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by his grandfather in 1953, the home came with a long list of repairs required to make it livable: a leaking roof, outdated and exposed electrical wiring, rotting foundation, and broken and cracked asbestos siding on the outside of the house.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.

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.

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.

By Jim Hulen, North Myrtle Beach Online.com

NOVEMBER 18, 2009 NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC ― In the past eight years, little change has come to the North Myrtle Beach council and the recent election brought back all incumbents.

Since Marilyn Hatley became mayor; since Bob Cavanaugh won one of the at-large seats and since Greg Duckworth became the Windy Hill ward representative eight years ago only two changes have occurred. Hank Thomas replaced Hal Hoff in the second at-large seat and Doris Williams replaced Russell Burgess as the representative from Cherry Grove.

Voters appear to be satisfied with the direction and vision this team has brought to the city that the Sun News has called the best managed municipality along the Grand Strand. This despite the personal attacks the newspaper published that negatively presented the Mayor.

A clear indication of the satisfaction with current leadership is the fact that despite having three competitors, Hatley did not face a run off- a clear majority favored her re-election.  

Additionally, Cavanaugh and White did not face opposition, while Duckworth faced only limited competition.

A large crowd was in attendance to witness the swearing in, and each incumbent received a standing ovation and cheers.

Hatley, the only candidate to face serious opposition, gave credit and thanks to her campaign committee, of which many were present.