Benefit golf Tourney - Cruise #8 - Commentary

It’s been some time since our last communication, but as summer comes to a close, things are really starting to heat up here at the beach. I thought when the airport debacle was resolved; things would start moving forward, and in a more positive direction on the Grand Strand. But look, what has happened since that time.

1. MB Mayor John Rhodes and friends pulled the plug on the HD Bike Week, going so far as to tell bikers they were not wanted in MB. How can you be a resort destination and pick and choose who your visitors are? This was all brought about when Councilman Chestnut and some members of the clergy observed sexual activity and other degrading acts during the “Atlantic Beach Bike Fest” on the Boulevard. NOT THE HARLEY DAVIDSON FESTIVAL! So they have now taken their action to “TAKE BACK MAY” and the citizens of Myrtle Beach need to take action in November to “TAKE BACK MYRTLE BEACH FROM THESE POLITICIANS”. The main problem has always been with the Atlantic Beach Bikefest and their rowdy, trashing behavior, yet the Harley Rally was the first and main target.

2. What kind of representation do we have in office, or aspiring to be in office?? Retha Pierce, Mayor of Atlantic beach arrested for the 4^th time for DUI, which I’m sure is some mistake by the arresting officer or racial profiling, or maybe the officer was a racist. The race card has been played an awful lot lately and it’s getting on my nerves. She should have been booted out of office long ago. If Atlantic Beach cannot come up with a better candidate than this, the town should be absorbed by and run by North Myrtle Beach.

3. Liz Gilland being fined $300,000 for ethics violations. I called a “truce” between Liz and myself after she explained the whole “true” scenario surrounding the expansion of the MBI Airport Terminal to me. However, I must call her out for these violations! Now on top of that, we have this unauthorized use of a County Vehicle and of course the old news of her County Credit Card. Liz called the ethics violations an “oversight”, c’mon Liz. If a person is not honest enough and forthright to take care of business such as this, then how can you trust them in office? I can “poo poo” those foreign trips, because they can be beneficial in finding much needed business for the Grand Strand, but this is a real “no-no” Liz. In these “hi tech” times, everyone is watching everything.

4. How about Beatrice Catalano running for office of Mayor and now falling from grace being locked up for DUI and other moving violations. She must be going to the “Retha Pierce School of Politics”. Oops, that’s right, she is innocent until proven guilty.

5. How about that extra penny sales tax that was voted in to help promote tourism for the Myrtle Beach Area? How about charging Mayor Rhodes the 250K he gets in use for the Beach Ball Classic in the Convention Center. Couldn’t that money be used for advertising? How do you like not living in the Myrtle Beach area and being charged that extra penny tax each and every time you are in the city limits? Do you like paying an extra tax that will also see the MB City residents property taxes lowered, and if you don’t live in the City of MB getting nothing!

6. How about the MB Chamber of Commerce, the beneficiary of these funds to promote tourism, opens their books to the general public. I don’t have their tax returns, but read an article in one of our local magazines where Brad Dean was quoted as saying how the “labor workforce” has been streamlined and is more efficient. I was told by a reliable source that even though they have streamlined their workforce, the salaries paid for that same period went up drastically. If the MB Chamber of Commerce is using local taxpayer funds to advertise, then we should be able to look at their books to see how fiscally responsible they operate.

7. How about the helmet law? Do you think it is constitutional? Not long ago, I asked Rep. Alan Clemmons what would be needed to institute Casino Gambling on the Grand Strand. To make a long story short, Alan explained to me that since this was a statewide law, it would have to be put on the ballot and voted on by the entire state. I’m not a lawyer or a politician, but if the helmet law is a statewide law, how can the City Of Myrtle Beach supercede the state law and pass their own law, without being voted on by the residents? If they can do this “helmet law” legally, then they could vote to build and operate a Casino in the City. Speaking of Casino’s and gambling, I recently took my first trip out to sea on the Big M Casino Boat in Little River. I was pleasantly surprised by the hospitality, cleanliness, food on the buffet and the overall experience of being on the boat. The only problem with the Casino boats is the people who go out on them and get seasick by not being on land. The County used to have a problem with them operating out of our area until the Casino Boats upped the ante they are paying. Now, there is no problem, and it is a good tourist attraction. If you are a land lover, remember to take some Dramamine!

Speaking of tourism, there are “mixed” messages out there depending whom you talk to or who provides you with information. I just spoke with one restaurant owner who told me he would make it, but his business was off almost 40% from the year prior. His business has been a staple in the Garden City area for years, so he has a lot to compare from. Most people I know who work in the “hospitality” industry say they started taking a “hit” because of attendance for Bike Weeks and they have never recovered. Most say they won’t be spending much for Christmas or over the winter months, especially if we don’t have a good off-season. Although reports are coming out that the recession is ending, as Don Shunk pointed out, it will be years before it ends here on the Grand Strand because we are a resort and tourist based area. To me, this off-season will be a barometer to “gauge” the recession and “health” of the beach. We don’t know how many people will venture out for that golf vacation, weekend getaway or how many “snowbirds” will flock to the area this year. I look at the golf prices going up each week now and “cringe” when I see some of those rates in the paper. I started coming to Myrtle Beach because of the “cheap golf” on good courses and the great package deals. I truly think that the “locals” should be given a standard $30 rate on the courses no matter what time of year if a tee time is available. I know the Signature Golf Group has a “Platinum Card” (which I carry) that gives you rates from $25 to $35 for a great track like Arnold Palmers Rivers Edge and others. You also get e-mail blasts with specials as low as $20 and other great deals all the time. How about Golf Holiday charging maybe $50 for a membership like this and offering rates no higher that $35 for premium courses for available times. They could easily sell 2,000 of those and generate $100,000 for advertising and operating revenue. The courses need to take care of the people who are there for them on a year round basis. The "Off-Season" will be interesting to watch to see how many visitors take that extra trip or getaway weekend.

