Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments

This past Monday, the Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments (WRCOG) Board of Directors held their regularly scheduled meeting with a refreshing change of scenery. For this month's meeting, the Board traveled to the City of Conway, SC, where they were warmly welcomed. Following departmental updates, Adam Emrick, City Administrator for Conway, delivered an engaging presentation about the city's transformation into "Halloweentown" each October. The downtown area comes alive with enchanting Halloween displays, offering both spooky fun and festive charm for residents and visitors alike. Adam emphasized how these displays not only bring joy but also play a vital role in driving economic development for Conway. The influx of visitors leads to increased foot traffic for local shops, restaurants, and businesses, providing a significant boost to the downtown economy. Retailers benefit from the seasonal excitement, and the city's unique Halloween atmosphere attracts tourists, which strengthens the local economy and helps promote Conway as a destination year-round. After the presentation, the Board had the opportunity to experience the magic firsthand with a guided tour of the Halloween exhibits, courtesy of Coast RTA’s trolley service. It was a wonderful way for the WRCOG Board of Directors to immerse themselves in the festive spirit while also seeing the positive impact that events like these have on local communities.

Meet Madison! Madison is a senior at Coastal Carolina University, where she is majoring in Mathematics and minoring in Statistics and Engineering. Yesterday, Madison completed her Georgetown RISE internship in the Planning Department at WRCOG. Madison's work involved researching and organizing large datasets from the US Census Bureau, which serves as the basis of local planning documents in the region. Madison has done a great job with her internship, and as a result, she has accepted an offer to work full-time at WRCOG. She will be graduating this May, and we congratulate her on her achievement! When asked about her experience, Madison said, "I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with such great people and to help the community around me." Pictured is Madison with her supervisor Leigh Kane at the RISE poster presentation and reception held yesterday evening.

Hey, Waccamaw Region! Are you ready for the Waccamaw Sports Classic!? If you are aged 55 or older, come out to Beck Recreation Center in Georgetown, SC on April 19, 2024 at 9:30 am! Don't want to participate in track and field events? No problem! Come to dance or socialize! We can't wait to see you! The Waccamaw Sports Classic is a program that was launched in 2008 to promote healthier living for individuals aged 55 and above. The primary objectives of the Waccamaw Sports Classic are to enhance the health and wellness of older adults, organize competitive, recreational, and social activities for all the participants, and provide a platform for different communities to interact and engage with each other. Above all, the program endeavors to improve the quality of life and highlight the significance of leading a healthy lifestyle.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) is accepting public comments on a proposed Voluntary Cleanup Contract regarding the Old Loris High School through April 24, 2024. The City of Loris wants to acquire the property and intends to redevelop the property as a multi-purpose governmental, recreational, and private mixed-use development space. The proposed contract is available at: https://lnkd.in/eWrdzcvH Printed copies may be obtained from the DHEC Freedom of Information Office at (803) 898-3882. The public may provide written, email, or telephone comments on the proposed contract through April 24, 2024. Questions or comments may be directed to Sophia Owens, Project Manager, by e-mail at owensSC@dhec.sc.gov or by telephone at (803) 898-0932. Written comments should be directed to Sophia Owens at SCDHEC, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

A public hearing will be held tonight at 6:00 pm at Stuckey Town Hall, 17 Cobra Drive Hemingway, SC 29554. The hearing aims to gather input on community needs for housing, public facilities, and economic development. The Town of Stuckey will present its needs assessment results and proposed activities to fulfill identified needs, including those for persons of low and moderate income.

IMPROVING WATER QUALITY WITH FLOATING WETLANDS Are you interested in enhancing your pond's water quality, biodiversity, and appearance? Consider installing a floating wetland! We are noticing a growing trend in which Homeowners Associations are implementing floating wetlands in their ponds. Clemson Extension needs your help! They're conducting a survey to understand how you feel about your local stormwater ponds and any water quality concerns. The survey includes questions about strategies to improve water quality and which ones you'd support. The goal is to use the feedback to create outreach materials, training, and other resources to help maintain floating wetlands. Please participate in the online survey by clicking the following link! https://lnkd.in/gNT2eQqJ

Healthy Communities are places where all individuals have access to healthy built, social, economic, and natural environments that allow them to live to their fullest potential regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, income, age, abilities, or other socially defined circumstances. By recognizing the vital connection between public health and community planning, we have the power to inspire change and create a healthier future for all. Discover how planning and public health can work together to build a better world at https://lnkd.in/e7Z_Bj27.

Attention all residents and local government agencies of Williamsburg, Horry, and Georgetown counties. CoCoRaHS is actively seeking volunteers to become weather observing stations. Join us in collecting valuable data and helping to improve weather forecasting. Sign up now at cocorahs.org and be a part of this important initiative!

Join our team! Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments is hiring for two planning positions. For more information on our open positions, view the links below! Transportation Planner: https://lnkd.in/emh_y5eS Planner: https://lnkd.in/etP6bDyk

Join our team! Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments is hiring for two planning positions. For more information on our open positions, view the links below! Transportation Planner: https://lnkd.in/emh_y5eS Planner: https://lnkd.in/etP6bDyk