Coastal Observer

History: Young man’s death helps bring story of Gullah-Geechee fishing village to life

The dead man’s soul reunited with its maker long ago. Researchers now hope they can return his body to his family. In the process, they have brought to life a new understanding of a...
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THE WEEK’S TOP STORIES

Litchfield Beach: HOAs agree to land deal, but owners object

The HOA at Inlet Point South supports a zoning change that will create two buildable lots on the site of a disused sewer treatment plan. But homeowners say they all object to the change...
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Land use: County faces new suit over duplex plan’s approval

A fourth lawsuit in 14 months – and the second this year – seeks to overturn Georgetown County’s approval of a 12-unit duplex development at Pawleys Island even as the county moves forward with...
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Arts: City will explore another avenue to economic development

Georgetown has formed an Arts and Culture Commission to find ways, including events and displays, to attract visitors to the city. But don’t expect to see a transformation in the next few weeks. “I...
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Murrells Inlet: Critics of failed fire tax vote waiting to see new numbers

A consultant’s report lays out a case for the Murrells Inlet-Garden City Fire District seeking voter approval to raise property taxes. The report that Tom Swatzel is waiting for is the district’s annual financial...
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Pawleys Island: With federal funds for repairs, island’s beach still faces challenges

The Army Corps of Engineers will pump up to 200,000 cubic yards of offshore sand onto the south end of Pawleys Island next winter as part of a $14 million project to repair damage...
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Education: Technology classes lead the way to careers

High school students still dissect frogs in science class, but a select few also dissect the body parts on larger animals, like cows. Seven Waccamaw High School students in Barbara O’Neill’s human body systems...
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Beaches: State argues for dismissal of suits over Pawleys renourishment

Suits by property owners at Prince George claiming they were damaged by the effects of a beach renourishment project at Pawleys Island should be dismissed because none of them appealed the state permit for...
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Murrells Inlet: Fire district makes plans for vote on tax increase

One of the three ambulances that serves the Murrells Inlet-Garden City Fire District stopped running just before the weekend. The problem wasn’t the vehicle. The district didn’t have enough people to staff it. More...
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Legislature: Bill would allow one-time fees on newcomers’ cars and licenses

Spending $450 million on a new highway doesn’t make sense if the existing roads can’t handle the increased traffic it will bring, said Becky Ryon, North Coast director of the Coastal Conservation. The members...
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Waccamaw High: Launch of boys volleyball draws former principal back to courts

Former Waccamaw High School principal David Hammel returned to teaching last August. Now he’s returning to something that he loves just as much: coaching. Hammel was named the school’s first boys volleyball coach this...
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Education: District plans to give teachers a 30-minute break

The state has mandated that certain teachers get 30 minutes of time off every day. The Georgetown County School District wants to go a step farther and give all its teachers a break. “It’s...
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THE WEEK’S FEATURED STORIES

Pawleys Island: After trees, historic homes may be up next for protection

The town of Pawleys Island is one vote away from protecting trees from being cut for development. It now wants to protect something older: its nine houses on the National Register. The strategic plan...
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BUSINESS NEWS

Observer staff wins 17 press awards

Coastal Observer staff received 17 awards for excellence in reporting, photography and design from the S.C. Press Association, including eight first-place awards. The awards were presented last week in Columbia, where Charles Swenson, Coastal...
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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