Grand Strand Newsmakers

MI2020 presented with ‘Outstanding’ award

Murrells Inlet 2020 was presented with the “Outstanding Non-Profit Award” from Keep Horry County Beautiful on December 9th at their monthly Board Meeting. Bo Ives, Chairman of Keep Horry County Beautiful, presented the award to the Board (Board Chair Whitney Hills) and Executive Director, Renee Williamson. The award was given in recognition of our voluntary commitment and selfless dedication to protect the natural beauty of Horry County.

Proctor special guest speaker at Pilot Club meeting

Ashley Proctor was the special guest speaker at a recent Pilot Club of Conway program meeting. Ashley gave a heartwarming speech about her experience as a mother of a child diagnosed with Down Syndrome. She also spoke about her involvement with the National Down Syndrome Society and participation in the local Buddy Walk held at Market Common in Myrtle Beach.

The Pilot Club of Conway presented Ashley with a donation to the National Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk..

Crouse named officer of year for county

Former Indiana Sheriff Deputy and Florida police officer Richard Crouse recently earned the honor of Horry County (South Carolina) Officer of the Year.

In July, Officer Crouse was the closest when dispatchers called about a man threatening his family with a gun. “When Crouse arrived on the scene he noticed several people in the vicinity and standing on neighboring balconies”

“I recall hearing screams and thinking the scene was chaotic,” Crouse said in the narrative.

“When Crouse stepped out of his patrol car his glasses fogged, and while he was waiting for his glasses to clear a loud voice behind him said “Get in there, he is going to kill her,” according to the narrative.

“Crouse approached the townhouse and a young woman pointed to an open door. He heard “Screams and loud voices from different areas.”

“Crouse noticed a male and female struggling over a handgun held by the male on the third or fourth step entering the townhouse, the narrative said.

“The male looked at Crouse and said “You come in here or any closer and it will be a bad day for her.”

“The male was screaming at the female while wrestling with the gun and appeared “very agitated and very angry,” Crouse said in the narrative. The female was screaming and crying.

“Crouse was “fearful the white female was about to be shot and killed”. Crouse fired, striking him.

“The male discharged his handgun but Crouse was unsure at what point that shot was fired, the narrative said. Crouse fired on the male several times and he fell to the bottom of the entry way, the narrative said.

2016 Class of Jackson Scholars named at CCU

Eight Coastal Carolina University students have been selected as the 2016 Jackson Scholars, a student leadership program sponsored by the University's Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values.

The two from the local area are: Timothy Hellaby, a History major, of Myrtle Beach, and Ashley Jordan, a Physical Education major, of Conway.

Brunswick Town DAR presents five classes

Martha Koletar taught five classes about Colonial times in the 1700”s to 7th grade students at South Brunswick Middle School. Phyllis and Martha met Kathy Miller for lunch at the Southport Tea House. To learn more about the Brunswick Town DAR chapter, log on to http://darbrunswicktownchapter.blogspot.com/.

North Strand Sail and Power Squadron Swears in New Officers

The North Strand Sail and Power Squadron of Little River held its annual Change of Watch dinner meeting recently at The Surf Golf and Beach Club in North Myrtle Beach.

Jack McKinnon, of Conway, was sworn in as Commander by District 26 Commander Andy Hyman. The other new officers are Executive Officer George Theriault of Longs, Administrative Officer Bonnie Kanoy of Little River, Secretary Marcia Faris of North Myrtle Beach, Education Officer Jake Kanoy of Little River, Treasurer Louise Rubis of Little River; Assistant Treasurer Bonnie Williams of Myrtle Beach and Assistant Secretary Terri Azar of Little River.

NSSPS was started in 2000 and is part of the United States Power Squadrons organization, which was founded in 1914. They are one of 450 squadrons nationwide with over 45,000 active members that spread the importance of boating safety through community service programs. Public boating classes, on-the-water training, vessel safety checks and other programs keep members busy throughout the year.

Boating education is most important to the Squadron. The most popular course they teach is the ABC Class – the basic boating safety course. The next one will be scheduled for a Saturday in February 2016. Keep your eyes open for more information on the exact date.

All boaters in North Carolina under the age of 26 are required to take this course in order to be certified to operate a boat and in South Carolina, anyone under the age of 16 who wishes to operate a motorized vessel is required to get this certification. This is a great way to get that certificate in a one-day class. Members also can take additional courses in subjects such as navigation, using GPS, engine maintenance, sailing, cruise preparation, Partner in Command and many other topics critical to anyone who owns a boat.

Squadron members, who are from both North and South Carolina, find time to get together for overnight cruises, day trips, non-boating outings and dinner meetings to share experiences and other boating adventures. Community service is a key function of the group and since the squadron is headquartered in Little River, they work closely with the North Myrtle Beach Department of Parks and Recreation to assist with their many events for children like the Breakfast with Santa on December 12.

For more information visit www.northstrandsquadron.com or call 843-399-1342.

Elks host Christmas party for children

A Christmas party was hosted December 18 at The Little River Elks Lodge 2840, 250 S.C. 57 South, Little River, for 16 children from the Longs area.

There was a pizza party followed by a visit from Santa Claus who handed out gifts from Elks members who donated lots of presents to some very deserving local kids.

This story was originally published December 27, 2015 at 11:52 PM with the headline "Grand Strand Newsmakers."