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By Ruben Lowman The leadership core of the Horry County Police Department (HCPD) has been dealt a blow following the sudden retirement of Deputy Chief Lance Winburn. Winburn’s exit on April 28, after more than 40 years of service, comes as a direct consequence of a newly reopened Internal Affairs (IA) investigation into a 2022 “unarrest” incident that has exposed allegations of political weaponization, civil rights violations and a systemic lack of accountability. Winburn is now the third high-ranking official to leave the department in just over a year, joining former Chief Joseph Hill and former Deputy Chief Brandon Strickland …

By Ruben Lowman Horry County’s ongoing effort to address the chronic drainage failures in the Longs area reached a significant milestone last week, as two major stormwater projects, centered on the high-traffic corridors of Highway 9 and Highway 90, are nearing completion. These initiatives, primarily funded by the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA), represent a strategic investment in the resilience of the Longs community, an area historically prone to severe inundation during storms. The first phase of this regional overhaul involves a $3 million project at the intersection of Highway 9 and Highway 57. Crews have completed the installation …

By Ruben Lowman In a historic push for structural reform, Horry County is facing a reckoning over its dual law enforcement system, a setup that makes it a singular outlier among South Carolina’s 46 counties. A coalition of grieving families, former officers and high-ranking officials is demanding that the Horry County Police Department (HCPD) be folded into the Horry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), arguing at a recent county council meeting that a decades-old “culture of cover-ups” has finally reached a breaking point. The movement is driven by a series of high-profile scandals that critics say reveal a fundamental lack of …

By Joyce Thomas It was an evening of laughter, lively bidding and high style as the GFWC North Myrtle Beach Woman’s Club hosted its annual “Purses with Purpose” Charity Event at the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes — and this year, the charity tradition reached a new milestone. Now in its 13th year, the club’s signature “Girls Night Out for Charity” drew approximately 350 guests for a night that blended generosity with entertainment, ultimately raising a record-breaking $102,000 to support local charities. The evening began with a festive atmosphere as guests enjoyed a buffet dinner and browsed one of the …

By Lauren Jessie On Tuesday, May 5, the city of North Myrtle Beach was proud to celebrate hometown icon Vanna White with a special presentation at The Surf Golf and Beach Club. Vanna was honored by The Surf Golf and Beach Club with a personalized golf bag and a personalized engraved plaque on a dedicated locker in the ladies locker room. A formal city recognition was presented by Mayor J Baldwin. The recognition highlighted her remarkable career on Wheel of Fortune, her philanthropic impact, including more than $2 million raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and her lasting connection …

By Carl MacLeod and Matt Davis A local veterans organization is seeking community support to help build a permanent memorial honoring the victims of Sept. 11, 2001, as well as veterans, first responders and others who have served during times of crisis. Space Air Land Sea HQ Veterans Post 1, known as SALS, is working with the Little River Chamber of Commerce and a volunteer committee to plan the Veterans, First Responders & Patriots 9/11 Memorial at Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens. Organizers say the memorial is intended to provide a lasting place of remembrance and reflection for families, residents and …

By Ruben Lowman In a move that deeply honors the roots of Atlantic Beach, the town council voted unanimously at their most recent meeting to appoint Titus Leaks as interim town manager. Leaks is a third-generation resident whose family legacy is literally etched into the foundation of the community. His grandfather, Leonard Evans, was the bricklayer who built Woods Villas, which is the town’s first motel. This appointment feels particularly poignant following the recent addition of Woods Villas to the National Register of Historic Places, a milestone that Leaks helped celebrate last November. For the residents of “The Black Pearl”, …

By Tracy Stanton Ronald M. Fowler, a member of the McLeod Health Board of Trustees and previous Chairman of the Board, was presented The Order of the Palmetto, on Friday, May 1, 2026. The Honorable Kevin Hardee, South Carolina House of Representative for District 105, presented the honor alongside his wife, Tina Hardee, Horry County Auditor, and Dr. Tarek Bishara, Chairman of the McLeod Health Board of Trustees, on behalf of the Office of Governor Henry McMaster. Fowler received the highest civilian honor bestowed to a South Carolina citizen at a gathering of family, friends, and McLeod Health Board of …

Students from Grace Christian School celebrated an unforgettable evening at the 2026 prom themed “A Night in Paradise,” with a night full of elegance, fun and celebration. The evening began with students gathering around town to capture formal photos, creating lasting memories before the main event. Dressed in their finest attire, students arrived at 7 p.m. and were welcomed by tropical-themed music that set the tone for the paradise-inspired atmosphere. The venue was decorated to reflect the evening’s tropical theme, complete with several selfie photo stations where students could capture moments with friends and showcase their formal wear. Dinner was …

By Bo Gilbert The 9th Annual Ocean Drive Beach Music Festival is set to bring a full day of live beach music, dancing, and good vibes to downtown North Myrtle Beach on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Gates open at 10 a.m. for this popular outdoor event, which takes place on the stage in the parking lot between Main Street and First Avenue South—within easy walking distance of the Ocean Drive Beach and Golf Resort and the iconic Ocean Drive area. This year’s lineup features three powerhouse acts known for delivering high-energy performances and Carolina beach music classics: Band of Oz …