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Community Corner

🌱 Rivera Sentenced + Motel Shut Down + TAPS For 22 Days

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Kathy Mandell, Neighbor
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Hey, neighbors! It's me again, Kathy Mandell, your host of the Myrtle Beach Daily. It's Sunday, October 24, 2021 and here's what you need to know on the Grand Strand today.

Shoutout to our premier local sponsor, Lapiere and Josie Senior Insurance Consultants, for helping so many people in our area with their Medicare questions and health plans. They are local independent agents representing all companies and plans in this area. Click here for more info or assistance.

A quick peek at Sunday's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 77 Low: 69.

Here are the top stories today in Myrtle Beach:

  1. The jury in the double-murder trial of Derrick Rivera found him guilty. Rivera was then sentenced by Judge Benjamin Culbertson to two life sentences plus a 30-year sentence for armed robbery. Members of the Johnson family spoke in court before sentencing occurred. They talked about the trauma they've experienced since the murders of Steve and Sparky Johnson in 2019. Rivera intends to file an appeal. (MyHorryNews.com)
  2. The 12th Circuit Solicitor has reported that a trial for two former Horry County deputies accused in two drowning deaths has been delayed. There were no details provided as to the reason for the delay. The former deputies were charged with reckless homicide and involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of Nicolette Green and Wendy Newton, who died in 2018 while being transported to a behavioral health center during Hurricane Florence. The van was overtaken by floodwaters, and the two deputies escaped but Green and Newton were unable to get out of the van. (WMBF)
  3. Grand Strand realtors are voicing their concerns about a new proposal increasing setback measurements on new residential construction. It is proposed that the current 25-foot setback be increased to 60 feet along major roadways, in particular, so those roads can be widened. The Horry County Council is set to vote on the matter November 2nd. (wpde.com)
  4. The Coral Sands Motel, described as 'a haven for drug traffickers and users' was court-ordered to be shut down for one year. The 15th Circuit Solicitor's Office investigated the property, along with Myrtle Beach Police, beginning in March after a series of complaints were lodged about drug distribution and prostitution. Motel management allegedly gave discounted room rates in exchange for drugs and sex, and are also accused of accepting cash from guests who wanted to sell drugs or use rooms for prostitution. (WBTW)
  5. SPC Lash Bragan, an Army veteran, is playing TAPS for 22 days between now and Veterans Day to raise awareness of the high rate of suicide among veterans. Mission 22, a non-profit recovery program says that 22 veteran suicides happen daily. Bragan learned how to play TAPS in 2020, and is playing each day at Seawall Cross in Murrells Inlet. Twenty-two pairs of boots are on display at nearby Belin Memorial United Methodist Church to also honor the veterans. Bragan posts the daily tributes on his Facebook page each night. (wpde.com)

Today in Myrtle Beach:

  • Red Cross blood drive @ St. Andrew Catholic Church (8:00 AM)
  • Fall Into Fun @ Thompson Farm (10:00 AM)
  • Aura Photo Day @ Labyrinth Walking (12:00 PM)
  • Carolina Boxer Rescue Pictures with Santa Claus @ MB State Park Shelter 1 (12:00 PM)
  • Saltwater Chamber Orchestra @ Trinity Presbyterian Church, Surfside (2:00 PM)
  • The Piedmont Boys @ Suck Bang Blow (5:00 PM)

Myrtle Beach Patch Notebook

  • A reminder if you're planning to use Highway 501 over the next couple of weeks, be prepared for detours, construction, closures and delays. Re-paving of the eastbound bypass bridge deck near Conway starts tomorrow, October 25, and goes through November 8th. Sections of Highway 22 and SC 319 will be part of the detours and closures. (WPDE)
  • Carolina Forest, North Myrtle Beach and Socastee take cross country honors at the Horry County Championship held this week at NMB Sports Complex. (Myhorrynews)
  • Two people were arrested in Lumberton, North Carolina after their U-Haul truck was pulled over for a traffic stop, and stolen items from several Myrtle Beach homes were found inside. The pair are being held on bond. (WBTW)
  • Horry County Fire Rescue headed to Surfside Beach on Saturday to help the SSFD respond to a car on fire that was also flipped on its side. There were no injuries, and no one was in the car. The crews were able to put the fire out. (WPDE)
  • Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach: Meet Galileo! This black and white mixed breed cutie has been with HSNMB for over a year! He's stressed out and needs a special home. Maybe yours? (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Sunday. I'll catch up with you bright and early Monday morning with an update to start the week of in Grand Strand style!

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— 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? You can contact me at myrtlebeach@patch.com.

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