ADOPT A TREE GOLF TOURNAMENT SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8^TH

WACHESAW PLANTATION EAST, 8AM - $75.00 PER PERSON

If you enjoy the scenery on the Highway 17 By-pass from Glenn’s Bay Road to the Garden City Connector, come out and play golf and help us continue to expand, improve and maintain this road. Unlike the Pawleys Island/Litchfield areas that get over $100,000 per year for their highway beautification, ours survives on donations and money raised from our annual golf tournament. December of this year will mark the 7^th anniversary of the roadway that was created out of an “on air” joke. Two individuals, Buddy Sessions and Patrick Burke have been volunteering and working with me on the bypass for all of those 7 years and should be commended for their hard work and dedication. This is a “frugal” operation to say the least; we operate on $3,000 to $4,000 per year on the average because that is all we raise. The great folks from the Lakes Homeowners Association have supported this project from day one, and have given us $1,000 each year for the past 3 years. We intend to expand the road further South over the fall and winter months, and how much and what type of trees and shrubs plant will tie in directly with what we raise in donations. We are now working to rebuild most of the beds we have with “hardwood” mulch and top them with pine straw. I would like to thank L & L Landscaping and Pools and Larry and Linda Gross for their generosity and continued support with the program. Here is the information.

**ADOPT A TREE GOLF TOURNAMENT SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2009

**8AM SHOTGUN START – REGISTRATION STARTS AT 6:45AM

**CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH SERVED FROM THE OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE OF MURRELLS INLET, GREENS FEES, CARTS AND RANGE BALLS

**PRIZES FOR 1^ST PLACE MENS AND LADIES TEAMS-Golf 4 -4 and 4 pairs of Legends In Concert Tickets.

**GOLF FOR FOUR PRIZES FOR 2^ND THRU 10^TH PLACE (PROBABLY MORE)

**RAFFLES – 50-50 – CLOSEST TO PIN, LONG DRIVE AND OTHER PRIZES AND FUN

**LOTS OF TICKETS FOR PRIZES FROM LEGENDS IN CONCERT

**MULLIGANS AND MULLIGAN PACKAGES FOR SALE

**60 and over hit from Senior Tees

**59 and Under White Tees

**Ladies on Ladies Tees

TO SIGN UP CUT AND PASTE FROM BELOW:

Lou Krieger’s “Adopt-a-Tree” Program and

The Sons of Italy Lodge #2662

6^TH Annual

Benefit Golf Tournament for the Highway 17 By-Pass Beautification Project

Sunday November 8^th 2009

Wachesaw Plantation East - 2007 Course of the Year

GOLFERS:

1) Name ________________________________________________________ Phone ___________________________________

Address ____________________________________________ City ____________________ State ______ Zip__________

2) Name ________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________

Address ____________________________________________ City ____________________ State ______ Zip__________

3) Name ______________________________________________________ _ Phone ___________________________________

Address _____________________________________________ City ___________________ State _______ Zip _________

4) Name _______________________________________________________

Phone __________________________________

Address _____ ________________________________________ City ___________________ State _______ Zip _________

Please make checks payable to: OSIA Lodge 2662 and mail to:

Lou Krieger

3264 Red Bird Lane

Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

843-215-3753

Help support the Lou Krieger Adopt-a-Tree Program, now in its 7th year.

The proceeds will help purchase trees, plants and supplies for maintenance.

This program is solely supported by local donations and all-volunteer labor.

6:45 a.m. Registration, 8am Shotgun Start

$75 per golfer includes continental breakfast, coffee and juice, green fees, cart, range balls Outback Steakhouse of Murrells Inlet lunch, contests and lots of prizes!

Entry deadline is November 2^nd - 2009

Space is limited—reserve early!

#####################################################

WON’T U LET ME TAKE U ON A SEA CRUISE??????

LOU KRIEGERS CRUISER’S

CRUISE NUMBER 8

MAY 8^TH TO 16^TH FROM SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico

SEE THE FLYER BELOW….

Lou Krieger’s Cruisers #8

May 8^th – 16^th - 2010

Aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

“Serenade Of The Seas” From San Juan, Puerto Rico

Fly from Myrtle Beach International and spend a day touring San Juan** before the cruise. This is an 8-night cruise for the price of 7 nights with stops at:

Bridgetown, Barbados Cabin Prices (Cruise Only)

Castries, St. Lucia Inside Category M $784.83

St. Johns, Antigua Ocean View Category H $864.83

Philipsburg, St. Maarten Balcony Cabins $1074.83

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands All Taxes & Port Fees Included in Pricing

SPACE IS LIMITED

**Fly from Myrtle Beach International (Group Price will be approx. $400 to $425 per person round trip)

**Accommodations on 5/6-7 @ Holiday Inn Express in San Juan $136

per night (not included in price)

**8 nights cruising and 2 nights in San Juan, 10 nights of the Caribbean as low as $1460 per person with all taxes, fees and air….

**Group Amenities include a pre-cruise meet and greet party, free cruise t-shirts, group cocktail party, group dance party in the Vortex, cash miniature golf with trophies and other contests…

CALL SAM STAMPS AT THE “CRUISE CORNER” AND RESERVE TODAY….1-888-742-7245 OR E-MAIL WWW.CRUZCORNER.COM

Lou Kriegers’s Cruisers

#8

May 8-16th - 2010

D-Day, Doug Decker Honored, Fab 50's Fest. Update, Lou's Cruise and More!

Preparing to enter "HELL" on D-DAY

Omaha Beach on D-Day

First and foremost...today is D-Day....please take time and pause to remember the thousands of lives that were lost in the Invasion Of Europe to put the Germans on the run. The courage and sacrifice of those soldiers that day is something that should never be forgotten as these great warriors continue to leave us daily. It is their courage and their sacrifice that made us into the "free" nation we are today!

