On assignment

Horry Co. Wildfires

We're completely in the middle of a "news hurricane" over here at the station -- and in all honesty, this is one of the most intense environments I've ever been in.  This feeling is what people in the news industry live for.

But among all of the chaos, I wanted to take a quick minute to send my own personal "Thank You" to all of the rescue crews trying their hardest to battle the blaze.  We're all rooting for you guys and are hoping for the best. 

Please stay safe -- and thanks for risking your lives for the well-being of others.

As for those who have become a victim to the flames -- you're in our thoughts.  Stay strong.  There's a whole community that will support you.

Meghan Miller
meghanmiller@wmbfnews.com

Walking for a cure!

It's a cause near and dear to my heart -- finding a cure to cancer.  My mother is a 10-year survivor of Leukemia and my grandmother is currently losing her battle with the disease after beating it two times in the past.

If you've been watching WMBF News over the past week or two, you've noticed we've been covering the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life events that are sweeping the Grand Strand and Georgetown County.  The 12-hour events are held at a local track, field or recreation center, and participants raise money and walk around a track through the night. 

Horry and Georgetown Counties have contributed thousands upon thousands of dollars to helping find the cure for cancer -- and we're getting near -- but the fight isn't over yet. 

If you're in the mood for a breath of fresh air after work or want to honor someone you know who battled, survived or lost their lives to cancer... here's a list of dates for Relay for Life events around town:

• 5/2 -  Loris High School

• 5/8 - Market Commons

• 5/15 - Georgetown High School

• 5/15 - Andrews High School

• 5/29 - North Myrtle Beach High School

For more information, visit CANCER.ORG.

If you happen to make it out to one of these events, send your pictures to the WMBF News Nation.  You may see them on air!

Happy Relaying!


Meghan Miller
meghanmiller@wmbfnews.com

Making News Today

I think I have to come up with a better way to do this.  Every day around this time I realize I've been so busy or distracted I haven't discussed what stories we're working on today. 

Today a man credited with saving the lives of three people is receiving a letter of accommodation from the U.S. Post Master General.  Charles Pyatt and 10 year employee of the United States Postal Service helped occupants of a boat that sank off Sandy Island in February.

Casey Earl of Conway is out of jail on bond today.  He describes Erica Nordman's last minutes as she was dying in his arms, after being struck with a car driven by Christopher Skeens. 

Plus reporters will be getting a sneak peak at the changes made to Freestyle Music Park, but what were they doing today?  We'll have a look.

A day off

It's not often I find myself with a day off and nothing to do. Yet today is a day off for me, usually I take off to do something that isn't possible while I'm working. But today I guess is a day to do what ever, and basically just relax.

I'm setting here looking out the glass door at the gloomy skies that are outside, and kind of want to just go back to bed. That'd be very nice, but It feels like that's a waste of a good day. I will probably resist what I know I shouldn't do and that's check my email. That's kind of working, but it'll make things easier on Tuesday. 

So that's how my day off is starting, nothing to do, it feels nice, time for some Kyle time. Happy Monday.

Kyle Grainger | kgrainger@wmbfnews.com

Making News Today

A new amusement park may be coming to the Grand Strand and no we're not talking about the newly renamed Freestyle Music Park.  A man that had hoped to take over that park now says he'll be building one in North Myrtle Beach. 

"Tea Parties" are taking place all over the country today.  One such party is happening here at Chapin Park in Myrtle Beach.  We'll have a report from there and some other cities around the country.

You may see military vehicles driving around town this week and that's because Operation Coastal Watch a public safety exercise is underway.  This exercise is designed to put into action the emergency response plans that Horry County has in place.

Sunday morning a sunrise church service was broken up by police.  Was this service broken up because of new city ordinances designed to mitigate bike week?

And finally today is the tax deadline... be sure to get your taxes sent off by the end of today.  Post offices in the Horry County area are not staying open late as they have in years past.

Fresh produce.. just twice a week?

We've been hearing for months now that the economy is really taking a hard hit on business - small and large - but could the newest victim be farmer's markets?

I was browsing through a "Myrtle Beach Events" e-mail we receive here at the station and was excited to see that Myrtle's Market will be back open for business starting this Friday.  It's a great place to get local, fresh produce and some great food! 

But then I continued on... and saw that it will only be open for two days out of the week instead of its usual three.  The e-mail noted "a tight budget" was to blame, but could this be just another sector of the America becoming victim to rough times?  It's something I'm going to explore, I believe.

Hard times aside, you should DEFINITELY check out Myrtle's Market for yourself.  It's a great change from the fast-paced grocery store setting we're all used to, and you can get a fresh breath of air while you shop, too! 

Here's more info from WMBFNews.com -- stacked with operation hours and its location.

Happy eating!

Meghan Miller | meghanmiller@wmbfnews.com

Making News Today

Good Afternoon,

Here's what WMBF is working on for you today....

According to police reports two juveniles were approached by a man at different hotels on two different days.  In both instances according to the reports the juveniles had just left the pool area of the hotels.   The man attempted to sexually assault the juveniles in both instances.

Amidst yet another arrest, the City of Atlantic Beach is holding an election to fill a vacant council seat left by Mayor Retha Pierce.  Voting began at 7am this morning and concludes at 7pm. 

This week

This week is sure to be another busy week in the news department. And money issues will dominate a lot of our coerage this week.

On Monday, Horry County's Public Safety Committee will meet and hear the problems some departments are facing this year as they try to do more with less.  This has been a tight budget year and so far many departments are down to the bare bones. We did learn from the police chief in one meeting that he expects call times to increase for his officers response next year because of the cuts.

Tuesday, money will be the issue in Columbia when a midlands senator introduces a bill in the state house that'll require Governor Mark Sanford to use the economic stimulus money. This is sure to be a big debate there in Columbia, as it has been around the state.

Thursday and Friday are really big days for Horry County when the county council has their budget retreat.  We expect some big tough decisions to be made by the council in order to keep money balanced.

We will have it all covered for you on WMBF News and WMBFNews.com

Kyle Grainger | Kgrainger@wmbfnews.com

Making News Today

Good afternoon,

Here's what WMBF is working on for you today.

What's in a name?  Owners from Hard Rock Park have said it's name will change, so we wanted to know what you think it should be called.  Hear a few ideas from people on the Grand Strand.  And let us know what you think, send us an email at News@wmbfnews.com

A woman caught on camera shaking a baby she was supposed to care for plead guilty in court today.  Reporter AJ Ross was in the court room and has a report.

You hve exactly one week from today to file your taxes.  We talked with a tax preparer about filing extensions and what they've seen during this tough economy.

Making News Today

Sorry I didn't post last week... it was a bit hectic for me, but today starts a new week.

After months of testing and trying to make a match, family members of Alice Donovan will have to wait at least two more months to fid out if bones found in Longs, South Carolina are Donovan's.

Today is the last day to apply for special event permits for the Memorial Day Bike Rally.  There were 18 special event permits applied for the Spring Bike Rally.

A fire at a tire store is out in Georgetown County this afternoon.  The fire started around 6:30 this morning at the Wheels and Tires on North Fraser Street near High Market Street, causing a frew detours.  Reporter Kyle Grainger will have more later today on WMBF News.