Volume: 5 Issue: 25 December 12, 2013 bi-weekly Edition

merald Star News E The

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Inside this Edition:

Help Freeport families in

need of a Christmas

We have several families……..Page 2

A poverty, not education,

crisis in U.S. The latest results of the Program for Inter-

national Student Assessment — which

measures the knowledge …..…..Page 3

FREEPORT Mayor’s Post

See what the Mayor has to say….Page 5

Projects Approved For

Our Area Governor Rick Scott announced the third

set of Natural Resource Damage Assess-

ment early restoration projects ...Page 7

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Hello….it’s that wonderful time of the year for most of you

all. But for some the times are harder than they appear to

you. You cannot assume the smile is genuine when there is

so much struggle from within a person. Economically the nation is dis-

guising the ugly truth about poverty and the welfare of your fellow citizen.

I remembered this story from some time ago but it is a touching story. I’d like to share

with you all to read now. Have a safe and Happy holidays….Merry Christmas!!

The Night of Oranges By Flavius Stan

It is Christmas Eve in 1989 in Timisoara and the ice is still dirty from the boots of the

Romanian revolution. The dictator Nicolae Ceausescu had been deposed a few days

before, and on Christmas Day he would be executed by firing squad. I am in the center

of the city with my friends, empty now of the crowds that prayed outside the cathedral

during the worst of the fighting. My friends and I still hear shots here and there. Our

cold hands are gray like the sky above us, and we want to see a movie.

There is a rumor that there will be oranges for sale tonight. Hundreds of people are al-

ready waiting in line. We were used to such lines under the former Communist Govern-

ment-lines for bread, lines for meat, lines for everything. Families would wait much of

the day for rationed items. As children, we would take turns for an hour or more, hold-

ing our family’s place in line.

But this line is different. There are children in Romania who don’t know what an orange

looks like. It is a special treat. Having the chance to eat a single orange will keep a child

happy for a week. It will also make him a hero in the eyes of his friends. For the first

time, someone is selling oranges by the kilo.

Suddenly I want to do something important: I want to give my brother a big surprise. He

is only eight years old, and I want him to celebrate Christmas with lots of oranges at the

table. I also want my parents to be proud of me.

So I call home and tell my parents that I’m going to be late. I forget about going to the

movie, leave my friends, and join the line.

People aren’t silent, upset, frustrated, as they were before the revolution; they are talk-

ing to one another about life, politics, and the new situation in the country.

The oranges are sold out of the back doorway of a food shop. The clerk has gone from

anonymity to unexpected importance. As he handles the oranges, he acts like a movie

star in front of his fans.

He moves his arms in an exaggerated manner as he tells the other workers where to go

and what to do. All I can do is stare at the stack of cardboard boxes, piled higher than

me. I have never seen so many oranges in my life.

Finally, it is my turn. It is 8 o’clock, and I have been waiting for six hours. It doesn’t

seem like a long time because my mind has been flying from the oranges in front of me

to my brother and then back to the oranges. I hand over the money I was going to spend

on the movie and watch each orange being thrown into my bag. I try to count them, but

I lose their number.

I am drunk with the idea of oranges. I put the bag inside my coat as if I want to absorb

their warmth. They aren’t heavy at all, and I feel that this is going to be the best Christ-

mas of my life. I begin thinking of how I am going to present my gift.

I get home and my father opens the door. He is amazed when he sees the oranges, and

we decide to hide them until dinner. At dessert that night, I give my brother the present.

Everyone is silent. They can’t believe it.

My brother doesn’t touch them. He is afraid even to look at them. Maybe they aren’t

real. Maybe they are an illusion, like everything else these days. We have to tell him he

can eat them before he has the courage to touch one of the oranges.

I stare at my brother eating the oranges. They are my oranges. My parents are proud of

me.

If you can afford to donate some gifts or money to needy families in the area. If you

need to know of a family in need please call 850-585-0262 and we can set you up with

the appropriate people. We know of 3 families in need of Christmas gifts/food now.

Editorial 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.

Publisher/Editor

Frank Wolfe Jr.

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Page 2 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Thursday, December 12, 2013

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Page 3 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Thursday, December 12, 2013

Flu Caution As reported by WZEP AM 1460

The flu has cost the life of at least one in our area and many more have suffered

extended sick time. With the holidays bringing visitors, the flu has an even greater

chance of finding you. The Florida Department of Health in Walton County (DOH-

Walton) recommends flu vaccination due to an increase in Influenza-Like Illnesses

(ILI) in the Panhandle area.

Holly B. Holt, BSN, MSM, DOH-Walton Health Officer says they are encouraging

people who have not yet been vaccinated this season to get vaccinated now. She

says the flu season typically peaks in February and can last as late as May. And she

reminds you that it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to de-

velop in the body which protect against the influenza virus infection.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone six months and older

get a yearly flu vaccine. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits,

missed work due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.

With the holidays in full swing and many people traveling, this simple precaution is

the best way to prevent the flu as well as flu-related complications that could lead

to severe illness, hospitalization and even death.

Additional flu prevention steps include washing your hands often, keeping your

hands away from your face and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when

sneezing and coughing. Symptoms of the flu include headache, fever, severe cough,

runny nose or body aches. The Department recommends staying at home for at

least 24 hours after your fever is gone if you or your children are sick with a flu-

like illness, unless you need medical care. For more information about flu preven-

tion, visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/prevention-safety-and-wellness/flu-

prevention/index.html or http://www.cdc.gov/flu, or call CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO

(800-232-4636).

Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctor’s offices, clinics,

health departments, retail stores, pharmacies, health centers, and by many employ-

ers. It is important for you and your family members to get a flu vaccine every year.

Check with your physician or visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/prevention-safety-

and-wellness/flu-prvention/locate-a-flu-shot.html to search for a location to receive

a flu vaccine.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call DOH-Walton and Walton

Community Health Center at (850) 892-8015 or visit the website at http://

www.floridahealth.gov/chdwalton/index.html.

DOH works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida

through integrated state, county and community efforts

WCSO Vice/Narcotics Unit Arrest 5 for

Methamphetamine

As reported by WZEP AM1460

Multiple people were arrested for meth after a month long investigation. Tuesday the

Walton County Sheriff’s Office Investigators executed a search warrant after a month

long investigation at the residence of 49-year-old Donald Joseph Wood, of Landfill

Road. During the search, investigators located chemicals and paraphernalia used in the

manufacturing of methamphetamine; along with an excess of over 200 grams of

methamphetamine. Woods was arrested and charged with Manufacturing Metham-

phetamine (2nd Degree Felony), Trafficking in Methamphetamine (1st Degree Felony),

and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (1st Degree Misdemeanor).

