Best Window Repair in Georgetown, SC

GEORGETOWN — When Andrea Johnson opened Aunny’s Country Kitchen on Front Street 16 years ago, the 900 block was desolate and her restaurant stood among empty storefronts.

Now, her neighbors include a guitar store, an art gallery, a massage therapist and numerous other businesses.

“It has grown a lot,” Johnson said of Georgetown's downtown. “A lot.”

Over the past several years, about a dozen new businesses have opened in the city's historic district, Main Street Director Al Joseph said. And he anticipates more coming within the next two years as the city transitions away from the mills that powered its economy for decades.

International Paper announced in October that it would be closing its 87-year-old Georgetown mill, leaving about 700 workers and roughly 200 contractors without jobs.

In the wake of that closure, state and local officials began discussing a new future for Georgetown that didn't include factory smoke drifting over its scenic waters.

They envision a total redevelopment of the city’s waterfront that could include the Georgetown port, part of the paper mill property and the Liberty Steel mill site.

Greg Metcalfe, president of the Georgetown Business Association and a local restaurant owner, said the IP mill closure could allow Georgetown to further establish itself an area ripe with tourism opportunities.

“A lot of times, when you have all the industry around, the tourism doesn't really coincide with it. They don't coexist," he said. "And so by having that now kind of out of our way ... we're going to see a lot more tourism, a lot more people moving to town that don't want to experience that look, that smell, and all the other things that go along with a large factory like that.”

Joseph Baxter, owner of Baxter’s Brew House Inn on Prince Street, said he’s had several new customers book a room at his inn since the paper mill closure. They told him they had previously been hesitant to stay in Georgetown because of the smell from the mill. Now that its closed, more people seem to be interested in visiting, Baxter said.

Baxter and Johnson said they think a revitalization of the waterfront and potentially shifting to a tourism-based economy could be beneficial.

Johnson acknowledged that more tourists could lead to increased density and heavier traffic, but she said it would likely be good for the city in the long run. Something needs to make up for the loss of the IP mill, she said, adding she hopes Georgetown’s wholesome, family-oriented feel isn’t lost.

Baxter agrees and hopes that any new development will be done carefully and with consideration for the city's existing charm and character. Although he’d like Georgetown to bring in similar tourism revenue to Charleston and Myrtle Beach, he wants Georgetown to take a slow and steady approach to growth, he said.

"They have to protect the downtown historic area," he said. "They have to protect, you know, the live oaks. They have to protect some of the stuff that's in town to retain that historical feel."

Beth Stedman, president of the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce, said striking the right balance between progress and preservation will be essential during the redevelopment process. It should benefit existing businesses and residents as well as visitors, she said.

But overall, she said redeveloping the waterfront could be a chance to transform the city and to enhance the economic health of Georgetown and the county as a whole.

The first step in redeveloping the waterfront could be the sale of the Liberty Steel mill property.

Liberty cut 50 jobs at the site last year. Four months later, the mill was idled. The company also sold some of its equipment to a North Carolina company that makes wire-reinforcing products.

After being idled, the mill stopped receiving power from Santee Cooper because its electric furnace and rolling mill were not in use, a company spokesperson previously said.

Santee Cooper is now seeking more than $7 million from the company’s owner after the mill missed payments in November and December, leaving it with past due balances of more than $334,000, court records show.

The lapses prompted Santee Cooper to terminate a five-year agreement with the company and to ask the court to enforce a section of its contract that requires Liberty to pay the utility the total of the minimum monthly bills that would have been collected during that period.

For months, a Liberty spokesperson said the company was monitoring market conditions for a potential restart. But now, state and local officials say the property is in the process of being sold to a developer.

Affordable housing, parks, entertainment spaces and waterfront access have been mentioned as possible uses for the steel mill property. The potential developer also expressed interest in developing the IP property, according to state Rep. Lee Hewitt, R-Murrells Inlet.

Although local business owners mourn the loss of jobs and revenue created by the paper and steel mills, many agree that it could be time to move on from heavy industry.

"For us to not be able to have people come and enjoy that waterfront standpoint ... it's just a crying shame," Metcalfe said. "So hopefully that'll change in the future."

