OPENING DAY CEREMONIES included recognition of local officials. Pictured here, l- r, are Freeport Mayor Mickey Marse, Freeport Councilmen Harold Taunton and Ray Jackson, Walton County Tax Collector Rhonda Skipper, Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson, Freeport Councilwoman Elizabeth Brannon, Walton County Commissioners Sara Comander and Cecilia Jones, Dixie Youth District Director Christa Mitchell and Freeport Youth Sports President Greg Free. (Photo by Ben Grafton)

MARY KATE MYRICK did well from the mound against Ruckel, as the Bulldogs managed to hold off the visiting Lady Rams for five innings. Myrick notched four strikeouts in the contest. (Photo by Reid Tucker)

TAKE ME OUT TO THE CROWD at Freeport Regional Sports Complex. March 5 marked the opening day for youth sports in Freeport. (Photo by Ben Grafton)

MEAGAN ELLISON, South Walton pitcher, brought the heat but the Bulldogs brought their bats as they pounded out 14 hits for a 13-7 victory. (Photo by Patrick Casey)

WALTON HAS GOTTEN SOLID PITCHING at both the junior varsity and varsity level. The Braves will host Panama City Arnold on Friday with games at 4 and 6:30 p.m. (Photo by Gary Woodham)

THE CHOCTAWHATCHEE Hemerocallis Society was busy last week preparing the flower beds for the next year's blooms. (Photo by Alicia Leonard.)

BILL BARD, president of Friends of the Walton County Animal Shelter, presents the new high-tech surgical table for the shelter clinic to manager Lois Marlow who holds the next patient for a spay or neuter operation.