The Fabulous Fifties Festival is on a roll now, literally! One of the elements of the Festival is our Saturday "Cruise In" on July 25th. Almost 60 Classic Cars will assemble at the Legends In Concert parking lot and line up for a "run" at approximately 3pm to the Chick Fil A in Murrells Inlet. The entourage will be escorted by the Surfside Beach Police Department and led by the Blues Brothers in their classic "Bluesmobile". Once there, the cars will be on display for a "People's Choice" competition show from 3pm until 7pm . We will also have contests and raffles and Frank Barnhill and myself will be spinning all the hits of the Fabulous 50's. The event is "FREE" and any proceeds from the event will benefit the Horry County Arts and Cultural Council, our designated charity. Other elements of the Fabulous Fifties Festival include:

**Friday 7/24 Golf Tournament - Wachesaw Plantation East

**Friday 7/24 Sock Hop at Studebakers

**Saturday 7/25 Cruise In to Chick Fil A in Murrells Inlet

**Saturday 7/25 Ultimate Elvis Contest sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises at Legends in Concert.

For more information on any of these events go to:

http://myrtlebeachfabulousfiftiesfestival.com/

DOUG DECKER TO BE HONORED BY THE "ENERGY EFFICIENCY FORUM HALL OF FAME" IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

Congratulations to a man I am glad to call my friend and a person who stood up with a few others to save the citizens of Horry County and the City Of Myrtle Beach "Millions and Millions of Dollars". I was there with him when Horry County Attorney John Weaver called this man a "Looney Tune" and then labeled our group as a bunch of "Chicken Littles". Doug is a man who relentlessly pursued the truth with the Airport Terminal with his own time and at his own expense. Without Doug Decker, we would be in the midst of a "bigger" and "must costlier" debacle than Horry County has ever seen. I could go on and on here reciting the erroneous information handed out by Horry County concerning the terminal, the construction, landing fees and the "pie in the sky" projections of visitors utilizing the facilities. However, in lieu of those, I would just like to congratulate Doug on an award well deserved, and say "thank you" for coming to the aid of Horry County and saving us those millions of dollars and educating me on the information I disseminated to the people while I was on the air. In my opinion, it was the only media venue that was airing the "truth" about what was really going on in the "good ole boy" community. I might further add that Doug is not even an Horry County resident, but didn't let a County line decide whether to pursue the truth or not. Thanks Doug!

For the entire story:
http://www.myrtlebeachalternatives.com/politics/934

PRESS RELEASE
Johnson Controls and U.S. Energy Association
nduct Energy Efficiency Leaders into Hall of Fame
June 15 Washington D.C. Event to Honor Pioneers in Energy Policy and Implementation

MILWAUKEE – (May 18, 2009) – As the United States and the world develop policies and actions designed to reduce energy and prevent climate change, Johnson Controls, Inc. (NYSE: JCI) and the United States Energy Association (USEA) will honor 22 people who have dedicated their careers to energy efficiency.

The inaugural Energy Efficiency Forum Hall of Fame event will take place Monday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC. It precedes the 20th Anniversary of the Energy Efficiency Forum – the first such event of its type to convene high‑ranking politicians, business leaders, and NGOs to promote energy efficiency. The Forum takes place the following day at the National Press Club.

“Looking back over two decades we have seen many promises, policies and strategies in dealing with our energy challenges,” says Barry K. Worthington, USEA executive director and Forum co-chair. “We believe it’s appropriate to honor those who make energy efficiency their personal and professional passion.”

Profiles of the inductees can be found at http://www.eeforum.net/. The inductees include:

· Spencer Abraham, former U.S. Secretary of Energy
· Kateri Callahan, president, Alliance to Save Energy
· Eileen Claussen, president, Pew Center on Global Climate Change and Strategies for the Global Environment.
· Douglas Decker, founder, Energy Efficiency Forum
· Byron Dorgan, U.S. Senator, North Dakota
· Christine Ervin, former president, U.S. Green Buildings Council
· Thomas Friedman, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and New York Times columnist
· David Garman, former Under Secretary of Energy
· John Gibbons, first director, U.S. Office of Energy Conservation
· Mark Ginsberg, former director, Federal Energy Management Program
· Kathleen Hogan, director, Climate Protection Partnerships Division. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
· Alexander “Andy” Karsner, former Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
· Thomas Kuhn, president, Edison Electric Institute
· Tom Leppert, former CEO of Turner Construction; mayor of Dallas
· Greg Nichols, mayor of Seattle
· Hazel O'Leary, former U.S. Secretary of Energy; president, Fisk University
· Governor Edward G. Rendell, governor of Pennsylvania
· Dan Reicher, former Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable energy; director, Climate Change and Energy Initiatives, Google.org.
· James Rogers, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Duke Energy
· Philip Sharp, former U.S. Congressman, Indiana; president, Resources for the Future
· Branko Terzic, former Federal Energy Regulatory Commissioner; regulatory policy leader – energy & resources, Deloitte Services LP
· Christine Whitman, former Governor of New Jersey, former EPA Administrator
· Timothy E. Wirth, former U.S. Senator, Colorado; president, United Nations Foundation

“Over the years these representatives from private industry and the public sector have in some way sponsored legislation, developed programs or otherwise represented what it takes to achieve energy efficiency through bipartisan government leadership and strong business implementation,” says C. David Myers, president of Johnson Controls Building Efficiency business.

Those to be inducted into the Hall of Fame include individuals who have advanced the mission of the Energy Efficiency Forum: To be the premier forum that promotes an energy efficiency ethic through the presentation of national and worldwide views on energy efficiency and the resulting impact on the environment, national security and economic growth.

LOU KRIEGER'S CRUISER'S - CRUISE #7 - A BIG SUCCESS!!

While the checkpoints and NEW helmet laws were being forced upon the Harley Davidson Bike Week, 26 of us were cruising in the Caribbean on the largest ship afloat, Royal Caribbeans "Freedom of the Seas". Imagine a large center promenade, pulsating to the disco beat of the 70's with the likes of John Travolta and the Village People and 3,000 cruiser's dancing away at midnight! Were we really on a ship at sea??? We had a blast with stops at the Grand Cayman Islands, Labadee, Royal Caribbeans private stop and Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where some of us traveled to a mountain top to take a "Jamaican Bobsled" ride...A W E S O M E!!! However, we did not stop in Cozumel, Mexico because of the threat of the H1N1 flu. On the ship we ran into couples from Monks Corner, Charleston and Prestwick. All were invited to our "Dance Party" at the disco, hosted by me that was the largest yet.


