetz. The Senator said Loves picked a good place to be. A place with people who needs jobs and want to work. he said this is the kind of development they want to encourage and he and Representative Coley have worked to support the efforts. Bill Gleeson, with the Loves Family, says the new facility will be open by the 4th of July. He said they are excited to be in Walton County. Expect the construction to begin in the second week of January. His daughter lives in Navarre and says when he saw the sign crossing into Florida that said the state is open for business, he found out it is true. He says Walton County had one of the fastest turnarounds to get the development started. Gaetz said Loves will make money and make friends in walton County. Gleeson said the Open For Business motto is true. he also spoke of the county officials and what they did to make this happen. Commissioner Bill Imfeld read a letter from Governor Scott. The Governor welcomed Loves, but also said this shows the state is moving in the right direction. Scott says the business friendly strategies are working to make sure the residents can pursue their dreams. Floridas unemployment rate is lower than the national average.

The Walton County Housing Agency, in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity, has recently aided in the transition of five Section 8 families into permanent home ownership with the help of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Family SelfSufficiency Program. Over recent years, funding for the Walton County Housing Agency has been on a decline. Currently in Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or Walton County, 275 families receive sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. rental assistance through Section 8 Housing. This is a decrease from Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are January 2013 when the agency served approximately 330 families. not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Due to the decline in funding, the agency is striving to find other ways to Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth since germs spread both assist families needing it most this way. and work with tenants to become selfsufficient. They have found success through working with the HUD Fam Try to avoid close contact with sick people. ily Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS).

If you or your children are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for communities to develop local strategies to at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, unless you need medical help voucher families obtain employment care. leading to economic independence and self

FSS is a HUD program that encourages

Get vaccinated every year since flu viruses change.

Check with your physician, your local county health department or visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/prevention-safety-and-wellness/flu-prevention/ locate-a-flu-shot.html to search for a location to receive a flu vaccine. For more information, visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/prevention-safetyand-wellness/flu-prevention/index.html. The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For news story ideas, interviews, videos and more from DOH Communications visit the DOH Online Newsroom http://newsroom.doh.state.fl.us/. Saturday, November 9th, its the inaugural Okaloosa/Walton Miles of Memories 5K Run/Walk and 1-mile Walk at Superior Residences in Niceville. The funds raised will help Alzheimers Family Services continue to support families in our community affected by Alzheimers Disease and other forms of dementia. Registration will begin at 7 am with the fun starting at 8 am. Runner and walkers of all paces are welcome. For more information, go online to http:// milesofmemoriesniceville.kintera.org. The Rotary Club of DeFuniak Springs Night Golf Tournament is Friday, November 15th at the DeFuniak Springs Country Club. Registration begins at 5:30 pm with a shotgun start at dark. A BBQ dinner will be served from 6-7 pm. The entry fee is $45 per person and includes string, cart, green fees, and the meal. For more information, call Lisa Mitchell at 401-1488. The 1st Annual Key Club Classic Golf Tournament is coming up November 16th at the DeFuniak Springs Country Club. The entry fee is $50 per person (4 person teams) and includes the green fee and cart. Proceeds will benefit the Walton High School Key Club service projects. Call Johnnie Kay Ealum at ealumj@walton.k12.fl.us or call 850-892-1270 ext. 4489.

-sufficiency. Public housing agencies work with welfare agencies, schools, businesses, and other local partners to develop a comprehensive program that provides participating FSS family members the skills and experience to enable them to obtain employment that pays a living wage. Additional information about the program can be found at the following link: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD? src=/program_offices/ public_indian_housing/programs/hcv/fss As part of the success of the program, one family will be receiving over $5,000.00 for earned escrow to assist them in new home ownership. This tenant has met the goals established in her individual training plan including improved finances, stable employment, credit improvement, and furthering her level of education. Another FSS participant transitioning into a Habitat home has recently established her own Day Care business. In addition to those who have already transitioned out of the program, one FSS participant will be graduating in May 2014 with a Dental Hygienist certification. This tenant will be transitioning from the program at that time. While the agency is excited about their recent success, they look forward to helping additional families complete the FSS Program and providing them with the means to move towards permanent home ownership.

For additional information, please contact Tom Baker, Walton County HUD, at 850-951-7278.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc.

