Horry County, January 27, 2026
A portion of Hemingway Chapel Road in the Conway area of Horry County has closed to enable a significant stormwater improvement project. Residents must plan for detours until February 9. In addition, Horry County has reported no new crime bookings. Concurrently, the community is recognizing McKenzie Brown from Loris High School as the Rookie Teacher of the Year. The news also highlights a lawsuit against a Myrtle Beach optometrist and an ongoing human trafficking investigation stemming from a tragic incident last year.
Myrtle Beach, SC
A significant alteration to daily travel patterns commenced today in the Conway area of Horry County, as a portion of Hemingway Chapel Road closed to facilitate a vital stormwater improvement project. This development, effective Tuesday, January 27, 2026, will require residents and commuters to adjust their routes for a sustained period. Concurrently, the Horry County Government’s ’24 Hour Crime’ application reported no new bookings for January 27, 2026, reflecting a quiet period in local detention records as of its latest update.
Infrastructure and Community Life
The closure of Hemingway Chapel Road spans the stretch between Raspberry Lane and Augustus Drive. This undertaking is part of a larger, concerted effort to enhance local infrastructure, specifically addressing stormwater management. The project aims to replace an existing undersized concrete pipe with a system of three new 48-inch pipes and one new 36-inch concrete pipe. These improvements are designed to substantially mitigate upstream flooding and reduce the impact of major storm events on approximately 10 existing homes in the vicinity. Such work, while temporarily disruptive, is a testament to the ongoing commitment to protecting the foundational stability of the community and the well-being of its residents against nature’s unpredictable forces. Detours are anticipated to remain in effect until February 9, 2026, underscoring the necessity for careful planning in the coming weeks. This particular project represents one of five critical drainage initiatives within Horry County, collectively bolstered by a substantial grant of nearly $5.5 million through the Rural Infrastructure Authority.
Recognizing Educational Excellence
In a reflection of the dedicated spirit animating local education, McKenzie Brown of Loris High School has been recognized as the 2026 Horry County Schools (HCS) Rookie Teacher of the Year. Miss Brown, a math teacher at Loris High, embodies the profound impact a new educator can have on students and the broader school community. This acknowledgment, though announced in May 2025, remains a point of pride and inspiration within the district, highlighting the nurturing of talent essential for shaping future generations. Such recognitions underscore the enduring value placed on those who commit themselves to the intellectual and personal growth of young people.
Judicial Filings and Public Trust
The intricate tapestry of human interactions sometimes reveals unsettling threads, as evidenced by a lawsuit filed on Friday, January 23, 2026, in Horry County against a Myrtle Beach optometrist. The suit, which saw updates on January 26, 2026, alleges inappropriate romantic and sexual advances towards a patient, culminating in claims of drugging and a purported “commitment ceremony” in Las Vegas. These allegations, now within the formal structures of the legal system, serve as a somber reminder of the trust inherent in professional relationships and the profound consequences when that trust is allegedly breached. The judicial process will now proceed to examine the claims with due diligence.
Public Safety Overview
Across the state, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety reported a preliminary count of three fatalities on South Carolina roadways during the weekend spanning Friday, January 23, through Sunday, January 25, 2026. Within this period, Horry County recorded no traffic fatalities, a small measure of local relief amidst the broader statewide figures. These numbers, preliminary in nature, speak to the enduring fragility of life on the open road and call for continued vigilance from all who travel.
Further public safety discussions in the region involve an ongoing human trafficking investigation within Horry County, which gained renewed attention with an article updated on January 25, 2026. This complex case originated from the tragic death of an 11-year-old girl in June 2025 and has led to six arrests. The investigation has brought to light instances of labor trafficking, where children were compelled to perform unpaid cleaning services. Notably, sex trafficking was not suspected in this particular aspect of the case, revealing the varied and often hidden forms of exploitation that challenge the fabric of society. Such cases illuminate the quiet suffering that can exist, urging a collective attentiveness to the vulnerable among us.
Local Advisories and Preparations
In response to recent weather conditions, Horry County Schools took precautionary measures over the past weekend, cancelling all extracurricular and athletic events for Saturday, January 24, and Sunday, January 25, 2026. The district communicated its intent to provide an update by 11:00 a.m. on Sunday regarding any potential adjustments to Monday, January 26, 2026’s schedule. These decisions reflect a judicious approach to ensuring the safety of students and staff in the face of environmental uncertainties, a prudent act of collective care. The Horry County Police Department continues to advise residents to avoid unnecessary travel on roads, particularly when forecasts indicate changing conditions, recognizing that even minor shifts in temperature can impact road safety.