JOIN US FOR CRUISE NUMBER "8"


Plans are underway for our 8th Cruise on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines May 8th - 16th, 2010 from San Juan, Puerto Rico on the "Serenade Of The Seas". This is an 8 day cruise for the price of a 7 day cruise and will stop at:


Bridgetown, Barbados
Castries, St, Lucia
St. John's, Antigua
Phillipsburg, St. Mararten
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

We will FLY from Myrtle Beach on May 7th and spend a day in San Juan before boarding the ship. Our cruises feature a pre-cruise meet and greet, complimentary cruise t-shirts, onboard cocktail party, dance party and "cash" miniature golf tournament and lots of friends to check out the sites with. For more information and pricing, call SAM STAMPS at the CRUISE CORNER at 1-888-742-7245. Accommodations are currently being arranged in San Juan and airfare prices will be secured shortly.
SPACE IS "LIMITED" RESERVE YOUR CABIN EARLY!!!

IS HARLEY BIKE WEEK A THING OF THE PAST????

Since returning from the cruise, we have heard nothing but "negatives" as to how the City of Myrtle Beach has "shot themselves in the foot" pulling out the "welcome mat" from Harley Davidson Bike Week. On 5/26 I sent a letter to the editor of the Sun News that has yet to be published and goes as follows:

I keep seeing references made about crowds, noise, the bike week and people calling these events a disruption to their "retirement community". This is Myrtle Beach, a "RESORT COMMUNITY" where people come to for vacations, entertainment and yes, to retire. However, DO NOT confuse Myrtle Beach with places like "Sun City" or the 'Villages". Instead of creating new laws and losing our May business, why didn't our leaders adamantly point out that "ALL" bikers would be welcome, but our current laws would be "STRICTLY" enforced, as they should be year round. Instead, the MB City Council passed the "stupid" helmet law that will cost them and their constituents thousands more in legal fees. Maybe Mayor Rhodes can pay this year for use of the Convention Center for his "Beach Ball" classic to help cover some of those fees! Many of the bikers that come here for the rallies, return with their families in the summer. How many of those will come back now that the City Of Myrtle Beach has pulled out the "welcome" mat. We are first, and foremost a "RESORT" area where people come to vacation, let loose a little and be entertained. If you came here for the "peace and quiet" of a retirement community, you didn't research your move very well. If the beach is not quiet enough for you, there are alternatives and a great real estate market right now. Additionally, if the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce is so adamant about the penny sales tax for a "advertising blitz" for tourism; then I suggest the taxpayers also become adamant that the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce "open" their financial books to all citizens for more "accountability".

HOW EFFECTIVE WAS THIS NEW LAW???

It was effective enough that local businesses who lost a bundle have now formed a group to get rid of the politicians in Myrtle Beach that supported this action. It was so effective in Atlantic Beach that they are talking about INCLUDING a Fall Festival. The "repercussions" of this action will be felt for years here at the beach with the loss of this May revenue. HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL NOW HAVE TO COME TO THE BEACH TO REPLACE THE ESTIMATED 40 MILLION DOLLARS IN LOST REVENUE?? HOW WILL PEOPLE WHO COUNTED ON THIS ANNUAL REVENUE TO LIVE AND PAY THEIR BILLS GET BY??? IF DAYTONA AND OTHER AREAS CAN LIVE WITH HARLEY DAVIDSON FESTIVALS, WHY CAN'T WE??

SEXUAL PREDATORS "NEVER" STOP PREYING ON OUR YOUNG!

On Saturday February 28th, my good friend Buddy Sessions and I drove to Florida to take part in the 4th Annual "Jessie's Ride" to help raise funds for "Jessie's Place" a children advocacy center in Crystal River, Florida. Hundreds of bikers were on hand and thousands of dollars were raised for the fund. Also, we delivered to Mark some long overdue items he asked for following his visits to South Carolina to help pass "Jessie's Law" here. Thanks to Senators Ray Cleary and Jake Knotts for providing those items. I appreciate Mark taking the time on the run to stop by the cemetery so we could pay our respect to a little girl we never had the opportunity to meet.





Before, during the run and the "get together" afterward, Mark continued to ask everyone to continue to write, e-mail or phone your legislators and tell them to appropriate the money to help fight the lowly predators, especially those on the run and hiding the "absconders". Look at the SC SLED website, punch in your zip code or address and see who is living near you... Remember this is a young girl who was taken right from her home! Keep your doors and windows locked and be aware of who is around you and your children at all times.

Here is the SLED link:

http://services.sled.sc.gov/sor/



Please be thankful to Mark Lunsford for all that he has done for the children of South Carolina and all across the United States. His personal tragedy and perseverance has changed the laws for child sexual predators in almost 35 states. The only tragedy is "why" it is taking the other states so long, or why have they "balked" at increasing the penalties for these perverts? Like the t-shirt says "SAVE A CHILD - PROSECUTE A PEDOFILE"





SONS OF ITALY FESTIVAL JUNE 27th and 28th at Market Common



Don't forget to stop by for the Sons Of Italy Festival with great food and entertainment. I will be the host emcee for the entertainment stage for another segment of the Sun Fun Festival. For more information, click on the link below and then go to the bottom of the page for the Festival Flyer.
http://www.sonsofitalylodge.com/
On the radio front...no jobs for Lou...or many other announcers across the United States. To date, more than 4,000 DJ's have become unemployed as major radio corporations try to cut their losses. WHERE IS THE DJ's BAILOUT??????



God Bless

Lou

Fabulous 50's Festival On The Way

Well, our Fabulous 50’s Festival is now officially on it’s way for the weekend of July 24th and 25th. All of the proceeds from the events held that weekend would benefit the work of the Horry County Arts and Cultural Council. These events and our weekend are also co-sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and a part of the annual Sun Fun Festival. Our weekend will start with the “kick off” Golf Tournament at the 2007 Grand Strand Course of the Year and former host to the L.P.G.A., Wachesaw Plantation East. Our Tournament is Co-Sponsored by the Signature Golf Group, Martins Golf, and Legends in Concert, Grand Strand Golf Association, Krispy Kreme and Chick Fil A of Murrells Inlet, who will be doing lunch after the tournament. The tournament will begin at 7:15am, Friday July 24th with a cost of $59.00 per player, but you will receive a $10 gift card at registration. Coffee and Donuts will be provided for breakfast, with soda and water on the course (free) and a beverage cart girl (cash). Lunch will be provided after the tournament at Chick Fil A, just down the street. Thanks to Scott Taylor at Signature Golf, Chris Beattie at Legends In Concert and Ben Hunt from the Grand Strand Golf Association, we have lots and lots of prizes to give away. The winning team gets $200 cash; we have a prize for the 1st place ladies teams and probably the 2nd to 10th positions. This is going to be a lot of fun (especially if you purchase the Mulligan Package for $20) and fifties attire will be permitted on the course. I would also like to thank Wachesaw Plantation East General Manager Rob Mosser for his assistance in getting this tournament off the ground. Thanks also to Harry Marcus and the folks at Chick Fil A who came to our rescue to make this a very affordable tournament.