Every April, we celebrate South Carolina Technical College Month — a time to reflect on the immense value of our state’s 16 technical colleges and the lives changed every single day. Together, these colleges educate more than 147,000 South Carolinians annually, providing affordable, accessible pathways to high-demand careers and higher education.

Here at Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC), we are proud to serve as a leader within the system. As the fourth largest technical college in South Carolina, HGTC is a regional powerhouse — supporting more than 11,000 students across academic and workforce training programs and producing a $250 million annual economic impact in Horry and Georgetown counties.

We believe in opening doors. Our tuition is among the lowest in the state, just $2,234 per semester for in-county students — and more than 85% of HGTC students receive financial aid. Scholarships like the South Carolina Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship (SC WINS) make it possible for students in high-demand fields like healthcare, manufacturing, education and IT to earn their credentials at little to no cost. For eligible high school students, dual enrollment programs and the Early College High School on the Conway campus means tuition-free college credit.

And when our students graduate, they stay. Over 90% of HGTC graduates remain in the area, helping our communities grow stronger and our industries remain competitive. From nurses and EMTs to welders, cybersecurity analysts, marine technicians, teachers and culinary professionals, HGTC graduates power our community every day.

What makes technical colleges different is our responsiveness. Our programs —nearly 1,000 system-wide — are aligned with the current and future needs of South Carolina’s economy. Through strong partnerships with local employers, school districts and economic development leaders, we ensure every program we offer has a purpose and a pathway.

Our students range in age from 15 to 83, and while the average HGTC student is 24 years old, they come from all walks of life. Many work while attending classes, balancing school with jobs and families. They are first-generation students, veterans, career changers and lifelong learners. They choose HGTC for our affordability, flexibility, strong support services and the real-world outcomes we deliver. And 95% of our graduates are either employed or continuing their education.

This April, I encourage you to recognize the impact technical colleges have on our state — not just on individual students, but on our communities, our workforce and our shared future. Technical education is no longer the alternative. It is one of South Carolina’s greatest strengths.

At HGTC, we’re proud to lead with purpose. We are proud to serve. And we are proud to celebrate the power of technical education in South Carolina.

Marilyn “Murph” Fore is president of Horry-Georgetown Technical College, which has campuses in Conway, Myrtle Beach and Georgetown.

Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Opinion

Georgetown, the third-oldest city in the state and an official port of entry for nearly three centuries, is a community known throughout South Carolina for its innovation and hard work, as well as its historic port and industrial legacy. While some of its older industries have diminished, the resilience and determination of its people remain steadfast. It’s time to harness that spirit to develop a modern shipyard equipped to meet current and future demands.

The recent closure of the International Paper Mill and the idling of the Liberty Steel Mill present an opportunity for the region, and government and business leaders should prioritize establishing a mid-sized shipyard in Georgetown. There is a potential to redefine the future for the community and the state with the area’s rich industrial heritage, skilled workforce and strategic location.

The nation faces an increasing need for ships. The Navy is expanding its fleet while demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) container ships continues to rise amid global efforts toward more efficient energy. Georgetown is uniquely positioned to address these needs. A shipyard here wouldn’t just fulfill national and international demand. It would also invigorate the local economy by generating stable, high-paying jobs and attracting long-term investments.

Both the Navy and Marine Corps have a pressing need for advanced amphibious warships. A 2024 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that half of a fleet of 31 operational ships was in poor condition. Georgetown could lead the construction of new amphibious assault ships. The potential exists to develop a new class of warships christened the South Carolina- or Georgetown-class combat vessel. These ships would be integral in transporting Marines to foreign shores, ensuring the nation is prepared for global crises. For years into the future, Marines trained at Parris Island could deploy aboard ships proudly built in Georgetown, bearing the name of South Carolina, while safeguarding national interests abroad.

Georgetown has the potential to be a flourishing shipyard, but it comes with challenges. The area’s soil, with its unsteady foundations, erosion and drainage issues, is less than ideal. These soil conditions could frustrate large building projects and require subsequent investments. However, diligent planning and investments in engineering solutions would help overcome these hurdles, ensuring the long-term viability of the shipyard and securing its economic benefits.

Another challenge lies with the channel in Winyah Bay. Currently, the channel depth is insufficient to support medium-sized vessels like the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, which usually requires a draft of 23 feet. Additionally, mid-scale LNG carriers require a draft of about 28 feet. While certain parts of the channel have depths in the mid-20s, the average falls short of these requirements.

