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

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 …

Santa Claus visited the Loris Library on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m. to read a storybook to children visiting the library. Children ages three and four from Grace Christian Academy and a few toddlers visited with Santa to listen to him read “Twas the Nigh Before Christmas”. Each child patiently listened to him go through the routine of reading and showing the pictures in the book. When Santa finished the story the children each took turns sitting on his lap giving him a list of toys they want for Christmas. Two little boys asked for dirt bikes, Santa asked, …

A special ceremony was scheduled on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 4:45 p.m. at the American Legion Hall fifteen minutes before the regular monthly city council meeting for Carroll D. Padgett Jr. to take the oath of office. Padgett and his wife, Sandy, stood before interim city administrator, Dennis Drozdak to take the oath for the unexpired seat on the council. As Padgett placed his left hand on the family Bible held by his wife, Drozdak administered the oath. Padgett won the seat in the special election held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, bringing with him 35 plus years of experience of …

The Green Sea Trojans made history by moving up the ranks to the state championship game that was held on Friday, Dec. 6, at Benedict College. The GSF Trojans traveled to Columbia to face off the Ridge Spring-Monetta Trojans for the title for an 8 p.m. kick-off time. With goals realized and the biggest of dreams attained for the GSF varsity football team won the SCHSL Class A state championship for the second year in a row. This is a goal that is shared throughout the state; with only ten teams making it to the championship games each year. The …

Santa Claus visited the Loris Library on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m. to read a storybook to children visiting the library. Children ages three and four from Grace Christian Academy and a few toddlers visited with Santa to listen to him read “Twas the Nigh Before Christmas”. Each child patiently listened to him go through the routine of reading and showing the pictures in the book. When Santa finished the story the children each took turns sitting on his lap giving him a list of toys they want for Christmas. Two little boys asked for dirt bikes, Santa asked, …

Christmas came to life Friday in uptown Loris With the afternoon rainfall on Friday, Dec. 6, there was a gloom of doubt the Christmas activities will be delayed or cancelled. However, the Facebook announcement made by the city of Loris and the Loris Chamber of Commerce stated rain or shine the parade will go on as planned. Beginning at 4 p.m. live entertainment was provided filling the air with the sounds of Christmas songs. The gentle rain did not deter families and friends from gathering at the Courtyard on Main to see the 30 foot live Christmas tree, decorations and …

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 …