REGISTRATION BLANKS can be picked up in the lobby of Wachesaw Plantation East, or by e-mailing me at LOUK1065@AOL.COM. We are also accepting hole sponsors @ $100 each and is tax deductible. I can also provide you with a form if you wish to participate that way. Or, you can go to our Fabulous 50’s Web Site for all the information and registration at http://www.myrtlebeachfabulousfiftiesfestival.com/

FRIDAY NIGHT – Let’s get ready to rock and roll…….Fabulous Fifties Style…with our SOCK HOP at STUDEBAKERS from 7:30pm till ??? Diane DeVaughn Stokes will be your host that night with an evening of contests and surprises. Michael Sokolik of Socastee, last years winner of the “Ultimate Elvis Contest” at Legends In Concert will give a special performance, and maybe some other rock and roll stars may appear??? The cost is just $25 per person, which includes a year’s membership in the Horry County Arts and Cultural Council. Hors D’ Oeuvres will be available with a “cash bar”, silent and live auctions, Fabulous 50’s contests and more. I will also be joining the DJ’s in the Studebakers booth to perform a little show with my favorite songs of the 50’s. C’mon now, you all know I’m that old….and happy to be able to perform once again. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce and Legends in Concert ticket booth with more locations coming.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON – Classic Car Cruise In – From 2-3pm Vintage Classic Cars will assemble at the Legends In Concert Parking Lot. Promptly at 3pm, all the cars, lead by the Blues Brothers in their Blues Mobile and the Surfside Beach Police Department will ride in a parade formation from Legends in Concert to the Chick Fil A in Murrells Inlet. The cars there will be on display and judged by the visitors to the event. We will give out trophies for the “People’s Choice” 1st, 2nd and 3rd place vehicles.
We will have up to 50 vehicles on display and my former morning partner Frank Barnhill will join me in playing the great hits of the 50’s from 3-7pm. We will also have contests and raffles during the event that will be “FREE” for everyone. I would like to thank Harry Marcus from Chick Fil A for their involvement with our event for the golf tournament and the car show. And, speaking of the car show, thanks to Jim Zimmerman from the Myrtle Beach Car Club for his help in getting the vehicles together for the event.

SATURDAY EVENING - The Ultimate Elvis Contest at 8pm at Legends in Concert
Legends in Concert presents The Second Annul Myrtle Beach Preliminary Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist™ Contest. Licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. July 25, 8 p.m. Winner will receive $1,000 cash prize and be eligible to compete for the title of Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist™ of the Year August 2009 in Memphis. Legends in Concert, Surfside Beach. $30 regular seating and $35 VIP/preferred seating. 800-960-7469. For more information and to enter the contest call 843-477-5678 EXT 311.


I will be a judge once again at the competition and look forward to another great contest just like last year. Any Elvis fan would be thoroughly entertained and enjoy the excitement surrounding the competition and choosing the winner. This entire weekend of events was the idea of my good friend and General Manager of Legends in Concert, Chris Beattie….thanks to everyone who has volunteered and joined in to make this concept not only a reality, but part of the Sun Fun Festival and something we can look forward to each year….”Be there or be square…..dig?”

What's Up With Lou????

It’s been a while since I have written and many of you have been asking what I have been up to. In addition to trying to find some form of employment, I have been very active in the community, out in the 17 by-pass with my volunteers, and have some great events coming up, so please mark them on your calendars.

Coming up first, I will be traveling south to New Port Richey at the end of the month for a Harley Davidson “Party and Poker Run”. This is not just “any” run, this is “Jessie’s Ride” for “Jessie’s Place”, the Citrus County Child Advocacy Center named and supported by the Jessica Lunsford Foundation headed up by her father Mark Lunsford. My good friend and by-pass helper Buddy Sessions will go along with me to participate in this ride. These Harley Davidson bikers we are trying to “run out of the beach” were instrumental “all across the country” raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to help enact consistent laws across the country for “child sexual predators”. Because of Mark’s appearance several times in our area and across the state, and because of the more than 17,000 petition signatures obtained here on the Grand Strand, and because of the hard work of our local legislators in the House and Senate, especially Alan Clemmons, we were able to enact the “toughest” Jessie’s’ Law in the United States in South Carolina.

Mark has been busy working with the “Surviving Parents Coalition” and will be in Washington, D.C. this week with John Walsh and others, continuing to urge our elected officials to continue to crack down on these perverts.

Thanks to Senator Ray Cleary, I have some special items to give to Mark from the South Carolina Legislature. If you feel that your child is safer because of our laws, and the laws Mark has help enact across the country, make a contribution to help at http://www.jessiesplacecitrus.org/ or if you want any information of the run on February 28th, log on to http://www.hdcrystalriver.com/ and click on the events section. Just so you know, the guy who is running all over the United States and has been for years, Mark Lunsford is a BIKER! When Mark asked me on the phone what was happening in Myrtle Beach, I told him they are “shooting themselves in the foot”, mainly due to the behavior surrounding the Atlantic Beach Bikefest Memorial Day Weekend Event. I will reiterate what I always said on the air, this is not a Black/White issue, but more one of demographics.

On March 28th, I will be attending a 1st time reunion with 5 other comrades I served with in the Central Highlands of Vietnam from January 1968 to September of 1969. This will be the first time we have seen each other in person since then. We will be meeting just outside of Columbia, and I’m sure there will be a lot of laughter and tears. We were all assigned to the 330th Radio Research Company, part of the Army Security Agency. Our mission, intercepting hostile communications, breaking them down, and informing our forces of movements by the enemy. Our base camp was on Engineer Hill; also know as Camp Holloway in Pleiku, South Vietnam.