Efforts to dredge sections of the bay are already in process, but a more dedicated and robust investment would sustain a channel for the mid-sized ships the proposed shipyard would construct. Without these upgrades, the shipyard’s full potential cannot be realized.

The infrastructure needed to support shipyard construction and subsequent shipbuilding may also require significant work. Georgetown’s largely unused port, rail lines and four-lane roads offer a foundation, but much of this infrastructure dates back to support the area’s legacy steel mill. Modernizing these routes and hubs would be vital for the project’s future success.

On the plus side, though, these investments would largely flow back into the state, which in turn would bring additional economic benefits.

Building a shipyard in Georgetown would represent far more than the creation of vessels. It would symbolize an investment in the town’s people and its untapped potential. By blending the region’s industrial legacy with forward-thinking innovation, Georgetown has the opportunity to redefine itself as a center for maritime excellence. With determination, collaboration and commitment, this vision can transform Georgetown into a thriving hub for future generations.

Timothy Warren is an adjunct instructor of expeditionary warfare at Davis Defense Group and a freelance writer on defense matters. He lives in Summerville.

GEORGETOWN — State officials and higher education leaders want to solidify Georgetown County's importance to the state’s marine industry.

They expect a new marine technology training building at Horry-Georgetown Technical College will be a good start.

HGTC recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a 25,000-square-foot building at its Georgetown campus that will house its existing outboard marine technology program and the new boat building technology program.

The center — the first of its kind in the state — will be called the Marine Technology Institute of South Carolina.

Robert Hucks, the HGTC Area Commission vice chairman, said the new center will provide students with hands-on training that will prepare them for success in an industry vital to the state’s economy.

"We're building something truly special that will impact the lives of students and strengthen our workforce for years to come," he said.

Boating is a $6.5 billion industry in South Carolina and supports over 27,000 jobs, Hucks said. Dorchester County alone is home to five boat manufacturers. With that kind of demand, Hucks said the new institute will greatly benefit students and the state's marine industry.

HGTC President Marilyn Murphy Fore said the college previously had to limit the number of students admitted to its outboard marine technology program. With the new building, it can double its enrollment from 24 to 48 students annually.

The program teaches skills related to the design, construction, maintenance and repair of outboard motors.

The new boat building technology program will train students in foundational skills such as composite construction and structural reinforcements.

U.S. Rep. Russell Fry, R-Surfside Beach, and members of the state legislative delegation, including Rep. Carl L. Anderson, D-Georgetown, also gave remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Anderson said beyond building a new institute, HGTC will be creating careers and a stronger coastal economy.

"South Carolina’s blue economy, our recreational boating, coastal tourism and maritime trades, are not only a vital part of our heritage, but it’s also one of the fastest-growing sectors,” he said. “And the success of this industry depends on a skilled modern workforce."

State Sen. Stephen Goldfinch, R-Murrells Inlet, said opening the Marine Technology Institute could pave the way for a boat manufacturer to come to Georgetown County, furthering the area's involvement in the marine industry. He pledged that he would start working to make that a reality.

The Yamaha Motor Corporation, which produces products such as motorboats, outboard motors and motorcycles, is HGTC’s flagship partner. It helped shape the curriculum for the outboard marine technology program and donated roughly $500,000 worth of products to the school, according to Kenyon Ward, senior workforce development specialist at Yamaha.

The partnership also helps to place graduates in jobs related to their field, he said.

The new building will have a Yamaha Marine Lab.

Fry said the skills taught in colleges must meet industry needs. HGTC’s new center is doing that by supporting the state’s ports, fishing and shrimping industries, as well as boat manufacturers.

"The Marine Technology Institute will position this region as an integral leader in training the next generation of those marine engineers, those technicians and much more," he said. "It's a very exciting time."

If you are into music on the Grand Strand and have lived here for a while, it’s likely that you have encountered Seth Funderburk – either directly or indirectly.

For many years, Funderburk was front-of-house sound engineer at Dead Dog Saloon in Murrells Inlet. He was also a longtime president of South By South East, a nonprofit deeply committed to the preservation and promotion of Americana music with a mission to support local music education programs. You might have attended one of the organization’s SXSE Music Feasts at the Myrtle Beach Train Depot. He was a longtime lieutenant at the bygone Sounds Familiar Records in Myrtle Beach under the late Jeff Roberts, who is lovingly referred to as “the minister of music.”

