The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News week in review

New disc golf course opens in North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach has opened an 18-hole disc golf course nestled within a cypress forest at the North Myrtle Beach Park Sports Complex. Called the Cypress Nook Disc Golf Course, the new attraction was developed through a collaboration between the city and community members who shared a vision for bringing disc golf to the complex. The course is designed around the natural landscape, featuring narrow fairways, sharp turns, and elevation changes that demand technique and precision. Each hole includes two tee boxes — one for experienced players and one for beginners. The city spent approximately $25,000 on baskets, tee boxes, and signage. Matt Gibbons, director of parks and recreation, described the course as unlike anything else in the area. The course is open daily during Park Sports Complex hours, which run from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. in summer.

Reported by Taylor Motley, MyrtleBeachOnline.com, published June 26

Top Richland County jail official faces obstruction charge

James Lipscomb, 66, one of the highest-ranking officials at Richland County’s Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, has been charged with obstruction of justice and booked into the very jail he once helped oversee, Sheriff Lott announced at a press conference. Authorities say the investigation was triggered by two incidents in early April, including the April 7 death of inmate Keith Bagley, whose cause of death was ruled toxic effects of synthetic cannabinoids. Lott says the jail failed to notify the sheriff’s office, which is responsible for investigating potential crimes there. To date, seven jail guards and 17 inmates have been arrested on various alleged charges. The facility has also faced scrutiny following a $9.8 million wrongful death settlement and a 2025 U.S. Department of Justice report citing dangerous conditions.

Reported by John Monk, myrtlebeachonline.com, published June 30

Meteorologist departs WBTW news13 after four years

Grand Strand meteorologist Scotty Powell has unexpectedly left WBTW News13, a CBS affiliate, after nearly four years. Powell told The Sun News the departure was not his decision. The reason for his exit remains unclear, and WBTW did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In a Facebook announcement, Powell noted that the station had seen significant staffing changes in recent months, with many familiar faces departing. Despite the abrupt end, Powell expressed gratitude for his time serving the Grand Strand and Pee Dee communities. His Facebook profile now lists him as a free-agent meteorologist. Powell says he plans to continue sharing weather forecasts for the area through his social media outlets, citing the evolving media landscape as part of his path forward.

Reported by Maria Elena Scott, published June 29

Person found dead in Myrtle Beach hotel room

A person was found dead Monday afternoon inside a room at the Twilight Surf hotel, located at 701 S. Ocean Blvd. in Myrtle Beach. Officers responded at approximately 2:53 p.m. after receiving a request to check on a person inside the room, according to police spokesperson Randolph Angotti. The cause of death has not been determined, and few additional details have been released. Residents can expect an increased law enforcement presence in the area as the investigation continues. Police are urging the public to be cautious of unverified information spreading on social media. Authorities noted that further details may not be released out of respect for privacy and in accordance with standard investigative practice.

Reported by Terri Richardson, MyrtleBeachOnline.com, published June 29

Penn Station Sandwiches coming to Myrtle Beach area

Ohio-based Penn Station Sandwiches is set to open two new locations in the Myrtle Beach area, marking the chain’s debut in the region. Headquartered in Cincinnati, the chain — formerly known as Penn Station East Coast Subs — operates more than 300 locations across the Midwest and East Coast, with two existing South Carolina locations in Fort Mill and Rock Hill. Franchise owner Eric Fairbanks, who operates nine other locations, called the deal “the natural next step” in his growth journey. While the agreement has been finalized, the specific locations and opening timelines have not yet been determined, as development remains in early stages.

Reported by Maria Elena Scott, published June 30

SC jury awards $250K to wrongly arrested woman

A South Carolina civil jury awarded Rock Hill resident Owens $250,000 after she was wrongly arrested in October 2024 for a drive-by shooting conspiracy she did not commit. Chester County deputies allegedly issued a warrant based solely on a tip from another person, without a positive identification or checking a DMV photo, according to her attorney, Chris Kenney. An expert testified that sheriff’s office policies and procedures were not followed. Owens said the arrest, which occurred while she was with her then-5-year-old daughter, caused her to lose her job as a day care teacher, her apartment, and her car. The sheriff’s office declined to comment, citing pending issues in the matter.

Reported by Andrew Dys, published June 26

This story was originally published July 1, 2026 at 5:26 PM with the headline "The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News week in review."