From there, some of us traveled to different small detachments scattered all over the Central Highlands in support of operations against the enemy. It was one hell of a way to enter into manhood, in a combat zone. It was even funny, coming home from my first tour at 19 years old, and being refused a beer because I wasn’t 21. See if you can pick me out in the picture?

Coming up on May 10th – 17th, it the 7th Annual “Lou Krieger’s Cruisers” trip on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines to the Western Caribbean on the “Freedom Of The Seas”, the largest ship at sea. We will depart from Port Canaveral, Florida and have a lot of events associated with our group. Accommodations have been set up for people arriving early at the Radisson Resort At The Port and we already have 28 people signed up to go.

IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BE AT THE BEACH FOR HARLEY DAVIDSON WEEK, HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET OUT OF TOWN. We will be sailing on the “Freedom Of The Seas” the Largest Cruise Ship Afloat !

Call Sam, our travel agent at the Cruise Corner at 1-888-742-7245 for more information. Our prices start at $949 and include all of your port fees, taxes and surcharges…no surprises! We have a pre-cruise meet and greet scheduled for April 26th, so call today to join us!

Next on the list is the upcoming Sons Of Italy Lodge 2662 Italian Festival to be held on June 27th and 28th from 11am until 6pm at the Market Common in Myrtle Beach. This is the first of two Italian Festivals; the second will be in the fall. On hand will be lots of food and vendors and also some fantastic entertainment. I will be the emcee on the Legends in Concert Entertainment Stage with a variety of “free” shows you won’t want to miss. “Margaret Curry”, a fantastic vocalist and guitarist will open the show for us each day, she will be followed by the “Dean Martin Variety Show featuring the Goldiggers”,

the fantastic “Blues Brothers” from Legends In Concert and closing the show each day, “Michael Sokolik the 2008 Ultimate Elvis Winner” at Legends in Concert sponsored by Elvis Presley Enterprises. We will also have lots of Italian Music, Food and some other local performers in between those acts.

Another event I’m working on with Diane DeVaughn Stokes, Chis Beattie from Legends in Concert and Sandi Kendrick from the Horry County Arts and Cultural Council is the “Fabulous 50’s Weekend” as a part of the Sun Fun Festival on July 24th and 25th. This two day event kicks off with the “Fabulous 50’s Golf Tournament” on Friday morning for $59.00 per person, on Friday evening a sock hop will be held at “Revolutions” where I will guest DJ and a national recording artist or group will appear also. Right now I believe the Tams are one of the groups we are trying to have perform with us. We will have lots of contests associated with the “sock hop” and also a “silent auction” and some other things. On Saturday July 25th, a “Fabulous 50’s” festival at the Market Common from 10am-3pm with music, displays and contests, including a “Kids Elvis” contest that should be a lot of fun.

At 4pm that day a “classic car cruise” will take place to “Ragtops and Roadsters” in Murrells Inlet, located on the 17 Bypass. At 8pm, the “Fabulous 50’s Weekend” concludes with the “Ultimate Elvis Contest” at Legends in Concert. The winner of the contest will head to Memphis, Tennessee and compete in the final with other winners from across the country. The event is sanctioned by “Elvis Presley Enterprises” in Memphis. Last year 15 impersonators from across the country and Canada performed to a “sellout” crowd at Legends in Concert. If you want to see this competition, you need to get your tickets early.

Another date to put down on your calendar would be Saturday November 7th for the Adopt A Tree Golf Tournament. This tournament is the ONLY way we have of getting funds to continue to beautify and maintain the Highway 17 By-pass from Glenn’s Bay Road south to the Garden City Connector. This is a “volunteer” project that began as a joke on the radio it 2002, and has added a lot of color and beauty to our highway. Although we have the date, we don’t have a location yet, but we will have a tournament since we wish to expand a bit south down past the entrance to Indigo Creek. Indigo Creek residents….if you want some Palm Trees, we need some cash…that is what the Lakes did. They are $250 apiece to plant, we need a minimum of 5 trees, that’s $1250.00

I hope this gets you up to speed with what is happening, I’m still positive that Horry County will not get funding for the expansion and improvement of our airport terminal. I have received no response on numerous requests to Horry County for information on the sale of land that was to produce $25 million for this project and the Governor’s Office is adamant that they will not be giving Horry County $15 million also. That is what Liz and the rest of the crew went to D.C., only to get a “chilly” reception by the FAA reminding them of their previous failure. Although some money was received from the Air Force Base Redevelopment Authority for the expansion of Harrelson Blvd., they still remain millions short. At least the Horry County Council had enough sense not to buy into all of these laws enacted by the City Of Myrtle Beach. I remain on the side that says Myrtle Beach and Horry County should just enact the laws that are on the books, for cars and trucks as well as motorcycles. If the Harley Davidson Spring Bike Week crowd is successful in “boycotting” businesses and hotels in the City Of Myrtle Beach, you will then hear the outcry from those folks as well. What are we a retirement community or a resort/vacation community? I came here because we were a resort and vacation community and like the action and events…it is going to be an INTERESTING summer season.

Many thanks goes out to Rolling Thunder Chapter 3 of South Carolina for the effort they put forth to honor the veterans of the “forgotten” Korean Conflict, not war as it is called. A conflict that cost over 54,000 lives with over 8,000 still “Missing In Action”. If you are ever at the Market Common, make it a point to stop by the Valor Memorial Garden and see the memorial. Just another “great thing” that bikers have done in our community and believe me this was no “simple” undertaking. I will always remember the members of Rolling Thunder who gave of their time to say “WELCOME HOME” to the veterans that were on the last two Washington, D.C. trips. It was something I never received coming back from Vietnam, except from my immediate family!

Speaking of “bikers”, when I approached some members of the Legislature concerning the building of a Casino or two in Myrtle Beach, I was told that the gambling laws were “statewide” and it would have to be placed on the ballot for the entire state to approve. If this is the case, then how come the City Of Myrtle Beach can override a state law concerning the wearing of helmets for motorcyclists???? If they can, then maybe they should just tell the state, “if you are cutting our funding in Horry County and the City Of Myrtle Beach, we will just take a vote, and if it passes, build a casino!” I don’t see any difference, only if the measure were not carried locally. But then again, I’m not a politician….and DON’T intend on becoming one.

