F-16 Landing+Teacher Shortage+Grads+Home For Vet+Blood Shortage

Hello Myrtle Beach! It's Wednesday, June 16, 2021 on the Grand Strand. Today I'll tell you about a fighter jet that made an emergency landing at MYR, graduation week in Horry County, teachers resigning or not re-signing, a free home for a grateful veteran, and a reminder about the blood donation shortage in the Grand Strand.

Before we start, let's look at today's weather:

Mostly sunny with a 20% chance of thunderstorms. High 89, low 70.

Today's top 5 news stories for Myrtle Beach:

1. An F-16 jet made an emergency landing at Myrtle Beach International Airport on Tuesday. The aircraft had engine trouble and landed safely. There was no adverse impact to the airport or scheduled flights. (WMBF)
2. Today is the last day of school for Horry County Schools, and thousands of seniors will be graduating this week. Parents were given a choice of individual graduations or traditional ceremonies, as each school opted to handle graduation ceremonies differently this year due to the pandemic. The next school year begins August 17th. (WMBF)
3. Educators in South Carolina are sounding the alarm about retention levels after more than 70 teachers resigned or did not renew their contracts for the next school year. Experts cited the pandemic and associated stress levels as the main reason for the increase in teachers leaving the profession. (WBTW)
4. U.S. Marine Eric Fisher and his family were given a mortgage-free home in Forestbrook Estates. The home was part of a collaboration between Lennar Homes and Operation FINALLY HOME, a non-profit organization. The home was the first of its kind given in the Myrtle Beach area. (WBTW)
5. The Grand Strand region is experiencing a "severe" shortage of blood donations, and is working with the Red Cross to encourage people to donate blood. Folks who do by the end of June will get a $5 Amazon gift card. A list of locations is posted in this article. (WPDE)

Today's events on the Grand Strand:

• A Pie For A Pie at participating Mellow Mushroom restaurants. If you buy a pizza, one will be donated to graduating high school seniors in the Grand Strand area. (All day)
• Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and Myrtle Beach Deputy Fire Marshall Jonathan Evans will conduct a class about risk reduction efforts including fires and other types of dangers. (8:30 am)
• Crafter's Cove for Kids, Wednesday summer program, sponsored by Town of Surfside Beach. (9 am)
• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Wine Therapy of North Myrtle Beach, 681 Main St, NMB. Enjoy music, food and wine. (12 noon)
• Part 2 of the Musicology of the Gullah Geechee Culture at Brookgreen Gardens . In person or streaming online. (1 pm)
• Music With A Purpose at Patio's in Little River. All proceeds go to NMB Rescue Squad (5 pm)
• The Long Bay Symphony plays at Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro, includes a three-course dinner $50. (6 pm)

Myrtle Beach Patch Notebook:

• Horry County Police have announced that they'll be putting public safety checkpoints in place all summer, in various locations. (Details here)
• A rental assistance program will help HC residents affected by the pandemic pay their rent. The U.S. Treasury gave the county over $10 million for the program. (Details here)
• Lottery officials are apparently wondering who bought the winning ticket in Myrtle Beach for last week's Mega Millions. The winner has 180 days to claim their winnings. (Details here)
• Horry County leaders continue to ponder proposed changes to flood damage prevention ordinances. Another vote will happen this week. (Details here)
• The brand-new, multi-cultural Rise Community Church held its first service last Sunday, and honored two HC police chiefs during the worship service. (Details here)
• Over 2100 students made the Dean's List at Coastal Carolina University. (Details here)
• Home prices continue to creep up in the Myrtle Beach area, and there's no evidence that it will slow down. (Details here)
• Myrtle Beach's Downtown Master Plan will bring renovations to the Arts and Innovation District. (Details here)

Featured events:

• June 16: Divorce Boot Camp SC Hub free webinar today at 5:30

Featured Classifieds:

• Gigs & Services: Residential Pest Control Services
• Gigs & Services: Advanced Termite and Pest Control

That's all for Wednesday June 16th. Check in with me again Thursday for all the info you need to know on the Grand Strand. Have a fantastic day!

-Kathy

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.

For tips or suggestions about this newsletter, email myrtlebeach@patch.com