By Meg Williams: Vicky George is from Green Sea and has been with Horry County Schools for 12 years. The past three she has been the kindergarten assistant to Brianna Webb. Vicky graduated from Green Sea Floyds High School and from Horry Georgetown Techinical College earning an Associates of Arts degree. She is married to Keith George who is employed at PTR Industries as a CNC operator in Aynor, SC. She has two children, a daughter, Amaris McDowell who graduated from Columbia College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. Her son, Houston McDowell  is in the U.S. Army …

The McLeod Loris Angels, a women’s healthcare philanthropy group, benefitting McLeod Health Loris, granted $880 raised by members of the association. This funding will go toward departmental improvements and provide additional support for patients and community. The grants will provide funding for the labor and delivery unit to purchase a mamaRoo infant seat to help calm babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). According to the Centers of Disease Control, six out of every 1,000 babies in the U.S. are diagnosed with NAS. The data shows when babies are placed in a mamaRoo infant seat they are more physiologically stable …

By Mary Templeton: The Ecotots at Ocean Drive Elementary School learned about the importance of trees at their monthly meeting with the ladies from Yaupon Garden Club.  Friday, Dec. 6, was Arbor Day and in celebration of this important occasion the Ecotots added another tree to their Ecotot Garden.  Prior to the tree planting ceremony, Mary Templeton told the kindergarteners about Arbor Day and Ann Hughes read the book entitled, The Giving Tree.  It was especially nice to have the North Myrtle Beach Tree Board present for the tree-planting ceremony.  Tina Scalafani explained how to properly plant a tree and …

AnnieBelle Draughon of Driftwood Garden Club proudly poses with the Yard of the Month sign for December 2019. The award is given monthly to a club member.

A volunteer luncheon was held on Friday, Dec. 6, at the Surf Golf and Beach Club in North Myrtle Beach to recognize the many hours of work, time and talents of those who make a difference to the patients, families and staff at McLeod Health Loris and McLeod Health Seacoast hospitals. McLeod Loris Seacoast has over 90 active volunteers contributing their time throughout the hospitals. In 2019, volunteers at McLeod Loris and McLeod Seacoast provided 19,704 hours of time working in almost every facet of the organization including the gift shops, information desk, transportation, hospitality carts, surgical waiting areas, physical …

This past Thursday Tabor City celebrated Christmas with many activities such as a parade, tree lighting and entertainment. Beauty queens from all over came to enjoy the events. Several queens took time to take photos. Pictured in front is Julie Russell, Mini Miss Yam Festival, second row, left to right, Bexley Neumann, N.C. Watermelon Festival Ambassador, Leah Hooks, Junior Miss Yam Festival, Aria Bowen, Mini Ambassador Yam Festival, Abigail Bowen, Young Miss Princess of Southern Carolina, Chloe McGraw, Junior Miss Princess of Southern Carolina, Back row left to right are: Lamont Grate, Mayor Pro Tem, Logan Knutson, Miss Loris Bog-Off …

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 …