January 11, 2010 LORIS, SC - “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” traveled to Loris, South Carolina to meet Amanda and Derrick Suggs, a young couple who had just started their own family when they adopted Amanda’s younger siblings to prevent them from being separated in foster care.

When Derrick and Amanda got married, they moved into the home Derrick inherited from his grandfather. Built by his grandfather in 1953, the home came with a long list of repairs required to make it livable: a leaking roof, outdated and exposed electrical wiring, rotting foundation, and broken and cracked asbestos siding on the outside of the house.  In just seven days, team leader Ty Pennington, the design team, and the entire community will build a safer, stronger home that will protect and support this incredible family.

Click hear for more information.

NOVEMBER 28, 2009 CONWAY, SC - The Horry County Higher Education Commission (HCHEC) has established a new scholarship program for local high school students who plan to attend Coastal Carolina University.

The HCHEC Academic Excellence Scholarship is the newest program that rewards the top graduate from each eligible Horry County high school who chooses to enroll at CCU the fall semester following graduation. This award may be received in addition to other HCHEC scholarships.

The HCHEC also provides scholarship support to recent Horry County graduates through the Leadership, Visual and Performing Arts, and the International Awareness scholarships. The deadline to apply for the these scholarships for the 2010-2011 academic year is March 1, 2010.  

Recipients of 2009-2010 HCHEC Academic Excellence Scholarships are:

Sydni Donellan – graduate of Carolina Forest High School majoring in middle level education
 
Kevin Kern – graduate Conway High School majoring in applied physics
 
Taylor LaPierre – graduate of Green-Sea Floyds High School majoring in biology
 
Pooja Patel – graduate of North Myrtle Beach High School majoring in biology
 
Michael Primrose – graduate of Aynor High School with an undeclared major
 
Casey Stevens – graduate of Loris High School with an undeclared major
 
Alfred Tomlinson – graduate of Loris High School majoring in exercise and sport science
 
Angela Webb – graduate of Myrtle Beach High School majoring in music
 
Hannah Widdifield – graduate of St. James High School majoring in English

The Horry County Higher Education Commission was formed in 1959 by the South Carolina General Assembly to oversee the use of county tax millage for Coastal Carolina. Today, there are 16 members of the commission who are appointed by the Governor of South Carolina and recommended by the Horry County Legislative Delegation to represent Horry County.

For additional information about the HCHEC scholarships, contact Coastal Carolina University’s Scholarship Office at 843-349-2308 or scholar@coastal.e

The North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center is celebrating its 4th Anniversary November 30- December 6th. There will be an Open House December 1 and December 3. On those two days you can participate in classes (Come try ZUMBA) and use the facility for FREE. Additionally, the joining fee of $100 will be waived on annual memberships that week. (November 30 - December 6).  For more information on the Aquatic & Fitness Center go to www.nmb.us/afc.

By Jim Hulen, North Myrtle Beach Online.com

NOVEMBER 27, 2009 NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC ― In 1984, Susie Watson and her uncle, Poo McLauchlin created a Christmas Regatta to celebrate the boating community in the North Strand.  The event, under the slogan ‘Yachts for Tots’ has raised money for underprivileged children during Christmas for almost its entire twenty five year history.

The parade began at Tilghman Point at the Little River Inlet at 5 PM and travels south to arriving at Dock Holidays Marina at 7 PM where winners in several categories are announced.

Gather your family and watch the parade as it passes various viewing areas along the waterway from Little River to Dock Holidays Marina.

Many make reservations and watch from waterway restaurants; others line up along the waterway.  In years past the banks of the waterway were filled to capacity. Estimates ran as high as 25,000 people viewed the event. Some families turn it into a party and build giant bonfires that can be seen miles away.

Boats compete in 5 categories.  Overall winner claims $1,200 and cannot compete in the other four categories – 29’ and under, 30’-39’, 40’ to 59’ and 60’ and over. Each category winner gets $300 in prize money.

The Regatta is managed by a committee.  Members are Susie Watson, Harbourgate Marina, Dawn Fowler, Atlantic Realty & Construction, Pam Ban, Property & Association Management, Ginny Maynard, 94.9 the Surf, Penelope Hinson, Horry Electric, Sarah Faulk-Dean, BB&T, Ann Maynard, Jackie Perry-Medlin, Poo’s and Brenda Hulon.

By Trenton Smith, North Myrtle Beach Online.com

NOVEMBER 25, 2009 NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC ― Chief basketball looks strong this year, losing only two seniors after last year’s season (Dorian Leland and AJ Hall).

The team has been driven primarily by young talent in recent years, with the majority of members being underclassmen. Many of the boys have played together for quite some time through AAU basketball, and this year that may just pay off.

Based on last year’s roster, the returning seniors include Timmane Bellamy, Bashawn Lewis, Chris Walker, and Kris Gore. Juniors include, again based on last year’s roster, Jeff Craven, Timmy Bellamy, BJ Bellamy, and Temarrick Hemingway.

What makes this year’s sophomores impressive, besides their talent, is their size. Although there are only three sophomores, they all stand at over six feet, two inches. The sophomores include Greg Wilson, Dylan, Poston, and Davis Trussell (possibly others). Going into region games last year, the boys had a 9-6 record, defeating teams from the larger 4A division. In fact, the Chiefs posted a 2-0 record against Conway, beating them in back to back games 54-46 and 56-48.

There is also a solid group of freshman moving up this year. In fact, the “b-team” carried ten eighth graders last year, meaning that the team will be strong for years to come. Good luck to the North Myrtle Beach Varsity and Junior Varsity basketball teams!

Editor’s note: Trenton Smith is the latest addition to our news staff and fills a very important need – covering local high school sports. Smith is a Junior at North Myrtle Beach High School, a Renaissance Scholar and a member of the school’s Mock Trial team.  The Mock Trial team won the regional competition and advanced to the state where they lost to Fort Mill and Bob Jones High School.  He also plays outfield for the Chief's baseball team.