The Sheriff’s office says they also arrested four others when they executed the search

warrant. Alexander Wood, 23, was arrested and charged with Possession of Metham-

phetamine (3rd Degree Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (1st Degree Mis-

demeanor). Tonya Michelle Davis, 35, was arrested and charged with Manufacturing

Methamphetamine (2nd Degree Felony). Joanna Leann Jackson, 22, was arrested and

charged with Possession of less than 20 grams of Marijuana (1st Degree Misdemeanor)

and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (1st Degree Misdemeanor). Allan Lee Nabors,

40, fled on foot from the residence but was taken into custody without incident. Nabors

was arrested and charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine (2nd Degree Felony),

Trafficking in Methamphetamine (1st Degree Felony), Possession of a Listed Chemical

(2nd Degree Felony) and Resisting an Officer without Violence (1st Degree Misde-

meanor).

Deputies from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit, K9 Unit, Patrol Bureau

and K9 Unit from the Walton Correctional Institute assisted in the apprehension of

Nabors. All five individuals were transported to the Walton County Department of Cor-

rections.

A poverty, not education, crisis in U.S. The latest results of the Program for International Student Assessment — which

measures the knowledge and skills of 15-year-old students in math, reading and sci-

ence — were released last week, and once again Finland is near the top. True, this

time students in Asia claimed many of the top spots. But Finland's system remains

one of the world's highest-performing, with its universal preschool program, site-

based management and dislike of standardized testing often cited for its success.

By comparison, U.S. student scores remained in the middle of the pack. But the most

telling difference between Finns and Americans when it comes to education is child

poverty.

Poverty is the most relevant factor in determining the outcome of a person's educa-

tional journey, and in Finland, the child poverty rate is about 5%. In the U.S., the rate

is almost five times as high. Unlike us, the Finns calculate the rate of poverty after

accounting for government aid, but the differences remain substantial.

Here's one data point worth remembering. When you measure the test scores of

American schools with a child poverty rate of less than 20%, our kids not only out-

perform the Finns, they outperform every nation in the world.

Half of students in poverty

But here's the really bad news. Two new studies on education and poverty were re-

ported in Education Week in October. The first from the Southern Education Founda-

tion reveals that nearly half of all U.S. public school students live in poverty. Poverty

has risen in every state since President Clinton left office.

Chew on that. The causes of poverty are complex and varied: excessive immigration,

tax policy, and the exportation and automation of manufacturing jobs. Yet the list of

solutions is strikingly short. Other than picking a kid's parents, it amounts to giving

all children access to a high-quality education.

Here's the catch-22. While the only long-term solution to poverty might be a good

education, a good education is seldom available to children living in poverty.

One reason is that spending on education has not kept pace with the rise in

child poverty. While poverty grew by 40% in the Midwest and 33% in the South

from 2001 to 2011, educational spending per pupil grew by only 12% in these

regions over the same 10-year period.

Helping Older

Adults Manage

the Outside

World

The world can become a scary place for an elderly person. If you're a

caregiver, these tips can help you help your loved one:

Know the route that Grandpa takes to his regular daytime activities.

Make sure Mom carries identification and your contact information

with her whenever she's out of the house.

Check that your parent's or grandparent's car is well maintained.

Check often for problems with windshield wipers, tires, and brakes.

Even those who drive safely by day may suffer night blindness, which

is common among older adults. Ride along with your loved one peri-

odically at different times of day to assess these skills.

AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) offers

driver safety information. It's designed to help troubleshoot a lot of

the problems older drivers develop, such as being blinded by bright

headlights. One solution is getting your older parent special glare-

reduction glasses.

Remove the distributor cap from Mom's car or take the keys if she

shouldn't be driving but is being really stubborn about it. Loss of the

ability to drive can be extremely upsetting for seniors -- many con-

sider it to be the single most difficult change they face. Recognize this

and work to set up practical transportation alternatives so Mom won't

feel completely stranded.

Take the time to teach Dad necessary public transportation routes (to

and from the senior center, for example). Accompany him the first

few times to make sure he knows what to do in case there are glitches.

Great gift idea: a small change purse filled with a supply of transpor-

tation tokens or the correct change if your mother's using a senior

discount pass.

Many individual organizations provide transportation to and from

their facilities or meetings. Examples are hospital or senior center

shuttles, or church or synagogue carpools. Make sure to look into

these options if Mom needs a way to get to the doctor's office or to

religious services.

If you add up the expense of owning a car -- paying for insurance,

gas, and maintenance, plus tolls -- it might not come out to much

more than your parent would spend if he hired a private car service,

assuming he doesn't drive more than a few times a week.

Arrange for a responsible teenager to help your parent on shopping

trips and other excursions.

Some local stores may offer home delivery: groceries, pharmacies,

laundries, and the like. Use these services as freely as possible. Keep

their phone numbers with you at all times.

Get to know the people who see your parent or grandparent every day

-- the neighbors, store owners, and mail carriers. They can be a valu-

able source of information when you need it.

When waiters are especially kind and patient with your party, be

sure your gratitude is reflected in your tip.

If Mom needs a walker but is too modest to make the change, she

might just take a nice sturdy shopping cart with her when she goes

out. It won't take the place of a walker, but she may come to realize

she does need the extra support that a walker can provide.

Try to take excursions during slow or off-peak hours if your loved one

tends to get overwhelmed.

Many theater, opera, music, and other arts organizations have

special senior discount programs.

Thursday, December 12, 2013 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc.

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Page 4

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Saturday marked the 72nd anniversary of the attack

onPearl Harbor, and while the nation remembers the

“day which will live in infamy,” apparently theO-

bama White House – not so much.

As of noon, neither the official Twitter account of

the White House nor President Obama’s had ac-

knowledged the attack on the base in Pearl Harbor,

Hawaii, even though that is the state of the presi-

dent’s birth, and the state he will spend Christmas

in. All past presidents have recognized before.

Serious Medical Symptoms

Some medical symptoms are warnings that you

need immediate care. Learn to recognize them.