Page 7

Happenings in DeFuniak Springs

Life Enrichment Senior Center
A resident and citizen who helped organize the Life Enrichment Senior Center, J.B. Hillard, asked to change the contract with the centers manager, Tri -County Community Council, to allow rental of the facility as a way to generate additional funds. He also expressed concern that the names of members were released by the director to a political party. A past Walton Commissioner Board worked to create a senior center for the elderly population. A building near the old hospital was remodeled and became the new Life Enrichment Senior Center. The commissioners have now cut the funding to the center by 50% and one resident asked for help. The Walton Commissioners and the City of DeFuniak Springs worked together with residents to create the Life Enrichment Senior Center. Commissioner Sara Comander asked if groups using the Senior Center pay rent. She said they should look into at least a nominal fee for use of the building. She said this could be at least enough to pay for the maintenance. Administrator Larry Jones said the contract they were being asked to approve does carry a caveat about not being able to rent. Commissioners agreed to have staff look into allowing rentals, much like the city does for its buildings. In an email to WZEP, J. B. Hillard says the Chairman of the Walton County Democratic Party requested and received the names of all members of the Life Enrichment Senior Center. He says this was authorized by Joel Paul, Director of Tri-County Community Council, who holds a contract with the county to manage the Senior Center. This request for the names was not submitted to county administration, but direct to the TCCC. No addresses or telephone numbers were released. In order to determine if this was a violation of the Florida public records law, Hillard sent the questions to the First Amendment Foundation in Tallahassee. It was found not to be a violation and that the names of senior center members are not a protected class under exemptions authorized under the law. Hillard says a side issue has been identified that could have an impact on the county doing business with contractors. If a contractor generates proprietary information that should be treated as confidential or proprietary in the best interest of the county, and paid for with taxpayers funds should the county have an interest in what a contractor can release to the public. Also, does a contractor have authority to use whatever records and information they generate as they wish without any oversight by the county. Under Floridas Sunshine Law, when a private business or organization does the work of the government, then that work falls under the Sunshine Law, including normal records requests. This means that if the county chooses to hire someone to run the jail, senior center, a county park or hospital, then a records request must be taken care of the same way as any other government records request. Except for an exemptions, the request has to be made in a timely manner. It also opens the firm to public scrutiny through the Sunshine Law. Hillard asked for a review of how information can be released by contracted companies and asked for a rental fee allowance to assist the Center with funding.

Water Talk For Douglass Crossroads

As reported by WZEP AM1460

The Douglass Crossroads Community east of DeFuniak Springs has been a part of Walton County for many years. Walton Commissioner Bill Chapman said the Douglas Crossroads community asked him to look into creating a water system. He has done so and found a water system takes a lot of money and at least enough hook-ups to break even. Right now, the commissioner says the rural community has neither. Chapman told his fellow commissioners that many of the residents are on shallow wells and there is a taste and odor problem. The area is in the DeFuniak Springs water franchise. He has been looking into what it would take to bring a water system to the area. The thought is an elevated tower would be needed. The estimated cost is $3.4 million. Chapman said he has found a water system is complicated and has a number of hoops to go He talked with the City of DeFuniak Springs and the breakpoint is 350 taps. He says the best he can find is around 150 homes. Chapman also talked with the Water Management District and state and there might be help. A grant might be available, but it would be a 50/50 match and the county would have to pay over a million and a half. He said, even with the possible tie-ins, there is no guarantee the residents will do so. There will also be costs for maintaining and running the system. Chapman said he does not have a good solution and asked for anyone with an idea to help. The grant has to be filed by November 1st. Chapman said he wishes they could help, but the project would not break even, that is it would be very costly and continue to cost money. Commissioner Imfeld asked that they still apply for the grant and look for other money sources. He said he does not want to simply stop looking, even if it does not look feasible right now. He said they could always turn the grant down if they cant put the project together. Commissioners agreed to seek the grant and keep looking for a way to bring a water system to the community. The meeting South Walton Sports Complex meeting scheduled for November 14th has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict. A new date is to be determined. Once rescheduled, the meeting will continue the initiative to gather public input regarding the possibility of developing a new sports complex in South Walton. We have invited Larry Zehnder, Senior Parks and Recreation Planner with Barge, Waggnor Sumner and Cannon to make a presentation regarding the potential costs of developing and constructing a new facility.

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The EMERALD STAR NEWS, Inc.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

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Thursday, October 31, 2013

The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc .

