Fugitive Arrested
Thursday, the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested 37-year-old Torie A. Gilbert, a Fugitive wanted for Felony Violation of Probation in an area just outside the City of DeFuniak Springs.
The suspect was wanted on Felony Violation of Probation Charges and had been listed as a Probation Absconder by the Florida Department of Corrections since November 2009. Gilbert, of DeFuniak Springs, was arrested around 10 a.m. at a residence just outside of DeFuniak Springs by U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force. Members of the Task Force include DeFuniak Springs Police, Fort Walton Beach Police, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Office of State Probation, Office of the State Attorney and the U.S. Marshal’s Office.
Former Residents Write Movie
Southwide Baptist Church of DeFuniak Springs will be hosting a premier showing of the movie Class of 91 on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. with a hamburger supper and be followed by the movie at 7:00 p.m.
Class of 91 was written and produced by Fred and Sharon Wilharm, former DeFuniak Springs residents. Forty-nine churches in twenty-four different states will be hosting a premier event.
Class of 91 is the story of Roger and Diane Wagner who give new meaning to the term self-absorbed. Their 20th high school reunion is coming up and they can’t wait to impress their classmates with their worldly success. Then the unthinkable happens. Roger loses his management job and the Wagner’s empire comes tumbling down. When he’s offered a job as a community center director, Roger and Diane must come to terms with their new life. Do they embrace or reject it? Their response may surprise you. With a financial theme, it was only natural to include financial expert Dave Ramsey. He plays a cameo role as himself giving advice to Roger’s dad who is also struggling with overwhelming debt.
To watch the movie trailer or to learn more about the movie, visit the website at www.classof91movie.com.
Southwide Baptist church is located on Coy Burgess Loop (Turn by McDonald’s). The event is free to the public. However, donations will be accepted to help offset the cost of the food. For more information, please contact the church office at 892-3835.
Cooking School Pictures
Pictures from the recent cooking school are on our website. Go to http://www.wzep1460.com and click on the “Cooking” button then scroll down.
Retail Theft Prevention
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Services Division is working with area businesses to keep retail theft down to a minimum, as the 2010 Spring Break Season gets underway. Citizens Services Commander, Lt. Eddie Farris, along with Sgt. Danny Garner recently gave a power point presentation to the shop owners and their sales associates at the Seaside Community.
Lt. Farris stresses to retailers that no matter what they say or suggest, go by their company policy in regard to handling issues like shoplifting and retail theft. Lt. Farris says state and national statistics indicate that employee stealing accounts for nearly 80-percent of all business theft. Shop owners were advised to do a thorough background check on all job applicants, which includes checking references.
In 2009, there were 44 shoplifting cases in Walton County. Sgt. Garner says there is no specific profile of a shoplifting suspect. They can be young teenagers or the elderly in their sixties and even seventies. Sheriff’s Personnel recommend not trying to chase down a shoplifting suspect due to the possibility of being injured. It is suggested they obtain a good description of what the suspect looks like; height and weight; what were they are wearing; a vehicle description and tag if possible; along with any unique physical features like tattoos.
The business operators were advised to be very observant of the people who come into their stores. In a number of cases, a shoplifter will move an item to a hidden location in a business where it is easier to take without notice. They can also work as teams. One suspect will distract the clerk, while the second winds-up stealing merchandise.
Last year, the shop owners at Seaside hired an off-duty Walton County Sheriff’s Deputy during the peak tourist periods. One sales associate said it cut her business losses by around 50-percent. With Spring Break followed shortly after by the Summer Tourist Season, the key is to be ready for those who want to take your stuff without paying.
WZEP News Segment 3
Support Children in
Crisis by playing in the 4th annual Children’s Neighborhood Charity
Golf Tournament Friday, March 12th at the Fort Walton Beach Golf
Club. Check in and lunch is at 11:00 with a noon shotgun start. Cost is $75 per person. There will be
prizes and awards. All proceeds go
to benefit The CIC Children’s Neighborhood. Come join in, have a day of fun with
Children in Crisis, a part of your local community. For more information or to
register call 850-864-4242 or visit www.childrenincrisisfl.org.