Coastal Observer

Tourism: Committee rejects restaurant’s request for restrooms on Marshwalk

A request by a Murrells Inlet restaurant for tourism tax money to build restrooms near the Marshwalk has sparked a debate about using public funds for projects on private property. The owners of the...
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THE WEEK’S TOP STORIES

Nonprofits: Food programs work to provide more greens

There’s an old saying: you are what you eat. “Unhealthy food does not contain the nutrients that our bodies need to function properly … the nutrients that we need for our physical and...
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Housing: NAACP joins developer to sue county over denial of affordable housing project

A lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court claims Georgetown County failed to follow its comprehensive plan when it denied zoning approval for an affordable-housing development outside Georgetown last year. The suit was brought by...
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Environment: State park trees seen as high risk for wildfire

In an open forest, flames from a fire could rise 5 feet. In a forest like the one that’s grown up on the south end of Huntington Beach State Park, the fire would reach...
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Sports: Warriors back on top with sixth girls tennis title

After winning five state titles between 2004 and 2010, the Waccamaw High School girls tennis program slipped into a drought. On Saturday, they made it rain. The Warriors beat Chapman 5-1 to win the...
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Veterans: A tribute to service brings a challenge for community involvement

Liz Litvin wore a uniform for 26 years. Her service didn’t end when she retired. “I couldn’t just turn off that part of my heart, that part of my mind that wanted to serve,”...
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Land use: Townhouse approval no surprise to opponents

Several speakers berated Georgetown County Council for moving forward with a proposal to allow 90 townhouses on a vacant tract in Parkersville before John Burgess got his turn at the podium. “I’m going be...
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Sports: And the kick is … Good!

Jack Simcsak stays active by mentoring athletes young enough to be his grandchildren. The 74-year-old New Jersey native is one of the most sought after kicking coaches in South Carolina. “I’m able to help...
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Elections: Razor thin margin leads to recount in schools race

Four votes. That’s what separates Scott DuBose (2,169 votes) and Lynne B. Ford (2,165) in the race for the District 2 seat on the Georgetown County School Board. The results are unofficial, pending a...
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Nonprofits: Season of giving turns focus to food quality over quantity

Got your hands on some non-perishable food that is beyond its expiration or sell by date? Don’t donate it to a food pantry. Throw it away, so the people at the pantry don’t have...
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Arts: Stolen bird prints back on display at Hobcaw

Seven rare prints of bird paintings by John James Audubon are back on the wall at Hobcaw Barony for the first time since they were stolen in 2003. “It’s nice to see them,” said...
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Education: School board approves plan for early start

A week-long survey by the Georgetown County School District showed overwhelming support among staff, parents and students for a plan that will start classes the first week of August next year and add two...
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THE WEEK’S FEATURED STORIES

Traditions: The many days of Christmas

Twelve days just aren’t enough when it comes to scheduling Christmas events. From now through the New Year there will be a swirl of lights, Santas and entertainment to make the season merry and...
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BUSINESS NEWS

Observer wins 10 state press awards

Coastal Observer staff won 10 awards from the S.C. Press Association for their work in 2019 and 2020, including third place for General Excellence among the mid-sized weekly newspapers. Awards were presented last week...
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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. , .

COASTAL OBSERVER