That new symptom is troubling: the inexplicable

swelling in your calf or the blood in your urine.

Could it be serious or even life-threatening?

"Your body flashes signals -- symptoms and

signs -- that warn you of potential problems,"

Fortunately, many symptoms turn out not to be seri-

ous. For example, the majority of headaches stem

from stress, eyestrain, lack of sleep, dehydration,

caffeine withdrawal, and other mundane causes.

But a sudden, agonizing "thunderclap" headache

-- the worst of your life -- could mean bleeding in

the brain. Being able to recognize this serious symp-

tom and calling 911 may save your life.

Paralysis of the arms or legs, tingling, numbness,

confusion, dizziness, double vision, slurred speech,

trouble finding words, or weakness, especially on

one side of the face or body.

These are signs of stroke -- or a "brain attack" -- in

which arteries that supply oxygen to the brain be-

come blocked or rupture, causing brain tissue to die.

Chest pain or discomfort; pain in the arm, jaw,

or neck; breaking out in a cold sweat; extreme

weakness; nausea; vomiting; feeling faint; or

being short of breath. These are signs of heart

attack. If you get some of these symptoms, call 911

Page 5

The FREEPORT POST

Thursday, December 12, 2013 The Emerald Star News, Inc.

The Mayors Post Russ Barley Freeport Mayor

Please send any and all comments

to The Emerald_Star_News@hotmail.com

Walton Area Chamber First

Friday Breakfast

As reported by WZEP AM1460 The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce held

its monthly First Friday Breakfast and the key-

note speaker was Walton county Administrator

Larry Jones. But an interesting story was when

the Chamber members and guests arrived at the

location, a local hotel that also housed a park-

ing lot full of Florida Power & Light trucks.

The trucks and workers were being briefed on

the winter storm as they prepare to help out in

Arkansas.

Jones, who has been in the job for about three

months, explained his job is to implement the

policies of the Walton County Commissioners.

He said the commissioners set the policy and

incentive and he and his staff carry these out.

He and his staff also make sure the commis-

sioners have the information they need to make

decisions. Walton has 501 employees under the

administrator.

The part of the annual budget he is responsible

for is not the total budget of $100 million.

Jones says they have about $70 million of the

total. Of this, only about 35% is funded through

ad valorem taxes.

Jones compared the County’s operation to a

business. He said, while a restaurant might

make and sell burgers or a major store might

sell, the County has many things to do. He said

it is very broad and huge. Under what he

termed the operations side, Jones said they have

areas like public safety, public works and com-

munity development. These were further de-

fined as Fire and EMS, building and maintain-

ing roads, animal control, building permits, and

other physical needs. The Administrative side

supports the commissioners, provides public

information, finance, helps veterans, operates

the libraries, housing and mapping.

Jones used his schedule for the last four days as

a way to show just how busy he is. He said this

is not to brag on himself, rather to show the

broad aspect of the county work. He talked

about an approach of Good to Great. He said

“Good to Great” is a book by Jim Collins that

says businesses should use caution in just being

good and not trying to become great. Jones has

taken this and implemented an initiative for

staff. He also said he asks staff to help make

people happy. While he admits you can not

always please everyone and they might not

always like the outcome, he said you can be

pleasant and leave them as happy as you can.

Jones says, if they can’t then they back up and

find another way.

WCSB Meeting

The Walton School District has a new Information Technology Officer,

Henry Martin. At the meeting last night, the Board also found out about

the Walton Education Foundation recognition of the Classroom Mini-

Grants recipients. Thirty-seven people received grants. The funds will be

put back into the classroom for supplies, technology or anything needed.

Superintendent Anderson said the Walton Education Foundation is funded

by donations and is not part of the District. She said it is not unlike a

booster club. They support the schools and students. Anyone can donated

to the foundation. The Foundation also maintains a clothes closet.

The Board approved contracts, the internal audit for the Charter Schools

and the personnel recommendations. Board member Faye Leddon said

she is pleased with the improvements in the audits. She also said she

wants to remind the principals to make sure they get receipts for any cash

handled. The use of gift cards was cited as a problem by the auditor. The

reason is the lack of ability to track. In this case the cards are being used

as an incentive. Board member Mark Davis said they have been doing this

for 25 years and they can’t tell them how to spend the money anyway.

The Board approved a temporary budget of $35.3 million for the Walton

Middle School rebuild. They also appointed Board member Gail Smith to

the calendar committee and approved a student expulsion.

Russ Barley- Mayor

Greetings from the Mayor’s Office- the holi-

days are among us and everyone seems to be

getting into the spirit of the season. The City of

Freeport Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

was held on Dec. 6 and was well attended and

everyone seemed to enjoy all of the parade en-

tries and the entertainment and refreshments of

the tree lighting. The Town Planters Society of

Freeport will be having its Festival of Trees on

display this coming weekend, December 13-15,

at the Community Center, please go by and

show your support and enjoy the beauty of the

Christmas Trees. The city council meeting

normally scheduled for December 26th will not

take place and the next council meeting is

scheduled for January 7, 2014. The Pickin on

the Porch was held this past Sunday and was

enjoyed by all in attendance. The Freeport Fire

Department with the help of The Town Planter

Society was able to distribute 22 families

Thanksgiving Dinners for their enjoyment of

the holiday season many Thanks to all that help

with this endeavor. The city recently ran an ad

for a Lead Water Operator and we had no re-

sponse, now the council has decided that they

may contact a service company to take care of

this position. The Freeport Water Department

has been given the go ahead to make a purchase

of a new truck for their department and this will

be taking place soon. A special meeting has

been set up for January 8, 2014, to discuss the

additional funding needed for the fire depart-

ment. The current budget penciled in for the

Fire Department is $343,000.00 and the needed

amount is $488,000.00, so the council will de-

cide where to take the additional monies in

order to keep the Fire Department funded. A

Special Meeting is also scheduled for January

6, 2014 for the second reading of the Military

Sustainability LSA-01 and Christ the King

classroom expansion as well as an update on

the annexation for the city. The City Council

voted in the December 9th meeting to allow a

new Sewer Connection Agreement with cus-

tomers being able to pay $2,000.00 down and

the balance being financed over a period of

time. The City Council also voted to adopt a

resolution with the Okaloosa-Walton Transpor-

tation Planning Organization with Freeport

having a new board member and Council

Woman Elizabeth Brannon was appointed to

that position. Again the next scheduled regular

City Council meeting is set for January 7, 2014,

come and be heard and be a part of your com-

munity. Until next time, I look forward to hear-

ing from each of you and the Mayor’s Office is

always open.

