By Kaye Collins The Miss Loris High School Pageant for 2026 took place on Saturday, February 21, at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium, featuring five young women competing for the title. The event was organized by Music Director Joy Jordan. The Miss LHS Court presented five stunning students competing for the title to represent Loris High School: Dally Buffkin, Natalie Contreras, Anna Lynn Flowers, Averi James, and Paisley Stevens. The high school conveyed the sentiments of Principal Jimmy McCullough, who stated, “We are incredibly proud of each of these outstanding young women for their grace, skill, and commitment.” He …

By Kaye Collins The Annual Skeet Tournament at Mt. Leon Baptist Church located at 9801 South Highway 905 Longs, is scheduled for Saturday, February 28. Registration, which costs $25, will begin at 10 a.m. The first round will start at 11 a.m., followed by a lunch and a message from Pastor Bell, after which the second round of the skeet shoot will take place. Call 843-421-9068 for more information. Join us to showcase your skills and enjoy fellowship in the spirit of Jesus. Proceeds will be donated to Vivian’s Corner Homeless and Veterans Ministry. L.W. Paul Living History Farm located …

By Kaye Collins The Loris High School boys varsity basketball team traveled to North Augusta, S.C., to play against the Fox Creek Predators. Despite an outstanding performance during the regular season, the Lions were unable to translate that success into this playoff match. They suffered a 70 to 66 defeat against the Fox Creek Predators on Monday, Feb. 23. This loss for the Lions marked the conclusion of their impressive 16-game winning streak. The Predators secured their victory thanks to several crucial players, with Justin Vining leading the charge by shooting 75 percent from the field, contributing 21 points. The …

By Ella Taylor Destination North Myrtle Beach and the North Myrtle Beach Chamber Foundation have announced that the Oyster Roast for the Coast will return on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The event is scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Boardwalk Billy’s, located at 1407 13th Avenue North. This community gathering is designed to support the local business economy while highlighting the essential role oyster shell recycling plays in maintaining the region’s water quality and marine habitats. New this year, organizers have expanded the event’s footprint to feature multiple oyster cookers, oyster shucking tables, live entertainment …

By Jennifer Prince The North Myrtle Beach High School Varsity Chiefs Cheer team has made school history as the first team to qualify for the prestigious UCA National Game Day Competition held February 6–8, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. Even more impressive, they were the only team from South Carolina to compete in the national Game Day division this year. UCA Game Day is one of the most competitive divisions in high school cheerleading. Designed to replicate the energy, precision, and crowd leadership required on the sidelines during a live sporting event, teams are evaluated on crowd engagement, timing, sharp motions, …

By William LaMonte Each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Headquarters promotes a couple of scholarship programs that are open to every student in the country. Each year the VFW  provides a theme that the students respond to by way of an essay. The 2025-2026 theme asks America’s students “How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?” Established in 1947, the VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay competitions were created to encourage a better understanding and appreciation for America and to foster patriotism among the nation’s youth. The programs also offer friendly competition as well …

By James Pease II During the Monday, February 16, North Myrtle Beach City Council meeting, three employees were recognized for their hard work and commitment to the city. The first award was presented to Joseph Keister by North Myrtle Beach Police Chief Dana Crowell. “He is a jack of all trades,” said Crowell. “He does a little bit of everything. You may see him out front of a city council meeting, you may see him teaching the Citizens Academy, or you may see him out on Main Street with his canines. He just does a little bit of everything.” Keister …

By John Smithson The NMB High School Lady Chiefs basketball team finished the regular season with wins over St. James and Carolina Forest and claimed another 6AAAAA region championship. The Chiefs started their final week with an away game victory over St. James on Tuesday, February 10, by a 61-32 score in a game at St. James. The Chiefs were led by Maddie Vereen’s 16 points. Jurnee Blye scored 14 points and Sophie Powell added 10 points. Ke’Aisha had 9 points. Blye also had 10 rebounds and 6 steals. The Chiefs had 20 steals as a team. The Chiefs finished …

On Saturday, February 21, five young ladies will ascend the stage with hopes of becoming the new Miss Loris High School. The Miss Loris High School pageant will be held in the Loris High School auditorium at 7 p.m. Admission is $10. All proceeds support the pageant and the Loris High School Chorus. Come out and support these five lovely young ladies and see who will be the next Miss Loris High School. Contestants are Dally Buffkin, Natalie Contreras, Anna Lynn Flowers, Averi James and Paisley Stevens.

By Kaye Collins Common Valentine’s Day customs include the exchange of cards, flowers (notably red roses) and chocolates, enjoying romantic dinners, and presenting jewelry. Many of these traditions also encompass family and friends through notes and gifts, occasionally featuring distinctive practices such as conversation hearts. A few brief and heartfelt messages for loved ones or friends include: “Life is more enjoyable with you around.” “You are my top reason to smile.” “You make me whole.” “Always yours, now and forever.” “With you, every day feels like Valentine’s Day.” The well-established and commonly embraced customs of exchanging cards that convey messages …