Speaking of politicians, I cannot leave without getting my dig in on Liz Gilland and her remark about her Rally vote. The one I am referring to is the comment about hitting the yes and no buttons at the same time! It’s a wonder the woman can sit in that chair with all the splinters in her butt from riding the fence! By the way Liz, by you hitting both buttons at the same time, or so you say, wasn’t that “gambling?” It’s ILLEGAL!

More to come……

God Bless,
Lou

Horry County and Sun News Continue to Mislead Citizens

Who says that lightning doesn't strike twice...I worked in a building that was hit 3 times, and it's about to strike again, this time at the Myrtle Beach International Airport with more money wasted. It's nice to report the news, but when it comes to the airport, Mike Cherney of the Sun News just reports what happens, never delving into the "dark side" of the Horry County Council. Yes, there is a "dark side" with the Horry County Council and another "black hole" getting set to open up and suck in some more or our dollars. What I am referring to in the "expansion and renovation" of MBI on the East side and the "lack of funds" to move forward. If Mr. Cherney wasn't so busy taking notes, maybe he could ask some of the "hard" questions that Liz and Company do not like to hear.

If you don't know, there are specific funds that must be in place in order to move forward with the FAA and the deadline of March 2009 to procure funding from them (the FAA) for the upcoming year. Procurement of those funds are supposed to come from various sources, and just like Horry County is trying to balance their budget and find money to fund to hire guards at the expanded J. Rueben Long Detention Center, they are also behind the scenes trying to acquire funds to move forward with the airport terminal project. I heard Liz Gilland on WRNN talking the day after the 3rd reading for the project passed, and when congratulated by one of their biggest supporters, Steve Porter, Liz stated "well Steve, you know what happened last time, and so at times like this you have to step back and take a deep breath". That's right, step back, take a deep breath and watch the "smokescreen" blown out!

FICTION - Horry County is expecting 15 million dollars to come from the State of South Carolina to support the funding the terminal project.
FACT- The Governor's Office has told me specifically that there is "NO 15 Million Dollars" earmarked for this project. The Governor's Office went further saying that "in the past there has been support from the Governor, even though he questioned the project". I was told by Rep. Alan Clemmons there was no money in Columbia for the airport project, but I wanted to hear if from the Governor's Office.

FICTION - Horry County is "allegedly" to receive 25 million dollars from "land sales" to help support the project.
FICTION - I asked Liz Gilland and the Council Members more that 2 weeks ago to provide information on this transaction. I only asked for basic information, such as:

**Are we currently under contract for the land and what is the anticipated settlement date???

**If we are not under contract, is that the current "appraised" value of the land and when do you anticipate a contract being signed???

THE COUNTY HAS PROVIDED NO ANSWERS YET!! THAT'S 40 MILLION SHORT!

FICTION - Of the additional funds needed, the Horry County Council was to ask for funding help from the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopement Authority. I can't remember the exact amount they were going to ask for, this was additional funds for the extension of Harrelson Blvd.
FACT - Although I have not spoken with him personally, my sources tell me that Buddy Stires stated that the "Myrtle Beach Air Force Base Redevelopment Authority has no excess funds that they can contribute like they did last time".

I'm not an investigative reporter, but you ask the questions and you either get answers or you don't. If you NEVER ask the IMPORTANT QUESTIONS you never get the REAL answers. In this current economic recession, would it not be better to remodel what we have, get all the equipment at the terminal working properly and take the necessary steps to hire more personnel and install any extra equipment to alleviate our weekend crowds???? Nah! that would be too easy!

FACT - Build a CASINO for "gaming" and they will come!

Childs Christmas Gifts Destroyed By Fire

On November 18th, 2008, a fire at 454 St. Charles Circle destroyed the Christmas gifts for little Madison Pegram along with her home near Palmetto Point. The name "Pegram" my not ring a bell, but Madison's father's radio name will...Rick Roberts. I had the pleasure of working with Rick when he was on K-Country 103.1, watching daily as he gave "unselfishly" of himself to the community he loves so much. During my years at Sunny 106.5, I observed Rick raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the St. Jude Children's Hospital and many other charities along the Grand Strand. If you needed help in the community, all you needed do was call Rick, and if he was available, he would be there.

It is at a time like this, that the people who reached out for Rick's help over all those years, return that favor, if possible, with a donation to help re-purchase Madison's Christmas gifts. It doesn't matter how much you can send, just show Rick and his daughter the love he showed to the community and our residents. Rick is not aware of this post, it is something that was put together with Horry County Sheriff Jeff Benton (currently at Gator 107.9)and myself, in lieu of having some sort of fundraiser. I would hope that every member of the broadcast community along the Grand Strand take up a collection at your respective station to help a fellow broadcaster out!

Rick's address is:

Miss Madison Pegram
c/o Rick Pegram
415 Garden Dr.
Surfside Beach SC., 29575

May all of you that read this have a "blessed" Thanksgiving and a "Merry Christmas" and please don't forget to keep our troops in your thoughts and your prayers, serving us proudly in those far away places.

God Bless the United States Of America!
Lou

Bike Week Solution, Radio, Gaming and More

While the municipalities try to iron out what needs to be done during the bike weeks and our local economy and businesses continue to crumble, it is time to speak out on what I perceive needs to be done in a realistic way. Since I spent many summers working as a teen in Ocean City, Maryland and visited there quite frequently, the roads there were, and continue to be "gridlocked" just about every weekend during the season. That is the price you pay for living in a resort area with a mix of retirees and vacationers. I have NEVER been to, or have seen any motorcycle rallies until I came to Myrtle Beach. Until this year, the lawmakers in our community seemed afraid to make any "drastic decisions" to alter these two events. But following a senseless shooting and our elected officials and ministers personally observing this "lewd" behavior, the City Of Myrtle Beach stepped up to the plate to "regain control".

