Coastal Observer

Environment: Utility files suit to fund filtering of ‘forever chemicals’ from drinking water

The level of toxic “forever chemicals” in the Waccamaw River is nearly three times the maximum level for drinking water set by the federal government last year. Georgetown County Water and Sewer District has...
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THE WEEK’S TOP STORIES

Beaches: Popular Pawleys Island access gets a new look

The parking lot has stood for decades on the shifting sands at the south end of Pawleys Island where the Atlantic Ocean and Pawleys Creek flow around, and occasionally over, it. Since the start...
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Churches: At Belin centennial, members debate split with United Methodists

A ruling by the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church last year seems to have stopped the process of “disaffiliation” which thousands of individual churches have used to leave the faith. However, a...
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Legislature: Hewitt files bill to combine six state health care agencies

State Rep. Lee Hewitt tried to reassure members of the Georgetown County Republican Club last spring that the breakup of the Department of Health and Environmental Control made sense. “We have not created a...
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Education: Sidelined for 16 months, charter director ready to return for new semester

Sixteen months after being placed on administrative leave, Chris Bergeron is back this week as director of Coastal Montessori Charter School. “I’m very excited just to come in, build some relationships and help our...
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Pawleys Island: Variance proposed to extend life of vintage beach house

The town of Pawleys Island is considering a proposal that could buy more time for a beach house built in 1939 that could be torn down to make way for new construction under the...
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Hurricanes: County goes to court to challenge state ruling on flood codes

Georgetown County has gone to court to overturn a state decision that will require that structures in some inland areas be built to the same standard as those on beachfront to reduce the risk...
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Year in Review: International Paper announces closure of mill with loss of 674 jobs

As we come to the end of the year, here is a look back at some of the top stories. This article published in October drew the highest number of views from readers in...
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Year in Review: Congregation plans move away from United Methodists

As we come to the end of the year, here is a look back at some of the top stories. This article published in March drew the second highest number of views from readers...
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Year in Review: Prince George group seeks permit to move Pawleys Inlet

As we come to the end of the year, here is a look back at some of the top stories. This article published in January drew the third highest number of views from readers...
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Year in Review: Pawleys woman sues developer over drainage

As we come to the end of the year, here is a look back at some of the top stories. This article published in August drew the fourth highest number of views from readers...
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Year in Review: Sand will run out before the money does, hazards expert says

As we come to the end of the year, here is a look back at some of the top stories. This article published in October drew the fifth highest number of views from readers...
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THE WEEK’S FEATURED STORIES

Environment: Litchfield group wants to ‘harvest’ sand from Midway Inlet

Property owners at Litchfield Beach are seeking state and federal permits to take sand from 26 acres along Midway Inlet to place on the beach in front of their gated community. The Peninsula Property...
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BUSINESS NEWS

Observer staff wins 15 state press awards

The Coastal Observer staff received 15 awards for reporting, writing, photography and design, in the S.C. Press Association’s annual news contest. The paper won first place for General Excellence among the state’s medium-sized weeklies....
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LOCAL EVENTS

Meetings

Georgetown County Board of Education: First and third Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., Beck Education Center. For details, go to gcsd.k12.sc.us . Georgetown County Council: Second and fourth Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers, 129 Screven St., Georgetown. For details, go to georgetowncountysc.org. Pawleys Island Town Council: Second Mondays, 5 p.m. Town Hall, 323 Myrtle Ave. For details, go to townofpawleysisland.com. , .