Christmas came to life Friday in uptown Loris With the afternoon rainfall on Friday, Dec. 6, there was a gloom of doubt the Christmas activities will be delayed or cancelled. However, the Facebook announcement made by the city of Loris and the Loris Chamber of Commerce stated rain or shine the parade will go on as planned. Beginning at 4 p.m. live entertainment was provided filling the air with the sounds of Christmas songs. The gentle rain did not deter families and friends from gathering at the Courtyard on Main to see the 30 foot live Christmas tree, decorations and …

Kenneth “Ken” Jerald Drakeford, 44, of Longs, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019, peacefully, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Rock Hill on Feb. 16, 1975, Ken was the son of Jerald Drakeford of Rock Hill and Flossie Mae McManus of Loris. Ken had an amazing personality that was larger than life and a smile you can never forget.  He will definitely be missed, but never forgotten.  He had such a caring and loving group of friends and a wonderful relationship with his father.  Ken’s father will have a private gathering for family at his home in Rock …

Louise B. Gillam, 91, of Longs passed away peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. She was the wife of Ernest N. Gillam and a member of Living Water Baptist Church. Survivors include three sisters, Virginia L. Carter, wife of Robert B. Carter of Longs, Nina Edge, wife of Joseph Daniel Edge (deceased) of Conway, and Billie Faye Clemons, wife of Sonny E. Clemons of Longs. The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, in Lee Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow in Mt. Leon Cemetery in Longs. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be …

Geraldean M. “Gerri” Mackey of Conway departed this life and entered into eternal rest on Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, at her home. Ms. Mackey was born in Conway on Dec. 22, 1934, a daughter of Frank Hayes Martin and Ruth Inez Hucks Martin. A member of Buck Creek Baptist Church, she was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles George “Chuck” Mackey, her parents, three brothers, Lloyd Martin, Howard Martin and Lee Hoyt Martin, three sisters, Lounette Lewis, Corine Davis and  Jesse Albertine Queen, and a daughter, Betty Jean Taylor. Surviving are …

Everette E. Lee, 86, closed his eyes in Pamplico, S.C., and awakened with Jesus in Glory on Sunday, December 1, 2019, surrounded by his family. Born on September 7, 1933, in Florence, S.C., he was the son of the late Benjamin H. and Lillie Ruth Langston Lee. Everette was a long time faithful member of Beulah Freewill Baptist Church in Pamplico, where he served as a deacon.  He sang with the Happy Land Five Gospel Group for many years.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Survivors include his loving wife of 68 years, Ada Mae Miles Lee; …

The North Myrtle Beach High School boys and girls varsity basketball teams begin their 2019-20 regular season this week. The Chiefs teams have two away, non-conference matchups, with visits to Carolina Forest on Tuesday evening and then a trip to Loris High School gym on Friday. The teams return home next week for three home dates beginning Monday against West Brunswick. The Chiefs wrestling team began their matches on Tuesday at Loris High School.

The Green Sea Floyds Trojans have made history moving up through the ranks to the state championship game to be held on Friday, Dec. 6, at Benedict College in Columbia. With goals realized and the biggest dream is only a few days away; reaching the state championship game is a goal shared throughout the state. Only ten teams make it each year. The GSF Trojans go against Ridge Spring-Monetta Trojans this coming Friday night with a kick-off beginning at 8 p.m. Join the cheerleaders as they rev up the crowd and cheer for the GSF Trojans for the big game. …

Great rendition of “Happy Birthday” being sung by Charlene LYNAM???Hats off to Susie WATSON, SANTA’S ANGELS, Regatta COMMITTEE and ALL who helped with the 35th Annual Intracoastal Christmas REGATTA featuring 35 decorated boats held last Saturday floating down the waterway from Little River to North Myrtle Beach!!!Grandsons RUBEN and REEVES making Grandma Polly’s special day so much more special…Margie DOWLING and her mother, Mrs. Vera TIPTON, enjoying an awesome Thanksgiving this year with Margie’s son John and his family visiting them in Alabama…Norfleet JONES sharing delicious pecan and chocolate homemade pies…Jean McLAUGHLIN in Las Vegas celebrating her daughter’s birthday and …

Prior to the December 2 meeting, City Council met in a 6:45 p.m. executive session to consider a potential contract between the city and Beam and Associates. Council took no action. City Councilmen J.O. Baldwin, Fred Coyne and Hank Thomas, all successful in their reelection bids during the City’s November 5 general election, took their oaths of office to serve new four-year terms on City Council. Fred Coyne Hank Thomas Mayor Marilyn Hatley issued a proclamation declaring December 6, Arbor Day in North Myrtle Beach. In 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special …

The 35th annual Intracoastal Christmas Regatta had a record 35 boats parading by thousands of spectators last Saturday evening from the Little River Inlet to Dock Holidays Marina in North Myrtle Beach. After a mild Saturday punctuated by the Clemson-South Carolina football game early in the day, fans, residents and visitors gathered at marinas, restaurants, boat ramps or wherever they could get a good view of the colorful boats decorated for the Christmas season. As the boats passed by, the appreciative crowds cheered and hooted as boats big and small tried to outdo each other with lights, Santas and a …