Finally, it is noteworthy that the Horry County Government maintains a standing disclaimer regarding the information presented through its ’24 Hour Crime’ application and other booking and release data. The county states it cannot validate the absolute accuracy of information originating from facilities such as the Reuben Long Detention Center or the City of North Myrtle Beach, and consequently, disclaims responsibility for its precision. This serves as a vital point of clarity for those seeking information from these public sources, reminding us that data, while invaluable, often carries its own inherent limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the latest news regarding road closures in Horry County?
A portion of Hemingway Chapel Road in the Conway area of Horry County began closing on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, between Raspberry Lane and Augustus Drive, for a stormwater improvement project.
How long will the Hemingway Chapel Road closure last?
Detours for the Hemingway Chapel Road project are expected to remain in effect until February 9, 2026.
Were there any new crime bookings reported in Horry County recently?
The Horry County Government’s ’24 Hour Crime’ application showed no new bookings for January 27, 2026, as of its last update. [original prompt data]
Who is the HCS 2026 Rookie Teacher of the Year?
McKenzie Brown of Loris High School has been recognized as the 2026 Horry County Schools (HCS) Rookie Teacher of the Year. [original prompt data, cite: 8, 10]
When was the 2026 HCS Rookie Teacher of the Year announced?
The 2026 HCS Rookie Teacher of the Year was announced on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
What is the Horry County Government’s stance on the accuracy of booking and release information?
Horry County cannot validate the absolute accuracy of booking and release information originating from facilities such as the Reuben Long Detention Center or the City of North Myrtle Beach and is not responsible for its precision. [original prompt data]
What were the state-level traffic fatalities in South Carolina recently?
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reported a preliminary number of three persons killed on South Carolina roadways during the weekend beginning Friday, January 23, at 6:00 p.m. until Sunday, January 25, at 11:59 p.m.
Did Horry County have any traffic fatalities during January 23-25, 2026?
No traffic fatalities were reported in Horry County during the period of January 23 to January 25, 2026.
What is the ongoing human trafficking investigation in Horry County about?
An ongoing human trafficking investigation in Horry County, which was updated on January 25, 2026, stems from the death of an 11-year-old girl in June 2025 and has led to six arrests. The investigation has brought to light instances of labor trafficking where children were compelled to perform unpaid cleaning services. Sex trafficking was not suspected in this particular case.
What lawsuit was recently filed against a Myrtle Beach optometrist?
A lawsuit was filed in Horry County on Friday, January 23, 2026, updated on January 26, 2026, against a Myrtle Beach optometrist, alleging inappropriate romantic and sexual advances towards a patient, culminating in claims of drugging and a purported “commitment ceremony” in Las Vegas.
Key Features of Horry County News
| Event/Topic | Key Detail | Effective Date / Latest Update | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road Closure: Hemingway Chapel Road | Closure between Raspberry Lane and Augustus Drive for stormwater project; detours until February 9, 2026. | Beginning Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | Horry County (Conway area) |
| Crime Bookings | No new bookings reported by the Horry County Government’s ’24 Hour Crime’ application. | January 27, 2026 (as of last update) | Horry County |
| HCS Rookie Teacher of the Year | McKenzie Brown of Loris High School recognized as the 2026 HCS Rookie Teacher of the Year. | Recognition (announced May 1, 2025, for 2026 year) | Horry County Schools (Loris High) |
| Lawsuit Against Optometrist | Allegations of inappropriate advances, drugging, and “commitment ceremony” against a Myrtle Beach optometrist. | Filed Friday, January 23, 2026; updated January 26, 2026 | Horry County (Myrtle Beach) |
| State-level Traffic Fatalities | Three persons killed on South Carolina roadways. | Friday, January 23, to Sunday, January 25, 2026 | State-level (South Carolina) |
| Horry County Traffic Fatalities | No reported traffic fatalities. | Friday, January 23, to Sunday, January 25, 2026 | Horry County |
| Human Trafficking Investigation | Ongoing investigation from June 2025 death of an 11-year-old girl; 6 arrests for labor trafficking (sex trafficking not suspected). | Article updated January 25, 2026 | Horry County |
| Horry County Government Data Disclaimer | Cannot validate accuracy of booking/release information from Reuben Long Detention Center or North Myrtle Beach; not responsible for precision. | Standing policy | Horry County |
| Horry County Schools Events | All extracurricular and athletic events cancelled over the weekend due to weather. | January 24-25, 2026 (with Monday, Jan 26 update expected) | Horry County Schools |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Horry County’s Stormwater Strategy: Building a Resilient Future
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