Recessions May Contribute to Mental

Decline Later

European review looked at 12,000 people who'd lived through eco-

nomic downturns

Recessions can have long-lasting effects, and they may not be just fi-

nancial.

A new study has found that people affected by an economic downturn

in middle age may be at risk for mental decline later in life.

Researchers examined data from 12,000 people aged 50 and older in

11 European countries.

Men aged 50 to 74 who lived through four or more recessions by the

time they were in their mid- to late-40s had lower scores on mental

abilities such as memory, speech and math than those who did not ex-

perience a recession, the investigators found.

The impact of recessions on women appeared to occur at an earlier

age, according to a journal news release.

Job loss and having to take part-time work or lower-paying, lower-

status jobs may explain the toll that recessions can take on people's

mental abilities, suggested researcher Anja Leist, at the University of

Luxembourg, and colleagues.

Previous research has suggested that good working conditions may

help people build up a mental "reserve," which in turn affects mental

performance at a later age.

Although the study found an association between economic recessions

in mid-life and later declines in thinking skills, it did not prove a cause

-and-effect relationship.

Hypertension & Vision

Here's another reason to keep your blood pressure under control: High

blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, causing seri-

ous vision loss.

Thursday, December 12, 2013 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Page 6

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Projects Approved For

Our Area As reported by WZEP AM1460

Governor Rick Scott announced the third

set of Natural Resource Damage Assess-

ment early restoration projects proposed

by Florida’s Trustees to remedy damages

made by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

On April 20, 2011, BP agreed to provide

$1 billion in early restoration funds to

the Natural Resource Damage Assess-

ment Trustees for early restoration pro-

jects. The total 28 proposed early resto-

ration projects will be implemented

throughout affected panhandle counties

and are expected to utilize approximately

$88 million of Florida’s total allocation.

The first two sets of projects in Florida

put forth by the Trustees used approxi-

mately $12 million of Florida’s share of

the billion dollars. The first two sets of

projects include boat ramp and dune

restorations along with coastal conserva-

tion projects, which seek to remedy dam-

ages incurred by the Deepwater Horizon

oil spill and resulting response activities.

The third phase of projects includes a

$19 million marine fisheries hatchery

enhancement center in Escambia

County, a $12 million artificial reef crea-

tion and restoration regional project and

a $10 million restoration and recreation

project in Okaloosa County. Other pro-

jects include beach nourishment efforts,

habitat restoration, oyster reef and dune

restoration and increased recreation op-

portunities in the form of boat ramps,

beach access points and park improve-

ments.

Senator Don Gaetz, Senate President,

said, “I applaud Governor Scott, Secre-

tary Vinyard of the FDEP, and Nick

Wiley of FWC for their commitment to

the counties that have been affected by

the BP oil spill. The selection of the

Norriego Point Restoration and the

Habitat Restoration in Ft. Walton Beach

demonstrate the good work that comes

out of state and local communities work-

ing together.”

Walton County Commissioner Sara Co-

mander said, “I am excited to see the

proposal of several projects specifically

for Walton County as well as other re-

gional projects benefitting our county,

which will allow visitors and residents to

use our beautiful natural resources.”

Representative Marti Coley says many

of these projects will impact House Dis-

trict 5, including 6 proposed projects in

Bay County and 8 proposed projects in

Walton County. She says the proposed

recreational use projects will boost the

public’s use and enjoyment of those

natural resources.

DFS Council Meeting As reported by WZEP AM 1460

The DeFuniak Springs City Council Meeting opened to an overflowing chambers as

several items, including a request for a land use change on property that could become

an assisted living facility. The mayor also added the city hall land offer and sealed bids

to the agenda.

As the meeting started, Mitzi Graff talked about the upcoming Scottish Festival. It was

also noted Roger Leatherberry, the owner of McLain’s is in Sacred Heart on the Emer-

ald Coast.

Attorney Clay Adkinson explained the item before the Council was the first reading and

to advertise for a public hearing. He said people can speak, but they would not be on the

record for the specific item. He said they would not be adopting. That public hearing

will be January 13th. At that time people can be sworn in for testimony on the proposed

land use change. The question deals with the land use change of a residential home

across from Harbeson Field and the old Armoury. The COPE Center owns Magnolia

Terrace on 331 south. Due to the widening, they have to move the residents. After a

search, COPE chose the large home and land. Before they can submit a project, they

have to have the land use changed. If that approval is made, then they can come back

and seek approval of the building project, one that will double the size of the home. The

current request is a two step process as is the next step. Council approved the first read-

ing and advertising.

Steve Youell came back with an addendum of the offer from Thursday. At that time

they had increased the offer from $2.8 million to $3 million. Now it is at $3 million and

one thousand. New language will be added as far as the easement for the sign and water

well. The developer also asked for additional time for an inspection. There is also a

question of a sewer easement. Councilman Ron Kelley said he feels they should delay

any action to allow more time to seek the best offer. Youell said his clients would likely

not wait. Councilman Mac Carpenter said he would like to force the issue and made the

motion to accept the offer. Ennis made the second. Carpenter said this provides the nec-

essary capital for the city hall complex and perhaps the police department. He said this

will also help downtown and would take advantage of the market opportunity. The

mayor noted a gas station would also provide local option gas taxes. The mayor said he

would not want to miss the opportunity and they could shift the project elsewhere.

Campbell also called it a win-win situation. Kelley said he is in favor of the deal and

feels they hit the lottery. He said they do not know if they client would not wait. Mem-

ber Kermit Wright talked about the market and how making the decision to sell or wait

can be a problem. He said for some with Freeport or beach property that waited, they

missed the sell. He also said he was against the idea, but now is for it and there is even

more money. The proposal will have three buildings and four businesses. Three will be

national and one regional. One will be a gas station with additional features from a basic

convenience store. The motion to accept the offer passed 3-1 with Kelley the nay vote.

Council member Kermit Wright said he is concerned with the City Manager having

spending authority of approximately $10,000. He said he has no problem with the city

manager, rather does not like one person being able to spend up to $100,000 a year with

no Council approval. He suggested adjusting the spending to $3,000. This amount was

based on previous spending trends. Bowers said anything under $3,000 only needs ver-

bal quotes. Under $10,000 needs written quotes. Over that needs to go to bids. Several

councilmembers and audience members spoke against the change. The motion failed.

