🌱 Fire Closes Neal and Pam's + Local Vets Feel The Bite Of Burnout

Hello y'all. It's me, Kathy Mandell, your host of the Myrtle Beach Daily. Here's all the local news you need to know right now. Today is Saturday, July 23, 2022. Let's get started!

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Today's weather continues the now-familiar pattern:

Humid; a stray p.m. t-storm. High: 85 Low: 75. Ocean temperature a cool 83 degrees.

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Here are the top five stories today in Myrtle Beach:

1. The popular bar and restaurant, Neal and Pam's Bar and Grill in Surfside Beach, sustained serious damage from a porch fire on Friday morning. Neal and Pam's opened in 1985 and has become a Surfside staple for locals and visitors alike. The fire was discovered by a worker who had been hired to pressure wash part of the establishment. He used his pressure washer to douse the flames. Owner Zach Baker says if it wasn't for the quick action of that worker, Neal and Pam's would be gone. The bar and grille will be closed for at least a few weeks. The community is stepping forward to lend a hand and support. (WMBF) (wpde.com)
2. Authorities in Georgetown County have released details about a double homicide that happened in the Ringel Heights community around midnight on Thursday. Two victims were shot in the head. John Altman died at the scene. The second victim, Emily Richitelli, was brought to the hospital where she later died. The suspect, Ronnie Todd, is charged with two counts of murder and other charges involving the weapon and ammunition. The police report indicated that Todd and Richitelli were in a relationship at one time. The sheriff's office believes the shootings were the result of a domestic incident. (WMBF)
3. A Winnsboro, South Carolina man falsely claimed he was the victim of an armed robbery in Myrtle Beach, then police say he robbed someone himself after hitting the victim over the head with a bat. The incident happened in June at the bus transfer station on 10th Avenue in the city. The person who was hit and robbed sustained a fractured skull and brain hemorrhage. According to warrants, the attacker knew the victim. The attacker was arrested and booked into Long Detention Center. He is being held on $155,000 bond. (WBTW)
4. The suspect in Thursday's hours-long manhunt has had several charges filed against him, according to authorities. William Alston was brought to the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound, then booked into Long Detention Center on Thursday evening. He was originally charged with assault and battery, kidnapping and domestic violence — that was the warrant officers were attempting to serve him on Thursday when he opened fire on them. He has now also been charged with two counts of attempted murder, possession of anabolic steroids and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. (WMBF)
5. Next time you're at the veterinarian's office with your pet, bring along a dose of kindness for the staff. Vets nationwide are feeling the effects of stress, burnout and compassion fatigue due to a shortage of veterinarians across the United States. The problem is affecting the Grand Strand and impacting veterinary services here. Increased demand on vets dates back to the start of the pandemic. The industry is feeling the pinch from veterinary workers leaving the field to care for family members, retire or change jobs during the last two years. Veterinary challenges have a trickle-down effect that impacts local shelters, too. (wpde.com)

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Myrtle Beach pic of the day:

I'm writing this during a "wicked" thunderstorm (as we New Englanders say!). Today's pic of the day is fitting. This lightning strike photo was sent in by "lirpa" who lives in The Legends neighborhood. They took the photo on the Fourth of July. Thanks for the pic, lirpa!

Would you like to see your photo in the Myrtle Beach Daily? Send one in. Be sure to give Patch permission to republish the photo, and tell us that you own the rights to the photograph. Send your pic to myrtlebeach@patch.com

Today in Myrtle Beach:

• Take A Kid Surfing Day / Surf Dreams Foundation Contest @ Holiday Inn Surfside (All day)
• Kids Yoga - All About Self-Care @ Real Hot Yoga Myrtle Beach (2 p.m.)
• Gnome Friends pottery class ages 6 and up @ Rooted Beauty Pottery (3 p.m.)
• Brooke McBride @ Main Street Taphouse, NMB (6 p.m.)
• Skyler Whitfield @ Flynn's Irish Tavern (7 p.m.)
• Comedian James Gregory @ The Alabama Theatre (7 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• North Myrtle Beach Police posted a social media thank-you note after the lengthy manhunt in the city. The department gave a shout out to area Public Safety partners and community members for helping keep the city safe. (North Myrtle Beach Police via Facebook)
• On Thursday night, State Rep. Heather Ammons Crawford and Horry County Councilman Cam Crawford hosted a seminar to teach Horry County residents how to coexist with alligators. Gator expert Morgan Hart said the biggest takeaway from the meeting is: never feed alligators. Feeding them is not only illegal, but can have serious consequences. (WBTW)
• Morgan Wallen "the most wanted man in country" will be the headliner of Carolina Country Music Fest 2023! The news was announced on Friday in a press release. Wallen is described as "Bruce Springsteen meets Larry the Cable Guy." CCMF will happen June 8 through 11, 2023 right here in Myrtle Beach. (ABC NEWS 4) (Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina via Facebook)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach extended a big heartwarming thank you to the staff and patrons of Duck's Dive Bar and Grill. The group filled the shelter's van with donations for shelter pets! (The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach via Facebook)
• Are you ready for some beach time? The Myrtle Beach Seahawks' partook of their regular offseason conditioning program on the beach at 39th Avenue North on Thursday. It was the team's final day of the program that really is anything but "offseason" — it's a real heavy-duty workout! (Myhorrynews)
• Myrtle Beach International Airport is hosting a pop-up TSA Pre✓® enrollment event August 22 through 26. Space is limited, and an appointment is required. (FlyMyrtleBeach.com)

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You're officially in the loop for Saturday! I'll be back right here with your Sunday edition of the Myrtle Beach Daily. Until then, stay safe, stay cool and have a great day!

— Kathy Mandell

About me: The best decision I ever made was relocating to the Myrtle Beach area from New England a few years ago, with my three dogs and three cats. I enjoy dogs, cats, road trips, photography, writing, vegetarian food, live music, bicycling and above all my daily walks on the beaches in and around the Grand Strand.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Myrtle Beach Daily? Contact me at myrtlebeach@patch.com