Med Center Adjusts Visitor Rules +Rents In Arrears+ Missing Teen

Up and at 'em, Myrtle Beach! Kathy Mandell, here. I am back, and want to give a special shout out of thanks to my colleague, Madison, who kept things going while I was away. Let's get you started this Monday with everything you need to know going on today on the Grand Strand.

Let's take a look at today's weather, first: Things will cool off a bit. Scattered thunderstorms this afternoon and overnight. High: 85 Low: 74.

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Here are the top stories in Myrtle Beach today:

1. Conway Medical Center has adjusted its visitor policy due to COVID-19. Masks are required. One visitor at a time per hospitalized patient is allowed, and additional visitors must wait outdoors until they are able to switch with the previous visitor. No visitors are allowed for COVID-19 patients in isolation, or in the Emergency Department. These rules apply except for special circumstances, or in the case of pediatric and elderly patients. (WBTW)
2. In the midst of last weekend's heat wave, Myrtle Beach lifeguards have changed their operation to include observing people for signs of heat exhaustion. Weslyn Lack-Chickering, General Manager of Lack's Beach Service, explained that breezy, hot days are actually the worst since the hot breeze can trick beachgoers into thinking they are in less danger of heat-related problems. The lifeguards have coolers of ice water handy, as well as other supplies to help beachgoers who might get overheated. Lifeguards are required to cool down, and take longer breaks. (WMBF)
3. Horry County is considered a "ticking time bomb" in terms of rental arrears, according to an analysis done by Surgo Ventures. The nonprofit organization says that approximately 7,865 households in Horry County are behind in paying rent, totaling a whopping $26 million in back rent, collectively. (Patch)
4. The Grand Strand is seeing a lot of new development and that means wildlife is on the move, looking for food. A Carolina Forest resident spotted a family of bears in her parents' backyard last week. Carolina Wildlife Rehab Center executive director, Kimberly Cerimele, commented on the resident's Facebook post. Cerimele stated that keeping trash cans secure and removing bird feeders will discourage bears from coming around. (WPDE)
5. Church leaders in the Grand Strand area are monitoring the rise in COVID-19 cases and are prepared to take necessary actions for the safety of congregation members, if required. Steps could include limiting in-person church services, requiring masks, social distancing indoors, and doing temperature checks. For now, most churches are taking a wait-and-see approach, and have continued to offer streaming services all along. (WMBF)
6. Conway police are searching for a missing teenager. D'asia Shanette Baker, 13, was last seen in Conway at her home on Thursday. She is 5'2", 127 pounds with brown eyes and black hair, wearing a green hoodie and yellow shorts. Those with information are asked to contact Conway PD at (843) 248-1790. (WMBF)

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Today in Myrtle Beach

• Kids Yoga Camp, Surfside United Methodist Church (9:00 AM)
• Printmaking at ART Your Heart Out Creations, 4537 Hwy 17 Bypass, MB $25 (10:00 AM)
• Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshop at Topgolf Myrtle Beach (1:00 PM)
• Yappy Hour at Tidal Creek Brewhouse (5:00 PM)
• Women Build Sip & Shop at Habitat for Humanity ReStore (5:00 PM)
• Gelli Print Journaling at ART Your Heart Out Creations $20 (6:00 PM)
• Surfside Beach Hula and Fire Show 3rd Avenue Beach Access, Surfside (7:00 PM)
• Upcoming Red Cross blood drives in the Myrtle Beach area through August 15: (Patch)

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Myrtle Beach Patch Notebook

• Horry County Police were on scene in Little River for a domestic violence investigation on Sunday in the neighborhood off Horseshoe Road, near the Summer Chase Apartments. An arrest was made, and police remained on-scene for most of the afternoon. (WBTW)
• A Myrtle Beach family will travel to Africa to see their adoptive son who had life-saving surgery here. The Coles family has not seen Brian Wasonga for several years. (WMBF)
• Another Grand Strand family is going cross-country on a 50-state RV tour to donate wagons to kids with cancer. The Hoover family runs a nonprofit called Hug Your People that they began when their son was diagnosed with cancer at age 4. (WPDE)
• Five-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, Slider, is a big hit at Myrtle Beach's ballpark where he retrieves bats for the MB Pelicans. (MyHorryNews.com)
• Myrtle Beach dogs, cats, pets available for adoption at area shelters. (Patch)
• News13 WBTW has released the 2021 high school football schedule for the Grand Strand and Pee Dee areas. The season starts in three weeks. (WBTW)
• Junk removal is king! Need anything removed? Check out Junk King of Myrtle Beach. The local franchise is owned by entrepreneur Vernon Bailey. (www.junk-king.com)
• A number of Myrtle Beach area restaurants received revitalization grants as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. (Patch)
• In case you missed it, the Grand Strand had yet another big lottery winner! The ticket was purchased at OMKS on Socastee Boulevard in Myrtle Beach. (WPDE)
• Congratulations to Keep Our Pets Food Bank. The company was chosen as nonprofit of the month for July by South Atlantic Bank and the MB Chamber of Commerce. (Patch)
• As more brick-and-mortar stores close, residents express concern and frustration about negative impacts on neighborhoods. (WPDE)
• The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: Submit a photo of your pet by August 8th for a chance to be featured in our 2022 Paw Prints Calendar. (Facebook)
• Palmetto Animal Hospital: Happy National Mutt Day! This day encourages us to embrace, save and celebrate mixed breed dogs! Take it from me, mutts are the best! (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for Monday, Myrtle Beach! I'll see you Tuesday for more news and updates.

If you're feeling these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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? Reach out anytime to myrtlebeach@patch.com.