With the passing of Bill Holloway, the city is missing its Assistant City Manager as

well as the Public Works Director. City Manager Sara Bowers plans to look for some-

one, both inside and outside the city to fill the position as soon as possible. Bowers also

asked to give Finance Director Thomas Carman the authority to purchase in her ab-

sence. The Council agreed, but added Carman also checking with the mayor.

Council member Ron Kelley suggested honoring the memory of Bill Holloway by nam-

ing the new water well and tower south of I-10 as the William Holloway Water Tower

and Well Site. Council agreed.

Most Americans do not deal

with end-of-life issues and wishes,

a new study indi-

cates.

Researchers ana-

lyzed data from

nearly 8,000 people

who took part in

nationwide surveys

conducted in 2009

and 2010, and found

that only about 26 percent had com-

pleted an advance directive, also called a

living will.

There were significant associations be-

tween completing an advance directive

and age, income, education and health

status, according to the study in the

January issue of the American Journal of

Preventive Medicine.

Advance directives were more common

among women, whites, married people

and those who had a college degree or

postgraduate training. People with ad-

vanced directives also were more likely

to have a chronic disease or a regular

source of care.

"For black and Hispanic respondents,

advance directives were less frequent

across all educational groups. These data

indicate racial and educational dispari-

ties in advance directive completion and

highlight the need for education about

their role in facilitating [end-of-life] de-

cisions," Dr. Jaya Rao, who conducted

the study

Lack of awareness was the most com-

mon reason for not having an advance

directive.

Some previous studies have shown that

health care costs are highest during the

final years of life, but the use of advance

directives reduces Medicare spending

and the likelihood of in-hospital death.

"Given the current discussions about

implementing various models of health

care delivery, including the patient-

centered medical home, [end-of-life]

issues need to come to the forefront of

planning efforts," Rao said. "Hopefully,

these findings will contribute to the cur-

rent national conversations about [end-of

-life] care."

“To Jesus, the Christian life wasn't about being perfect but about being perfected.”

DFS Special Meeting - City Hall As reported by WZEP AM1460

The DeFuniak Springs City Hall property could sell and the Council could make a decision as early as this Monday night. The current

proposal would bring at least three new businesses to the corner of 331 south and Highway 90. The DeFuniak Springs City Council

met in special session to discuss two proposals for the City of DeFuniak Springs city hall property.

Council member Mac Work was there, but did not vote due to a conflict. Work said he feels they should have put the property out for

bid and now there is a possible third offer. Councilman Kermit Wright agreed they did not have a “For Sale” sign in front of city hall.

He said they should take time and let people work with each other. Wright, who previously was not fully in favor of a sale, said he is

ready to vacate.

Council member Ron Kelley said they should not piece meal, rather they should sell the whole property, city hall and annex. He made

a motion to go out for sealed bids. Kelley made the motion and Wright gave the second. Council member Henry Ennis agreed with

selling all, but said it bothers him they still do not have the bottom line for where they are going. Wright said, either place they go,

they have been told they can build a turnkey operation for $162 per square foot.

Mayor Bob Campbell said they have been dealing with Project P and now project F. He suggested they listen to the facts. Kelley said

his motion was designed to give time to allow for getting quotes to build a new city hall at 20th Street or the old Piggly Wiggly site as

well as helping the police department.

Wright said they have to have a new city hall if they sell the current one. He said he is also for a new police department. Wright said

they can build a nice building for what is being offered. He said he wants room to grow for 50 years. Kelley said he simply does not

want a taj mahal city hall and only what is left for the police department. Mayor Campbell said the deal was not set up for the police

department. He said their expectations are getting into the fantasy zone. Campbell said they have a quote that is far above the apprais-

als. He said there are doors that open and doors that close and the market can turn around in a minute and they could lose the opportu-

nity. Project P had an offer of $2.15 million for the annex corner.

Steve Youell, with Andrews & Arnsdorff Realty, asked if they are going out for bids. He said he grew up here and never would imag-

ine the corner would bring this much. He called a broker out of Atlanta to look at the situation. The Crim Group is proposing to build

three freestanding buildings. One will have two business and the others will have single businesses. Three will be national and the

third a regional. He said to imagine a high end Tom Thumb with all the bells and whistles. He said they would start developing the

corner piece while the city does what it needs to move city hall. He said there will be new businesses and a new city hall. Youell called

it a win-win situation.

Youell said his firm and the broker out of Atlanta would each get 3%. Campbell asked, if they bring in another realtor, then will the

percentages go up? He was told they could, or could not; that it is a negotiable item.

Attorney Clay Adkinson said, operating under the assumption that they would bring in a broker, they should get an Request For Quali-

fications and they could set the rate or could ask for proposals of rates. The Council talked about getting a broker for the city and list-

ing the property. Council member Mac Carpenter, who is a qualified broker, offered to list the property in MLS free of charge. The

attorney said it would not be a voting conflict, but could be a status conflict by doing business with one’s own agency. He said this is

normally a problem because there is a profit. Adkinson said he could get the Ethics Commission’s opinion since the question is a fine

line. Wright noted Carpenter’s offer would save them over 1000 square feet in costs. Carpenter then asked for requests for proposals,

knowing they will be paying a typical percentage. Adkinson said there is a need for an appraisal to please the auditor.

Wright said, for the first time he has agreed to sell but wants to get the most bang for the buck for residents. Wright said they need

time to make sure the citizens know they tried to get the best offer and did not take the first few to come along. Kelley agreed. He

changed his motion to add an Request For Proposals for the property instead of an RFQ for a broker. The mayor said they have gone

from one business to three and that makes a difference. He also mentioned the water well at Baldwin and a possible small piece of land

for a city sign.

Youell then made an offer of $3 million, said they will bring in three businesses and will beautify the busiest corner in the city. Wright

said he was ready. Kelley said he would have to stand by his motion and taking time. That is to direct staff to bring an RFP or some

sort of advertisement for sealed bids to the Monday night meeting. Youell asked the Council to wait until Monday night and see if the

offer could go from $3 million to $3.2 million. Council member Carpenter said the possible sale of the city hall property has been in

the news and brokers know about it. He noted there could be a third offer coming in, the one from the developer building the new Taco

Bell. Carpenter said he would be in favor of

drafting the proposal Monday and also see if an

offer comes in.