Page 9 Letter to the :

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 promote business in Walton county. Thank you

The 14 day Overview

Aquarius 1/20 2/18 Pisces 2/19 3/20 Aries 3/21 4/19 Taurus 4/20 5/20 Gemini 5/21 6/21 Cancer 6/22 7/22 Leo 7/23 8/22 Virgo 8/23 9/22

Tensions lead to discoveries on Monday, so don't be afraid of confrontation. In fact, you may want to instigate something just to see what happens -- at worst, you just have to apologize and move on. Things aren't quite what they seem in the middle of the week, but a bit of careful investigation should yield some interesting insights. Keep looking until you're satisfied. Work can be almost impossible on Monday -- especially if you have to collaborate or deal with too many meetings. Your coworkers seem to be taking out all their aggression on you, though you can avoid it if you've got a door to shut. Things get much better overnight, and you ought to be able to get a jump on your rivals as long as you don't let yourself over think your position. You need to show the world what you've got on Monday -- take a big chance or make public some bit of information you've been saving for just the right moment. It should go quite well! The middle part of the week might see you head to the doctor's office, or at least think about making an appointment -- though the odds are good that your fears, if any, are unfounded. You start the week a little bit flustered, thanks to worries about insecurity. Try to get your most important people to reiterate their commitment to you and all should be well. Tuesday and Wednesday see a blossoming of your personal energy, and you should be able to really enjoy your surroundings and activities. Branch out and try something new! You've had at least one great idea pop into your head lately; now is the time to bring it to life. You should get all the support you need. Watch out for gossips or worse midweek -- people seem all too eager to insinuate themselves into other people's business. Walk away as soon as you see it. Though your mind is filled with good energy later in the week, Finances might be on your mind as the week begins, but you should be able to discern expenses that make sense from those that don't. Be firm with family members! You need to deal with the aftermath of a lengthy work session or party on Tuesday and Wednesday, but it's easier than usual to clean up and return your world to its proper working order. Monday is fantastic -- almost too much so to be believed! Your great energy helps you take care of any problems before they get out of control, and you should get the respect you know you deserve. Spend some time in the middle of the week thinking through your plans for the year, because your mind is better able to see how it meshes with your expectations. You should feel free to take all the time you need on Monday to plot out the rest of the week. You're more likely to get everything done if you've got it all scheduled out, even if that means Monday isn't productive. Your energy midweek is perfect for following through and organizing, so you can be confident that you should more than make up for any slacking earlier. Your creative energy is fully engaged early this week, and you should make the most of it! You may feel the urge to redecorate or otherwise change up the way things look. On Tuesday and Wednesday, you are almost certainly dealing with responsibilities that feel a little overwhelming, but only because you haven't figured out the limits yet. Think it all through and things should be fine in the long run.

Dear Editor, I have noticed that your newspapers are being picked up by everyone. I was up at the gas station ,I swear I saw 17 people in a row grab a copy. If the business people realize how fast they are being picked up after you deliver your spots, they could maybe see an increase of business too. Ive noticed changes over the years but they are well explained reasons for the changes. I respect how you are honest and forthright with your newspaper. In person you tell it like it is and I admire someone who does what all you do. Freeport needs to step up and give you the recognition you well deserve. Everyone loves this lil newspaper. Keep up the great work. Samuel Herrington Editor, I must admit you have done pretty good for not posting all the negative news from our government. When you did mention anything you hit the nail on the head. I dont know if you write your own stuff or have people help. I like all that have said and done over the years. Maybe the Mayor will give you a business of the week sometime soon. Continue what your doing they will come around. Beth Hamilton I want to Thank you for the fine job you did on my house. The referral from this newspaper is how I found good help. They did a great job with you. Thanks

Libra 9/23 10/22 Scorpio

Keep it low-key early this week -- you need to avoid the appearance of hogging the stage or otherwise taking more than your share of the attention. It may be tough, but it's worth it. Things get much better on Tuesday, and you are privy to secret information that makes the next couple of days quite interesting -- and kind 10/23 11/21 of fun, in a naughty sort of way. Open up discussions later in the week, You've got a decided advantage in all your dealings on Monday -- and it all comes down to your great energy! You may feel that it's unfair, but you also know that it all comes close to evening out in the long run. In fact, as early as Tuesday, you may find yourself passed up for a raise or promotion. Midweek isn't a good time for advancement, but you can at least hold your ground. Monday is all about your friends. There's a chance you may need to call on someone for help, but everyone always calls on you for help, so there's no need to feel guilty. There is a lot you want to get done by midweek, and some of it is going to seem impossible. Rest assured, it's not. When you and your best pals put your heads together, there's really not very much you can't do. Persevere and you will prevail.

