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.

NOVEMBER 21, LITTLE RIVER, SC ―The North Strand Sail and Power Squadron of Little River, SC held its annual Change of Watch dinner meeting on Saturday, November 7 at The Surf Golf and Beach Club in North Myrtle Beach.  Commander Jim Tucker, AP, of Ocean Isle Beach, NC was sworn in for a second year as Commander by District Representative Bob Boal of Ocean Isle Beach.  He then swore in the new bridge: Executive Officer, Ken Delson of Little River; Education Officer, Frank Wiedman of Sunset Beach; Administrative Officer Rob Kayton of North Myrtle Beach; Secretary Susan Blocher of Little River and Treasurer Roger Lesnewski of Calabash.

NSSPS was started in 2000 and is part of the United States Power Squadrons organization which was founded in 1914.  They are one of 450 squadrons nationwide with over 45,000 active members that spread the importance of boating safety through community service programs.  Public boating classes, on-the-water training, vessel safety checks and other programs keep members busy throughout the year.

Squadron members and their friends also find time to get together for overnight cruises, day trips and dinner meetings to share experiences and other boating adventures.  The NSSPS has adopted Heritage Shores Park on the water in Cherry Grove for monthly clean-ups and is involved in other community activities in Little River and North Myrtle Beach.

The most popular course they teach is the ABC Class – the basic boating safety course.  The next one will be held on February 20 and 27 at the Berry Center in Little River.  Soon, all boaters in North Carolina will be required to take this course in order to operate a boat on our local waters and this is a great way to get that certificate.  Members also can take additional courses in subjects such as navigation, using GPS, engine maintenance and many other topics critical to anyone who owns a boat.

Anyone is invited to join the North Strand Sail and Power Squadron and you don’t have to own a boat to enjoy the education and camaraderie of this group.   If you are interested in learning more about the NSSPS, please come to one of their monthly Saturday evening meetings.  

For more information visit www.usps.org/localusps/northstrand or call (843) 399-1342.

NOVEMBER 20, 2009 NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC- The North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce “ECO” the Starfish.  As the Chamber fosters sustainable development both locally and regionally, we are fortunate to have “ECO” join the Chamber team to help us promote this initiative as well as others.  The name “ECO” has two meanings; it stands for “Eco-nomical” and “Eco-friendly”.   

Our new BUY LOCAL campaign is a great example of sustainable development on a positive, long term growth agenda creating opportunities favorable to our natural resources, business performance and community engagement.  “ECO” will wear many hats during the year, and for the BUY LOCAL campaign he’s wearing his Santa hat!  

During the upcoming holiday season, “ECO” is asking shoppers to pick two independently owned businesses in North Myrtle Beach and spend $50.  By spending money in the local economy, we provide more jobs and more tax revenue to our local government and local spending supports sustainable development for the future. “ECO” believes we can be good to our environment and grow our economy while empowering our sustainability as a community.

“It’s great to have someone with ECO’s passion and enthusiasm for promoting our community in this way,” stated Marc Jordan, President/CEO.

Sponsored by Hope, Taylor & Company, State Farm Agent Wyman Wise and The North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce.  Media partners Next Media, North Myrtle Beach Times, WPDE News Channel 15 and WNMB 900 AM will promote the BUY LOCAL campaign.

For more information please visit www.NMBChamber.org or call (843) 281-2662.

By Jim Hulen, North Myrtle Beach Online.com

NOVEMBER 17, 2009 NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC ― During Monday’s Council meeting the Mayor and City Council voted to annex a small 25.63 acre lot that will provide no tax revenue and require no city services.

The property, owned by the Horry County Government, is currently used as a spoilage basin for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  A spoilage basis is a place the Corp will temporarily place dredging material before hauling it away.

Annexation will not change its use under the proposed R-1 zoning.

Why would the city consider such an annexation?

“Because,” said Fred Coyne, Chair of the North Myrtle Beach Planning Commission, “the property connects the dots and eliminates donut holes in the city’s jurisdiction.” Coyne is the owner of Westbridge Homes.

The ‘dots’ Coyne talks about is connecting the city’s jurisdiction, which currently ends at the Tidewater PUD, with a proposed River Wynde development on Little River Neck Road.  In order to get access to water and sewer, the developer of River Wynde had to sign a pre-annexation agreement.  The agreement stipulates that if the property ever becomes adjacent to the city, they agree to be annexed. With the annexation of the spoilage situation the agreement will be immediately executable.

Additionally, if Horry County ever sells the spoilage basin, the City of North Myrtle Beach can insure its use is compatible with surrounding areas and avoid the problem of property that is within Horry County jurisdictions but surrounded by the City of North Myrtle Beach having contrasting uses.  This situation is described as a “donut hole in the city’s jurisdiction’ that has resulted in the past with ‘gentlemen’s clubs’ that appear to be situated within the city but are actually within the county.

Councilman Bob Cavanaugh and Councilwoman Doris Williams were the driving force behind this action.

Cavanaugh said, “Along with Doris, I initiated this action because we both felt it was important to the City to have an active voice on how development occurs along Little River Neck Road.

Second reading will occur at the next city council meeting on December 7.