The motion to have staff prepare a Request For

Proposals and bring it back Monday night

passed. The Project P offer was $2.150 million

for annex property. It has already been turned

down.

‘Happenings’ in DeFuniak Springs

Thursday, December 12, 2013 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Page 7

I’m just a local man looking for ways to help you. Call 850-585-0262

People who know us….know : use The Emerald Star

News to promote upcoming events and business specials.

Send all inquiries to emerald_star_news@hotmail.com

Or call 850-585-0262 for more information:)

Florida DEP Proposes Nine Local

Projects in Walton County as Part

of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

NRDA Phase III

Announced this morning by the

Florida Department of Environ-

mental Protection (FDEP) at a press

event in Panama City, nine projects

have been proposed to be funded in

Walton County as part of the Deep-

water Horizon Natural Resource

Damage Assessment (NRDA) Phase

III program.

The proposed projects include a

Deer Lake State Park Development

project, improvements to the Board-

walks and Dune Crossovers at Ed

Walline, Gulfview Heights, Grayton

Dunes, Dothan Beach, Palms of

Dune Allen West and Bayside

Ranchettes and boat ramp improve-

ments at Choctaw Beach and Lafay-

ette Creek.

The proposed dollar amount associ-

ated with these nine projects totals

approximately $1,700,000.

Walton County District 4 Commis-

sioner and Gulf Coast Consortium

Executive Board member was

pleased to receive the news. “I am

excited to see the proposal of sev-

eral projects specifically for Walton

County as well as other regional

projects benefitting our county,

which will allow visitors to use our

beautiful natural resources.”

In addition to the proposed local

projects, Walton County would also

benefit from a proposed regional

Artificial Reef Creation and Resto-

ration project that would span

Walton, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Bay

and Escambia Counties. The cost

associated with that project is

$11,463,587.

Page 8 The EMERALD STAR NEWS, Inc. Thursday, December 12, 2013

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

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Thursday, December 12, 2013 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc . Page 9

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

Libra

9/23 – 10/22

Scorpio

10/23 –11/21

Sagittarius

11/22 – 12/2

Capricorn

12/22 – 1/19

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

Advertise with us!! Guaranteed the lowest price to fit any budget. Call today: 850.585.0262

Letter to the :

Do you have a feral

pig problem?

Call me I may be able to help.

Rockey 717-201-7062

I am currently in Freeport

ready to meet with anyone.

Let’s schedule something

now, TODAY!!

Well, you're out of money. That's your first thought as you begin thinking about the rest of the week. That's

okay. Everyone else is out of money, too. (Well, not everyone. If you need to borrow some, don't feel bad

about asking.) A few days are brilliant illustrations of all that life has to offer that isn't related to money

whatsoever. You feel freer than you have in a while. Paradoxically, you feel more connected to others.

If you're not being pampered by those in your life, take the time to do so yourself. Really get into it -- or get

your engines going on a new creative project. On Tuesday, you have energy to burn. Wednesday and Thurs-

day are all over the place and confusion is imbuing your outlook with crazy shades of grey. Friday and Sat-

urday, sending cards to friends and family gives order to your thoughts.

This is a weird week for you, and Monday and Tuesday are atypical. Nevertheless, they have some typical

Monday and Tuesday traits: slow, quiet, unclear. Nothing really happens until Wednesday, which is a whirl-

ing fireball of activity and light. Expect lots of people, lots of noise, small adventures, sudden discoveries

and the like. You are more staid -- you're focused on money and how much of it you have or don't have.

Take the opportunity, on Monday and Tuesday, to consider your goals. If at all possible, the consideration of

your goals is a conversation you should have with someone else who is also re-assessing their priorities.

Wednesday and Thursday, you're plagued by indecision and a weird desire to shop (which is the last thing

you should do), but Friday and Saturday find you feeling better than you have in a while.

You spend the first part of the week feeling thrown off -- or maybe just in an abstract state of mind. What-

ever the source, it's a great time for thinking about your future and making personal decisions you might not

share right away with others; some alone time is probably in the stars. Nevertheless, your friends would love

to know what you're thinking, and talking about it might feel very good. You get a flurry of correspondence

from loved ones.

It kind of feels like your brain has turned into something resembling scrambled egg. Chances are high that

you'll say something very pedestrian and someone will wildly misunderstand it. Wednesday and Thursday

are challenging in the communication department as well. What's up? It's weird! Stick to the facts, speak

carefully and avoid the easily misunderstood issue of emotions at all costs.

Spirits -- and tensions -- are high, and someone might say something in another room that sounds to you like

something else. That could cause you to respond badly. You might even fly off the handle. It's in the stars.

Forewarned is forearmed. Tuesday is the same way. You aren't yourself when, true to form, you're able to

see everyone for their personal strengths, and you can have a good time anywhere.

The best thing you can give people on Monday and Tuesday isn't gifts or money or anything material, but

total respect. Provide them with all the space they need and all the sympathy you'd want. The urge to be

critical comes from a good place, but it inevitably comes out sounding sour and dark.

As much as the world at large wants you to focus on material wealth, the start of the week is a great time to

focus on anything not nearly as concrete. The color of the sky, the sound of birds calling, a random -- and

rare -- splash of sun. It's a beautiful thing! Then, turn your attention from the natural world to humanity and

focus on people in the middle of the week. Everything else will take care of itself.

It's no wonder that your mind is a loose collection of images and feelings at the start of the week -- the

dreamy quality of the season does that. You have a hard time separating real life and fantasy at this time,

which isn't a bad thing. It could become bad, however, in the middle of the week, when you have some seri-

ous things to get done. Going for a jog might wake you up a bit to physical reality.

You've been hitting your wallet pretty hard lately and it may mean you haven't a penny in your pocket at the

start of the week. It happens to the best of us, but that doesn't make it any less annoying. Plus, you're in a

serious looking-back-on-your-life mode, which also happens to everyone. By the middle of the week, you

are fully focused on the future: You're having fun thinking about all the stuff you want to get done in the

coming weeks.

Thinking clearly is key as the week gets under way. Figure out what makes you feel centered, grounded and

high-functioning, then do it and take on the world. From sometime Tuesday through most of Thursday, you

may be having that 'grass is greener' sensation. Take your desire for something different into serious consid-

eration, but make any major changes slowly, in increments. Then take special care with work and projects.