Sagittarius 11/22 12/2 Capricorn 12/22 1/19

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Page 10

The EMERALD STAR NEWS, Inc.

As reported by WZEP AM 1460

Thursday, October 31, 2013

DFS Council Meeting

County To Look At Possible Short Term Dirt Sale

Should a landowner be allowed to sell dirt? When this was allowed, some took advantage of the use and caused damage to the environment. The allowance was changed and now the dirt cannot leave your property unless you have a mining permit. The Walton Commissioners are looking at making very limited, temporary allowances for some farmers to sell dirt when managing their land. Land use language allowed for a land owner like a farmer to take dirt from one part of the property and use it elsewhere. Some took this to mean the dirt could be taken from the property and sold. This started several open dirt pits under the borrow pit language, mining operations. For one of these, the owner said he was building a pond, but the land became a dumping ground as well as an open mine. A nearby creek near one borrow pit went from a flowing creek with fish to a silt filled open area with dead trees. Commissioner Pridgen said there are areas where dirt is being hauled from Rock Hill Road to other parts of the county. He said property in the north end has the right kind of dirt for road base. He also noted there are farmers that could have a small amount of dirt removed from their property and sold, but the current ordinances do not allow the dirt to be removed from the property. Pridgen said that if the landowner builds a pond, they cant even give the dirt away. The commissioners put the restrictions in place to prevent mining operations from taking place where farm borrow pits were allowed.

The DeFuniak Springs City Hall property might have a buyer and the Mayor says this could be the funds they have been looking for to move and expand the building. In the past, the Council has talked about the need for a new or expanded city hall. A study was done showing the additional space needed and the Council has had concerns about traffic issues. One idea was to sell the current land and move the building. Mayor Campbell said he and Steve Yager have been talking with a company who is interested in the city hall property. Campbell said they have offered to relocate the city hall in the process of purchasing. Campbell said they have looked at properties downtown and at the old armoury. The architect has an estimate from a previous study and Campbell said it could be refreshed. Campbell said they could be looking at fair market value and the cost to build a new city hall. While the mayor is the only one who knows the potential business, he said it is a retail business that any town would like and would bring in 28 new jobs. On November 11th the city will hold the annual Veterans Day event. This time there will be a helicopter flyover. A Huey UH1 and a Cobra are at the Friends of Army Aviation Ozark, a group dedicated to preserving this type of aviation history and promoting aviation. They will be offering helicopter rides from the DeFuniak Springs Airport after the Veterans Day service. The cost of flights will be $60, less for veterans and military. Tom Aretz said, while the aircraft were used for war, they are trying to use them for good. Council member Mac Work asked about the land at the end of the runway. The owners, each with about an acre, are asking for around $200,000 for each lot. The lots are valued at less than $50,000. The land is needed as a safety zone and for expansion. Work said eminent domain might come into play since they are so far out of line. The county supported a land use change for a parcel owned by the family just south of the current land based on the expectation of the land need. The attorney said they should make an offer to the owners and let them know they need the land. The Council will have to approve the use of eminent domain. Each lot has an older single wide trailer. The Council agreed they might need to help move the trailers or replace them. Work also showed land that abuts the industrial park. The owner is interested in selling. The Council approved several fee waivers for the use of the Chautauqua Building, including the AFJROTCs annual military ball. The Hurleys were approved to put up and take down the barricades for Christmas Reflections. The Council approved moving forward with legal to have two homes in deteriorated state taken down. The Economic Development and Tourism Council will continue, but might concentrate more on the tourism and bringing in people side.

The attorney and staff will look at a possible way for farmers with suitable land to be allowed to level hills, build a fish pond or shape the land in a very limited and defined basis, then be able to sell the dirt. They said this would be short term and regulated to the specific project. Pridgen said this would be a way to get dirt from the north part of the county, help farmers and contractors and still keep a mining operation from starting on farmland.