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

For nine years, he managed a rock band called Ten Toes Up, an original four-piece outfit made up of Charles Freeman, B.J. Craven, Adam Miller and Joshua Gregory. The band enjoyed a successful run – recording four original albums, two live albums and touring repeatedly up and down the East Coast – developing relationships with its growing fan base every step of the way.

Ten Toes Up appeared on multiple local television programs and shared stages with the likes of Uncle Kracker, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Cowboy Mouth and more.

The band got its start locally at the Pawleys Island Tavern (or PIT) and later Dead Dog Saloon and really started to gain steam.

“We played a good bit on the Inlet and around town, but after a while it got to the point where we just had to get out of town,” Funderburk said. “We started traveling. We bought a box truck and built bunks in it and all the gear went in back. It was a rolling death trap.”

Funderburk said he recorded three of the original albums at his studio at the time, Sea Note Recording. The fourth album project was crowdfunded and recorded in Nashville.

“We had been hard at it for nine years, and going into the making of that record – it was a conscious decision to say that we were going to put everything we had into that last one. If it didn’t work, we were going to walk away from it,” he said. “If it didn’t get some label or bigger management interest, then we’ve done everything we could do.”

Ten Toes Up performed two final shows at Dead Dog Saloon in 2014. Craven and Freeman continue to perform on the Grand Strand and beyond. Miller now lives in Florida and Gregory recently returned from Texas.

But Ten Toes Up is set for two shows in Georgetown County this week: A Ten Toes Up & Friends Welcome Party at the Pawleys Island Tavern on April 10 at 8 p.m. – and the Ten Toes Up Reunion Concert at Dead Dog Saloon on April 11 at 8 p.m.

Does this mean the band is going to take up where it left off?

“Looking into the future, this may turn into a semiannual thing,” Funderburk said. “There’s no thoughts of reformation – but we never say never.”

Mor more information about Ten Toes Up, visit www.facebook.com/TenToesUpBand.

PUTT AND PARTY ON THE MARSHWALK

Put on your best golf attire and putt your way through the 15th annual MarshWalk Masters in Murrells Inlet on April 12. Prizes will go to winners of the golf tournament and the best-dressed attendee.

Enjoy drink and appetizer specials along the way – and participants may purchase as many rounds and mulligans as they would like – and will play each of the none holes along the MarshWalk. Start at whatever hole you want – and the lowest score wins.

More than $1,200 will be given away, including cash, MarshWalk gift cards and golf vouchers. Winners must be present to win. Registration is from 2-5 p.m. between Wahoo’s Fish House and Drunken Jack’s. Game time is 3-7 p.m. Each round is $20 per person and the event is cash only. First 100 participants to pre-register will be guaranteed an event shirt. Judging time is 8 p.m. For complete information, visit www.marshwalk.com.

ART BY NIGHT AT BROOKGREEN GARDENS

Experience the Lowcountry splendor of Brookgreen Gardens and take in stunning art – at night – with the return of Art After Hours. On Wednesdays and Saturdays through May 28, Brookgreen will stay open until 8 p.m. Stroll the gardens and soak up the tranquility – enjoy dinner at Harvest Restaurant (reservations recommended) and marvel at the exceptional art on display.

The Lowcountry Zoo will still close at 5 p.m., but the Gardens will be open until dusk. The Keepsakes Gift Shop and the Rosen, Nobel & Jennewein Galleries will remain open. The event is free with Gardens admission. For more information, visit www.brookgreen.org.

GET READY TO SHAG IN GEORGETOWN

Put on your dancing shoes and head to Maritime Park in Georgetown on April 12 for the Rotary Club of Georgetown’s 16th Annual Shag Festival. Whether you are a seasoned shagger or a newcomer to South Carolina’s official dance, you are sure to have a blast – shagging the night away, taking in the gorgeous waterfront views, celebrating a strong sense of community and supporting local needs.

Enjoy an exclusive performance by The Catalinas, ice cold beverages, and delicious food by Heavenly Creations and Events, LLC.

The event runs from 5-10 p.m. Tickets range from $25-$100. For more, hit up www.facebook.com/georgetownrotaryclub.