For your life is good, keep good friends in the fore front.

Editor,

As a recent resident to the Freeport area, I

had to say how impressed I am with you and

this little newspaper. I am surprised to see the

lack of support from all of your local busi-

nesses.

With Ads showing the lowest prices why

wouldn’t the city rally around your endless

efforts for being one of the few cities in the

US that actually has it’s own newspaper?

The local owners need to ask themselves

why? Why not spend as little as $20 to adver-

tise and support the newspaper?

I will be looking for you an advertising

sales person. I know the efforts you have

showed us. From what I hear it’s been about

5 years now?

How many other businesses have success-

fully stayed open in Freeport anyhow? It is

fact that your has, I applaud you!!

I’d like to see the Mayor post you in his

highlighted web page. He seems like some-

one who would appreciate this newspaper.

You would think the strip mall across from

City Hall would be a constant in your news-

paper. The city needs your help, I pray for

you they gather around to keep this newspa-

per alive.

Good Luck to you in the upcoming year.

Dr. William Tennor

Dear editor,

I met you the other evening at the local gas

station. We talked for several minutes. I’m

not sure if you remember but I was im-

pressed with you and how you handle your-

self.

I didn’t want to seem to pry into your life

but it let me know what a great guy you are.

I’ll never forget how you said that you hope

to see this newspaper grow and be something

that all Freeport folks know and talk about.

I truly hope your wish may come true for

you someday soon. God Bless.

Virginia Howell

Page 10 The EMERALD STAR NEWS, Inc. Thursday, December 12, 2013

NOTICE of PUBLIC WORKSHOP

You are hereby notified of a Public Workshop to be held on Thurs-day, December 19, 2013 at 5:00 PM or soon thereafter, to discuss the proposed South Walton Sports Complex.

The meeting will be held at the Coastal Branch Library located at 437 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Please be advised two or more Commissioners may attend this meeting.

Lane Rees Sentenced

State Attorney Bill Eddins con-

firms Judge Howard LaPorte sen-

tenced former Walton County

Commissioner Lane Rees to 10

years State Prison to be followed

by 10 years Sexual Offender Pro-

bation. The defendant was also

designed as a Sexual Offender

and will be required to register as

a Sexual Offender and comply

with all statutory requirements

and restrictions.

The defendant pled to one count

of Promotion of Child Pornogra-

phy and 28 counts of Possession

of Child Pornography. Rees was

charged after an investigation

revealed that he had sent elec-

tronic messages containing child

pornography. Numerous images

were found on the computer that

he admitted he had exclusive use

of.

Both the investigation and arrest

were conducted by the Walton

County Sheriff’s Office with the

assistance of the Children’s Ad-

vocacy Center. Assistant State

Attorney Christine Bosau prose-

cuted the case.

Uruguay set to become first country to legalize

marijuana trade Uruguay's Senate is expected to pass a law on Tues-

day making the small South American nation the

world's first to allow its citizens to grow, buy and

smoke marijuana.

The pioneering government-sponsored bill estab-

lishes state regulation of the cultivation, distribution

and consumption of marijuana and is aimed at

wresting the business from criminals.

Cannabis consumers would be allowed to buy a

maximum of 40 grams (1.4 ounces) each month

from state-regulated pharmacies as long as they are

over the age of 18 and registered on a government database that will monitor their monthly

purchases.

Uruguayans would also be allowed to grow up to six plants of marijuana in their homes a year,

or as much as 480 grams (about 17 ounces). They could also set up smoking clubs of 15 to 45

members that could grow up to 99 plants per year.

The bill, which opinion polls show is unpopular, passed the lower chamber of Congress in July

and is expected to easily pass the Senate on the strength of the ruling coalition's majority.

Uruguay's attempt to undo drug trafficking is being followed closely in Latin America where

the legalization of some narcotics is being increasingly seen by regional leaders as a possible

way to end the violence spawned by the cocaine trade.

"Our country can't wait for international consensus on this issue," Senator Roberto Conde of

the governing Broad Front left-wing coalition said as Senate debate opened. He said organized

crime had turned Uruguay into a transit country for drugs, such as marijuana from Paraguay

and cocaine from Bolivia.

Rich countries debating legalization of pot are also watching the bill, which philanthropist

George Soros has supported as an "experiment" that could provide an alternative to the failed

U.S.-led policies of the long "war on drugs."

The bill gives authorities 120 days to set up a drug control board that will regulate cultivation

standards, fix the price and monitor consumption.

The use of marijuana is legal in Uruguay, a country of 3.3 million that is one of the most lib-

eral in Latin America, but cultivation and sale of the drug are not.

Other countries have decriminalized marijuana possession and the Netherlands allows its sale

in coffee shops, but Uruguay will be the first nation to legalize the whole chain from growing

the plant to buying and selling its leaves.

Several countries such as Canada, the Netherlands and Israel have legal programs for growing

medical cannabis but do not allow cultivation of marijuana for recreational use.

Last year, the U.S. states of Colorado and Washington passed ballot initiatives that legalize

and regulate the recreational use of marijuana.

Uruguay's leftist president, Jose Mujica, defends his initiative as a bid to regulate and tax a

market that already exists but is run by criminals.

"We've given this market as a gift to the drug traffickers and that is more destructive socially

than the drug itself, because it rots the whole of society," the 78-year-old former guerrilla

fighter told Argentine news agency Telam.

NOT ALL CONVINCED

Uruguay is one of the safest Latin American countries with little of the drug violence or other

violence seen in countries such as Colombia and Mexico. Yet one-third of Uruguay's prison

inmates are serving time on charges related to narcotics trafficking.

Even though it is set to clear the Senate, the legislation faces fierce opposition from conserva-

tives and Mujica has yet to convince a majority of Uruguayans that it is a good idea.

According to a recent opinion poll by Equipos Consultores, 58 percent of Uruguayans oppose

legalizing pot, although that is down from 68 percent in a previous survey in June.

Critics say legalization will not only increase consumption but open the door to the use of

harder drugs than marijuana, which according to government statistics is used by 8 percent of

Uruguayans on a regular basis.

"Competing with drug traffickers by offering marijuana at a lower price will just increase the

market for a drug that has negative effects on public health," said Senator Alfredo Solari of the

conservative Colorado Party.