WCSO Receives Receivers From Anchor Club

As reported by WZEP AM1460

The Walton County Sheriffs Office received receivers from the Walton High Anchor Club. The Anchor Club, in partnership with the Walton County Sheriffs Office, hosted a fundraiser to benefit Project Lifesaver. Over $1,000.00 was raised which went towards the purchase of two tracking receivers to recover a loved one who may wander due to cognitive conditions such as Alzheimers, autism and dementia. Each person who is signed up for Project Lifesaver will receive a bracelet that emits an individualized six digit code that is maintained by the Sheriffs Office and the loved ones family. If the Project Lifesaver member wanders, a family member can call the Sheriffs Office, give the six digit number and trained members of the Sheriffs Office will use both receivers to triangulate the position by inputting the six digit tracking code from the bracelet. Checks are done once a month by the Sheriffs Office personnel to make sure the bracelet and receivers are transmitting properly. The Walton High School Anchor Club and the Sheriffs Office will continue to work together to raise money to buy more bracelets in hopes to bring more people into the program. The goal is to also expand to retirement facilities and reach out to families who may have a loved one that suffers from dementia or have an autistic child. The Walton County Sheriffs Office encourages anyone interested in the Project Lifesaver Program to contact Lt Danny Garner or Volunteer Coordinator Leah Snaith at 850-892-8186 for more information. Project Lifesaver International also provides additional information about the program at www. projectlifesaver.org.

This newspaper would love to see more input from the teachers and parents promoting accomplishments of our children. Please E-mail to Emerald_star_news@hotmail.com

Thursday, October 31, 2013 Local man helping local businesses.. contact 850-585-0262

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The 1st Annual Key Club Classic Golf Tournament is coming up November 16th at the DeFuniak Springs Country Club. The entry fee is $50 per person (4 person teams) and includes the green fee and cart. Proceeds will benefit the Walton High School Key Club service projects. Call Johnnie Kay Ealum at ealumj@walton.k12.fl.us or call 850-8921270 ext. 4489.

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Emerald_star_news@hotmail.com The Walton County Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA) will hold its monthly board meeting on Thursday, November 7, 2013 at 12:00 PM in the Walton County Administration Conference room located at 76 North 6th Street, DeFuniak Springs, FL. Please be advised that the Walton County Local Restore Act Committee will hold a special Workshop on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at 5:00 PM at the Bayou Arts Center located at 105 Hogtown Bayou, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the RESTORE Act. Two or more Walton County Commissioners may attend. These meetings are open to the public. Please be advised that the Walton County Board of Commissioners will hold their Regular Meeting on Thursday, November 7, 2013 rather than Tuesday, November 12, 2013 due to the Florida Association of Counties Conference held in Daytona, FL. This meeting will begin at 4:00 PM and will be held in the South Walton Courthouse Annex located at 31 Costal Centre Blvd., Santa Rosa Beach, FL

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DFS Council Meeting cont

With a long list of items under his time Mac Carpenter asked to defer several of them due to the agenda not being posted to the website until 8:30am Monday morning. He said it was not Thinking of a remodeling up over the weekend and they do not publish it in the paper. Carpenter said he does not feel job? Kitchens, baths, etc. Let us give you an estimate that could this provided enough time for public awareness. save you up to a thousand dollars Carpenter asked for a list of any litigation against any current or former elected officials or or more. employees. Carpenter then spoke about needed corrections in the land codes. He said they often have to Over 30yrs. Exp in building and come for changes when a developer comes with an economic development project. There is remodeling and repair work. a flood map and a zoning map. Carpenter said there are a lot of parcels in question and rec- Call 585-0262 for details ommended only working with the areas in a current study area project. Carpenter noted that some of the problems were created many years ago. At a previous meeting several residents expressed concern about changes to their property. Staff said these are not being changed at this time. Carpenter also talked about a strategic plan to help with budgeting. He suggested forming a committee in January to help guide them in spending funds. Carpenter said this would help with budgeting and with the discretionary funds. Carpenter said Works CNG idea is one that should be in the plan. The airport, downtown and attracting people are other ideas that should be included. J.B. Hillard and Shanye Betts both talked about the talent of locals and their ability to help come up with a sustainable strategic or vision plan. Carpenter also used the gas system as an example. He said they need to have a business plan that says why they are in the gas business and what do they need to do to make it the best for what it is purposed for. Carpenter said the business plan needs to identify opportunities, not just waiting for something to break.

Page 12

The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

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