I am in agreement with our constitution and laws stating that all people should be "treated equally", but this is not the case when it comes to both of these rallies. It is more a case of "Noise" from the Harley's and the "Lewd and Lawlessness" during the Black Bike Weekend. For 13 years now, I have been out in the streets and on the back of a motorcycle for both. Just like I don't like any loud exhaust systems on trucks and cars, I don't like them on any motorcycles either. We have laws on the books to cover all of these vehicles and they should be enforced on a year round basis, plain and simple. Make it known that all the motorcycles driven on our roads be street legal, and the problem would just be the traffic. The Harley's are an organized group with events all over the beach, they spend lots of money and are a "revenue generator" for the Grand Strand. So if the main problem is "noise" then address the issue County wide on a year round basis, but for cars and trucks as well.


Next comes the Atlantic Beach Bike Festival or the Black Bike Week or Weekend, however you wish to call it. Here are some of the big problems that distinguishes the two events observed during my 13 years of living here. First, the rally is sanctioned by a town that cannot even run itself, much less a rally of this size. Also, the rally is noted for it's public sex, nudity, urination and mischievous behavior and disregard for our traffic laws. The ABBF is also a slap in the face for one of our most "solemn" holidays to reflect and respect those who served and gave their lives for our country. Most of the Harley Davidson people come here for the week, the Atlantic Beach Bike Festival attendees come, for the most part, a long weekend, usually accompanied by as many or more cars than motorcycles. They trash the area wherever they go, walk out on meals and continuously show nudity and sex on TV screens in those vehicles, as well as what is observed in the street. That in itself, differentiates the two rallies as far as the income spent and the behaviour by both groups.

A solution that would be fair and equitable to all parties would be to allow both events to continue, but to warn all who come, that all the laws on the books, in our cities and our counties will be STRICTLY ENFORCED! Work with both groups and DO NOT allow these festivals to be held on back to back weeks and major holiday weekends. Also, move the Atlantic Beach Bike Festival to another weekend/week, and give Memorial Day Weekend back to all tourists and properly honor the Veterans.

Until our elected officials can join together on a plan such as this, you can also GET AWAY on a trip with LOU KRIEGER'S CRUISER'S from May 10th - 17th 2009 (Bike Week) from Port Canaveral, Florida on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines "Freedom of the Seas" one of the largest ships afloat. This is our 7th year in a row of cruising with our group, this time heading to the Western Caribbean with stops at Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman Islands, Labadee and Cozumel, Mexico. Our "all inclusive" price starts at $1019 per person (with fuel surcharge) and we also have a block of rooms at the Raisin Resort At The Port to arrive a day early, park and leave your car for "FREE" and be shuttled for "FREE" to and from the port. The rooms are $110 per night plus tax....the parking fee at Port Canaveral is almost $90, so it's a good deal to arrive early.
Reservations can be made at the Cruise Corner with Sam Stamps at 1-888-742-7245. In addition to the cruise we have a "pre-cruise meet and greet" "on board cocktail party" "disco dance party with Lou" "cash and trophy miniature golf tournament" and more. Entertainment also include an on board "ice rink" with shows from world class skaters, casino gambling, Vegas Shows and great food and service.





CALL AND BOOK TODAY WITH SAM AT

1-888-742-7245

One of the things we really enjoy on the cruises is a chance to sit down in a Casino and play the slots (as cheap as 5 cents) play some poker, spin the roulette wheel or throw some dice. This is one of the forms of entertainment missing here on the Grand Strand. We have literally hundred of Bingo Parlors and Ships that will take you offshore, but nothing on land except the State run lottery if you want to gamble. States across the nation and all around us continue to open up gaming parlors or casino's on a regular basis. My one friend in Pittsburgh said they voted to open a casino and set up a temporary gambling tent until the casino could be built. He further stated there and people standing outside in lines to get in and place their bets. My original home state of Maryland put it on the ballot to place 15,000 slots at 5 designated locations and it passed overwhelmingly. I don't see the problem of having gambling here in Myrtle Beach, as long as it is strictly regulated, unlike when the video poker machines where here in just about every closet space. I'm talking about one or two casinos, where the proceeds would go to benefit the citizens like in road and infrastructure maintenance and improvements and/or reduce the property tax. Too many residents are leaving our area for these "gaming" locations, and others not coming because they can vacation at places where they can. We need a vehicle to bring people to Myrtle Beach and a "casino" is that vehicle. Is a Casino here any worse than all the "gentleman's clubs" scattered all over the community? Put it on the ballot, the citizens will pass it! The tourists will come!

Looks like a return to radio is not in my future here on the Grand Strand, due to the decline of "live people" in radio all across the United States. I will more than likely be spending my last few years until retirement doing something else. I thank each and every one of you that took the time to call Will Isaacs at Movin 94.5. They will not be adding any additional staffing, if any, until the 1st of the year. I don't know right now what that something else will be, I have been looking since the day they blew our station up on April 2, 2008. As my former company's stock continues to drop to new lows (Cumulus Broadcasting CMLS) at .58 cents a share this morning 11-18-08, they continue to cut their bottom line with releasing more "live" air talent.

FINALLY, more than 7 months after being terminated, I was REIMBURSED with a check from Cumulus Broadcasting for the JUDGEMENT I won against former Market Manager Layne Ryan and Human Resources Head in Myrtle Beach, Nancy Zito. This JUDGEMENT was for personal property of mine that was not returned, along with some items paid for by contributions to the "Adopt A Tree Highway". I didn't really care about the couple of personal items of mine, but it ticked me off big time that they would not return the items that the people in the community paid for that we used in the by-pass beautification project.

Speaking of the by-pass project, I received a check from the Sons Of Italy on Monday 11/17 for $2,450 from the golf tournament held for the Adopt A Tree Program and the Sons Of Italy Lodge 2662. We also received a $1,000 donation from the Lakes POA and another $1,000 donation from a anonymous donor and another $250 donated by mail. That gives us $4,700 to work with for the upcoming year, money that was really needed for the project since we were in the "red" prior to the golf tournament. Many thanks to those who played and the people who donated golf and other prizes to help make the tournament a success. If I can ever find out how Pawleys Island/Litchfield gets $100,000 a year for their median project, we can work on improving our also. However, like we have been in the past, we must remain "fiscally responsible" and stretch the dollars as far as possible. Also, thanks to all the members of the Sons Of Italy Lodge 2662 and my other friends who donated their time as volunteers prior to and during the golf tournament.

Have a "happy" and "blessed" Thanksgiving...Keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers, defending our "freedom"....