If it works, the legislation is expected to fuel momentum for wider legalization of marijuana

elsewhere, including the United States and in Europe. Decriminalization of all drug possession

by Portugal in 2001 is held up as a success for reducing drug violence while not increasing

drug use.

"This development in Uruguay is of historic significance,"

“We’re all seeking that special per-

son who is right for us. But if

you’ve been through enough rela-

tionships, you begin to suspect

there’s no right person, just differ-

ent flavors of wrong. Why is this?

Because you yourself are wrong in

some way, and you seek out part-

ners who are wrong in some com-

plementary way. But it takes a lot of

living to grow fully into your own

wrongness. And it isn’t until you

finally run up against your deepest

demons, your unsolvable prob-

lems—the ones that make you truly

who you are—that we’re ready to

find a lifelong mate. Only then do

you finally know what you’re look-

ing for. You’re looking for the

wrong person. But not just any

wrong person: the right wrong per-

son—someone you lovingly gaze

upon and think, “This is the prob-

lem I want to have.”

I will find that special person who

is wrong for me in just the right

way.

Let our scars fall in love.”

― Galway Kinnell

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great price. For more information

Call: 850.585.0262

Pressure washing –driveway,

fences, mobile homes...you name it

850-419-1556

The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Page 11 Thursday, December 12, 2013

Classifieds

Only $10 per issue

Help Wanted: Would you like to meet new people?

Would you like to help this newspaper?

Easy work-local work-you make your

own hours…… no exp. Necessary

call 585-0262

Pla

ce y

ou

r Ad

here!!!

Sp

ace a

s low

as $

20

Ch

eck

us o

ut…

…...

On

line to

o.

Jo

in a

lon

g, see

mo

re n

ews to

pics a

nd

dis-

cussio

ns. S

ee yo

u fo

llow

ing

us o

n F

B to

o!!

ESNews WEB SITE!!

Theemeraldstarnews.blogspot.com

Our new E-mail contact:

Emerald_star_news@hotmail.com Community wide Youth gathering at:

Freeport Presbytery Church located on

Hwy. 20 near Frank’s Cash and Carry.

Every first Sunday of the month at 5:00

for games, fun and PIZZA!

For Sale

Local man helping local businesses…..

contact 850-585-0262

Advertising special of 2 months

for only $50 various sizes

Get your advertisement printed

10,000 times , you change your

Ad as you wish during special.

Wanted: Cars, Trucks,

Vans or motorcycles running or not, will haul off.

Top $ paid. Free removal of junk car.

Leave message with the Emerald Star

you will receive call back in less than

24hrs.

Call 850-585-0262

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

Thinking of a remodeling job? Kitchens, baths, etc. Let us

give you an estimate that could

save you up to a thousand dollars

or more.

Over 30yrs. Exp in building and

remodeling and repairs work.

Call 585-0262 for details

Explore nature in and around Walton

County Florida with Walton Outdoors.

For more information, go to: http://

www.waltonoutdoors.com

Waste Management 2014 Holiday

Pickup Schedule:

Christmas:

North Walton on Friday 12/27/13.

South Walton on Saturday 12/28/13.

NOTICE of MEETING

DATE CHANGE

Please be advised that the Walton

County Board of Commissioners will

hold their Regular Meeting on Thurs-

day, December 19, 2013 rather than

Tuesday, December 24, 2013 due to

Christmas Holidays and County Offices

being closed.

This meeting will begin at 9:00 AM and

will be held in the Courthouse located at

571 US Highway 90, DeFuniak Springs,

FL. Please be governed accordingly.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Please be advised that the Walton County Local Restore Act Committee will hold a special Workshop on Wednesday, Decem-ber 11, 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.

A Helping Hand In these trying economic times it

is nice to know that there is a

local place where low income

families can get some help.

Caring and Sharing of South

Walton County located at 112

Lynn Drive Santa Rosa Beach,

FL 32459, Phone 850-267-2866

is available to lend a helping

hand. They run the only food

pantry in South Walton County.

Furniture and clothes are avail-

able for those in need. They also

offer financial assistance for

electric and water bills. The

thrift store is filled with a nice

variety of items which help to

raise funds. Donations are al-

ways welcome. It is run by Di-

rector Pennie Lucas and a staff

of 6. They also rely heavily on

volunteers. If you need a help-

ing hand they are available to

help. If you have some extra

time on your hands and would

like to give back they would love

to have your help.

“When we're incomplete, we're

always searching for somebody to

complete us. When, after a few

years or a few months of a rela-

tionship, we find that we're still

unfulfilled, we blame our partners

and take up with somebody more

promising. This can go on and on-

-series polygamy--until we admit

that while a partner can add sweet

dimensions to our lives, we, each

of us, are responsible for our own

fulfillment.

Page 12 The EMERALD STAR NEWS Inc. Thursday, December 12, 2013

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PHOTOS - TEXT PROPERTY ID# TO 85377

OWN FOR LESS THAN RENT!

BANK OWNED! 2.5 ACRES

Brick building with offices and covered deck on Highway 20. Metal building with 5 roll-up doors and attached awnings. Property completely fenced and mostly cleared. Near entrance to popular Hammock Bay. Call to see!

$269,900

HIGHWAY 20 IN FREEPORT

Close to Highway 331 South intersection. Metal building with 1,680 square feet. Office area plus shop area. C W & S.

Currently leased. Call for appointment to see!

$170,000

HEART OF FREEPORT! Older 3BR/1BA FL cottage with hard wood floors. C W & S. Many possibilities with this property- residential/investment/commercial. Potential! ID#T908217 $54,900

BANK OWNED 3BR/2BA, 1,631 sf. country-style home on .5 acre lot located near Eglin AFB Reservation. Additional 500 + sf. unfinished space. ID #T862014 $149,000

RIVER HIDE-A-WAY Secluded cabin on the Choctawhatchee! 1BR/1BA, 504 sq. ft. with a large screened freshly painted porch. One of a kind location! ID# T1630288 Offered At $98,800

ACREAGE NEAR GOLF COURSE Approximately 5.2 ac on paved road. Mostly wooded. City Water & Septic tank on site. Some improvements in cleared area. ID# T1032826 $41,900

2 Bedrooms/2.5 Baths

Over 1,100 sq. ft.

Swimming Pool & Play Area

FHA & VA Financing Available

The Palms of Freeport

Starting at….

$84,500

Happy Holidays