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

By Kaye Collins The City of Loris conducted the swearing-in ceremony for the City Council on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Council Chambers of Loris City Hall. Three council members who were re-elected, Andrea Coleman, Kelli Gerald, and Carroll D. Padgett, Jr., took their oath of office in front of Municipal Judge William N. Hutson. Loris Council member Joan Gause, Mayor Mike Suggs, and City Clerk Melinda Price were present at the ceremony, along with residents of Loris and the families of the three individuals taking the oath. the Rev. Thessalonia Graham, Pastor of Mt. Rona …

By Kaye Collins In 2025, extending into early 2026, the Loris City Council has focused on modernizing infrastructure, overseeing substantial growth proposals, and tackling administrative financial challenges. The significant infrastructure enhancements involve upgrades to water and sewer systems. In 2025, the city initiated a multi-phase project costing $5.3 million to replace outdated utility lines, which includes 10-inch water mains located in the downtown region. This initiative, primarily financed by a $4.5 million grant, also encompasses the installation of new digital water meters to resolve persistent billing discrepancies. Sewer rehabilitation efforts commenced with the Pinewood Drive Sewer Rehabilitation project, which employs …

By Kaye Collins The new year will introduce various changes to the laws in South Carolina, with significant legislation coming into effect starting Friday, January 1, 2026, and additional measures scheduled to be implemented later in 2026. One of the most notable changes affects bars and restaurants that offer alcohol, after years of worries from business owners regarding increasing insurance expenses. A new law regarding liquor liability and insurance requirements will come into effect on Thursday. According to a statute from 2017, bars and restaurants that serve alcohol after 5 p.m. were mandated to maintain a $1 million liability insurance …

By Kaye Collins As the wildfire season draws near, the South Carolina Forestry Commission has issued a statement regarding the potential risk of wildfires in the coming months throughout the state and specifically in Horry County. The Storm Prediction Center has released a fire weather outlook for the region. Communication Director Doug Wood mentioned that the period from January to April is the peak season for wildfire outbreaks. He noted that approximately 2-3 incidents occur daily throughout the state, totaling around 1,400 annually. He explained that these wildfires are triggered by a combination of factors. The period from January to …

By Kaye Collins Later this month, lawmakers in South Carolina will reconvene at the State House, where income tax reform, modifications to DUI laws, and transportation priorities will be at the forefront of their agenda. South Carolina legislators are set to reconvene at the State House later in January for the second year of the two-year legislative session, in anticipation of a much-anticipated gubernatorial race and several significant issues coming to the forefront. Republicans maintain majorities in both the House and Senate, and House GOP leaders indicate that reforming the state’s income tax system is their primary focus as they …

The City of North Myrtle Beach wants to notify residents and the traveling public to expect altered traffic patterns at the intersection of Windy Hill Road/Windy Hill Road Extention with Highway 17 South between Monday, January 5, 2026, and Friday, January 16, 2026. Beginning January 5, the contractor for the 30-inch Water Transmission Line project will install traffic control devices to close both lanes of Windy Hill Road between Highway 17 South and Poinsett Street. In addition, the inbound lane of Windy Hill Road Extension will be closed from Highway 17 South to the rear driveway of Walgreens. These closures …

The City of North Myrtle Beach is reminding residents to expect traffic delays on the Barefoot Bridge beginning on Monday, January 5, 2026, as crews implement traffic control measures to support upcoming work. During this time, traffic on the Barefoot Bridge will be reduced to one lane. The lane reduction is expected to remain in place throughout the month of January and delays are anticipated, particularly during peak travel times. Residents, visitors and local businesses in the Barefoot area are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and use caution when traveling through the work zone. The city appreciates …

By John Smithson The North Myrtle Beach Chiefs boys basketball team finished the Shootout by the Sea Tournament at NMB High School with a 1-2 record. The Chiefs opened tournament play on Saturday, December 20, against the First Baptist Hurricanes from Charleston, S.C. The Chiefs took a 15-12 first quarter lead and the teams were tied 22-22 at halftime. The Chiefs outscored the Hurricanes in the third quarter and led 36-33 going into the fourth quarter. However, the Chiefs fell behind in the fourth quarter and lost their first game 48-46. The Chiefs offense was led by Chance Floyd’s 13 …

New Orleans comes to Little River on March 1, 2026, for the 12th Annual Spirits Of Giving – Mardi Gras Party. Presented by the Rotary Club of Little River, this wonderful charity event will be celebrated at Hurricane Juel’s Restaurant located on the historical and picturesque Little River waterfront. The Mardi Gras Party will feature a delicious strolling dinner, exotic beverages, live New Orleans style entertainment, silent and live auctions, raffles and a photo booth. Spirits Of Giving is the major fundraiser of the year for the Rotary Club of Little River and is a community driven organization committed to …

Horry County Government has selected Renee Hardwick to serve as Assistant County Administrator for the Public Safety Division. Hardwick will be responsible for shepherding the county’s Public Safety departments, spanning initial calls for service into Horry County 911, to working through disaster events with Horry County Emergency Management. She will lead a team of public safety departments with professional leadership that have a depth of knowledge within their respective fields, who remain mission-focused on the safety and well-being of the community. With decades of service and experience within Horry County Government, Hardwick brings a specialized and deep understanding of not …