North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years

By Kaye Collins South Carolina Food Banks Call on Elected Officials to End Shutdown, Invest in Hunger Relief. As Government Shutdown drags on, hunger is rising across the state In the midst of the highest food insecurity levels seen in almost a decade, a government shutdown is causing significant challenges and uncertainty for tens of thousands of federal employees, active-duty military personnel, and individuals employed by federal contractors in South Carolina. Numerous diligent workers find themselves just one paycheck away from requiring assistance from their local food bank. One in seven individuals in South Carolina, including one in five children, …

By Kaye Collins The ‘North-South’ All-Star Game, known as the Touchstone Energy Bowl, is an annual postseason event designed to highlight the finest talent among graduating senior athletes from various regions of South Carolina. Coaches from the state associations are responsible for selecting players who fulfill the criteria necessary to qualify for a position on the roster. This year, the 78th edition of the game is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, at 12 p.m. at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium in Myrtle Beach. LHS defensive lineman Damarea ‘Baby Grady’ Thurmond has been selected as one of the five Horry County football …

By Kaye Collins The Loris Women’s Coalition Veteran’s Day Tribute, Salute to the Loris American Heroes will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 10 a.m. at the Loris High School auditorium at 301 Loris Lions Road. The Loris Women’s Coalition invites the community to come together to pay tribute to the veterans who have served our country and safeguarded the freedom of others. “You do not have to be a veteran to participate in this event,” stated Veda Nichols. “We welcome anyone who wishes to honor a loved one who has passed away, recognize the veterans present at the …

By James Pease II Destination North Myrtle Beach hosted the 2025 Candidates Forum on Wednesday, October 22, from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the North Myrtle Beach High School auditorium. The forum was moderated by WMBF News morning anchor Makayla Evans. North Myrtle Beach city council and mayoral candidates answered important questions prepared and approved by the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee and the Board of Directors. The questions asked during the forum focused on economic and business development, tourism and hospitality, infrastructure and growth, workforce development and housing, quality of life and the City of North Myrtle Beach …

By Marilyn Hatley On August 1, 2025, Lieutenant Colonel Braden M. Coleman officially retired from the United States Air Force, concluding a remarkable 21-year career that spanned continents, aircraft, and missions of global consequence. From his childhood in North Myrtle Beach to his final flight out of Kabul, Afghanistan, Braden’s journey has been defined by service, sacrifice, and steadfast leadership. Braden moved to North Myrtle Beach at the age of four when his father, Peter Coleman, became the city’s first ever city attorney—a role that marked the beginning of a family legacy in public service. Alongside his mother, Pamela, Peter …

By John Smithson North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation Director Matt Gibbons knows how to win over a crowd of pickleball enthusiasts. He did that last Saturday morning at Central Park. “I just want to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Central Park Pickleball Complex.” When the cheering stopped Gibbons continued. “I know a lot of people have been waiting for this day for a long time and we are excited to be here and see it come to fruition. We are so fortunate in this city to have such great support from our city leaders. They make days like this …

The Little River Lions Club Annual Pancake Supper Fundraiser will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Matthews Pancake House at 1585 Highway 17 North in Little River. There will be a 50/50 raffle, door prizes and a silent auction. You do not have to be present to win. The menu includes two pancakes, sausage, coffee or tea for $10. Eat in or take out is available. Proceeds will fund the club’s community services which includes eye screenings, eye exams, eye glasses, handicap ramps, veterans assistance, homeless assistance and other services to the …

By Carol Stigger South Carolina Senator Katrinia Shealy addressed nearly 80 VOICE members at their monthly luncheon on Monday, October 20. Shealy is a trailblazer in South Carolina politics, bringing both grit and compassion to her twelve years of service in the state Senate. First elected in 2012 as a petition candidate, she made history as the only woman in the chamber at the time. She talked about politicians trading their principals for power and the toll this takes on vulnerable people in South Carolina. She questioned a political body that forces birth and then kicks the child to the …

By Jill Roman Driftwood Garden Club held their October meeting at Tidewater Grill in North Myrtle Beach. The program for the meeting, “Greetings with Flowers and Plants”, was put on by creative designer, Trudy Sobatka. She taught the group how to press flowers and then use those flowers to create greeting cards. Some of the cards are featured in the photos. Samples of sun printing and oshibana were also presented. It was a great program Trudy. Brenda Whitehead was presented with her Garden Club of South Carolina Life Membership Certificate. The floral design theme for the meeting was “The Spookier, …

By Stephanie Waller Congratulations to Braiden Brunson, this week’s recipient of the Dew’s Chief Leadership Award. A sophomore at North Myrtle Beach High School, Braiden stands out for his kindness, responsibility and dedication, both in and out of the classroom. As a DECA officer, Braiden promotes teamwork and leadership while serving his community through initiatives like Pop Tabs with a Purpose and supporting families through the Ronald McDonald House. In the classroom, he leads by example, always engaged, supportive and committed to excellence. An A student with a bright spirit and genuine heart, Braiden truly embodies what it means to …